Msg: 4605 *Conference*
08-16-93 23:04:38
From: RICHARD HANSON
To : CHARLES WENDY
Subj: REPLY TO MSG #4604 ("BBSING")
---- Charles: Your question about BBSing is worth open discussion. Simply put, a BBS is like an interactive answering machine. From an equipment point of view a simple BBS (host) requires very little processing power. Any and all computers, regardless of size, speed, RAM, storage, etc., may be used as a BBS host computer. In fact, there are some BBS programs in our library that turn a Model 100 into a host. From a programming point of view, just about any terminal program may be turned into a host program, e.g., PROCOMM has a very capable host mode. A dedicated host program provides menu features that the system operator (sysop) may use to build the various menu presentations--much like building blocks. Most successful, fun BBS's are dedicated to a specific interest. It's not uncommon for a sysop to be "into" a hobby, and dedicate his BBS to the support of that hobby. Then, with a little bit of local marketing, you will attract individuals of like interest. Another way to build a successful, fun BBS is to make it part of an existing club. That way there's a built in audience right from the first day. The Club 100 BBS--this host--is run on a DOS clone, 8mhz, 8088 XT with 640K RAM and a 40MB drive that is less then 1/4 full, and a monochrom screen. The host software is TBBS v2.2 16, with the Sysom modual v1.0, both by eSoft, Aurora, CO, running on DOS 4.something... I forget... who cares! I use a 4 port Digiboard, 4 modems, and 4 phone lines on hunting. That's it! With this simple set up, the Club 100 BBS supports over 1000 people in its userlog at any one time, and can support many, many more. Most of the time, this host sits unused. Line 1 and 2 get a lot of use. Line 3 comes into play only a few times a week, and line 4 rarely gets used. There are a few magazines around, like BABBA and Boardwatch, both dedicated to BBSing. If you do some library research, you will find articles in most of the major computer magazines on the subject. There are a few books on the subject, as well. Any well stocked book store will have something. It's easy to get started. Although you may start a BBS by simply putting your existing computer into host mode in the evenings when you are not using it, but that usually doesn't work so good. Most of us computer-types tend to do our best work in the evenings--we want and need our computer. The very best way to start BBSing is to go out and get a simple DOS computer and a simple, shareware host program like RBBS and dedicate that computer to "a" phone line--maybe even 2 lines, i.e., COM1 and COM2. Phone lines are cheap. You can usually have your local phone company put a few more lines into your home by simply telling them that you need a few more for your kids. The installation will run you a few bucks, but the monthly nut will be under $10/month; with hunting. Next, you need to play with your BBS's presentation to make it consistant. Don't try to be perfect the first time out. Believe me, after 14 years as a host operator, I am constantly messing with my BBS; and it still ain't perfect. So have fun. Experiment. Lastly, refer to the above ideas about dedication to some personal interest. Keep it fun and interesting. And by all means, do not think you are going to strike it rich as a host operator. You might hit onto something--that's for sure--but most of the time you will just hum along; having fun, making friends. Hope this helps. Good luck... future sysop! -Rick- FYI: This BBS does not make a profit. In fact, I'm lucky if it loses less then $500 a year.