Msg: 6357 *Conference*
03-24-96 09:26:07
From: RICHARD HANSON
To : JEFF LABENZ
Subj: BBS TRICKS
Ah yes ... what can an ASCII guy do in an ANSI world? Back in the "old days" when the West was young, all we had was ASCII. Life was simpler, then. Any computer could log onto any host and feel welcome. Sadly, it ain't that way no more ... except for use who maintain the traditions of our ancesters. :) But hark, there are ways around just about anything in computing; online and off. Most BBSes have a "settings" or "configuration" or "account" menu wherein you may "turn off" both ANSI and IBM graphics. And, if in doubt, they usually list their voice number. Call the sysop and ask to have your account adjusted. Numbers for BBSes in "any area" are found in Computer Currents, Micro Times or Computer Shopper magazines. There may be others, as well. Also, some BBSes are "list keepers" for BBSes world wide. Lastly, go to computer club meetings or contact computer clubs in your area (if any exist) to find out about local BBSes. Sometimes a simple phone call yields more useful information than a modem call. Of course, you can start your own BBS. It's easy and simple. Here's a parts list to get started ... it doesn't get any easier than this: 1) Accquire any old DOS computer with a hard drive (XT, 286, 386) with 640K RAM, mono chrome monitor and one floppy drive, i.e. just about anything that runs that someone is throwing away! The "speed" of the computer does not matter!!! 8mhz is fine. In fact, that's what you're on right now, i.e. an 8mhz TX. 2) Purchase and install an internal modem, top speed 28.8 baud. Since you will be using an older machine an internal modem will have the newer fast UART for speeds over 9600 baud. Plug the modem into a separate phone line. 3) PROCOMM Plus for a host. Simply download the PROCOMM Plus archive file I placed in the (7)Upload area, put in a subdirectory called PCPLUS and run it. It will deARC, spilling out all the files therein. Enter PCPLUS then issue a Alt Q to place it into Host Mode. That's it, dude ... you be a sysop now!! --- From this point you simply start playing and reading and playing some more. Tell your friends to call you for a chat. Ask them to upload some programs and stuff; you do so as well. Good luck, Mr. Sysop! :) -Rick-