APPENDIX B. BBS MODE

BBS mode is a small answering service of sorts that imitates a bulletin
board sytem. It allows users to call in, view the directory, upload and
download files, read and write textfiles, and leave messages to you. It
has a chat mode, and it keeps a log of people who have called. Users
may also upload hidden files, which may not be seen by other callers.

Unlike a real BBS, BBS mode has no public message base, no
electronic mail (except feedback to the sysop), and no maintained lis
of users. The BBS mode is meant only as a simple front-end interface
for users to call in and get files.

B.1  Configuration file

BBS mode reads your standard configuration file for Novaterm, and
installs the modules specified there.

In addition, BBS mode uses its own configuration file (given the file
name "\bbs config"), and this is loaded when the program is run, if
it exists. The program also keeps a statistics file (called "\stats")
which records the last caller, number of messages, number of uploads
and downloads, and number of callers.

B.2  Initial setup

BBS mode first tries to set the system clock using the module you
have specified in your configuration for Novaterm (see 1.1.10,
Selecting a real-time clock device). If you have selected the Manual
module, BBS mode asks you for the current time.

You are then presented with the setup menu. Each option has the
following function:

Sysop name:  This is the name you use to log in as the sysop. When
you log in as the sysop, you have special access to read feedback,
execute disk commands, look at the caller log, and view and
download hidden files. If you enter this name when you log in, you
are prompted for sysop password, described below.

BBS name:  This is the name displayed above the default user menu.
It has no other real significance.

System password:  If you enter a system password here, users are
required to supply the password when they log in. If this is left blank,
no password is requested at login.