How to use BBSes.

     Let me explain just exactly what a bulletin board is. A
bulletin board is a service for personal computer users that is
usually operated by another computer user as a hobby. Some bulletin
boards are run for profit, however. In this guide I will refer to
a bulletin board as a BBS, the abbreviation for Bulletin Board
System. Most BBSes are operated by one or two people, on a normal
home computer. When I first started calling BBSes, I thought that
all BBSes were run on a mainframe, or minicomputer. This is not at
all so.. Some of the bigger services (which are not normally
refered to as bulletin boards) may operate off of computing
equipment other that micro-computers (PC'S). A computer user
accesses a BBS through normal telephone lines, with a device called
a MODEM.  There are two different types of modems, on is called an
EXTERNAL modem which as you might have guess goes outside the
computer. These modems are attached to the phone line with a normal
modular jack, and also to the power line with a transformer box.
(One of those black boxes with the little thin wires). The external
modem attaches to your computer with a serial cable. INTERNAL
modems go right inside your computer (they plug into the
motherboard of your computer) and they use the power that your
computer supplies. They need only to be plugged into the phone
line. You can your normal voice telephone line to call bbses. 
However, be sure that no one picks up the voice phone on the same
line when you are doing this because it will cause unacceptable
noise which is picked up by the modem. If you have call waiting on
your phone line and a call comes in
it will have the same effect on your modem that picking up the
phone does. Once you have the modem hooked up to the computer and
the phone line, and if it is EXTERNAL to the power you are nearly
ready to go.


Software needed to connect to a BBS

Now you will need what is called a "COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM",
otherwise known as a "COMM" program or a "TERM" program.  You can
obtain a commercial version from a computer store.. One example of
a commercial COMM program is "ProCOMM Plus". Such packages may cost
you up to and above $100. What I suggest you do is see if you can
find a COMM program that you may already have. For example,
MS-WORKS, LOTUS WORKS, and EIGHT IN ONE all have built in COMM
programs.. These programs (sorry Microsoft, Lotus, and Spinnaker)
I would have to refer to as "sorry COMM programs". Most of them do
not have ANSI Color Graphics support and can only utilize the
XMODEM Protocol which is rather slow.  However, before you go out
and buy a commercial COMM program check and see if you have one of
these built in COMM programs. Then, use that COMM program and call
a bulletin board and download a SHAREWARE COMM program. Downloading
is the process of copying a program from a BBS to your computer..
I will explain that in greater detail later on. Shareware is a
method of software distribution in which you legaly copy (or
download) a software package and use it for a trial period
(normally 30 days), then if you decide you like it you are asked to
mail the programmer a fee. If you don't like it you are expected to
erase the software, or discontinue using it. It is my opinion that
alot of shareware is much better than its commerercial equivilant.
I suggest that you download QMODEM, a COMM program that is now made
by Mustang Software, INC.. If you don't have any kind of COMM
program with which you can call and download QMODEM I would be
happy to mail it to you on a floppy for $5. This IS NOT the
registration fee you are expected to pay to MUSTANG SOFTARE, it is
only a copying/shipping fee to cover my expenses.

Connecting to a BBS

You may need to set up your COMM program to tell it where your
modem is located in the computer and how it works. Consult your
MODEM and COMPUTER manuals on the different settings.


Now that you have found some type of COMM program, and have got it
all configured and ready to go you will need to find a BBS. A BBS
listing is an excellent place to look. I would suggest the COMPUTER
SHOPPER'S BBS
list. The shopper is a HUGE monthly computer advertisment magazine
that can be found at most bookstores, and some grocery stores.
Every other
month the shopper features a list of BBSes all over the U.S. and
CANADA, and other places. Find a BBS that fits the description of
what you are looking for.  You will probably want a BBS that is
cheap for you to call. Local BBSes are great, if you live in a
large town that has bbses. I don't! You then should add the number
to your COMM program's phone book. The phone book is a menu of your
frequently called BBSes. Once the board is on your phonebook you
can select that number, and if everything is set up right it should
begin dialing that number.  Once the dial is complete you will
probably be told one of three things...

1.   You CONNECTED with the BBS
2.   The BBS number that you dialed was busy, try again later.
3.   The BBS number didn't answer, maybe you entered the number
wrong.

If you are told the number was BUSY, then someone else is on the
BBS you are trying to call so you will have to keep trying until
they get off.  If you get told that the number didn't answer, or
didn't connect then
that can mean a number of things. Perhaps you entered the wrong
number, try making sure the number is right. Or, it could be that
something is
messed up with the BBS you are trying to call. Keep trying, for
about 4 or 5 times and if it doesn't connect wait an hour or so and
try some more. If you are never able to connect it may mean that
the BBS is no longer
active, or it is down for maintainence. Now, if you saw a message
like "CONNECTED AT 2400" or something similar, that is great! You
are on the BBS, or as BBS users say "You are On Line".


BBS Security/Question Blanks/Rules

Now that you are connected you will probably see some type of
message that identifies the BBS that you have connected to. Then
you may be asked a question like "DO YOU WANT ANSI COLOR
GRAPHICS?".. Check your COMM program's manual to see if it supports
ANSI Graphics. If it does, answer YES (Usually you just hit Y) to
the question, if not answer NO or N.  Different BBSes do different
things, but when you log on a BBS you will normally be asked a
bunch of questions. Many people are intimidated or
frightened by the personal or semi personal questions a BBS asks.
Most all BBSes will ask you for your real name, your mailing
address, your age,
and your telephone number. The reason boards ask these questions
are in case that the SysOp (System Operator, the person who
operates the BBS) needs to contact you for any reason (i.e.
technical support, new access numbers, or if you have been breaking
his rules) he can do so. Most
SysOps get very angry if people put in false information when
answering the questions. Many will not even let you on there board
until they have had a chance to check and make sure you did not put
in false information. The BBSes will probably ask you other
questions too, in order that they may serve you better.  Good BBS
SysOps never release your personal info
to anyone except possibly their CO-SysOp (sysop's assitant). If you
suspect that a SysOp will give out your information and you don't
want
him to, then don't call the board. If you feel an extreme need not
to release your information, then fill out the questions with "*"'s
or other stuff. Then FIRST THING page the SysOp or leave him a
message telling him exactly why you cannot answer his questions.
Different SysOps will react in different ways. Some may get mad,
and permantly kick you of their BBS, and some may be kind and
understanding on the matter.  However, it is usually safe to give
out your information to a BBS. Once you fill out your information
you may be given FULL ACCESS, LIMITED ACCESS, or NO ACCESS.

If you are given FULL ACCESS consider yourself blessed because most
BBSes do not give out full access on your first call. Most BBSes
will give you LIMITED or NO access until they have had a chance to
call you VOICE or verify you in another way. Some BBSes will
require you to subscribe and pay a fee before you can use their
board. Let me stop and say that if you call my BBS, The Stealth
System BBS (817) 862-5500 you will be given FULL ACCESS on your
first call, and I will be understanding if you cannot answer the
questions. Ok, lets say that you have logged onto a bulletin board
filled out the questions and have since been given full access.
When you are prompted for a password, you will want to enter a word
that is easy to remeber, yet is hard for someone else to figure
out. Your password is what prevents others from using your account
on a BBS. If someone guesses it, they can cause you all types of
trouble. You might well want to write down your password in a safe
place so you won't forget it. Never use the same password on any
two BBSes. Ok, lets say that you have logged onto a bulletin board
filled out the questions and gave since been given full access. Now
what?


What are some of the things that BBS's offer

There are many different things you can do on a bulletin board.
There are message bases where you can leave a public message for
all users to read and reply to, or you can send a private message
to a friend. Remember, SysOp's and CO-SysOps can read ALL messages
both public and private so if you have some real secret information
use some other means of communicating it. There are DOORS (which
usually are games in which you play against other users). DOORS are
programs that are separate from the BBS but work with it.. When you
select a door you in effect "open" it. When you are through in a
door it returns you to the BBS. Some BBSes have more than one phone
line. Each phone line is called either a "Line" or a "Node" on
BBSes. With most multi node BBSes you can enter a teleconference in
which you can talk to a number of people at once.. You talk to
these people by typing a sentence or two and then they type one
back in responce. This teleconference is called "CHAT" or
"CB-Simulator" on some bbses. If you have a question about the BBS
the
SysOp can be called to a special private chat mode by using the
"PAGE SYSOP" option, if he is there and wants to talk with you. If
it isn't too urgent most SysOps (this DOES NOT include me) would
prefer that you leave them a message, or as most BBSes say "a
comment". Ok now that I have discussed all that I will move on to
the most popular feature of BBSes. Downloading files.


Selecting and downloading a file

BBSes usually have a file library which is full of Free Ware
(absolutly free software), and ShareWare. The BBSes let you
DOWNLOAD these programs onto your computer. BBSes usually don't
give away their files (mine does). They expect you to upload a file
(or pay them money). Uploading of course is the process of copying
a file from your computer onto the BBS's computer. Be sure that you
ONLY send shareware or freeware to a BBS, or the SysOp might become
angry (because that is illegal to send commercial software) and
kick you off. Many BBSes enforce a ratio where you have to upload,
for example 5 files, then you are allowed to download 10. Okay,
lets say you have uploaded a few files on a BBS and have recieved
some downloading credits (perhaps you already had some). You will
probably notice that most of the files on the BBS have a .ZIP
extention. That means that they are a bunch of files ZIPPED
together, and also compressed. You can't run a .ZIP file, so you
have to download a utility called PKUNZIP. The utility allows you
to unzip the files. On most boards you can download a file called
PKUNZIP.EXE, or PKZ110.EXE. To download the file, select (D) from
the file menu (could be different on some boards) and you will be
asked for a transfer protocol.. A protocol is a standard method of
sending files over the modem. Pick the fastest of the well known
protocols that your COMM program supports. The slowest of the well
known protocols is XMODEM, next is YMODEM, and fastest is ZMODEM.
Then the BBS will ask you what filename you want to download. You
should then type in the name of the file. For example:

Enter the file name(s) to download: PKUNZIP.EXE

You would then see something like this...

Searching for PKUNZIP.EXE ....

Description: (PKUNZIP.EXE) Allows you to unzip archived files. 
Approx Time: 3 Minutes, 30k, 28 blocks, using YMODEM protocol
Please Wait..
Ready to send PKUNZIP.EXE ...

Most new modem users think that when this comes up that the
download should start immediatly. Unless your using QMODEM with
ZMODEM autostart, it does not. You have to tell your COMM program
to START THE DOWNLOAD or BEGIN RECIEVING.. You will probably be
asked for a protocol again. Enter the
same protocol that you used earlier. If it doesn't have the
protocol that you picked earlier you will have to press CONTROL-X
to abort the transfer and select a new protocol. If Control-X
doesn't work, just wait until the transfer "times out". If you get
the protocols in agreement and all goes well the BBS will send a
copy of the file to your computer. Now that you have PKUNZIP you
will want to download another program. Lets say you want QMODEM.ZIP
or sometimes its QM43#1.ZIP and QM43#2.ZIP (in that case, you will
have to get both files). Repeat the downloading process you just
learned, except this time put in the Qmodem file name. If you have
to get two files then you will have to download them one at a time,
unless you are using YMODEM BATCH or ZMODEM BATCH which allow you
to download....
you guessed it "a batch" of files. Now lets say you have downloaded
PKUNZIP.EXE, QMODEM.ZIP, and have selected <G> to tell the BBS
goodbye and log off. You are at your DOS prompt and wonder what to
do now.

Try This:

A:\DLOADS> PKUNZIP QMODEM.ZIP

You should see PKUNZIP come up and begin expanding all the files
that
are ZIPPED together. I realize that many of you may not be a bit
familiar with the usage of DOS, and are used to doing everthing
from a menu. Well, I suggest that you download a little menu driven
compainion for PKUNZIP which is available on my bbs as 40.ZIP.. I
would be glad to try and help you get it up and running.

Well, now you have your file from the BBS on your disk... all
decompressed and ready to go. Most shareware programs come with a
.DOC file zipped up in them. You will probably want to load this
.DOC file up on your favorite word processer (if you don't have one
you can always download one!!!) and look through it. It will give
you helpfull information on how to run the program that you
downloaded and it will probably tell you how much and
where to send a registration fee to. When you pay a registration
fee, you will often recieve a printed manual and/or a new version
of the software from the author. You can also print the .DOC
file(s) out on your printer. With that, you are into the world of
trading shareware.


Some final words...

BBSing is an interesting hobby... It can also be very expensive if
you make loads of long distance calls. Modem calls are billed just
like
regular phone calls, but you will find yourself spending much more
time on the modem than you would on the phone. Ma Bell charges, so
keep track of your time.  Call the operator and get rates, then
figure out how much you spent by multiplying it by the time you
spent online. Be kind to the other users, try not to do something
that might anger the SysOp, respect the BBS... Upload!, and one
more thing.. Never post in ALL CAPITALS in a public message base..
It is considered to be yelling, and therefore very rude. Follow
these simple rules (and any other ones that your SysOp may have)
and you will most likely find BBSing a great way to share programs
,information, and to meet new friends.. I hope that my guide was of
some help to you. Please feel free to give my board a call or write
me with
any comments you may have. I am not responsible for ANYTHING that
may result from using the information in the guide.. (i.e. large
phone bill!).

All comments can be mailed to:

     Modem Contact:
Stephen McClymont, Jr.
Route 1 Box 6  (817) 862-5500 [1 NODE]
Elbert, Tx. 76359-970