jeff@tekcsc.MKT.TEK.COM (Jeff Beadles) (11/16/88)
Well, after a couple of weeks, here's the responses that I have received.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: tektronix!att!cuuxd!migh
About BBS's for Unix:
We've been using "AKCS" here, for almost a year now (shy about 2 weeks).
It works pretty good (quick user response and doesn't dog the system),
and the vendor is responsive and always "improviing" the product.
He is Karl Denninger, ddsw1!karl, and the company is Macro Computer
Solutions, 312-566-8910.
I'm guessing that the "mkt" in your address means "marketing", and
you're thinking of a marketing-type bulleting board. Good idea,
that's sort of what we've got - a pre-sales technical support bbs.
I wouldn't be suprised if Karl gives you a call - he appears on the
net from time to time, and announces his major releases in .newprod.
Karl knows about 'picospan' and has developed AKCS to compete with
it (and surpass). AKCS comes with utilities to let it "link" with
picospan (whatever that is...). His latest release will (does?)
link with UseNet. We probably won't bother taking advantage of that.
I've written a paper for Usenix (we'll see if they accept it in a
week or so) about using "chroot" to plop the bbs users in their
own "virtual" system (I know, I know, sounds too much like an IBM-ism...).
If it doesn't get accepted, and if you're interested (it's actually
high-level, but could be helpful), I'll slush a copy out to ya'.
Good luck!
Mike Hall att!cuuxb!migh 312-810-6029
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: turnkey.TCC.COM!sandy@uunet.UUCP (Sanford 'Sandy' Zelkovitz)
Hi Jeff,
You can call my system at 714-898-8634 and try out XBBS. The price is REALLY
reasonable since it is FREE! You can take all of the source code, etc.
Sanford <sandy> Zelkovitz XBBS 714-898-8634
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: "William E. Davidsen Jr" <uunet.uu.net!steinmetz!davidsen@tektronix>
chinet was running picospan. Send mail to randy@chinet for details.
--
bill davidsen (wedu@ge-crd.arpa)
{uunet | philabs}!steinmetz!crdos1!davidsen
"Stupidity, like virtue, is its own reward" -me
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Karl Denninger <karl@ddsw1.mcs.com>
Here's some info on a commercial package, AKCS, which is a direct competitor
to Picospan. We feel it is both more advanced and a higher-performance
solution. I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have, or you can
experience the system yourself, first-hand, by calling the "DATA" number in
my .signature below; the system is available 24 hours a day.
I hope you'll find this information of use!
If we can be of any help, please give us a call!
--
Karl Denninger (karl@ddsw1.MCS.COM, ddsw1!karl)
Data: [+1 312 566-8912], Voice: [+1 312 566-8910]
Macro Computer Solutions, Inc. "Quality solutions at a fair price"
-- Enclosure:
AKCS V5.5.1 (tm)
The Future in Computer Conferencing is here today.
AKCS is a threaded conferencing package with extraordinary versatility, ease
of use, performance, and support. Operating on nearly all modern Unix (tm)
systems, AKCS is the answer to your computer conferencing needs, whether you
be a corporate or individual user, for profit or not.
Designed for excellent performance on a small Unix or Xenix machine, AKCS is
willing to work for you on all sizes of computers. From the small 80286
system to the largest Amdahl or VAX, AKCS and MCS deliver an outstanding
value for your investment.
AKCS, like all MCS software products, comes with our famous support and
upgrade policy -- problems are attended to *now*, enhancements (downloaded
via uucp or xmodem) are free during the first 6 months, and our competent
technical support staff is standing by should you have questions about the
product. Some recent examples of our dedication to this product and our
customers:
AKCS is currently at Version 5.5.1. We have shipped five significant
updates in the last year -- more than many other firms issue in the
space of four years! MCS *does* listen to the end-user -- and more
importantly, we RESPOND. In recent releases we have added:
o User-defined editors, mailers, and external pagers.
o An internal "options" screen for easy user configuration.
o A "find" command for extremely rapid searches of the
posting database by subject or keyword (including booleans).
o User-defined item and response header format, which can
be set differently for each conference user.
o The external-program interface and redefinable command
lists, complete with security information.
o Many other enhancements and changes; too many to list.
o And of course, the USENET interface software.
Coming soon in the V6 release:
o Full-screen, multiple window interface for both posting
and reading articles.
o Internal mail support for the use of captive user accounts,
as well as an internal "reply" facility allowing AKCS users
to reply to postings by electronic mail (both to other
AKCS users and to regular UNIX(tm) users).
A recent example of our "bug fix" policy:
o A customer found a non-fatal, but very annoying problem
with the intersite linkage in AKCS V5.5. Within 48 hours
of the initial report, the bug was located, eradicated,
the subsequent build was tested, and new versions (V5.5.1)
were distributed to affected customers.
Other firms promise support and updates. MCS delivers, in spades,
without breaking your budget.
Today you can easily afford this kind of support for your conferencing
software. MCS is always willing to listen to and act on your suggestions as
an AKCS user or system administrator.
You deserve nothing less than the best. MCS and AKCS deliver it to your door
and modem's RS-232 interface every time.
Key features of AKCS V5.5 are:
o NEW for V5.5 -- Now linked with the Usenet! Your conferencing system can
be automatically fed from a netnews neighbor (or an operating netnews
site at your location), and responses and new items will be posted back
to the net if desired. This allows you to use AKCS as a high-power
Usenet organizer! An expiration option in the AKCS software deletes a
discussion item when no followups have occurred in a specified number of
days -- allowing you to keep active discussions as long as there is
interest. Both unidirectional and bidirectional links are fully
supported, and take full advantage of AKCS' integral loop detection and
message organization capabilities.
o Unequaled captive login and enhanced security features allow you to set
up a complete multiuser system with conferencing, file up/down load,
chat (multiuser real-time communications) and any desired external programs
without the need to assign user shell accounts. AKCS manages all aspects
of creation of these ids and the maintenance involved. Multiuser 'chat'
software and a newuser signup program which creates normal unix login id's
are provided in source form at no additional charge. Complete control
over conference membership is simple with our "allowed/denied" processing.
In addition, moderated and read-only conferences are supported for those
customers who need these features.
o AKCS commands, help screens and main command prompts may be redefined
by the system administrator, and new external commands may be added or
deleted as desired. Customize your system to suit YOUR needs and desires.
Detailed information is provided to customers on request so they may insure
that a captive login remains secure.
o Conferences link with any number of other AKCS sites, for a fully networked
solution. Now you can share your conferences with other Unix(tm) sites!
As a owner of AKCS, you're welcome to join our already-established network
of sites running the AKCSNet!
o Fully multi-user, with multiple system links being transparent to the user.
AKCS supports up to 4096 active threads per conference, with no limit to
the number of conferences -- you are limited only by available disk space.
o Maintenance commands from the main menu permit a 'fairwitness' to rebuild
critical system files without any training in AKCS internals. A
full-screen maintenance program is provided as well, and allows the AKCS
administrator(s) to add and delete conferences, configure links, and impose
or lift restrictions on the usage of conference(s), as well as maintain the
captive user accounts. There is no need to manually search directories for
affected files; the 'point and shoot' interface makes it a snap.
o Easy installation instructions and an on-line manual page as well as
on-line help are available at every point; use of the system is easy for
both the novice and the experienced user.
o An 'options' screen is provided in AKCS which allows users to customize the
operation of AKCS to suit their needs, including message header format
and verbosity level, as well as the specification of an external pager
(non-captive users only).
o Interfaces with our companion product, ELBS, providing file Up/Download
access in an easy-to-use and understand format. ELBS can run in either a
full-screen or text mode, depending on the user's terminal capabilities.
ELBS permits either unrestricted or quota-based Up/Download.
o Source code is available; call or write for information.
AKCS users are also eligible to receive any or all of our currently linked
conferences, providing you are willing to poll our organizations' equipment.
We have several conferences which are of wide-area interest available on
request to all AKCS sites.
AKCS is available NOW for the following system configurations:
o SCO Xenix/286 and /386
o Microport Unix SysV/286 and /386
o AT&T 3b1 and 3b2 series systems
MCS will port to other Unix configurations on a time-and-materials basis if
desired -- contact us if you wish to inquire about a specific system
configuration. We are also willing to license the Source Code to qualified
firms.
BUY *NOW* to beat any possible increase with the release AKCS V6 -- and get
the highest performance, best supported conferencing solution available
anywhere -- at any price!
AKCS V5 Binary License Pricing:
System Class Binary Price Annual Support
(Letter, examples) (Including utilities) (First 6 mos. included)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* A - 80286, AT&T 7300/3b1 $149.00 $49.00
B - "AT" '386, 3b2/310,
Microvax-II $249.00 $49.00
C - 3b2/400, UVax 3800,
Vax 11/780 $499.00 $99.00
D - Vax 8600 series, 8800,
large Amdahls, etc. $999.00 $199.00
AKCS V5 Source License Pricing:
Unix System V, DEC Ultrix $2,499 $500.00
+ Porting Charges
* (Special promotional binary price; available for a limited time only)
Support includes bug fix and suggestion handling by telephone or email, as
well as the right to receive updates to the software as they become
available with only a nominal media/shipping charge imposed. Media and
handling charges are waived if the updates are picked up electronically.
To order or for more information, contact MCS today.
Macro Computer Solutions, Inc.
415 South East Garfield Avenue
Mundelein, IL 60060
(312) 566-8910
For a complete live demonstration of AKCS call our computer system by modem at:
(312) 566-8911 or (312) 566-8912 24-hour modem access at 300-2400 baud
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: uunet.uu.net!csdev!tarkus!igloo!learn@tektronix
I run both picospan and AKCS here at igloo, a public access system
somewhat like what you're thinking about setting up.
I also have src for notesfiles, and am getting src for xbbs (to have
and to play with.)
I started out with picospan here, as a result of having a large
nearby system (chinet) running that. I also called regularly to m-net
which is a system owned by Mike Meyers, who is part of the firm which
handles distribution for picospan.
The following systems grant immediate free shell access at first
login with no fees, and feature picospan :
chinet 312-286-0519 (pc persuitable)
m-net 313-994-6333 (not pc persuitable)
igloo 312-272-5912 (pc persuitable-rsh till validation, no fees)
the following systems provide access to AKCS on first login :
ddsw1 312-566-8911 (and 8912) (pc persuitable) (akcs captive account)
igloo see above
vpnet 312-833-8140 (pc persuitable)
Bill Blue also wrote something of a bbs for UNIX, and it is running
on gryphon (or was.) Gryphon is a by invitation only system, so send
mail to the owner, Greg Laskin, if you wish to see it in action. I
am not aware of his login id on his system, root is a safe bet.
>From my standpoint, akcs is maturing rapidly but is still under continuing
development. New features are being added all the time (windows to
respond in context to previous posts is currently up on ddsw1 for testing.)
Picospan is very expensive, although there has been some word about
dropping the price. This is a mature product with little or no outlook
for further improvements (it could, in my personal opinion, use a few.)
Both akcs and picospan have extensive user configurable options. Akcs
also has some which are sysadm configurable.
AKCS is networked to 5 systems at present (normal uucp connections,
also possible to send info as normal e-mail.) This linkability is
included in the software. Although I personally don't care for the
built in option to interface with usenet from akcs (and ddsw1 has several
demo conferences done thus) it is also included.
Picospan has a third (or is it 4th) party optional softeware package
which will link conferences with remote picospan systems. The linking
to other systems is more limited in possibility at this time.
If I were to start from scratch at this point in time, and not have
a base of newuser potential already available because of nearby
systems running similar software, I'd quite probably opt for the
akcs package, and link to the existing network just to have some
startup activity.
You know your own area better than I do. I know the sysadmins at
all the systems I listed above personally, and on my and their
behalf extend an invitation to come try the software before you
make up your mind. If you come aboard igloo, please leave mail
to root, mentioning this usenet thread, and I'll change you to
your choice of sh, rsh, or ksh under microport immediately. Factually,
one doesn't need shell access to run either of the bbs's here
with all the normal benefits (except use of ex or vi editors
within the bbs.)
Good luck with your board. I am a month short of having been
up for 2 years now. It has been a mixed blessing (as most
things are.)
Bill Vajk learn@igloo
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: cornell!mailrus!sharkey!umix!m2-net!mju (Marc Unangst)
Yeah, I've had plenty of experience with PicoSpan. Here at M-Net, it's
what we run. Pico is a real nice, very customizable system, both on
the individual-user level and at the system administrator level.
Pico is conferencing software (i.e., DL/UL not directly supported)
that supports multiple message areas ("conferences"). Each message
is stored as an "item", and replies to the item are stored along with
it. A user reads the item and responses at the same time (well...One
after the other), and then is offered the opportunity to make their
own response. A conference-list file is supported - Put a list of
your favorite conferences in it, and then step through them with
the "next" command. PicoSpan is completely command driven. It's
a real nice BBS system (although it IS rather expensive - $1500),
and I would recommend it strongly.
For more information, contact Marcus Watts (the writer of PicoSpan)
here on M-Net, at mdw@m-net.ann-arbor.mi.us.
--
"Don't find a fault. | Marc Unangst
Find a remedy." | UUCP: mju@m-net.ann-arbor.mi.us
-Henry Ford | UUCP path: ...!uunet!umix!m-net!mju
---------------------+ Internet: mju%m-net@umix.cc.umich.edu
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Richard Childers <ucbvax.berkeley.edu!avsd!childers@tektronix>
Send mail to well!root ( I think it's Andrew Scott Beale ) and ask them for
an email address for NETI, which is Networking, Incorporated, or something
like that, a borderline software firm working out of Ann Arbor.
They make PicoSpan.
The Well is a public domain BBS run on a VAX 11/730 by Whole Earth Access,
in Sausalito, CA. You might give them a call, too.
-- richard
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: tektronix!nosun!sun!aeras!jason
Greetings!
Ok, here is a commercial BBS type system for Unix type environments...
I'll include the advertizing hype here, and just say that to try it out,
there are a couple of systems on the west coast to use...
300/1200 Sharks head BBS (408) 247-4810 (multiple lines)
1200/2400/19.2 BBCS Customer support (408) 259-5821 (multiple lines)
As for the Advertizing hype... It's appended at the end of this letter.
More features are on the way, with expanded network support in version 1.2.
Have fun!
Jason
BBCS
Bulletin Board Construction System
(c) copyright 1987 All rights reserved.
by
Textural Software
P.O. Box 611778
San Jose, CA 95161
Bulletin Boards -
Bulletin board systems have been developed in the past as a
series of growing concepts and responses to needs. Most
systems are inefficient, overgrown and unwieldy, difficult
to maintain and modify. They are not adaptive to the
environment and 'flavor' of their intended uses. Most crit-
ically, in a UNIX (tm) environment, they are not secure.
The Bulletin Board Construction System (BBCS) was designed
and structured specifically for the UNIX environment with
all the above in mind. It was conceived and designed as a
complete entity with all features and functions included at
its inception. As a result, the BBCS is amazingly adapt-
able. Using simple text files, entire system personalities
can be created and modified easily by the system administra-
tor. In fact, multiple personalities can reside on the same
machine, each with a separate data base if desired. This
ability includes all functions and responses seen by the
user.
SYSTEM DESIGN
Most bulletin board systems were designed and implemented
around the remote end user. System controls and security
functions were added later in response to problems, gaps and
the infamous hacker. The BBCS was designed from the
viewpoint of the system administrator. Security, ease of
maintenance and flexibility are key attributes the system
was designed for. Every program is intended to support and
protect both the system and administrator. An extremely
easy, secure remote user interface is a direct product of
this approach.
All functions and utilities are executed using a single
keystroke, menu driven user interface. Full help screens
are available for all major and most minor functions within
- 2 -
the system. Terminals with cursor addressing are not
required, allowing even the simplest laptop computers to
dial in and function with no problems. The UNIX-style
separation of the login and BBS programs provides full con-
trol of port configurations, eliminating hardware restric-
tions from the BBCS.
Special utilities are included to significantly reduce (to
the point of nearly eliminating) the burden of system
maintenance. Automatic message handling programs will
periodically (under system administration control) clean and
maintain the message bases. Similar programs operate for
user access files, removing outdated logins and updating the
user status systems. All automatic features have built-in
overrides that may be set to disable individual operations
on a message or user basis.
The system administrator has unique communication capabili-
ties with the system end users. Direct 'chat' or conversa-
tion can be forced by the system administrator with any user
on-line. This is useful for warnings, interjections or just
popping into a discussion.
Conversely, a user may request a private chat with the sys-
tem administrator but may not force it. The system adminis-
trator has the option to turn off all requests for chat,
turn them on with autopage (notifying him of a user
request), turn on requests with an automatic request for the
reason for the chat, or do an invisible disconnect which
prevents requests from printing on the console. The latter
is intended to support an observation mode.
SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS
Security is closely controlled by the system administrator
and ranges from an open system to one that is closed even to
local (non-remote) users. Error trapping is a high priority
in the design of the BBCS, allowing for any mistakes, even
on the system administrator's level with error logging and
messages as well as a graceful exit that maintains system
security. Additionally, the system administrator has full
control over the remote users. He has the ability to
observe, override and log all activities in real time while
a remote user is on-line.
Access by remote users is password and user name controlled.
The passwords are held in a file separate from normal UNIX
and may be up to 32 characters in length. Names can also be
up to 32 characters. Any combination of ascii characters,
with the exception of the underscore character, is legiti-
mate for either field.
- 3 -
END USER FEATURES
While the BBCS was designed with the system administrator in
mind, the end user has not been forgotten. The system pro-
vides a clear, easy to follow approach to bulleting board
entry and full usage. Full help screens are provided for
most features. The help screens can be edited by the system
administrator along with comment fields that are not
displayed. Operation is by single keystroke, with only the
allowed commands displayed. Error control is done grace-
fully, with the system either ignoring the erroneous input
or providing its own default instead. It is crash-proof
from the user end (this can be substantiated).
Screen presentation and flow control are consistent
throughout the entire BBCS. All features are completely
menu driven. The menus themselves are easily customized by
the system administrator to describe exactly what he intends
that function to do in the particular implementation in use.
The menus and the entire user screen presentation need not
be in English. They can be edited into any language or
mnemonic presentation.
The BBCS supports full upload and download capabilities at
the discretion of the system administrator. Protocols
include ASCII Express (tm), xmodem, xmodem CRC 16, cu and
ascii transfer. The upload/download features are auto-
menued. Upload by the user is configurable by the system
administrator to be immediately available for download to
other users or to wait for review and approval. The user
environment needs no emulation features or capabilities.
Any standard ascii terminal or computer system and modem can
be used.
Real-time tele-conferencing is supported on multiple levels.
Open conference is available on group level, allowing anyone
to enter or leave the discussion at will. Private con-
ferencing can be started by two or more users, with addi-
tional users entering only by invitation. Finally, as pre-
viously stated, the system administrator or SysAdmin can
enter or initiate any conference.
- 4 -
BBCS APPLICATIONS
A wide range of applications is possible since the BBCS was
designed to work in and through UNIX. Beyond the standard
public access entertainment type of BBS (fun boards), there
are myriad possibilities. Descriptions below are just a
sample of the serious business uses that can be supported
through the BBCS.
Customer and Product Support
* On-line software updates
* Technical discussion board
* Tech note, hints and instructional posting
* New product or service advertising
Electronic Mail Order Catalog Sales
* Product descriptions and reviews
* User posted product reviews and discussions
* Electronic order entry
* Secure front-end for other electronic order and
inventory programs
* Specials viewed automatically at login time
Secure Front-end and E-Mail for Applications Software Use
* Dial-in Bookkeeping Services
* Corporate secure dial-in for employees and field
sites (mail, accounting, etc.)
* Dial-in Inventory Control
* Word Processor / Typeset Quality Printer Access
BULLETIN BOARD CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM (BBCS) HIGHLIGHTS
ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Xenix/UNIX operating system
Modem capable ports
Console and 1 user port minimum
supports 1-8, 9-32 or greater than 32 user ports
Operates over local networks and rsh'able
SYSTEM SPECIFICATION
Supports both private and group E-mail
Multiple Message Base capability (limited only by host file system)
Individual User Accounts
Group User Accounts
Password Protection
Multiple BBCS Systems may co-exist and operate on one host
Multiple Access Levels
500 32 bit option flags (450 user-definable)
16 options per account (user changeable)
Automatic Utilities
98% of BBCS maintenance is automated
Auto-Delete
Auto-Pack (Auto-packs entire message base, removes deleted
messages and outdated messages if enabled)
Auto-Date (Removes inactive new users of non-members)
Maintains Individual User Statistics
Number of accesses (Keeps details of last 10)
Number of Entries made by User:
Keystrokes
Special Characters
Uploads
Downloads
Messages Left
Times Called
Total Time On-line
Maintains Statistics for each Message Base
Message Base Activity
E-mail Base Activity
Periodic Statistics Report
BBCS has integral control of users
Override
Edit
Disconnect
Denial of Access
99% of display text is reconfigurable by system administrator
Full Application Customization supported
BULLETIN BOARD CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM (BBCS) HIGHLIGHTS
SYSTEM SPECIFICATION (continued)
Question & Answer Menus buildable and configurable
Includes Order Input Commands
All text files are appendable or prependable
Up & Down-Loading support (xmodem, xmodem CRC16, cu,
ASCII Express(tm), ascii)
Built-in Message Editor
Real-Time Conferencing
Group (public) Tele-conferencing
Private Conference (2 or more users)
SysAdmin (System Administrator forced)
Full Diagnostics and Error Reporting
Full Support Utilities
Expandable (New commands easily added)
Special routines
New functions
FEATURES
255 Access Levels assignable by SysAdmin
Private and Open Message Bases
Private Base has public option
Uploads are auto-menued (Auto-log of sender and time)
Downloads are auto-menued
Flags control downloads (for control of Trojan horses and access)
Access control of who can download (non-access can't see feature)
Prepend option (Newest upload can appear first or last)
Message Base Access Flags controlled by two bits
See option (does option print in user menu)
Execute option (command executable by user (y/n))
Non-accessible options are not visible in internal prompts
All menus are text files under system administrator edit control
3-Tier Protection and Security setup
Separate Password Files from normal UNIX (Secure from users)
Full C2 UNIX Security compliant
Complete UNIX Isolation under system administrator's control
Full featured HELP screens (all major, most minor commands)
All HELPs may be edited or expanded by the system administrator
Simple User Interface with no cursor addressing required for terminal
---
|UUCP {ucbvax, hplabs}!sun!aeras!jason Archiver: comp.sources.{
|VOICE (408) 922-8365 games,misc,unix,x
|LOCAL Hey, Jason! }; For anon-uucp login
|Disclaimer: Not me! I didn't do *THAT!*
--
Jeff Beadles IDG Customer Support Center Tektronix, Inc.
jeff@tekcsc.mkt.tek.com -or- POB 1000
..!tektronix!tekcsc.mkt.tek.com!jeff Wilsonville, OR. 97070 MS 63-171manes@marob.MASA.COM (Steve Manes) (11/18/88)
From article <109@tekcsc.MKT.TEK.COM>, by jeff@tekcsc.MKT.TEK.COM (Jeff Beadles):
> Well, after a couple of weeks, here's the responses that I have received.
I missed this thread. One more BBS for consideration: Magpie/Xenix.
I didn't bring a nice, machine-readable sales brochure with me but here
goes.
Magpie is an archival, tree-structured BBS. Unlike threaded softwares,
Magpie messages are attached logically to each other rather than by
"Subject:" or datestamp. This gives the message base a logical, direct
"by-reply" relationship for each message. Magpie also includes a wealth
of navigation commands to allow you to traverse these threads of message
up (to parent), left/right (to sibling replies, i.e. immediate replies
to the same parent message and to menus of other replies (presented in a
menu format).
With this message format you can create a very powerful, hierarchical
bulletin-based system.
Features:
* Search Functions
Search for messages by author, recipient, title, date and
full message text, either chronologically (forward and back)
or limited to the current thread.
* Command-driven, Verb-Noun Interface
While harder to master initially, Magpie's command interface
gives users access to 45+ commands at the standard prompt with
a context-sensitive help menu. There are also several
"automated" message paths for reading new messages, messages
localized to the current thread or messages on your current
search path.
* Download files "attached" to messages
Unlike most BBSes which require you to exit to a FILES area,
Magpie's file downloads are logically attached to ordinary
messages as enclosures, allowing messages (up to 10k long)
to document files and files to support messages. Files can
be searched using the same commands used for searching for
messages. This also provides greater documentation
possibilities for files and allows discussion about those files
to be rooted under them directly.
* Universal File De-Archiver
.ARC, .arc, .ZOO, .zoo, .a, .cpio, .tar, -tar, .sh, .shar,
.Z and their various permutations may be manipulated on-line,
internal files extracted, re-archived and downloaded, internal
text files catted, and/or the entire archive moved to another
archive format.
* Editors
Magpie has both a very powerful line editor with block insert
and delete and Upload (through the editor) and a very-protected
'vi' editor (ain't been cracked yet... and I know this sounds
like a reckless dare).
* Heavily-featured MultiChat program
* Word-wrap for terminal widths from 32-132 columns
Both input and output. Text will reformat to your terminal's
width.
* Exec Window
Allows execution of Unix programs on a security-based, time
limited basis. Magpie tokens can be passed to other programs
for username, user level, real name, etc logging and
verification.
* ANSI color
Both ISO and IBM-ANSI. There are three-styles of message
headers including a full ANSI-color, tiled window header.
* Message Security
50 defined mega-discussion areas (the threading and menus takes
care of most everything else you would need). 255 levels of
message security. Each discussion may also support an "inner
sanctum" of hyper-privileged users with separate read/write
permissions.
* User Mailboxes
Each user maintains a personal mailbox which may also function
as a public Very-Special Interest Group. Users can also
introduce themselves to each other via their mailbox header.
* Every Protocol You Can Imagine
Magpie pipes its file downloads through a separate shell script
that will allow you to plug in virtually any protocol you can
find. Magpie also allows you to queue up to 10 files for
download making Zmodem a real plus.
* Message Bookmarks
Messages can be marked with an easily-remembered alias like
"CAR FOR SALE" for later retrieval.
* Directory Explorer
Examine download directories (with security).
* CC Mail
Send multiple copies of Email messages.
Magpie also has "hot keys" to break out of long-winded messages (such as
this one), a Textfile<->Magpie transporter, fullscreen user editor,
"Special" messages and a novel new-user security measure that allows new
users to write all the messages they want under sysop "publish" control.
----------
Magpie is Shareware ($75 registration/hobbyist, $350/commercial) and is
available on many BBSes and Compuserve (as is Magpie/DOS). It can also
be downloaded on my BBS (Magpie-HQ @212-420-0527- two lines) or by
anonymous UUCP at the above number. You want to request:
/prog/nuucp/MagDox.sh.Z - Documentation
/prog/nuucp/Mag286.cpio.Z - Magpie/Xenix-286
/prog/nuucp/Mag386.cpio.Z - Magpie/Xenix-386
/prog/nuucp/whats_new - list of other files
Login as 'nuucp', no password... 300/1200/2400 baud. Telebit users can
also call 212-677-9487 for anonymous UUCP download (only).
(I got blisters on me fingers!)
--
Steve Manes Roxy Recorders, Inc. Magpie-HQ BBS
UUCP : {rutgers|cmcl2}!hombre!magpie!manes (212)420-0527
Smail: manes@MASA.COM
----- News saved at 18 Nov 88 10:05:17 GMT
I missed this thread. One more BBS for consideration: Magpie/Xenix.
I didn't bring a nice, machine-readable sales brochure with me but here
goes.
Magpie is an archival, tree-structured BBS. Unlike threaded softwares,
Magpie messages are attached logically to each other rather than by
"Subject:" or datestamp. This gives the message base a logical, direct
"by-reply" relationship for each message. Magpie also includes a wealth
of navigation commands to allow you to traverse these threads of message
up (to parent), left/right (to sibling replies, i.e. immediate replies
to the same parent message and to menus of other replies (presented in a
menu format).
With this message format you can create a very powerful, hierarchical
bulletin-based system.
Features:
* Search Functions
Search for messages by author, recipient, title, date and
full message text, either chronologically (forward and back)
or limited to the current thread.
* Command-driven, Verb-Noun Interface
While harder to master initially, Magpie's command interface
gives users access to 45+ commands at the standard prompt with
a context-sensitive help menu. There are also several
"automated" message paths for reading new messages, messages
localized to the current thread or messages on your current
search path.
* Download files "attached" to messages
Unlike most BBSes which require you to exit to a FILES area,
Magpie's file downloads are logically attached to ordinary
messages as enclosures, allowing messages (up to 10k long)
to document files and files to support messages. Files can
be searched using the same commands used for searching for
messages. This also provides greater documentation
possibilities for files and allows discussion about those files
to be rooted under them directly.
* Universal File De-Archiver
.ARC, .arc, .ZOO, .zoo, .a, .cpio, .tar, -tar, .sh, .shar,
.Z and their various permutations may be manipulated on-line,
internal files extracted, re-archived and downloaded, internal
text files catted, and/or the entire archive moved to another
archive format.
* Editors
Magpie has both a very powerful line editor with block insert
and delete and Upload (through the editor) and a very-protected
'vi' editor (ain't been cracked yet... and I know this sounds
like a reckless dare).
* Heavily-featured MultiChat program
* Word-wrap for terminal widths from 32-132 columns
Both input and output. Text will reformat to your terminal's
width.
* Exec Window
Allows execution of Unix programs on a security-based, time
limited basis. Magpie tokens can be passed to other programs
for username, user level, real name, etc logging and
verification.
* ANSI color
Both ISO and IBM-ANSI. There are three-styles of message
headers including a full ANSI-color, tiled window header.
* Message Security
50 defined mega-discussion areas (the threading and menus takes
care of most everything else you would need). 255 levels of
message security. Each discussion may also support an "inner
sanctum" of hyper-privileged users with separate read/write
permissions.
* User Mailboxes
Each user maintains a personal mailbox which may also function
as a public Very-Special Interest Group. Users can also
introduce themselves to each other via their mailbox header.
* Every Protocol You Can Imagine
Magpie pipes its file downloads through a separate shell script
that will allow you to plug in virtually any protocol you can
find. Magpie also allows you to queue up to 10 files for
download making Zmodem a real plus.
* Message Bookmarks
Messages can be marked with an easily-remembered alias like
"CAR FOR SALE" for later retrieval.
* Directory Explorer
Examine download directories (with security).
* CC Mail
Send multiple copies of Email messages.
Magpie also has "hot keys" to break out of long-winded messages (such as
this one), a Textfile<->Magpie transporter, fullscreen user editor,
"Special" messages and a novel new-user security measure that allows new
users to write all the messages they want under sysop "publish" control.
----------
Magpie is Shareware ($75 registration/hobbyist, $350/commercial) and is
available on many BBSes and Compuserve (as is Magpie/DOS). It can also
be downloaded on my BBS (Magpie-HQ @212-420-0527- two lines) or by
anonymous UUCP at the above number. You want to request:
/prog/nuucp/MagDox.sh.Z - Documentation
/prog/nuucp/Mag286.cpio.Z - Magpie/Xenix-286
/prog/nuucp/Mag386.cpio.Z - Magpie/Xenix-386
/prog/nuucp/whats_new - list of other files
Login as 'nuucp', no password... 300/1200/2400 baud. Telebit users can
also call 212-677-9487 for anonymous UUCP download (only).
(I got blisters on me fingers!)
--
Steve Manes Roxy Recorders, Inc. Magpie-HQ BBS
UUCP : {rutgers|cmcl2}!hombre!magpie!manes (212)420-0527
Smail: manes@MASA.COM
--
Steve Manes Roxy Recorders, Inc. Magpie-HQ BBS
UUCP : {rutgers|cmcl2}!hombre!magpie!manes (212)420-0527
Smail: manes@MASA.COM
--
Steve Manes Roxy Recorders, Inc. Magpie-HQ BBS
UUCP : {rutgers|cmcl2}!hombre!magpie!manes (212)420-0527
Smail: manes@MASA.COMtbetz@dasys1.UUCP (Tom Betz) (11/19/88)
Jeff, sorry to be posting this, but unfortunately mail bounced.
To: tekcsc!jeff@ozvax.UUCP
Subject: Re: SUMMARY BBS Software wanted for Unix (LONG)
Newsgroups: alt.bbs,comp.sources.wanted
In-Reply-To: <109@tekcsc.MKT.TEK.COM>
Organization: Greyston Business Services, Inc.
Jeff, somehow you must have missed this message, mailed to you.
I have revised and updated it since I sent it to you first.
I would like to recommend to you a very sophisticated and flexible BBS
software package called Magpie. It is available both in single-user
MS-DOS and multi-user Xenix/Unix versions, with a choice of two
command sets available... the original uses a [Count] Verb Object [Modifier]
command syntax called KillDwarf that I like quite a bit, and the other a more
conventional [A..Z]BBSish syntax developed for the use of the New York
Dept of Education's Communications system called NYCENET. The author
is Steve Manes, and he may be reached via modem at Magpie-HQ, at
212-420-0527. The KillDwarf version may be downloaded there
(if you login: as 'bbs') by typing E M and following the instructions...
('E M' stands for 'Execute Magpie_Download') the NYCENET version may be
seen if you login: as 'bbs2'. Magpie is User-Supported software.
I have no affiliation with Magpie except as a very satisfied user.
I think once you see it in action (and go through the Tutorial provided)
you will see why it was chosen for NYCENET. It has capabilities unequalled
in the BBS world.
Among them:
- a tree-structured message base permitting files to be attached to any
message in the base
- message search capability by any of the header fields (author, recipient,
title, date...) or by full text, of all or any portion of the message base
- upload protocols include ASCII, Xmodem and 1K-Xmodem
- download protocols include all of the above, plus Ymodem, Zmodem, and
Kermit
- other Unix programs and scripts may be linked to Magpie via the Execute
verb and selected from a sysop-configurable menu... including Usenet readers
- the powerful ArcWindow file-archive extractor/archiver. ArcWindow permits
the user, while on-line to:
- List the contents of an archive file, in ARC, ZOO or UNIX 'compress'
formats
- Extract and download one or more files from that archive file
- >RE-ARCHIVE< these files before download in >another< archive format
different from the original. In other words, a .ARC file on-line may
be extracted and re-archived in .ZOO format on-line, then downloaded,
without the user having shell access to do this.
Also in the works for Magpie is a MagNet networking system that will maintain
the tree-structure integrity of the message base across all networked
machines, DOS or Unix.
As of 11/15/1988 -
The latest list of Magpie BBS's across
the North American Continent...
Running Magpie/Xenix:
Magpie HQ (212) 420-0527 (NY)
Chelsea Square (212) 807-1257 (NY) (temporarily down due to phone trouble)
SLACBBS (314) 947-0895 (MO)
Comm-Net (301) 360-9740 (MD)
NYC Board of Ed (212) 769-0550 (NY)
Running Magpie/DOS:
Electric Classroom (408) 378-6754 (CA)
FireFlyte (714) 541-8218 (CA)
The Grapevine (602) 792-9175 (AZ)
Ad Lib (412) 327-9209 (PA)
RanDom Access (206) 868-2019 (WA)
Perlman's Post (914) 561-2825 (NY)
Winner's Circle (713) 977-7343 (TX)
The Homestead (416) 566-4814 (Ontario)
Call one today, and see for yourself.
--
"I learned to play guitar just to get | Tom Betz EAA#48267
the girls, and anyone who says they didn't | "How did I forget eyedrops?
is just lyin'!" - Willie Nelson | I'm such a dope!" - Mr. Mambo
UUCP: tbetz@dasys1.UUCP or ...!cmcl2!phri!dasys1!tbetz