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It has come to my attention that there is a need for software
catering to the elite BBS's. I decided to write one so 1) Nobody
gets on except with invitation and 2) It can speed up things by
having menus on-site.
Tentatively, the first board using this software, "Centrum",
will go up sometime early 1986. It will be totally private,
access through the sysop sending mail to the invitee on another
system.
The software will differ from the norm in many ways. First of
all, on MS-DOS systems, it will be as simple as putting a disk
with the Centrum.com program on it in the drive and typing
Centrum. It will read a config file (extender #, code) and dial.
If it gets a busy signal or No connect, it will prompt the user
whether or not to keep redialing.
Logging on: The software finally gets through; and sends a
string of characters representing the baud being used. Them it
transmits serial number of program and version number. The board
will then prompt for log on....checking user, password against
internal refrence by serial number (protection from illicit
copies). If not correct, goodbye. Assuming they get it right,
the board will look at version number. If the version being used
is not the same as the one the board is running, the board will
automatically download new menus, program, or both. If just menus
are revised, the user may continue. If the program is revised,
the old version will hang up, and delete itself, replacing with
the new version. The user will have 5 minutes during which all
other users may not log onto the board...they may call back, or
if not, the board opens up again.
While on: Rather than transmitting menus again and again, the
board will send a code telling program to print appropriate menu.
There will be a simple XOR data encryption the whole time one is
on the board...you may change the code to use for your particular
program. If the user uploads or downloads, there will be a
Centrum protocall used. Almost all messages of reasonable length
will be sent in short form by the board.
User levels: There are 3 levels: 1 (85% of the people), 2
(for co-sysops, about 10%) and 3 (for sysops, 5%). the
differences are as follows: level 1 can do almost everything, but
level 2&3 can modify the board (Adding news, deleting users, some
others). Level 3 can add new sub-boards, change user
namesppasswordsiinfo. There will be a few (VERY few) remote
Sysops.
UploadsDDownloads: This section will use special Centrum
protocal. Each program is assigned points of value, from 1 to
10. Users who upload the best programs, therefore, can download
the best. Uploading will add to your points, downloading
subtract. For users of level 2, you can go as low as -10 points
on credit, level 3 can get as much as they want.
Logging off: The board keeps track of serial numbers, times
on, uploads, downloads, posts, and user level. ee
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Another file downloaded from: NIRVANAnet(tm)
& the Temple of the Screaming Electron Jeff Hunter 510-935-5845
Salted Slug Systems Strange 408-454-9368
Burn This Flag Zardoz 408-363-9766
realitycheck Poindexter Fortran 415-567-7043
Lies Unlimited Mick Freen 415-583-4102
Tomorrow's 0rder of Magnitude Finger_Man 408-961-9315
My Dog Bit Jesus Suzanne D'Fault 510-658-8078
Specializing in conversations, obscure information, high explosives,
arcane knowledge, political extremism, diversive sexuality,
insane speculation, and wild rumours. ALL-TEXT BBS SYSTEMS.
Full access for first-time callers. We don't want to know who you are,
where you live, or what your phone number is. We are not Big Brother.
"Raw Data for Raw Nerves"
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