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Reprinted from the Pasco BBS Magazine
+ + + + +
About this File
---------------
BBS Basics ran originally as separate articles in the first nine
issues of the Pasco BBS Magazine from January 1993 to September
1993. In September of 1993 the articles were combined into an
ASCII text file to help the growing number of people who are
becoming aware of what bulletin boards have to offer. That
original file proved to be quite popular. It can be found on
bulletin boards all over the world for downloading, or as a
bulletin for on-line reading. Selected sections have been run in
print magazines as well. It seemed like there was a need to
update BBS Basics on a regular basis and that is why version 2.0
was created, and subsequent versions. Some of the original text
remains, but portions have been revised and new sections added to
reflect the rapidly changing BBS world. Version 2.0 introduced a
new menu driven format, to make it easier for new users, but an
ASCII version is still available.
There are absolutely no fees for using this program, nor may any
compensation be accepted for the use, or distribution, of this
program. This is legally copyrighted Freeware of which no part
may be reprinted without permission. Bulletin board operators may
display BBS Basics on their system, as long as it remains
unaltered.
The Pasco BBS Magazine is a free on-line magazine with bulletin
board related articles, interviews and features. The magazine has
been published each month since January 1993 and has become Tampa
Bay's oldest free on-line magazine. Those who wish to read more
about bulletin boards, or Sysops interested in getting this free
publication for their boards, can always download the latest
issue, and all back issues, free of charge from the home board,
the Board of Trade BBS.
Richard Ziegler
Board of Trade BBS
P.O. Box 1853
New Port Richey, FL 34656
(813) 862-4772 (BBS)
What is a BBS?
--------------
Has this ever happened to you? You mention to a friend, who is
not into computers, that you call around to Bulletin Board
Systems. You get a blank stare in return. That same friend could
look in their dictionary to find out what a BBS or Bulletin Board
System is, but their search will come up empty. While a growing
number of people are becoming aware of what bulletin boards are,
the above scenario remains realistic. Yes, people still ask what
is a BBS?
The history of the BBS goes back to the Winter of 1978, when the
first bulletin board software was written by Ward Christensen
during a Chicago blizzard. With his friend Randy Suess handling
the hardware end of that first board, CBBS was officially born on
February 16, 1978. If you think that people today are not
familiar with what a BBS is, imagine how many times Ward
Christensen had to explain what this new creation was.
Christensen has commented, "A lot of people say 'oh, is that the
Christensen Bulletin Board System or the Chicago Bulletin Board
System?' No, it's the Computerized Bulletin Board System, so we
had to start kind of simple."
An Electronic Bulletin Board System (or Service) is simply a
computer hooked up to phone lines. People may call the computer
if their own computer has a modem and communications software. A
modem is a device which allows computers to talk to each other
over the telephone lines. The right communications software can
make the job of connecting to a BBS quite simple.
Today, bulletin board systems vary greatly. From the small
hobbyist to the big software companies support boards, each BBS
has it own feel and selection of features. Some may call
themselves on-line services, or information services, but they are
still bulletin boards. Even America On-line, CompuServe, Prodigy
and the MicroSoft Network are basically bulletin boards. However,
the majority of the tens of thousands of bulletin boards available
today are set up by hobbyists for their own enjoyment.
Once one calls a BBS, a whole new world of information, services
and fun opens up. Bulletin boards are one of the best places to
get the latest in software for your PC, most of the time before
you can get the programs through disk vendors. Callers can also
leave messages to people who call the board or discuss issues with
computer users all over the world. Many BBSs have games which you
can play, sometimes against other callers. Some boards offer
unique services which cannot be obtained anywhere else. The
system operator (Sysop for short) tries to have all the
information you will need to get started posted somewhere on the
board, but most are more than happy to answer any questions users
might have.
Calling a BBS for the First Time
--------------------------------
Long log-on questionnaires and call back verification may be the
complaint of the veteran BBSer, but can you remember back to your
first call to a BBS? It can be a little confusing, especially for
the new computer user. Bulletin Boards do have a habit of
assuming the user knows what to expect when calling.
Many first time BBS callers are calling on their first PC, and are
using the inexpensive communications software which came with the
computer. A friend has given them some BBS numbers, so they call.
They see some commands they don't understand and a bunch of jumble
which seems to make little sense. The new caller never gave
configuration of his computer and software for graphics a thought,
and the software may not even support graphics to begin with.
Many potential users never call back and rely on disk vendors for
Shareware. Using a decent communication software package can make
bulletin boards a much friendlier place to visit.
Most of today's BBSs use ANSI or similar graphics. The graphics
are attractive, and great for games, but do slow down the
transmission speed. If you are calling with a slow speed modem,
this can cause a substantial slow-down. One of the first
questions which many BBS software programs ask when calling is if
you want graphics. Unfortunately, some BBS software programs
default into graphics and some have no way to exit the graphic
mode. This is a matter of preference, some people love graphics,
other hate it.
Now that you have dialed the BBS number, and settled the graphics
question, you should be at the welcoming or log-on screen. The
first screen generally gives information about the board itself.
BBS name, location, baud rates, available networks, or anything
else the Sysop deems appropriate. Then you are generally asked to
give your name. You should always use your real name when logging
on to a bulletin board, even if the board does allow fictitious
names (handles). The Sysop has the responsibility and right to
know who is accessing his BBS. When you enter your name for the
first time, the BBS software will ask if you have your name
spelled correctly, or if you are a new user. After selecting new
user another screen, or screens, appear with information which the
Sysop wants first time callers to know. Normally, these screens
contain things like welcoming comments, rules or where to find
help. You will then be asked if you want to register with the
BBS. If you answer yes, a questionnaire will follow.
The new user questionnaires vary from board to board, but most ask
for name, address and telephone number. From there it depends on
how the Sysop has set up his BBS software. Some Sysops ask only a
few pertinent questions, others have questionnaires which seem
endless. Again, always supply real and accurate information when
answering the questions. The questions normally include a couple
on setting up the BBS software for your use. Things like page
length, transfer protocol, or hot keys. If you are not sure, use
the recommended (default) settings. What is selected can be
changed later. After filling out the questionnaires most boards
give limited access to the BBS until the verification process is
completed.
The verification process can take many forms. Some Sysops will
take the time to call by voice each and every caller to their
board. Other Sysops rely on the new caller ID technology and some
force new callers into a call back verification. In this day of
caller ID, call-back verification seems like an awful lot of
hassle to put the novice BBS caller through. What happens is the
BBS will log you off and try to call back at the number you
entered during the questionnaire. This way the Sysop knows that
is a valid telephone number and that the information provided by
the user is most likely accurate. The problem is that many first
time callers have trouble setting up their modem to answer the
phone and are still looking at the manual when the verification
call comes. The call-back software has significantly improved and
some can be activated from the keyboard. Again, it is the Sysop's
option which type of verification is used.
On your first call to a BBS you will most likely have limited
options. Some boards will not allow file transfers and others
will not allow anything until the user is verified and upgraded.
The Sysop only does this to protect himself, and his substantial
investment. It is the Sysops option on how much the unverified
user can do on his board.
The Main Menu
-------------
After logging-on, and filling out the new user questionnaire, most
BBSs have other screens before you actually reach the main menu.
Most bulletin boards have news updates. Also, things like the
caller's statistics or advertising screens may be displayed before
reaching the main menu. All BBS software programs operate a
little different, so you may have to go to sub-menus for some
features. One software program may automatically take the
user through the bulletin menu before reaching the main menu,
another may have sub-menus for messages or files.
BBSs almost always have a sub menu for bulletins, after all they
are called bulletin boards. This is information which caller's
can read on-line, and there are a limitless number of possible
bulletins to select from. Most Sysops have the board rules,
general information, and help for new users. Other popular
bulletins are BBS listings, top scores for on-line games and
newsletters. The bulletin menu is a good place for new users to
spend some time, as many Sysops have informational bulletins on a
variety of BBS related topics.
Some BBSs have questionnaires or user polls which can be accessed
through the main menu, however, it is not uncommon for a BBS not
to offer any questionnaires. Sometimes these questionnaires are
set up for fun, or maybe the Sysop would like some specific
information from the users. Some typical examples would include
questionnaires on what users like about BBSing or a poll on the
next election. Support boards may have a questionnaire on their
product, so feedback to specific questions can be received. If
the BBS has subscription fees for membership, a questionnaire may
be used for on-line credit card registration.
Most systems allow callers to page the system operator for a chat.
If you have questions the Sysop may be available to talk to you
on-line. Most Sysops enjoy chatting with users, but it is
considered good BBS etiquette not to ask questions which are
answered fully elsewhere on the board. You have nothing to lose
by paging, at worse the Sysop will not be available. The main
menu normally offers some utility functions, so the settings you
are using can be re-configured if required. Some boards have a
command to list all the users. All this leads to main reasons
people call bulletin board systems in the first place.
Messages, Conferences and Networks
----------------------------------
Unfortunately, a large percentage of today's bulletin board
callers are not interested in reading messages. They are more
likely to be calling for files or to play on-line games. However,
the callers who have been at this awhile can remember when BBSs
offered little else, and they still maintain an attraction for
reading messages. In the early days there was nothing called
Shareware or the wide variety of game doors that are now
available. Yes, the BBS pioneers called primarily to talk to each
other and to this day messages remain a major part of BBSing.
In the simplest form, a message is left on a bulletin board system
so another user may read it and reply. A private message is left
for just one person and no one else can read it. It should be
noted that you should never leave something in a message which you
would be afraid to have someone else read, as there is no such
thing as a truly private message. Sysops can read messages or
someone could download the message file, or capture file, and
possibly read all messages. Public messages are more fun, as
everyone who accesses the system may read and maybe respond to the
message. Some systems may have quite a few messages and some
messages may have been left some time ago, leaving sort of a
system history.
The problem with having numerous messages is that they may vary
considerably as to topic, thus making the user have to wade
through all the messages to find those which interest them. This
is how the idea of conferences came into being. By having users
enter messages in conferences, which pertain to a particular
subject, all similar messages are grouped together. BBSs may have
a "for sale" conference, "teen" conference or "sports" conference.
This way the users know where to go for messages which interest
them. The problem is that once the messages are separated into
all the different conferences, there may be very few messages in
each conference. This is what brought about the development of
networks.
By linking computers together by networks, a message on one system
is "echoed" to other systems. Bulletin boards may choose to have
network conferences, which pertain to whatever subjects the Sysop
feels the users will enjoy the most, so that messages originally
left on more than one system may be read. This way the advantage
of having specialized conferences is not hampered by having very
few messages to read. Another advantage of networks is that a
user can leave a message on their local BBS for someone in another
area, and thus avoid the long-distance telephone charges. Some
echo-mail networks are huge with thousands of systems all over the
world. But to be a network all it really takes is two BBSs and
many networks start out this way. Thousands of boards are calling
each other, normally in the middle of the night, to transfer mail.
Most boards are "nodes" which call the particular network "hub,"
so messages can be received from a common place. Larger networks
may have "regional hubs" because the "network hub" could not
handle all the systems calling each night.
Shareware, Freeware and Public Domain
-------------------------------------
The one thing which has caused bulletin boards to increase in
popularity are files, and there is little doubt that the majority
of today's BBS users are more interested in files than any other
feature. What has caused the explosion in the number of available
files on bulletin boards? The success of Shareware more than
anything else.
Shareware is a new concept to many in the computer world who are
used to buying software in a store, after just reading the
packaging to decide which program to take a chance on. Shareware
is a revolutionary new marketing concept which encourages people
to "try before they buy" any software. If you like the program
you are legally bound to pay a registration fee for continued use,
if you don't like it just delete it and move on. If you are
looking for a typing tutor program, download half a dozen, then
decide which you like best and register that program only. Try
going into your local computer store and buying a bunch of
programs to "try before you buy," and returning all but the one
you like. You will be laughed out of the store. Not only does
Shareware allow it, but authors encourage you to give copies of
their programs to your friends. And if all that is not enough,
most Shareware registration fees are considerably cheaper than
what the "shrink-wrap" software companies are asking for their
products. And yes, the quality of Shareware rivals any other form
of distribution. Why do software authors send out their programs
all over the world for people to use free of charge? Because a
growing percentage of people are supporting the Shareware
marketing concept and sending in registration fees. Due to the
success of Shareware, more and more authors are turning to
distributing programs that way. This is the primary reason for
the explosion in the number of files in the BBS world.
The success of Shareware was not always guaranteed. Many thought
the early authors were foolish to think that people would be
willing to pay for something which they already had. The major
software companies also did what they could to down-play this new
form of competition. Andrew Fluegelman, author of PC-Talk, and
Jim Button, author of PC-File, are generally credited with the
first efforts with Shareware type marketing in 1982. The
following year, Bob Wallace author of PC-Write, and Marshall
Magee, author of AutoMenu, released their popular programs into
the market. The success of these programs ended much of the early
skepticism about Shareware. Due to the death of Andrew
Fluegelman, PC-Talk is no longer around, but all the other
programs are still supported to this day. There are many examples
of enormous success in the Shareware market. Scott Miller started
out as one guy writing game programs in the late 1980's, and he
was one of the first to have success with offering additional
levels as an incentive for registration. Scott Miller is now the
President of Apogee Software, which is the biggest player in the
Shareware game market. While there have been many success
stories, it should be noted that the Shareware market is very
tough. There are many authors who have made little or nothing on
their releases.
In addition to Shareware, bulletin boards have many Public Domain
and Freeware programs which the users are not expected to pay
anything at all for. These programs may include small utility
programs, informational text files or maybe something the
program's author would just like to get some feedback on. Public
Domain files have absolutely no restrictions on their use.
Freeware authors ask for no compensation to use their programs,
but they do retain all the copyright protection, so there are
restrictions on how the programs can be used.
Bulletin boards are a perfect method for the distribution of
computer software, as a program can go around the world in a few
days. Software and information can be found on just about any
topic imaginable. There are indeed hundreds of thousands, if not
millions, of different files available on bulletin boards
throughout the county.
What is a ZIP File?
-------------------
The majority of the files found on bulletin boards are in the
archive format, which always gives the novice BBS user problems
with the first few downloads. Most people log on a board and
download some great sounding program and cannot figure out how to
get it to work. This leads to more calls to the boards, reading
bulletins or paging Sysops, in an attempt to find out how to use
this file they cannot wait to try. Since most bulletin boards use
files with a .ZIP extension, users learn quickly about file
compression.
Why are almost all files on bulletins boards found in the
compressed, or archive, format? There are basically two reasons.
One reason is to compress the file's size, thus reducing the amount
of time it takes to transfer the file via the modem connection.
The other reason is to group all the files necessary to operate the
program under a single name, so the caller does not have to
download a bunch of different files to get one program to run.
There are many different authors who have released archive
programs, but the .ZIP format archive is by far the most common in
the BBS world. Other file extensions include .ARJ, .LZH, .PAK,
.ARC, .ICE, .ZOO, among others. When these archive utilities are
downloaded they come in a self-extracting format, so you do not
have to know any complicated commands to extract the files. Just
type the file's name and the program will extract itself, provided
that there is enough disk space. Each archive utility includes
complete documentation on the program's operation.
The commands for each archive utility differ slightly, but it is a
relatively simple command line for extracting files from .ZIP
files. The best thing to do is to place the archive utility's
executable files, for example PKUNZIP.EXE and PKZIP.EXE, in your
system's path. It is unfortunate, but most DOS manuals do not give
a very good explanation of how the path works. By putting the
utilities in your path, the commands will work anywhere on your
system including diskette drives, so the utility does not have to
be in the current directory to operate. Your root directory is
always on your system's path, so copying PKUNZIP.EXE to C:\ will
work if you do not have a thorough understanding of DOS's path.
However, it is better to place all the utilities you wish to use
universally on your system in a directory, for example C:\BIN,
since a cluttered root directory will slow down your system. The
path statement, which can be edited with any text editor, is found
in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. In the above example, you would add
C:\BIN to the end of the path statement, but remember to separate
all directories on the path with a semi-colon. For example:
Old path - PATH C:\;C:\DOS
New path - PATH C:\;C:\DOS;C:\BIN
If a file named PBM.ZIP was downloaded, the following is an example
of how you would extract the files you just downloaded.
PKUNZIP PBM C:\HOLD
The above assumes that you wish to extract the files within PBM.ZIP
to a directory called C:\HOLD. PBM could be replaced with any file
name you might download and it is not necessary to type the .ZIP
extension. C:\HOLD could also be replaced with the directory of
your choice, or if you want to extract the files to the directory
where PBM.ZIP currently resides, leave the directory off and just
type PKUNZIP PBM.
Under Windows, it is best to exit to DOS to unzip files. The
unziping function can then be preformed as described for DOS.
Recently, a Windows version of PKZIP has been released, which
features a menu-driven interface for unziping files.
There are other commands and many features included with the
popular archive utilities, but this should get those first
downloads unziped.
File Transfers and Protocols
----------------------------
The act of receiving a file from another computer through a
modem connection is known as downloading. The modem actually
makes it possible for two computers to exchange information over a
system of wires which was originally designed for voice. Sending
a file to another computer is called uploading. Even the most
novice BBS user has most likely heard those terms. However, it is
never an easy question to answer when asked "how do I download?"
This is not to insinuate that the act of downloading is that
complex of a maneuver, but that there are so many different
bulletin board and communications software combinations available.
Each bulletin board software has its unique menus and series of
commands to prepare the board for downloading. The other side is
that each communications software also has its own unique series of
commands to prepare for receiving the file.
The best thing to do may be to give a few tips to those who have
not called around that much to bulletin boards. Take some time to
read over some of the documentation which came with your
communications software, or if your program has decent on-line
help read some of that. The most important thing is to have your
communications software set up to match what the bulletin board
software is using, however, that is not as complicated as it may
sound. In most cases just using the default, or suggested,
settings will be enough to get you started. You can always fine
tune things to your own tastes as time goes own. One thing to
remember is to experiment, try different things on the board, you
cannot hurt a BBS by hitting a few keys.
When considering your settings, always make sure your file
transfer protocol matches what the bulletin board will be sending
the file with. Most boards offer a selection of file transfer
protocols which the caller can select from, as do most
communications programs. Here is a brief introduction to the more
common transfer protocols.
ASCII - This is often seen on BBS's protocol lists, which is an
abbreviation for American Standard Code for Information Exchange.
There is no form of error detection available and usually only
ASCII files can be sent in this way. Some may say that this is
not truly a transfer protocol, but it is still used in isolated
cases.
Xmodem (CRC) - This may or may not be the most popular protocol
in use today, as it is slowly being replaced by quicker and more
reliable protocols. Xmodem (CRC) sends files in blocks of 128
characters at a time and checks for errors using a sophisticated
Cyclic Redundancy Check.
Xmodem (Checksum) - Information is transferred in 128 byte blocks
with a less reliable Checksum error correction method.
1K Xmodem - This is a variation of Xmodem (CRC) that uses blocks
that are 1 Kilobyte (1024 bytes) in size.
1K Xmodem/G - This variation of Xmodem is meant for error-free
channels such as error correcting modems or direct cable links
between two computers. It achieves great speed, however, it does
not have error correction and if an error occurs the transfer is
aborted.
Ymodem (Batch) - This protocol is a variation on 1K Xmodem, which
allows for multiple files to be sent per transfer. While
transferring files it uses the 1024 byte block size and the CRC
error correction method.
Ymodem/G (Batch) - This protocol is a variation on Ymodem which
achieves very high transfer rates by sending 1024 blocks without
waiting for acknowledgment. There is no error correction and if
an error occurs the transfer is aborted.
Zmodem (Batch) - This advanced protocol is very fast, incredibly
reliable and offers many features. Zmodem can transfer files in a
batch and can detect and recover from errors quickly. The Zmodem
Recovery feature can resume an interrupted transfer.
HS/Link - This is a relatively new protocol. It is a high speed,
single and bi-directional file transfer protocol with many
advanced features.
High Speed Transfers, Line Noise, Etc.
--------------------------------------
What follows is not intended to be a technical discussion on high
speed modems, but tries to answer some commonly asked questions.
The new user, and the expert alike, may ask why file transfers are
slow at 14,400 baud and above.
Line noise over common telephone wires has been a problem since
the first modems made their connection. For years it was said
that 2400 bps was as fast as normal telephone lines could transmit
data and that we would never see faster speeds due to the low
band-width and high noise levels. Modem technology has advanced
over the years, but line noise is not a thing of the past.
Unfortunately, it is still with us. These new modems are not
magic either. They manage to hide the line noise, and some are
able to filter it out, but it is still there.
If line noise occurs during the connection process, where your
modem and the host modem perform their hand-shaking sequence
looking for common ground, then it is very likely that the two
modems will agree to a slower speed to avoid having problems
during the remainder of the call. In fact, if line noise occurs
during the call the modems may decide to shift down at that time
as well. When line noise occurs during a file transfer between
two modems which have established an error correction session, the
only evidence of this line noise may very well be slow file
transfers and nothing else. Many modems give no other indications
this extra work is being required, and may eventually give up and
just drop the carrier completely.
If you find that downloading ASCII files produces excellent file
transfers rates, but downloading Zip files reduces the rate, then
very likely you have turned on an option known as "data
compression." It is like trying to use PKZip to zip a Zip file.
In its attempt to shrink the file, it actually causes the file to
expand in size and this slows down the file transfer.
For high speed file transfers to work you generally want to use
some type of flow control. If your modem or software is not set
up correctly, it is possible that flow control problems will
result in errors. When data is lost due to flow control problems
there is only one solution and that is to send the data again.
This results in slowing down your file transfer.
Choosing the right file transfer protocol is important and Xmoden
is not always appropriate at high speeds. Zmodem has the ability
to re-send the last block of data while other protocols, such as
Ymodem/G, have no way to request that data be resent, so the
transfer is aborted. Ymodem/G is one of the fastest, but Zmodem
is more dependable.
And if all that is not enough, it seems like certain times of the
year introduce more line noise on the phone lines than others.
Some causes of line noise are wet ground conditions, which
introduces electrical changes in the phone company's lines.
Increased traffic on the telephone lines leads to increased noise.
Some of the worst conditions can occur on local calls, as local
circuits seldom receive the maintenance attention given to long
distance circuits.
There are a few hardware options which can reduce the errors in
high speed transfers. The easiest is to make sure that all your
connections are clean. Dirty or corroded connections will
obviously have a negative impact on your results. Another is to
make sure that your phone line is grounded. This not only helps
reduce line noise, but may save your equipment in the event the
phone lines becomes electrically charged. For example, it is
possible for a lightning strike to come through the phone line.
Some surge protectors have a built-in port to plug the phone line
into and most electronics stores have a device, which plugs into
an electrical outlet, to ground the phone line. If your computer
is a few years old, you may have to install a new serial card with
a 16550A UART chip. This high speed communications port is a
requirement for 28,800 baud file transfers. Most of the newer
computers have these high speed UART chips installed.
So what else can you do about line noise? You can contact your
local phone company. Sometimes the phone company does find a
correctable problem. Using high quality software and equipment
can hide some of the problems. Or you could move to France where
fiber optic telecommunications is a reality.
All About Doors
---------------
When someone calls a BBS for the first time, there is a very good
chance they have never heard the term "door" as it relates to
bulletin boards. The explanation of what a door is, however, is
really quite simple. There are a variety of doors on the market
which have become quite popular.
A door is actually a way to exit the bulletin board software and
access a program which the system operator has made available to
the callers. The door is not actually something built into the
BBS, but a program which the board must use externally. The board
may have to shell to DOS to use the door selected, but that is not
always the case. A door is a little customizing done on the part
of the Sysop.
Game doors have been immensely popular in the on-line community.
The variety of game doors available is huge with new ones coming
out all the time. The basic game door allows the player to play a
game and post a score for other callers to try to beat. There are
also game doors which have an interactive feel by having players
taking turns in a more complex game, however, turns are still
taken one at a time. If a BBS has more than one phone line it
could offer game doors where callers can truly play a one-on-one
game in real time. As with everything else in the computer world,
the quality of these doors has improved dramatically over the last
few years.
Games are not the only type of program which a bulletin board may
use doors to access. Mail doors are found on a large percent of
BBSs, especially if echo-mail is offered. One nice feature of a
mail door is it allows users to download new messages and read
them off-line, thus, cutting down on the time of the call itself.
There are BBS lists, mailing lists and other utility type programs
which have been designed to be used as a door. Some BBS software
programs allow the Sysop to operate almost any program as a door,
so the possibilities are endless.
Chatting, Paging and a Few Words
--------------------------------
One thing that happens on bulletin boards is the opportunity to
"talk" with people live on-line. There are various ways which you
may type back and forth with another bulletin board user. Just
about every BBS software package on the market allows for talking
with the Sysop which is better known as paging, or if the Sysop
initiates the talk the Sysop Chat. Boards with more than one
phone line have the option of having chats with several users at
one time. There are many utilities and doors available to enhance
chatting, so this more interactive aspect of bulletin boards can
have a different feel on different boards. Talking in a live,
real time mode is something that is quite popular on some boards.
Just a few final thoughts on bulletin boards. The BBS has not
been around very long and even today only a small percentage of
the population knows much about this estimated one-half billion
dollar industry. However, bulletin boards have really grown up
since the early days. Back when this all started it was just a
few programers, maybe tying together various utilities to make the
thing workable. The systems at the time where unstable compared
to the software which has developed through the years. In the
past things like "BBS etiquette" seemed to be a really important
topic. If someone hung up on the board, without following the
proper log-off procedures, it could lock up or possibly even
damage the system. Dropping carrier has little effect on most
bulletin boards today, but is still considered rude. Bulletin
boards seem to have fewer rules today than in the past. When was
the last time you read the old "remember, you are calling
someone's home" rule? It has been estimated that there are almost
70,000 bulletin boards nationwide, so the competition for callers
is intense. Certainly every board needs some very explicit rules
which must be followed, for example, no posting of pirated
software. I am not advocating that users abuse a system, more
that I think the changes can only help the BBS world become more
accessible to more people.
The BBS Glossary
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Access - To use a BBS, as in accessing, or the amount you can use
it, as in access level.
ANSI - While actually an acronym for the American National
Standards Institute, it refers to the widely used graphics on
BBSs.
Archive - A file which has been compressed, or at least stored,
under a specific name. This allows for faster transfer times and
the grouping of related files. Originally meant for files with an
.ARC extension.
ASCII - An acronym for American Standard Code for Information
Interchange which is the most common format for text files.
Automatic Redial - Automatic redialing by a modem when it receives
a busy signal. Many communications programs have this feature.
Batch - A group of files which are either downloaded or uploaded,
commonly called a Batch File Transfer.
Baud Rate - The speed of the modem connection, the higher the rate
the faster data travels.
Bulletin - Text which the Sysop has made available to users.
Bulletins may be informational or educational, give the high game
scores, or whatever the Sysop deems appropriate.
Bulletin Board System (BBS) - A computer hooked up to a modem so
that other people can call and access information, files or games.
Bits Per Second (BPS) - The rate data is transmitted through a
modem connection. Increases with the baud rate.
Caller - Someone who accesses a bulletin board from a remote
location.
Capture - Saving text from BBS display to a file on the remote
computer normally in ASCII format. A built-in feature of most
communications programs.
Chat - The ability to communicate with users on other lines (or
nodes). Callers can chat back and forth in a live conversation.
Common Carrier - A regulated organization, such as the telephone
company, that provides telecommunications services for public use.
Communications Software - Computer program which allows for easier
calling of BBSs. Some software packages have all kinds of
advanced features and many are quite easy to set-up.
COM Port - This serial port is where the modem is plugged into
personal computers. However, data communications is not the only
use for these ports, as many times a mouse may use a COM port.
These ports are commonly referred to COM1, COM2, etc.
Compressed File - A file, or group of files, which have been
reduced in size using compression utilities. A compressed file
uses less disk space and speeds up transfer times.
Conference - A separate area on a BBS which is directed at
specific topics. Conferences almost always have their own message
base, and some have their own file directories or doors.
CPS - Characters per Seconds. A way to measure the speed of data
transmissions. The CPS increases with the baud rate.
Dedicated Line - A telephone, or data, line that is always
available for use. Most bulletin boards are setup on a dedicated
line and are available 24 hours a day.
Default - Refers to settings used by BBS or communications
software. Many times the preset configuration works fine,
especially for new users.
Door - A program with has been added onto the BBS, but is not part
of the BBS software itself. Sysops customize their board by
adding game or utility type doors.
Download - Receiving data from a BBS through the modem connection.
Downloads from BBSs are known as files.
Drop Carrier - Hanging up on a BBS without following the proper
log-off procedures. Occasionally can happen on either end
unintentionally.
Echo Mail - Public messages which go out over a BBS network.
E-Mail - Electronic mail, which is sent on computers in the form
of messages.
Emoticon - Emoticon is short for emotional icon and are sometimes
called smileys, which are typically found within e-mail to convey
an emotion. For example, the most common emoticon is the smiling
happy face, :), which means the comment should be taken tongue-in-
cheek.
Encryption - The process of encoding communications data for
higher security.
External Protocol - File transfer protocol which is not actually
built into the particular BBS, or communications software, but
must be accessed externally.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions. A text file which answers
common questions about a particular subject. One example would be
questions that new BBS users may have.
Fax/Modem - A modem which has the ability to send and receive
facsimile transmissions (faxes).
Fax Software - Software which works in conjunction with a
Fax/Modem to send and receive faxes. Many software packages have
options such as converting faxes to ASCII or other text formats.
FidoNet - The largest bulletin board based message network echoing
mail with thousands of systems worldwide.
File - Data transferred through the modem connection for use on
the receiving computer. Files can be complete programs,
informational text, graphic images or many other formats.
Flame - Messages which contain criticisms, angry statements or
direct personal attacks. Two or more people participating in this
type of exchange is referred to as a "Flame War."
Forum - See conference.
Freeware - Software which is legally copyrighted, however, the
author asks for no monetary compensation for the program.
Gateway - A option which allows a BBS caller to dial out to
another BBS.
GIF - Graphics Interchange Format. Common standard for graphics
files found on-line. A file with a GIF extension is typically a
picture and software is required to view the image.
Hacker - A person who gains access to computer systems illegally,
usually from a personal computer.
Handshake - The handshake sequence is what modems perform when
first making a connection, as the modems agree on the most
efficient way to transfer data.
HS/Link - This is a relatively new file transfer protocol. It is
a high speed, single and bi-directional file transfer protocol
with many advanced features.
Information Super-Highway - A buzz word created by the media to
describe the current and future uses of telecommunications
technology.
Internal Protocol - File transfer protocol which is built into the
particular BBS or communications software.
Internet - A rapidly growing computer based network which includes
bulletin boards, educational and government institutions, on-line
services and businesses all over the world. Millions of people
are now accessing the Internet for electronic mail and other
information.
ISDN - Integrated Services Digital Network. The next generation
of telephone technology designed to provide real time transmission
in a digital format. Already installed in some places.
ISP - Internet Service Provider. A BBS, or other company, that
offers individual access to the Internet.
ITU-T - International Telecommunications Union (Telecommunications
sector). Formerly known as CCITT, this organization sets the
international standards for telegraphic and telephone equipment.
Sets modems standards, such as the recent V.34 standard for 28.8
baud transmissions.
JPEG - Joint Photographic Experts Group. A standard for
compressed graphics files found on-line. A file with a JPG
extension is typically a picture and software is required to view
the image.
Line Noise - Static which can occur during a modem connection due
to the fact that the telephone system was originally designed for
voice.
Local - Use of the BBS at its physical location. Typically, the
Sysop accessing the BBS software directly.
Log-on - Calling a BBS, and going through the most common
procedure of giving name and password.
Lurking - Someone who reads messages without participating.
Typically, there are more users lurking in the background, then
users entering messages.
Main Board - The primary conference on a BBS, and where the
callers normally are when they first log-on. Most general
messages, files and doors should be found here.
Message - Something left by a BBS user for others to read. A
message could be left for a single user, or for all users to read.
Message Base - All messages left on a BBS, or more specifically
the location of those messages. Separate conferences typically
have their own message base.
Modem - Device which allows computers to talk to each other over a
system which was originally designed for voice communications.
Network - Different BBSs exchanging messages to increase the
activity and diversity of the message base. The echo mail network
allows a user to leave a message on one BBS which can be read on a
BBS at a different location. On some of the large networks a
message can be read literally around the world.
NetMail - Electronic messages, which go out over a BBS network,
which are addressed to, and may be read by, only one person.
Node - Commonly used as the number of telephone lines hooked up to
a BBS with each line being a node, but a BBS can also have local
nodes.
Password - A unique series of keyboard characters that a caller
selects to access a BBS. It should be kept confidential to
prevent others from logging-on using your name.
Paging - Requesting a live chat with the Sysop, who may answer the
page if available.
Private - Indicates a conference or message is not meant for all
callers, and may refer to some BBSs which have restricted access.
Protocol - A language that modems use to communicate with each
other during file transfers. The same protocol must be used by
both modems for a transfer to be successful. There are a growing
number of protocols to choose from.
Public - A conference, message, or BBS which is open for any
caller. A public message can be read by all users. A public
board will have private messages and perhaps some private
conferences, but generally access is available to all.
Public Domain - Programs or files which are released free of
charge with little restriction for use.
QWK - The file extension for mail packets compressed using the
Quick Mail format. This format is popular for BBS mail transfers
and off-line mail readers.
Remote Computer - A computer which has connected to the BBS by
modem.
RIPscrip - Remote Imaging Protocol. A graphics format which is
used to add mouse support to bulletin boards.
Screen Capture - See capture.
Script - A questionnaire set-up by the Sysop to get information
from the caller.
Security Level - Level of access given to a caller which
determines what the caller may access on the BBS. Users may
require a higher security level to access certain conferences or
files.
Shareware - A method of software distribution which allows you to
try before you buy. Shareware can be used for a limited time
without payment, but registration is required if the product is
used past the evaluation period.
Sysop - Short for System Operator, the person who operates the
BBS.
Thread - The linking of messages with a specific conversation
topic. This message thread allows people to read all messages on
a related subject.
Transfer - The receiving or sending of a file with a BBS.
Upload - Sending data, typically files, to a BBS through the modem
connection.
User - Originally meant to imply someone calling in the local
mode, while those who access the BBS from a remote computer where
known as callers. Now commonly implies both callers and users.
User Account - The record containing information for an individual
user. Things like user name, password, address, the number of
uploads and downloads, and security level are typically found in
the user account.
User Friendly - Refers to software, or a BBS, which is easy for a
novice to use.
V.21 - An ITU-T standard for 300 bps modem connections
standardized in 1981.
V.22 - An ITU-T standard for 1200 bps modem connections
standardized in 1982.
V.22 bis - An ITU-T standard for 2400 bps modem connections
standardized in 1984.
V.32 - An ITU-T standard for 4800 and 9600 bps modem connections
standardized in 1987.
V.32 bis - An ITU-T standard for 14400 bps modem connections
standardized in 1991.
V.34 - An ITU-T standard for 28800 bps modem connections
standardized in 1994.
V.FC - Early standard developed by Rockwell International for
28800 bps modem connections.
Verification - Many BBSs have some way of verifying that the
caller logging-on is actually who they say they are. Caller ID,
doors which call the user back, or calling all users by voice are
common practices.
Xmodem (CRC) - At one time this was the most popular file
transfer protocol. Xmodem (CRC) sends files in blocks of 128
characters at a time and checks for errors using a sophisticated
Cyclic Redundancy Check.
Xmodem (Checksum) - A file transfer protocol where information is
transferred in 128 byte blocks with a less reliable Checksum error
correction method.
1K Xmodem - This file transfer protocol is a variation of Xmodem
(CRC) that uses blocks that are 1 kilobyte (1024 bytes) in size.
1K Xmodem/G - This file transfer protocol variation of Xmodem is
meant for error-free channels such as error correcting modems or
direct cable links between two computers. It achieves great
speed, however, it does not have error correction and if an error
occurs the transfer is aborted.
Ymodem (Batch) - This file transfer protocol is a variation on 1K
Xmodem, which allows for multiple files to be sent per transfer.
While transferring files it uses the 1024 byte block size and the
CRC error correction method.
Ymodem/G (Batch) - This file transfer protocol is a variation on
Ymodem which achieves very high transfer rates by sending 1024
blocks without waiting for acknowledgment. There is no error
correction and if an error occurs the transfer is aborted.
Zip - The most common form of compressed file found on BBSs.
Zmodem (Batch) - This protocol is very popular because it is very
fast, incredibly reliable and offers many features. Zmodem can
transfer files in a batch and can detect and recover from errors
quickly. The Zmodem Recovery feature can resume an interrupted
transfer.
The Emoticon Dictionary
-----------------------
New users may be confused by some of the symbols found in BBS
messages, and at first may even think that maybe some line noise
may have effected the call. Those who are new to BBSing may see
something like :-) in a message and wonder what it is. Some users
like to add symbols to messages to convey some sort of feeling and
these symbols are known as emotional icons, or "emoticons." The
smiling happy face, :-), is the most commonly seen emoticon, but
some of the others are far more complex and not so self-
explanatory. Some are rarely seen and many of the emoticons are
meant to be tongue-in-cheek. It may help to turn your head, as
most emoticons in the Emoticon Dictionary are on their side.
:) Smiling happy face
:-) Smiling happy face (with nose)
B-) Above, but with glasses or sunglasses
8-) Same as previous; also used to denote wide-eyed look
:-( Sad or angry face
;-) Winking happy face (something said tongue-in-cheek)
:-P Tongue stuck out
:-b Same as previous
:-D Wider happy face (or mouth open too much)
:-o "Oh, nooooooo!" (a la Mr. Bill)
#:-) :-) done by someone with matted hair
<:-) Dumb questions
(:-) Message dealing with bicycle (or motorcycle) helmets
(:-# Perhaps, something that shouldn't have been said
(:<) Message concerning blabber mouths
(:-D Message concerning another blabber mouth
|-( Late night message
:^) Message teasing someone about their nose
:-{#} Message teasing someone about their braces
(:-$ Message indicating person is sick
(:-& Message indicating person is angry
(:-* Kiss...
(:-( Message indicating person is very sad
:-(=) Message about someone with big teeth
&:-) Message from a person with curly hair
@:-) Message from a person with wavy hair
?-( Message about someone with a black eye
%-) Message about someone with broken glasses
.-) User has one eye
.-] Another one-eyed user
:-: Message from a mutant
:-Q Message about a smoker
:-9 User is licking their lips
:-x My lips are sealed
:-)X User is wearing a bow tie
(-) User needs a haircut
(-: Message by someone who is left-handed
8:-) User has glasses on forehead
[:-) User is listening to a walkman radio
:-c Bummed out smiling face
-:-) User has a Mohawk haircut, or likes Mr. T
(:)-) Message from someone who scuba dives
(:I Message from an egghead
:-)' User tends to drool
:-'| User has a cold
...---... S.O.S.
@>--->---- A rose
2B|^2B Message about Shakespeare
(O--< A fishy message
{ User is Alfred Hitchcock.
@= Flame about nuclear war (mushroom cloud)
oo "Somebody's head-lights are on" message
O>-<|= Message of interest to women
+<:-| Message from a monk or nun
{0-) Message about a cyclops
(:-|K- Formal message
||*( Handshake offered
||*) Handshake accepted
<&&> Message concerning rubber chickens
>< >< Message about someone wearing argyle socks
(-_-) Secret smile
<{:-)} Message in a bottle
<:-)<<| Message from a space rocket
<I==I) A message on four wheels
:^{ User wears a mustache
:> Midget smiling face
:-)## A smiling face with a beard
@:-)## A smiling face with a beard and a turban
:-)<>////> A smiling face wearing a striped necktie
=|:-)## Message about Uncle Sam
>:-{ Message about Count Dracula
\:-) Message about Gumby
>:-( Message from someone who is angry
<:>== A turkey head
:-\ Message from someone who is undecided
:-s Response to a bizarre comment
:-' User is spitting out chewing tobacco
:-% Message from a banker
:-} Message from someone wearing lipstick
::-) Message about someone who wears glasses
{(:-) Message concerning toupee
}(:-) Message about a toupee on a winding day
:%)% Message concerning acne
:-* User after eating something sour
:-#| Message from someone with a bushy mustache
:-? User is smoking a pipe
:-)8 Message from someone with a bow tie
:=) Message from someone with two noses
*<|:-) Message from Santa Claus
:n) User with funny looking right nose
:u) User with funny looking left nose
%-^ Message from Picasso
#-) Message from someone who partied all night
8 Infinity
8-| Suspense
8-# Death
:-] Smiley blockhead
:-| No expression, or have an ordinary day
:-> A real happy user
:-I Hmm, thinking
@:I User with a turban
|-D Ho, ho
O-) User is wearing a scuba mask
B-| User is wearing cheap sunglasses
:>) User has a big nose
{:-) Smiley with hair parted down the middle
:-< User is real sad
*-( Cyclops got poked in the eye
<|-)= User is Chinese
>:-< User is mad
:-6 User has eaten something sour
:-# User's lips are sealed
=:-) User is a hose-head
:-e User is disappointed
*:o) User is a bozo
|-P Yuk
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(C)Copyright 1992-1997 Richard Ziegler - All Rights Reserved
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