Citation->  Personal Computing, Dec, 1989, v13, n12, p202(1), COPYRIGHT VNU
            Business Publications Inc. 1989, *** Full-text article (3567
            characters, 79    lines) ***

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Title->     Keeping in touch via The Major BBS. (Software Review)
            (evaluation)

Authors->   Krasnoff, Barbara

Summary->   Galacticomm Inc's The Major BBS Version 5 costs $59 for two
            users and $959 for 16 users. It requires DOS 3.0 or higher with
            512K RAM, a hard disk and a modem. A bulletin board system, one
            of the easiest to install and use, The Major BBS Version 5
            allows users to call a central system via modem and upload
            files, leave messages and actually carry on extended real-time
            conversations. Users may read and respond to messages either
            publicly or privately by using an on-line text editor or by
            uploading files. The Major BBS supports up to 64 incoming phone
            lines, as well as electronic mail, areas for special interest
            groups, context-sensitive help and on-line chat. Galacticomm
            markets several other products also, including 'Lib,' a library
            area for used maintaining large numbers of files and a utility
            that allows systems operators to create customized user menus.

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Companies-> Galacticomm Inc._manufactures

Products->  The Major BBS 5 (Computer program)

Subject Hd->Evaluation;  Communications software;  Software packages

Article #-> 07939254

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KEEPING IN TOUCH VIA THE MAJOR BBS

Although connectivity has become a popular code word among computer users,
many overlook one of the easier ways to communicate using a computer:
bulletin board systems.  BBSs allow users to call a central system via modem
and leave messages, uploan files, or even hold extended realtime
conversations.

A solid BBS system allows users to read and respond to messages privately or
publicly by using an on-line text editor or by uploading files.  It lets the
systems operator (sysop) establish different levels of security for each
user and maintain independent public message areas within the BBS.  Although
there are several BBSs that fit these criteria, one of the easiest to set up
and use is The Major BBS, by Galacticomm.

The Major BBS supports multiple users (up to 64 incoming phone lines),
online chat, context-sensitive help, areas for special interest groups
(SIGs), and electronic mail.  Galacticomm also markets several special
add-ons for the product, including "Lib," a library area for maintaining
large numbers of files, and a utility that allows sysops to create
customized user menus.

The Major BBS's main advantage is the ease with which beginners can install
it.  Installing a BBS can be frustrating, but Galacticomm eases the process
with three menu systems: Quick Setup, which allows you to configure basic
areas of the system, such as screen color and function key arrangement;
Configuration, which handles user privileges, the main menu, and discussion
areas; and Detailed Configuration, which handles technical details such as
default prompt responses.

This is by no means a perfect program.  For example, neither the text editor
nor the message threading system (which lets users follow conversations on a
particular topic) is as developed as it should be.

Those who feel that they can handle more difficult installations should also
consider such shareware programs as TBBS by eSoft, Inc., Aurora, Colo.
($299.95 for a single-line system); Wildcat by Mustang Software,
Bakersfield, Calif. ($129 for a single-line system); and Magpie by Steve
Manes, New York, N.Y. ($100 for noncommercial and $350 for commercial use).