root@prk.UUCP (Phillip Keen) (04/14/91)
I am in the process of getting either an Atari 8-bit, an Atari ST, or an Apple
// system to run my BBS on. I have decided to go this route rather than
upgrading for it is much cheaper. However, I do realize the consequences of
going with these older out dated computer systems. Can someone tell me which
is the best BBS program for each one of these computer systems, and which setup
(hardware wise) would be best to use. I would appreciate it very much. I
pretty much know on most of the setups what is required, but would like to know
more and would also like some Sysops opinions on the different BBS packages if
possible. Phillip Keen
----
uunet!nuchat!xcluud!prk!root +---------------------------------------+
prkeen@nuchat.sccsi.com | PRK Consulting +1 713 941 5467 [data] |
prkeen@xcluud.sccsi.com | Phillip Keen |
root@prk | 2705 Martin |
| Pasadena, TX 77502-5724 |
+---------------------------------------+scale@abode.wciu.edu (Luis Outumuro) (04/15/91)
Hi Phillip, About running your own BBS. It can be a real pain in the axx (well... you know!); while occassionally it also has it's rewards. To "do it right", you will need a few basics; a computer just for the BBS (not one that you "share" with the BBS part-time), a hard drive and a 2400 bps modem (any slower a modem, and many users won't even call!). Any of the three computers you mentioned (an Atari 800XL/130XE, Atari ST or an Apple IIx) would work great for running a BBS. Which one to use really depends on if you have a spare one of these lying around unused, or can acquire for the least amount of money, or have a preference for a specific BBS software. Look around, the style of BBS YOU like and which computer you can afford to setup, will be factors. As for the Atari 8-Bits, there are really only two realistic choices for BBS software; BBS Express Professional and Carina II (2.5). Both the SysOp's of CII and Pro love to flame each other over which one is better, but both are excellent systems as each as both advantages and disadvantages. Both CII and Pro have networking, capable message editors and U/D sections. Also online games and databases. No matter what anyone tells you (gee... does this include me? :^) ), niether one is "better" than the other. Now of course, I have my personal preference; but then I have been running CII for three years now (was that subtle or what?!). For CII "looks & feels" the way I want my BBS to "look & feel". It is written in BASIC, so I can modify (easily!) to my heart's content; both BASIC and SpartaDOS are available remotely so I modify from anywhere while I am out of town. In three years CII has never crashed (although the MIO did go POP during a heat wave!), CII can be safely called "bullet-proof". Pro has many of these features too, although I am not as knowledgable about Pro as I am about CII. Hopefully someone here on the net is a Pro SysOp and can give you (and all of us) more insight into the workings of BBS Express Professional. I hope this helps, bye............. Luis -- """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Luis Mark Outumuro III | "Well... you're damned if you do, Computer Office Products 818/813-1051 | and you're damned if you don't!" Infoline 818/813-1053 | - Bart Simpson, 1990...
nazgul@alphalpha.com (Kee Hinckley) (04/15/91)
In article <Nk6c11w164w@prk.UUCP> root@prk.UUCP (Phillip Keen) writes: >I am in the process of getting either an Atari 8-bit, an Atari ST, or an Apple >// system to run my BBS on. I have decided to go this route rather than >upgrading for it is much cheaper. However, I do realize the consequences of Without question the best BBS I have ever seen - on any system, is Morgan Davis' ProLine system for the Apple II. I run it on a IIe suped up with an 8mhz zip chip. It runs for weeks sometime without my paying any attention to it. It supports Usenet newsfeeds and outside email connections, the software upgrades arrive electronicly via remote copies, the code is almost all in AppleSoft basic, which makes bug fixes and additiions relatively straightforward. And to top it off the environment includes a large portion of Unix-style commands and a cshell subset. You can get more info from mdavis@pro-sol.cts.com (...crash!pnet01!pro-sol!mdavis). -- Alfalfa Software, Inc. | Poste: The EMail for Unix nazgul@alfalfa.com | Send Anything... Anywhere 617/646-7703 (voice/fax) | info@alfalfa.com I'm not sure which upsets me more: that people are so unwilling to accept responsibility for their own actions, or that they are so eager to regulate everyone else's.
unknown@ucscb.UCSC.EDU (The Unknown User) (04/16/91)
In article <1991Apr15.024149.24710@alphalpha.com> nazgul@alphalpha.com (Kee Hinckley) writes: >Without question the best BBS I have ever seen - on any system, is >Morgan Davis' ProLine system for the Apple II. I run it on a IIe I've never seen ProLine, so I can't comment on it, but I really think GBBS is a really good BBS system from using it. (And I've read a lot of the info on it because I was going to write a full-screen editor for one but unfortunately there are no arrays in the language it uses) I've pretty much gotten out of the microcomputer BBSes though, except for getting new programs.. UNIX, cshell, the Internet and UseNet just seem to be a new dimension in modemming... non-networked (or minimally networked) BBSes just seem so "small." Yeah, I realize ProLine can get a UseNet feed. A pretty neat BBS for MSDOS systems (and it runs under UNIX too) is waffle. If anyone's interested in an Apple II version of it, send mail to root@darkside.com I've wanted to port that program for a long time or have them port it as it's pretty good (they won't let me port it, but maybe sufficient outside interest will help it happen). -- /unknown@ucscb.ucsc.edu Apple IIGS Forever! WANT ULTIMA VI //e or GS?-mail me.\ \CHEAP CDs info-mail me. McIntosh Junior: The Power to Crush the Other Kids. /
grant@bluemoon.uucp (Grant DeLorean) (04/17/91)
unknown@ucscb.UCSC.EDU (The Unknown User) writes: > A pretty neat BBS for MSDOS systems (and it runs under UNIX too) >is waffle. If anyone's interested in an Apple II version of it, send mail >to root@darkside.com > > I've wanted to port that program for a long time or have them port >it as it's pretty good (they won't let me port it, but maybe sufficient >outside interest will help it happen). Waffle started out as an Apple ][ BBS, if you want to know the truth. Tom still has a copy of the old Apple version, but it is not where he can get to it quickly or easily (200 mile drive one way...). The best address to get him at for Waffle related material is dell@vox.darkside.com as he gets to that more often than the other (or at least answers stuff faster from that address). He really has no interest in getting the Apple version current. There is no decent C copiler for the Apple ][ line, so it would have to be a separate product. It is mostly in assembly, with a little BASIC thrown in and not something most people could deal with making changes in. BTW, Matt. Tom does remember you... -- \ Grant DeLorean (grant@bluemoon) {n8emr|nstar}!bluemoon!grant / "You need only reflect that one of the best ways to get yourself a reputation as a dangerous citizen these days is to go about repeating the very phrases which our founding fathers used in the struggle for independence."-C.A. Beard
root@prk.UUCP (Phillip Keen) (04/17/91)
scale@abode.wciu.edu (Luis Outumuro) writes: > > Hi Phillip, > <quoted text deleted> Yes, I know it does. See, that's the problem now with the IBM is that I am needing to use the computer more and more while the BBS is up. So, that's why I am looking into getting a dedicated machine, and I named my options, because my options are the cheapest around town here. I am most likely going to go with the Atari 8-bit because I like how well BBS Express Pro supports ANSI graphics. See, all three types of systems (Atari 8-bit, Atari ST and Apple ][x cost right around the same amount here in town with Apple ][x being the most expensive, the Atari ST being the next higher priced, and the Atari 8-bit being the lowest). However, I suffer the consequences with the Atari 8-bit systems, and that is I would have to be buying ALL used equipment. If I were at least able to purchase Apple ][x or Atari ST systems, I would be able to purchase it all new. So, I don't know which route I should go. See, I am happy with most everything I see in operation, so it makes decisions hard on me. This is why I brought the conversation to such a huge network community, to kind of help me decide which route to go. Yes, thanks for the information about Carina II, although down here in Houston, BBS Express Pro is the preferred BBS package amongst Atari 8-bit computer systems. I might just give a Carina II system a call sometime. The Carina II system in town, NiteLight has been having some problems, so I might have to call out of town or something. There is one Atari BBS program I wasn't too happy with, but don't remember what it was because it's been ages ago since I've seen it. It might of been Carina for all I know. I'll have to check them out again... Phillip ---- uunet!nuchat!xcluud!prk!root +---------------------------------------+ prkeen@nuchat.sccsi.com | PRK Consulting +1 713 941 5467 [data] | prkeen@xcluud.sccsi.com | Phillip Keen | root@prk | 2705 Martin | | Pasadena, TX 77502-5724 | +---------------------------------------+
root@prk.UUCP (Phillip Keen) (04/17/91)
unknown@ucscb.UCSC.EDU (The Unknown User) writes: > > In article <1991Apr15.024149.24710@alphalpha.com> nazgul@alphalpha.com (Kee H > >Without question the best BBS I have ever seen - on any system, is > >Morgan Davis' ProLine system for the Apple II. I run it on a IIe > > I've never seen ProLine, so I can't comment on it, but I really > think GBBS is a really good BBS system from using it. (And I've read a lot > of the info on it because I was going to write a full-screen editor for one > but unfortunately there are no arrays in the language it uses) > > I've pretty much gotten out of the microcomputer BBSes though, except > for getting new programs.. > > UNIX, cshell, the Internet and UseNet just seem to be a new dimension > in modemming... non-networked (or minimally networked) BBSes just seem > so "small." Well, true many people thing UNIX, cshell, and the internet and USENET just seem to be a new dimension in modeming. I see that, but I just simply do not have the money to upgrade. That is my plans eventually is to start my own public access UNIX system and focus on education with it, but until that time, I am looking at cheaper alternatives. > > Yeah, I realize ProLine can get a UseNet feed. > > A pretty neat BBS for MSDOS systems (and it runs under UNIX too) > is waffle. If anyone's interested in an Apple II version of it, send mail > to root@darkside.com > Yeh, Waffle is a pretty good ol' program. It's not as fancy as it could and should be for DOS. It would be great if the DOS version would support color ANSI graphics. If it did, I would stay with it. That's why I am wanting to switch programs, is my users are complaining about the all text based WAFFLE. Phillip ---- uunet!nuchat!xcluud!prk!root +---------------------------------------+ prkeen@nuchat.sccsi.com | PRK Consulting +1 713 941 5467 [data] | prkeen@xcluud.sccsi.com | Phillip Keen | root@prk | 2705 Martin | | Pasadena, TX 77502-5724 | +---------------------------------------+
Ordania-DM@cup.portal.com (Charles K Hughes) (04/18/91)
Phillip Keen writes: <some stuff deleted> >Yes, I know it does. See, that's the problem now with the IBM is that I am >needing to use the computer more and more while the BBS is up. So, that's >why I am looking into getting a dedicated machine, and I named my options, >because my options are the cheapest around town here. I am most likely going >to go with the Atari 8-bit because I like how well BBS Express Pro supports >AN You know...it has just occurred to me that the 8-bit would be the absolute cheapest way to go... There is a new program/cable combo out that allows the Atari to use the IBM as a fileserver. Presumably this doesn't force the IBM into a dedicated mode. If you bought an 8-bit, a 1050 (or better), the BBS program of your choice, and the SIO2PC program/cable, you'd probably pay about half of what it would cost you for a different system. If you're interested, I'll try to dig up the reference to the SIO2PC stuff. Charles_K_Hughes@cup.portal.com >prkeen@xcluud.sccsi.com | Phillip Keen |
parsons@matt.ksu.ksu.edu (Scott Parish) (04/18/91)
Ordania-DM@cup.portal.com (Charles K Hughes) writes: > If you're interested, I'll try to dig up the reference to the SIO2PC stuff. >Charles_K_Hughes@cup.portal.com Did anyone bother to put this at atari.archive.umich.edu? -- Scott Parish a.k.a. | "I don't believe it." -- Luke Skywalker parsons@matt.ksu.ksu.edu | "That is why you fail." -- Yoda, Jedi Master
scale@abode.wciu.edu (Luis Outumuro) (04/18/91)
Hi Phillip, I have seen Nitelite's name on the ICN (Carina's own network). If it is possible, it would be great if both some local CII and Pro SysOp's could give you a hands on tour; who knows, ask around. CII does support ANSI now, also SpartaDOS X. Really whatever one (Pro or CII) comes out with first, the other adds it shortly after. CII networking will have F-Net compatibility soon (it is in beta-testing). I have also heard that CII/Pro network compatibility is being talked about. CII 2.5 will be released probably this week or next week. I am not sure what the latest version of Pro is, but I'm one of the local Pro SysOp's can tell you. Also MIO's can still be bought brand new from ICD, they have lowered all the prices on thier Atari 8-Bit products. Take care, bye........ Luis -- """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Luis Mark Outumuro III | "Well... you're damned if you do, Computer Office Products 818/813-1051 | and you're damned if you don't!" Infoline 818/813-1053 | - Bart Simpson, 1990...
taob@pnet91.cts.com (Brian Tao) (04/19/91)
From root@prk.UUCP (Phillip Keen): > See, all three types of systems (Atari 8-bit, Atari ST and Apple ][x cost > right around the same amount here in town with Apple ][x being the most > expensive, the Atari ST being the next higher priced, and the Atari 8-bit > being the lowest). I know that Atari ST's can be had for very little, but a used Apple //e, mono monitor and 20-meg HD can probably be bought for under $500, if that. ProLine and GBBS are both excellent BBS programs for the //e. In any case, good luck with your BBS. Brian T. Tao *B-) | t569taob@bluffs.scar.utoronto.ca | "Though this be U of Metro Toronto | - or - | madness, yet there Scarberia, ON | taob@pnet91.cts.com | is method in 't."
greg@hoss.unl.edu (Lig Lury Jr.) (04/20/91)
root@prk.UUCP (Phillip Keen) writes: >I am looking into getting a dedicated machine, and I named my options, >because my options are the cheapest around town here. I am most likely going >to go with the Atari 8-bit because I like how well BBS Express Pro supports >ANSI graphics. See, all three types of systems (Atari 8-bit, Atari ST and >Apple ][x cost right around the same amount here in town with Apple ][x being >the most expensive, the Atari ST being the next higher priced, and the >Atari 8-bit being the lowest). However, I suffer the consequences with the >Atari 8-bit systems, and that is I would have to be buying ALL used equipment. >If I were at least able to purchase Apple ][x or Atari ST systems, I would >be able to purchase it all new. So, I don't know which route I should go. >See, I am happy with most everything I see in operation, so it makes decisions >hard on me. This is why I brought the conversation to such a huge network >community, to kind of help me decide which route to go. There are several choices though for the Apple // series. Proline gets lots of raves it seems. GBBS "Pro" is nice, and you're not restricted to using AppleSoft BASIC. (It's nice to get away from line numbers once in awhile.) Its language (ACOS) is similar to BASIC, but is more structured. METAL though is a rather new Apple BBS language, has lots of the features of the ACOS language, but adds a lot more. I'm still catching up with the documentation that came with the disks, and that by no means is the entire manual. The packaged program Future Visions is nice, comes ready for networking, and is easily editable by any text editor from Freewriter to ProTERM to AppleWorks, and even editable ONLINE (as is ACOS). Its only problem right now is that it is so new that it lacks some drivers, namely printer drivers and support for some modems, like my DataLink 2400 internal. It has a lot going for it though, including some of the features others have mentioned that Proline has. (Sorry guys, didn't know it would run on a non-GS.) I believe you can also use ANSI with it, and several other emulations. >---- >uunet!nuchat!xcluud!prk!root | PRK Consulting +1 713 941 5467 [data] | >prkeen@nuchat.sccsi.com | Phillip Keen | >prkeen@xcluud.sccsi.com | 2705 Martin | >root@prk | Pasadena, TX 77502-5724 | -- /// ____ \\\ "It says, `Golgafrincham Ark Fleet, Ship B, Hold 7, Telephone | |/ / \ \| | Sanitizer, Second Class,' and a serial number." "A telephone \\_(\____/)_// sanitizer? A dead telephone sanitizer?" "Best greg \_\\\/ hoss.unl.edu kind." "But what's he doing here?" "Not a lot."
bobl@graphics.rent.com (Bob Lindabury - SysAdm) (04/20/91)
greg@hoss.unl.edu (Lig Lury Jr.) writes: > There are several choices though for the Apple // series. Proline gets > lots of raves it seems. GBBS "Pro" is nice, and you're not restricted to > using AppleSoft BASIC. (It's nice to get away from line numbers once in > awhile.) Its language (ACOS) is similar to BASIC, but is more structured. You don't have to use the line numbers in BASIC when you edit your Proline source. You can pickup MD-BASIC which gives you alot of the power and comfort of a C compiler but it is actually a BASIC to Applesoft translater. MD-Basic allows you to write your programs in a text editor and then compile them into plain-jane Applesoft. You can setup defines and includes in your source as well as call in libs and such. It's the ONLY way to program for Applesoft. Also, you can use a program like Program Writer which is basically a word-processor for BASIC programs. Either way, it's simple, easy and powerful. MD-Basic also comes with a decompiler so you can take plain BASIC programs and decompile them into MD-Basic source with labels and word-variables etc, etc. -- Bob The Graphics BBS 908/469-0049 "It's better than a sharp stick in the eye!" ============================================================================ InterNet: bobl@graphics.rent.com | Raven Enterprises UUCP: ...rutgers!bobsbox!graphics!bobl | 25 Raven Avenue BitNet: bobl%graphics.rent.com@pucc | Piscataway, NJ 08854 Home #: 908/560-7353 | 908/271-8878