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C O M P L E T E H E L P F O R T H E B U L L E T I N B O A R D
R O O K I E
I. INTRODUCTION
This article is an attempt to cover the essential concepts of
the typical bulletin board so that a new user can quickly become
familiar with its function, features, and use.
Presumably, most people learn about bulletin board systems from
simple trial and error exploration, or perhaps from having
watched a more experienced user. This is a slow process,
however. So much so that many people mistakenly believe that
one must know a great deal about computers and data
communications to understand and use a bulletin board system
(BBS).
But, while bulletin board systems do offer a great many
educational and useful services to help the new computer user
make better use of his computer, regrettably there isn't much
available to help the new user access these services. My hope
is that this article will present a few general concepts about
bulletin boards while at the same time emphasizing the need for
general information about bulletin boards.
The availability of such information can make life easier for
both bulletin board owner and the new user. By listing the
necessary steps to print such files, a new user can quickly
become familiar with the necessary concepts. Under some
bulletin board systems these files could be made menu items. Or
the files might be distributed via user's group on paper. But
even if such files are placed on a bulletin board with no
explanation, I believe that the new user who finds them will
still benefit as there is considerably more to using a bulletin
board than simply connecting up and listing a text file.
Of course, I base this work on the accomplishments of others.
Notably, Tom McCormick of Houston recognized early on that the
new user needed some basic knowledge to use bulletin boards
effectively. His RCPMDATA.17A, developed in 1982, is the only
document I found on any bulletin board that even came close to
trying to answer a first timer's typical questions. While this
article is surely not intended as a replacement for Tom's work,
I have borrowed heavily from it as I made my own contributions.
II. BASIC COMPUTER CONCEPTS
Before explaining what bulletin boards do, perhaps it would be
best to first explain some key computer concepts.
A FILE on a bulletin board system is a collection of related
records which may be composed of text, executable computer code,
or other information. Files may be sent to the bulletin board
or received from the bulletin board for personal use. For
example, a memo, a table of numbers, or an accounting program
would each be considered a file.
A FILENAME is simply a name given to a file which uniquely
identifies it apart from other files. Most systems use
filenames comprised of one to eight non-space characters with an
additional optional "filetype" comprised of up to three
characters. The filetype is generally separated from the rest
of the filename by a period (.).
A DIRECTORY is a listing of files (by filename) that share the
same space on a computer system. A computer system may have
more than one directory so that files may be grouped according
to the type of file. For example, accounting files could be
grouped together in one directory while inventory files could be
put in another directory to keep them separate.
SOFTWARE can generally be conceived to be the computer programs
that tell the computer how to do something. It could be an
application, a game, a communications program, -- almost
anything. Because there are different computers, there are also
different kinds of software. It is important to understand that
just because some piece of software will run on SOME machine,
this does not necessarily mean that it can work on YOUR machine.
Computer programs (software), like text and other forms of
information, generally take the form of a file in a directory.
An OPERATING SYSTEM is an essential computer program (software)
that coordinates all the activities on a given computer system.
It manages resources and generally handles the flow of data
inside the computer system. Although all operating systems
perform the same basic functions, there are different brands
having various features. Because software is generally created
to work with a specific operating system, it is important to
know which one your computer uses.
Common microcomputer operating systems include CP/M-80, CP/M-86,
MS-DOS, TRSDOS, PC-DOS, and PRO-DOS. Some bulletin board
systems are set up just for a specific machine or operating
system. Because computers are made using different technologies
and operating systems, one should not expect software written
for one machine (or operating system) to work on another.
Surely, the best BBS is one offering software compatible with
one's own computer.
A MODEM is a piece of computer equipment that connects a
computer to the telephone system for purposes of communicating
with other remote computers. It may be built into the computer
or come as a physically separate option. It is important to
note that a modem alone is not sufficient for communication to
occur. Communications software must be present on both computer
systems. And like the modem, this may come with the computer or
be a separate option.
Modems transfer information at different rates. This rate is
usually measured in bits per second (BPS) and is often referred
to as the modem speed. Rather than refer to the modem speed in
terms of bits per second, some manufacturers prefer to use a
technically similar term called BAUD. For most microcomputer
communications these days, BAUD and bits per second are
virtually interchangeable terms.
Common modem data transfer rates are: 300, 1200, and 2400 baud.
Communicating computers must use the same rate of speed to
communicate with each other. Generally speaking, a modem
supporting 1200 baud will also support 300 baud as well. And
most 2400 baud modems will recognize 1200 and 300 baud.
However, if you want to communicate with a BBS that supports
only 300 baud, you cannot communicate with it at 1200 or 2400
baud even though you may have a modem which supports these
speeds.
Besides the rate of data transfer, modems can be set up for a
variety of other communications parameters such as the number of
stop bits, data bits, the type of parity used, and the duplex.
It isn't really necessary for the new user to fully understand
these terms, but just as both communicating computers must
support the same baud rate, so also must they both support the
same other communications parameters. Most bulletin board
systems today have standardized around 8 data bits, 1 stop bit,
no parity, and full duplex.
III. BASIC BULLETIN BOARD CONCEPTS
A BBS or BULLETIN BOARD SYSTEM is a remote computer running
special communications software that allows unattended
electronic mail messaging and file transfers for remote users
via phone lines. This means that most bulletin board systems
have two components: a message area for personal messages and /
or general bulletins, and a file area for files that are
available for copying.
USERS call the BBS computer using their own computer, modem and
communications software. The remote BBS modem answers and the
BBS software communicates with the user's system.
The SYSOP or SYStem OPerator is the person who runs and
maintains the bulletin board system. This benevolent person has
offered his valuable time and his costly computer equipment for
use as a bulletin board by the public. The SYSOP may or may not
be available when the user uses the BBS. Bulletin board systems
are usually unattended (that's the whole idea).
People use bulletin boards for a variety of reasons. A
corporation may keep track of its field sales staff's daily
accomplishments. A computer hobbyist may keep up to date with
what is happening on the local microcomputing scene. A
consultant may be interested in software that will help him in a
particular area, such as geology. Sometimes a BBS may be used
to get in touch with a very busy person. Or to simply copy free
and useful software. Traditionally, use of a bulletin board
system boils down to
1) getting in touch with one or more people,
2) getting information, or
3) copying files of software.
Of course, today there are many other communications options.
Voice telephone, the post office, and overnight mail services
are all competing alternatives. For non-priority
communications, the mail may be better than any BBS. Likewise,
for no-delay interactive communication, a voice phone call is
clearly superior. Bulletin boards are successfully used when
the information to be transferred is time dependent or when the
availability of frequently changing information is important.
For example, a company could send out frequent updates of a
certain file by diskette through the mail to all subscribers in
the organization, even those who do not currently have a present
need for the information. There are postage and mailer costs
and quite a bit of labor costs -- both on the sending and the
receiving end. If this file was maintained on a bulletin board,
the file would be instantly made available to everyone and only
those who need it would call and copy it to their system. It's
fast, and efficient.
Bulletin board systems may be entirely private for only company
or club personnel. Others may charge a fee for access either
because they are so heavily used, or because they require
membership like a club. Many are free.
IV. LEGAL CLASSES OF SOFTWARE
Software can come with various legal restrictions on it's use.
Most BBS software can be freely copied and distributed to others
as long as the distribution is not for personal gain or profit.
The user should always be wary and respectful of the author's
intentions, otherwise you may receive or distribute software
illegally. "Software piracy", or stealing software to which you
are not entitled, can result in expensive lawsuits, time spent
in jail, and nasty fines. Obviously, you should understand the
differences between the various classes of software and not take
them lightly.
By definition, software in the PUBLIC DOMAIN is not copyrighted,
cannot be copyrighted, and is owned by the public. Public
domain software may be bought, sold, or distributed to anyone by
anyone for any use whatsoever. Many bulletin board systems make
such software available on their systems for use by anyone who
wants it. If software does not display a copyright notice when
executed, then it is by default public domain. This type of
software is the easiest to identify.
FREEWARE is copyrighted software that authors permit to be
freely distributed as long as it is used personally and not sold
for profit. There is a growing amount of this type of software
on bulletin board systems. Early bulletin board contributing
programmers got tired of entrepreneurs capitalizing on their
public domain investments. This kind of software is definitely
NOT public domain. If the software displays a copyright notice,
but does not specifically state that it may be freely
distributed for noncommercial personal use, then beware -- it
may not even be freeware!
USER SUPPORTED SOFTWARE is generally freeware but the author
requests that the user voluntarily remit a nominal fee if the
software is found to be useful. This is so that good
programmers can defray a few expenses and continue to produce
good software for everyone to use. This type of software is
sometimes called SHAREWARE.
COMMERCIAL SOFTWARE is copyrighted software for licensing. It
is called PROPRIETARY because the programmer reserves all rights
to the software unto himself. This type of software is not
given away or even sold, but paying customers are licensed to
use it. Some bulletin board systems are set up to dispense such
software so that the user can get the software quickly (after
the SYSOP has obtained the user's credit card payment).
Sometimes bulletin board systems offer DEMO SOFTWARE. This is
commercial software that is limited in some way so that users
can try the software before licensing. If the software is found
to be what the user wants, he must pay to receive a full
featured version of the software.
It is wise to thoroughly inspect files copied from bulletin
board systems to discover the software's legal status. If it
displays a copyright, it is NOT public domain. And if the
copyright owner fails to provide an explicit licensing policy
statement, you should consider the software commercial and
proprietary. Freeware and user supported software will always
be clearly identified. Just because you copied the software
from a BBS or even a well meaning friend does NOT mean that the
software is okay to use. It could well be proprietary and your
use could be prosecuted as theft.
V. BASIC FILE TRANSFER CONCEPTS
DOWNLOADING is the process of copying software or other files
from the BBS to the user's computer.
UPLOADING is the process of copying software or other files from
the user's computer to the BBS.
These two terms are often confusing to new users, but they can
be easily remembered by visualizing the remote BBS as
"upstairs". Thus, sending the BBS a file must be an UPload,
while receiving a file from a BBS would be considered a
DOWNload.
A PROTOCOL is generally conceived to be a communications
technique designed to allow the reliable and coordinated
transfer of information between two remote machines. By using
such a method for file transfer, information in transit becomes
relatively impervious to the phone line noise, temporary
interruptions, and electrical "hits" that typically alter data
in transmission.
Basically, there are two problems in data communications:
missing data and changed data. And this can occur quite
frequently with data sent over ordinary phone lines. According
to one Bell System survey, an average of 1.46 characters was
found to change with every 10,000 characters sent. And, an
average of 6.81 characters was found to be lost. While 10,000
characters might seem like a lot, it is a small data transfer.
This is why there are error detecting protocols and why they
MUST be used if the data has any value.
XMODEM (or Christensen) protocol has become the defacto standard
of microcomputer data communications. Nearly all bulletin
boards offer this protocol (perhaps in addition to others). The
XMODEM technique sends the data in "packets" of 128 characters.
In this fashion, if an error is detected, the "bad" packet can
be sent again instead of the entire file. This strategy works
so well that all popular microcomputer protocols use a similar
technique. Other common protocols for micros include KERMIT,
TELINK, and MODEM7. The user's communications software MUST use
a protocol recognized by the BBS in order for files to be sent
error free.
VI. BULLETIN BOARD SECURITY
Most bulletin board systems require new users to select a
PASSWORD and to register before full access to the system will
be allowed. The information provided is subject to "validation"
by the SYSOP so it may be a couple of days before the user can
be given normal access privileges. The SYSOP must verify that
the information provided is factual for reasons of security.
Because SYSOPS must deal with the unscrupulous, password
protection is used to refuse service to known abusers of the
system. This also reduces the SYSOP's legal liability in the
event that libelous or profane messages result in litigation.
And it also protects innocent users from potentially
embarrassing messages being sent in their name.
In the beginning, bulletin boards were subject to crashing or
invasion by dishonest people desiring to steal commercial
software. Today bulletin board systems are more resistant, but
other offenders have emerged. Here are some definitions of
bulletin board abusers by BYTE magazine's Steve Ciarcia
(December 1985):
"Phreaks defraud the telephone company of toll charges through a
variety of schemes. Pirates use bulletin boards to exchange
information on how to illegally duplicate copyrighted software.
Worms and crackers break into other computers to access
confidential files and destroy information."
Needless to say, SYSOPs have taken steps to try and combat these
people. Abide by the rules provided by the BBS SYSOP and
recognize that the policies he enforces are there for your
protection and in your best interest.
VII. BULLETIN BOARD USE
Many bulletin board systems can sense the baud rate of your
modem automatically, but older 300 and 1200 baud systems may
require that the return key be pressed a couple of times. Some
of the newer 2400 baud modems require that you press the space
bar a couple of times before a link can be established.
To make more effective use of space on a BBS, files are
generally stored compressed to 60% - 75% of their original size.
This also allows for much faster downloading. You should
familiarize yourself with the utilities used for this purpose on
the target BBS as they will be required to decompress the
programs you download before they can be used.
Because there are so many files available, SYSOPS generally use
LIBRARY utilities to organize one or more related files into a
single library file. You should familiarize yourself with the
library utilities used on the target BBS so that you will be
able to de-library files after downloading. Some of these
utilities automatically compress the files in the library and
some do not.
It would be a good idea to practice file transferring with a BBS
in your local calling area before going to a distant BBS. If
you do not have a local BBS, practice with an experienced user
the first time you call long distance. Of course, long distance
carriers such as MCI and SPRINT may be able to save you money.
Many SYSOPS have far more files than are online at any time.
Many will accept requests on their bulletin board to place
requested files you need online for you. You might leave a
message for the SYSOP asking if he has the file you need or if
he knows where you might be able to get it.
VIII. COMMONLY OBSERVED BBS CONVENTIONS
On many bulletin board systems, there is often an XMODEM program
(which uses the XMODEM protocol) which is used to download and
upload files to and from users. The BBS needs the XMODEM, not
the user, and it is specific to the BBS used.
On some systems, you may find program files with an .OBJ
filetype. This is a convention on some older bulletin board
systems to prevent the user from actually executing the program
on the BBS computer. Files downloaded with this filetype will
likely need to be renamed after downloading to have an
executable filetype.
There are other filetype conventions. For example, files ending
in .TXT are generally text files. It has also become a
convention for documentation files to have the filetype .DOC on
most bulletin board systems. Try to look at the .DOC file to
learn the purpose or restrictions of a program before you bother
to download it.
The traditional programs for file compression and decompression
are the SQ (Squeeze) and USQ (unsqueeze) utilities. Squeezed
files are identified by the letter Q in the 2nd position of the
filetype; for example, MODEM7.DQC must be run through USQ to
produce the readable MODEM7.DOC file.
The traditional library utility is the ARC program, but a second
utility called ZIP is becoming more popular in some sections of
the country at this time. These utilities store multiple
related files together as a single file. A libraried file is
easier to organize and manipulate than a series of smaller
files. Files libraried with ARC will have a .ARC filetype. And
those with a .ZIP filetype have been produced with the ZIP
utility.
Some bulletin board systems have a command or option which will
list files that have been added or deleted since a certain date.
Using this feature can also save time. The traditional command
is WHATSNEW, but other names for this function may be used (such
as NEWIN) depending on the BBS used and the SYSOP's preference.
The message system on some systems will be an executable program
that exits to the operating system level for file transfers.
This program is traditionally called "RBBS" (Remote BBS). Other
systems never let the user access the operating system, but
operate using a series of menus and prompts.
Systems that allow you access to the operating system level for
downloading generally use a program called BYE that logs you off
the BBS and resets the system for the next caller. If you are
hopelessly hung up in a loop, then just hang up and call back in
thirty seconds or so; the systems will almost always reset after
they sense the loss of the phone carrier signal. For menu or
prompt driven bulletin board systems Q(uit) or G(oodbye)
generally will log you off the system.
IX. BULLETIN BOARD ETIQUETTE
Do not despise things that are free. It is a curious fact in
the computer world that value bears almost no relation to price.
Some of the best programs for personal computers are in the
public domain. They often work better and are better supported
than software costing hundreds of dollars. And, in terms of
documentation, many commercial programs do not even come close.
Many bulletin board systems operate from private home
telephones... be courteous and call only during the posted
operating hours.
Many systems have time limits (usually 1 hour in prime time).
Some communications programs have a CAPTURING or LOGGING feature
which records everything that passes between the two computers.
This capability can be used to make more effective use of the
allotted time by allowing the BBS directory of available files
to be captured and read later after ceasing communications with
the BBS. After you hang up, you can print it off, mark the
files you want, and then call back.
Of course, realize that there are other people who want to use
the system. You will want to limit your calls so that others
can enjoy the system. Don't overstay your welcome.
If you discover a problem with the host system, report it to the
SYSOP by leaving a message on that bulletin board, or by
contacting him directly to tell him about it. He may never know
if someone does not tell him. This is an easy way to repay for
the use of that system, and it will be appreciated by the SYSOP.
This should not be necessary to say, but it is. Do NOT use
these systems for commercial messages, ethnic jokes, political
commentary, heavy- breathing messages, obscenities, and the
like. Users are of all ages and persuasions, and restraint (or
maturity) will be appreciated by all. If you know of anyone
abusing a system, please discourage it, or report it to the
SYSOP.
It should also not be necessary to say that acts of software
piracy on bulletin board systems are generally frowned upon.
You should not insult your SYSOP's intelligence by uploading
proprietary software or asking the SYSOP to make commercial
software available to you without proper licensing. Those who
draw their own integrity into question are likely to have their
access privilege taken away promptly. SYSOPs often make such
information available to other area SYSOPs so other bulletin
board systems may refuse your request to access their systems.
Play nice in the sandbox and others will play nice with you. Be
naughty and you are likely to find sand in your eyes.
While it may appear cute to register under an alias, handle, or
silly name, this is not considered kosher by most SYSOPs as it
makes it harder to prevent abuse of the BBS. Users attempting
to do so may find that the SYSOPs are reluctant to allow access
to them. It is only fair that the user use his real name in
communicating with the BBS. Those who fail to observe this rule
will likely get their access privileges revoked.
While message areas may be used to give a plug for your company
or product, you should not abuse this privilege. One
advertisement per BBS is generally considered tolerable,
although some systems are restrictive. Consult the policy
statement on the BBS or ask the SYSOP to avoid stepping on any
toes.
If you have difficulty using a bulletin board and you are a new
user, make every effort to find and read the HELP files on the
system (if any) before you ask for help from the SYSOP. SYSOPs
have better things to do than to answer questions that could
have been answered if the user would just read. SYSOPs are
generally busy people so make sure your question is not of
trivial import. While many SYSOP's will be glad to help you
with a specific question, it is NOT their job to educate or
train you.
The bulletin board philosophy evolved originally to aid computer
people in their quest to keep in touch with each other and help
each other out. It was worth the effort for a programmer to
spend his time developing a program and share his efforts with
others in hopes that they would share with him what they had
developed. Some bulletin board systems still operate this way.
In a way, it is similar to the academic "Publish or Perish"
philosophy. The idea was that he who does not contribute and
becomes a taker all the time should not be allowed access.
Luckily for non-programmers, this ideology has since been
modified for most bulletin board systems. While non-programmers
may not be able to contribute original programs, they can act as
carriers. Uploading a good program onto a BBS that does not
have that file will be appreciated. And there are enough
bulletin board systems around to make this a fairly easy process
for the non-programmer.
It is a good idea to keep a notebook on the files you send and
receive from bulletin board systems. In this fashion you can
easily track your ratio of uploads to downloads. Remember, new
files do not spontaneously grow on bulletin board systems; they
are put there by users. And as a user, you are expected to
contribute to the BBS store of files from time to time. Some
SYSOP's are very strict about this and will deny further access
if you do not contribute. Most simply want some kind of
occasional contribution, but some SYSOP's want to see an upload
for every n files downloaded. Check with your SYSOP about his
upload policy, and keep him happy.
You may be able to upload a number of files and save money at
the same time if you are sending the files to a long distance
BBS. Check with the SYSOP to see if he can read your diskette.
For a number of files, it may be cheaper to send a disk than to
upload the files using the phone system. And if you plan to
send the SYSOP a great deal of files (much more than your upload
/ download ratio requires), you may be able to talk the SYSOP
into returning your diskettes (via self addressed stamped
envelope) with some files you want from him. Understand,
however, many SYSOP's simply do not have the time for such
things so check with him BEFORE you send a diskette.
X. TYPES OF BULLETIN BOARDS
Bulletin board systems generally come in two different
varieties: 1) those that allow access to the operating system
level, and 2) those that can isolate a user from the operating
system entirely. Some types of bulletin board systems have
become popular and somewhat standardized as a result. Such
systems include TBBS, ROS, FIDO, CBBS, RBBS, Z-NODE, and Goliath
systems. But not all bulletin board systems are so
standardized; many are of custom manufacture.
Many are menu driven in nature so that even the new user can
easily use them. Historically, this has not always been the
case. And there are still many bulletin board systems that are
less user oriented. Probably one of the most popular such
systems is the RBBS which can leave users at the operating
system level to fend for themselves. If the BBS has not been
set up so that new users are told what to expect, it can be a
frustrating experience. But, the RBBS is a bulletin board
classic and there have been many offshoots and takeoffs on the
same general theme. And because it has been such an influential
system, it is worth going over the traditional commands.
Typically, the RBBS style system has a messaging system as the
usual entry point into the system once connection is made and a
proper password is given. In the messaging system there is
usually an option to exit to the operating system. Once at the
operating system level, it helps if the user knows something
about the operating system used.
The drive identifier and command prompt will appear and
generally the first thing a user will want to do is list the
directory of files available. This is usually done with the DIR
command. Files that are seen to be of interest will generally
have a .DOC file somewhere that describes the file(s) in
question. The .DOC files, and any other text files, may be
listed by using the TYPE command. TYPE generally can read
compressed or normal files.
Changing directories is usually done by entering the name of the
drive identifier, followed by a colon (A:, B:, C:, etc.). On
CP/M operating systems there is a USER command which enables a
user to change from one user level on a drive to another. User
levels are analogous to floors in a building and the USER
command serves as a kind of elevator. Some systems have
simplified the process by combining the drive and user area
number into one command, and instead of using the USER command,
you simply enter the drive and user area number followed by a
colon (A4:, B13:, B2:, etc.).
Some systems make this process of changing directories even
easier by using the SECTION command. SECTION generally assigns
all directories a name instead of a drive and user number.
SECTION alone lists the possible areas, and SECTION with an area
name takes you to the area.
Sometimes in using a bulletin board system, a series of letters
will be presented in the following fashion:
COMMAND: (C,E,F,G,K,R,S,N,b,m,p,t,w,x,?):
Many BBS users are so familiar with the software's operation
that they do not need a verbose list of commands. Since most
users are experienced users, some bulletin board systems leave
the verbose listing of the various commands as an option. To
see it, enter a question mark (?). In fact, many computer
systems will provide information when the question mark key is
pressed.
Of course, it is always possible that the new user could get
lost or not know how to proceed. On many systems there is a
HELP command which will provide some information about one or
more topics. In the event that the HELP command is not
available or does not explain away the problem, the SYSOP can be
alerted by using the CHAT command. This command beeps the BBS
bell to alert the SYSOP. If he is available, he will respond by
typing a message to you on the BBS.
Of course, the primary objective of accessing the operating
system is to generally copy files to your machine. This is
traditionally done with the XMODEM program, although there are
several other lookalikes circulating these days (KMD is one such
XMODEM clone). XMODEM is the communications program that will
send a file to your communications software using an error
detecting scheme. XMODEM is capable of receiving files as well
as sending them, but the new user generally is only interested
in sending. This is done by entering XMODEM S filename, where
filename is the name of the file you want to copy.
After the session, to log off the BBS, there is a command called
BYE which terminates the communication and hangs up the phone.
Most systems will tolerate your just hanging up, but it is
probably best to use the BYE command anyway, just in case.