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SEARCHLIGHT BULLETIN BOARD SYSTEM
by Frank LaRosa
(c) Copyright 1987,88,89 Searchlight Software
PO Box 131, Plainview, NY 11803
BBS Support Line (516) 724-0971 (HST 9600)
-------------[ Version 1.31 ]--------------
Welcome to Searchlight BBS!
The enclosed programs and documentation constitute a ShareWare/Test Drive
version of the Searchlight BBS System. THIS IS NOT FREE SOFTWARE, nor is it
in the public domain, although we do encourage you to "share" this software by
distributing unmodified copies to friends and associates.
Two versions of Searchlight BBS are available: this shareware version, and an
Extended Version, described below. If you decide to use this copy of Search-
light, please register with us; registration costs only $35. The extended
version, including all printed manuals plus support, costs only $70 for the
single-user version or $95 for the multinode, multiuser version (now includes
a full-featutred multinode chat facility). In either case, use the handy
order form at the end of this file. Please note that IN NO CASE may you use
this software without paying for it! Thank you for your support.
What Is SEARCHLIGHT BBS?
Searchlight BBS is a full featured bulletin board system containing public
message boards, private mail, a full screen text editor, a complete file
transfer system, and a powerful DOORS interface. It can be customized with
text or ANSI messages, custom menus, color selections, etc. A full menu of
SYSOP utilities is included. But most importantly, Searchlight BBS does away
with the archaic user interfaces found on most BBS systems, and replaces them
with a fast, convenient, user-friendly command system (including 5800 words of
online help text).
Searchlight is the result of more than three years of programming effort.
In short, it is the fastest, easiest to use BBS software you can own.
Searchlight BBS Files List
The disks or archive file(s) in which you recieved SEARCHLIGHT BBS should
contain the following files:
READ.ME - This File
CONFIG.EXE - Configuration/initialization program
SLBBS.EXE - Startup program/doors manager
LOGIN.EXE - Login/new user program
BBS.EXE - Searchlight BBS main program
FILES.EXE - Searchlight Files system
SYSOP.EXE - Searchlight Sysop program
UPDATE.DOC - Describes NEW FEATURES of SLBBS
SLBBS.DOC - Searchlight BBS full documentation
QUICK.DOC - Quick installation instructions
HELP.ZIP - Online help files
FILEDEF.LIB - Commented file definitions (tech. info for programmers)
READ.LIB - Sample message read routine
DOOR.PAS - Sample DOOR program showing INT vector access
Make sure you have all these files before you begin. SLBBS.DOC contains all
the documentation neccesary to setup and run Searchlight BBS; be sure to print
and read this file. For experienced BBS and MS-DOS users, the file QUICK.DOC
contains abbreviated instructions for getting Searchlight BBS up and running as
fast as possible.
Please note that due to space constraints, the last six files will sometimes
be distributed on a seperate disk or as a seperate archive. If these files
are missing, you will need to obtain them from the place you received your copy
of SLBBS (all files are available on Searchlight Software's BBS).
The documentation files are written with the PcWrite(TM) word processing
software and can easily be printed using the PcWrite "PR" printing program.
Distribution/Ordering Information
If you decide to use this ShareWare version of Searchlight BBS, or if you
decide to order the Extended Version of Searchlight, please use the order form
below. The SHAREWARE VERSION *ONLY* of this program may be copied and
distributed to friends, associates, etc. If you charge a fee for distri-
bution, it should be no more than $6 (Six Dollars). YOU MAY NOT distribute
copies of Searchlight BBS which have been modified in any way, including
the removal of any file or files from the package in which you received it.
Shareware registration ($35) entitles you to use this version of SLBBS, and
any subsequent Shareware releases. In return for your registration fee, we
will ship you a copy of the latest SLBBS Shareware version or, if you are
already using the latest version, we'll ship you a disk containing some
utility and DOOR programs you can use with your system. Your cancelled check
or money order is your receipt.
Searchlight BBS Extended Versions
Why pay the extra money for our "extended" versions? Here's a quick look
at some of the features you get. Please contact us if you'd like further
details and information (or call our BBS for an online demo).
* Expanded Command Interface - includes a new "Lotus 1-2-3" style command
interface, expanded online help messages, and a "Novice/Expert" help
level switch for each user. Hot Keys let you enter commands without
waiting for command prompts.
* Multitask/Multiuser Support - Searchlight Extended will support multiple
users in multitasking/network environments. Up to 99 nodes are
supported. We include full record-locking routines for data integrity
and a powerful buffered multinode Chat command.
* High Speed Modem Support - Supports high speed modems with hardware
flow control, and locked DTE data rate up to 38,400 baud. Includes
setup instructions for US Robotics HST 9600 baud modems.
* Message System Enhancements - includes "Reply-To" fields in messages,
full message threading facility, search commands, backward read, etc.
* New user options including screen size (can be set to zero to disable
"more" prompting) and visible subboard/available subboard lists. Plus
many more sysop preference switches and pathnames.
* Enhanced message editor features more commands and more WordStar(TM)
compatibility with ^Q and ^K command prefixes. New features let you read
messages from within the editor, even load the text of an original
message into a reply. Add color and text highlighting to your
messages with new built-in color commands.
* Extended versions support messages of up to 400 lines in the editor
and up to 480 active messages per subboard, instead of 250 lines and
290 messages in the shareware version.
* Mail Logging - log incoming and outgoing mail to disk, automatically.
A must for those who want to keep a permanent record of their mail.
* File Logging - Get a chronological list of all uploads and downloads.
* Expanded FILES features - wildcard KILL and MOVE, tagging of offline
files, RENAME command. New support for read-only devices such as CD
ROM. Variable upload/download rations and time payback. Ability to
edit upload/download amounts for each user. Ability to IMPORT lists
of filenames and descriptions from other BBS programs.
* Up to nine external file transfer protocols - install Zmodem, Kermit,
etc. using additional protocol software. Supports batch upload and
download, automatic logoff at completion of transfers.
* An Event Timer system allows your BBS to execute programs automatic-
ally at specific times of the day- perfect for running network
interfaces, backup software, and other daily maintenance procedures.
* AutoDoors - Execute custom programs on login, logout, and new user
registration. Perfect for integrating your own user questionaires and
other unique features right into your system.
* Support for both PCBOARD 12.0 and PCBOARD 14.0 door software.
* Included with all extended versions is our SLMAIL command-line mail
utility. This program lets you send and read mail in BATCH files and
external programs. Pipe directory listings, error reports, or user
questionnaire info directly to your mailbox, archive your message
bases into text files, even implement networking! A powerful utility
used alone or when combined with our event timer or DOORS systems.
* Network Ready - Extended versions can allow a "host" program to
answer the phone for network processing. Just add the appropriate
host software to build a powerful network compatible BBS.
* New utility software - including TOPTEN user program, SLSTAT login
statistics generator, SLPACK message base optimizer, more.
* Compiled in TURBO PASCAL 5.5 for speed and efficiency. Fully updated
data file specifications included.
* SEARCHLIGHT EXTENDED is fully compatible with data files created by
the ShareWare version.
Searchlight Extended costs $95 or $70 for the single-user version. It
includes two diskettes (or one 3.5" disk) containing the extended version
software plus support and utility programs, a 140-page printed manual, one
free upgrade, and access to registered support conferences on our BBS.
Additional upgrades are available; we'll contact you by mail from time to
time to announce new versions.
Shareware Users - Your $35 registration fee is good towards the purchase of
Searchlight Extended at any time. Simply send your name and address exactly
as it appears on your original order and take $35 off the purchase price.
┌─────────┐
┌─────┴───┐ │ (tm)
───│ │o │───────────────────
│ ┌─────┴╨──┐ │ Association of
│ │ │─┘ Shareware
└───│ o │ Professionals
───────│ ║ │─────────────────────
└────╨────┘ MEMBER
SEARCHLIGHT BBS Order Blank Remit to: SEARCHLIGHT SOFTWARE
PO Box 131
Plainview, NY 11803
YES! I want to order Searchlight BBS. Enclosed is
___ x $35 for registration of ShareWare copies $ ____________
of Searchlight BBS
___ x $70 for Searchlight BBS Extended Version, $ ____________
single user support
___ x $95 for Searchlight BBS Extended Version, $ ____________
multinode/multiuser support
NY/NJ residents please add $ _____________
applicable sales tax:
Non-US shipping please add $10: $ _____________
(Extended Versions Only)
Total Enclosed: $ _____________
Name: ______________________________________________________
Co : ______________________________________________________
Addr: ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
City: ______________________ State: _______ Zip: ___________
Voice Phone: _______________________________________________
Diskette Type Needed: ___ 5.25" ___ 3.5"
BBS Name: __________________________________________________
BBS Phone: _________________________________________________
Current BBS Software _______________________ Version ______
Where did you get this copy of Searchlight BBS?
____________________________________________________________
Please send Check or Money Order payable to "Searchlight Software".
Sorry, no CODs or Credit Cards can be accepted at this time.
ORDERS OUTSIDE THE US: Please send check or money order in
US funds drawn on US bank. Otherwise add $10 for collection.