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RCP/M GUIDE
A users guide to the operation of remote CP/M systems.
by
Jon Schneider
Sysop - Rio Grande RCP/M
915-592-4976
RCP/M GUIDE
Table of Contents
0.00 INTRODUCTION 1
1.00 NULLS 2
1.01 THE LOG-ON 2
1.02 THE MAIN MENU 5
2.00 A FEW FUNDAMENTALS 8
2.01 MOVING AROUND 9
2.02 FINDING OUT WHAT'S THERE 10
2.03 WHAT'S IT DO ? 13
2.04 HOW DO I GET IT ? 17
2.05 MISCELLANEOUS COMMANDS 19
2.06 HELPFUL HINTS 23
3.00 GLOSSARY 24
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page TOC-1
RCP/M GUIDE
INTRODUCTION
When logging onto my first RCP/M system (Seneca, when it was
still in El Paso), I was confronted with a system that was
totally alien to me. My only contact with bulletin board systems
until then had been with Compuserve and some local BBS's that
were menu driven.
Since I was totally lost, I decided that it would be best to
find some documentation on the operation of RCP/M's before
logging on again. If you have attempted to find such
documentation, you are well aware that it is not readily
available (I never did find any).
Over the next year or so, I became familiar with the proper
operation of RCP/M's, and am now running my own. I have been
watching new users as they attempt to use my system, and it is
evident that many users do not know how to properly operate the
system. Even those that can eventually get what they need could
operate in a more effective manner.
It is with these thoughts in mind that I have written this
users guide. There are many different BBS packages in use on the
various RCP/M's, but many of them have the same command structure
for the basic functions, and almost all of the utilities
available for use in CP/M are operated in the same manner. I have
attempted to cover as much as I can without being too specific in
regards to the implementation of the particular system you will
be using.
I hope that this users guide will make the transition into
the world of RCP/M's much less frustrating for you than it was
for me. Please feel free to pass this document on to anyone who
is new to telecommunications, and let others have the chance to
learn how to operate with a minimum of effort and frustration.
Jon Schneider
Sysop - Rio Grande RCP/M
El Paso, TX 915-592-4976
Introduction Page 1
RCP/M GUIDE
1.00 NULLS
On the majority of the RCP/M's that you will find, the first
thing that you will be confronted with is the number of nulls
prompt. The usual reply will be 0, but some terminals, when
operating at 1200 baud, will have a tendency to drop characters
from the leftmost portion of the screen. This is caused by the
terminal's inability to move the cursor fast enough to the left
of the screen after receiving a carriage return. As the remote
terminal is still moving the cursor, the host system begins
transmitting the characters that make up the next line.
This lack of speed will result in one or more characters
being lost. To eliminate this problem, nulls can be sent after a
carriage return, allowing the cursor to return to the far left.
The best way to determine the correct number of nulls is to
increase it by one until the problem of lost characters is
eliminated.
1.01 The Log-on
After correctly setting the number of nulls, the next step
is to log onto the system with your name. Some systems expect the
first and last names to both be entered on one line, and others
will prompt for them seperatly. Pay close attention to this, as
you must log onto the system with the EXACT same name each time,
or the system will think you are a new user.
Most systems will prompt you for the city and state if you
are logging on for the first time, so if you get this prompt, and
you have been on the system before, then you did not log in with
the same name as you did previously. Abort the call, and call
back using the correct name.
If the system has determined that you are logging on for the
first time, you will be asked to enter a password. Be sure to pay
attention to the minimum or maximum number of characters allowed,
and since some systems are case sensitive, be sure to make note
of the case you used (upper or lower).
You will more than likely next receive a new users file that
will give some of the do's and don'ts of the system, and the
steps that are necessary to become a validated member. READ THIS
FILE, as you won't see it on your next log-on.
Most RCP/M's use a tiered system of access. A new user will
probably only be able to read the messages, and leave a parting
comment to the sysop. Validated users will be able to leave
messages, and if it is requested, have access to CP/M. You must
leave the required information before the sysop will validate
you, so be sure to see what the sysop requires.
The BBS Page 2
RCP/M GUIDE
Most sysops will NOT leave you a message letting you know if
the access level you requested has been granted, so the only way
to ascertain if it has been is to attempt the function that you
requested. If the function is still not available, then access
has not yet been granted. Try again in 24 hours, and if still not
validated, leave another message to the sysop.
I have included a sample log-on session below for a MBBS
system. Most are similar in nature.
=================================================================
How many nulls do you need? (0-9)? 0
>>> Rio Grande RCP/M
>>> Micro Bulletin Board System (tm)
>>> (MBBS 3.0 05/04/85 - (c) 1983 Kim Levitt)
(ctrl-S or S pauses/ctrl-C or C aborts/ctrl-X or X skips)
>>> Online since March 22, 1985
(This would be the systems log-on message)
What is your FIRST name? JOHN
and your LAST name? DOE
Scanning users file...
Hello JOHN DOE, welcome to Rio Grande RCP/M...
Is your name spelled correctly? Y
Where are you calling from? (City, State)? El Paso, TX
Please enter a logon password (60 chars. max):
(Use any characters except controls, end with return. Enter
return only if you wish no password. Password does not echo.)
Password? ############
Please re-enter password now to verify it has been received correctly.
Password? ############
On next log on, this password will be required, so please don't forget it!
Logging JOHN DOE to disk...
The BBS Page 3
RCP/M GUIDE
You are caller # 554
Total # of log-ons: 1
Current highest msg #: 44
Active # of messages: 25
Building message index...
This RCPM system is set up mainly to support the CP/M user,
and to operate it effectively, a knowledge of CP/M is required.
If you are not familiar with CP/M, it is recommended that you not
request access to CP/M. If you haven't used it before, you would
be completely lost.
If you are interested in having access to the CP/M portion
of this board, leave a parting comment to the Sysop with your
name, address, phone number, type of computer, and type of termi-
nal program you are using.
If you are only interested in access to the BBS, just leave
your name and phone number. The BBS portion of this board is very
easy to use, and no knowledge of CP/M is required.
Jon Schneider - Sysop
NOTE: The operator of this system assumes no responsibility for
the information contained in and/or distributed via this system.
This is an open-access communications system and is provided
as a public service to the community. All messages and files
which are placed on this system are the responsibility of the
contributor. Only public domain software and messages
relating to public access systems and computer hobbyists are
allowed to remain on-line, but the system operator cannot
be held liable for any illegal activities conducted via this
system. Users are cautioned not to use this system for such
activities or they will not be allowed access.
No MAIL waiting for you.
Use 'S;NEW' to scan 18 message(s) added since your last log on.
05/13/85 4:23 PM [mins on: 1, mins left: 29]
MBBS Function (A,B,C,E,G,H,K,M,N,P,Q,R,S,T,U,W,X or ? for menu)?
The BBS Page 4
RCP/M GUIDE
1.02 The Main Menu
After a successful log-on, you will usually see a summary of
the message file, and then the main menu. The main menu is
usually a series of letters for the various functions, and almost
all will give a detailed list if the '?' is typed at the prompt.
If you are not familiar with the functions of a particular
BBS, be sure to save the menu in the ASCII save buffer of your
terminal program for print out and referral. Another useful
function that is usually available is H for HELP, and it should
also be saved to your buffer for later referral.
The following listings will show the menu functions of some
of the more popular RBBS packages.
=================================================================
MBBS Function (A,B,C,E,G,H,K,M,N,P,Q,R,S,T,U,W,X or ? for menu)? ?
(ctrl-S or S pauses/ctrl-C or C aborts/ctrl-X or X skips)
MBBS Functions:
A = Auto wrap toggle K = Kill message S = Scan messages
B = show Bulletins M = '[More]' toggle T = Talk with sysop
C = exit to CP/M N = set # of Nulls U = Upper/lower case
E = Enter message P = change Password W = Welcome message
G = Goodbye (hangup) Q = Quick summary X = eXpert mode toggle
H = show Help file R = Read message ? = print this menu
; = separator used to enter multiple commands & data on one line
NEW, MAIL, TAGGED, 'search' = words useable as message 'numbers'
(Use HELP, WELCOME message and BULLETINS for more information.)
(NOTE: password required for CP/M access, but a clue is given.)
The BBS Page 5
RCP/M GUIDE
RBBS4102b
Major Functions supported (Capital letters on command line):
C = Exit to CP/M E = Enter message
F = List subject files G = Goodbye (disconnect)
K = Kill message R = Read message
S = Quick summary N = Read New messages
Minor Functions supported (Small letters on command line):
b = Retype bulletins m = Show status of messages
p = Change password t = Toggle bell prompt
u = List user file w = Retype welcome
x = eXpert user mode
Two subcommands are supported in support of major commands K,R & S:
+ = Lists following a message number operates on all messages
the user is authorized pausing appropriately between them
* = Performs the same operation without pausing (for use with
hardcopy devices
Commands may be strung together, separated by semicolons. For
example 'R;123' retrieves message number 123. For forward
sequential retrieval, use '+' or '*' after message number. N is
equivalent to R;#+.
Software exchange is done under CP/M using the XMODEM program
(for intelligent transfer) or the TYPE fn.ft command (simple
ASCII listing).
Functions supported: by RBBS vers. 3.7
<B> Bulletin File <C> Chat with SYSOP
<E> Enter Message * <G> GO 'Leave the system'
<F> Feedback for SYSOP <N> News and information
<R> Read Message <S> Scan message base
<K> Kill Message * <U> Users file (Valid Members)
<T> Toggle BELL <L> List last callers *
<W> Welcome Message <P> Password Change
<J> Jump to CP/M <X> X'pert User
<H> Help