vxEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Water
(WH-553)
Washington, DC 20460
EPA 503/8-92/002
January 1992
Water
U.S. EPA Nonpoint Source
Information Exchange
Computer Bulletin Board
System (BBS)
User's Manual
Printed on Recycled Paper
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v.3.3
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
Assessment and Watershed Protection Division
NONPOINT SOURCE INFORMATION EXCHANGE
COMPUTER BULLETIN BOARD SYSTEM (BBS)
User's Manual
Overview
Getting Started
Online Guided Tour of the NFS BBS
Help
Messages
News Flash
Bulletins
F»es
Uploading and Downloading Files 11
1)00108
Special Interest Group Forums
Chat
Appendix I: BBS Commands illil
Appendix II: Full-Screen Editor 111
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NFS BBS User's Manual
Contents
1. Overview 1
2. Getting Started ... 2
Equipment 2
Configuring Your System 2
Establishing a Connection 4
Online Registration 5
Main Board Menu S
Expert Mode 6
Goodbye or Logoff 6
3. Online Guided Tour of the NFS BBS 7
Introduction 7
Pre-Tour Preparation 7
Registering as a New User 10
Reading the News Flash 12
Starting Your Online Session 12
Reading the Public Messages 14
Posting a Message 15
Using the Online Help System 16
Reading Bulletins 18
Downloading a File 20
Uploading a File 23
Opening the Clean Lakes Database Door 25
Opening the News-Notes Database Door 30
Joining a Special Interest Group (SIG) Forum 34
Exiting the NPS BBS 36
Shortcuts for Your Next Online Session 37
4. Help 39
5. Messages 40
Types of Messages 40
Reading Messages 40
Replying to Messages 41
Marking Messages for Later Review 41
Killing Messages 41
Entering Messages 42
Scanning Messages 42
6. News Flash 44
7. Bulletins 45
8. Files 46
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NFS BBS User's Manual
9. Uploading and Downloading Files . . 47
Downloading a Single File 47
Downloading a Batch of Files 48
Uploading a Single File 48
Uploading a Batch of Files 49
10. Doors , 50
Offline Mail Reader 50
11. Special Interest Group (SIG) Forums 51
12. Chat 52
Appendix I BBS Commands 53
Appendix II Full-Screen Editor 64
ii
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NPS BBS User's Manual
1. Overview
The Nonpoint Source (NFS) Information Exchange Bulletin Board System (BBS) will provide state
and local agencies, private organizations, businesses, and concerned individuals with timely,
relevant NFS information, a forum for open discussion, and the ability to exchange computer text
and program files.
YOU CAN USE THE NPS BBS TO:
• Read, print, or save to computer disk current, NPS-related articles, reviews, and fact-sheets.
• Exchange computer data, including database files, electronic spreadsheets, word-processor files,
and software.
• Post your own articles and comments online for the benefit of others.
• Ask questions and conduct discussions directly with NFS experts.
• Exchange private letters with other users.
HOW TO ACCESS THE NPS BBS
To access the NPS BBS, you will need:
• A PC or terminal
• Telecommunications software (such as CrossTalk or ProComm)
• A Modem (1200 or 2400 baud)
• A phone line that will handle modem communications
THE NPS BBS PHONE NUMBER IS: 301/589-0205
The telecommunication parameters are: No parity, 8 bits, 1 stop-bit (N-8-1).
Chapter 3 of this manual is a guided tour of the NPS BBS that will walk you through your first
session online.
The following chapter of this manual describes in more detail how to access and use some of the
major capabilities of the NPS BBS. Appendix I lists and describes all user commands and sub-
commands that are, or soon will be, available to you on the BBS. Appendix II presents a list of the
full-screen editor keyboard commands.
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NFS BBS User's Manual
2. Getting Started
Equipment
"•^^^^^»«*™^^" To use the BBS, you will need the following:
YouTdo not need
sophisticated commtuii- ^ Personal Computer or Terminal: Almost any computer or
cations software* terminal will do, as long as it can be connected to a telephone line
Virtually any communi- via a modem.1
cations software will be
adequate to coaaect to A Modem: A modem is used to connect your computer or
tig BBS. terminal to a telephone line. Almost any 1200- or 2400-baud
modem will work. A Hayes-compatible modem is recommended
••••••••MiMiMiiHMMiiMHMttiHi and is required by many communications programs running on
IBM PC- or AT-compatible computers. You may also require
cables and telephone jacks to connect the modem to your computer or terminal and to the telephone
line.
A Communications Software Program: Software is necessary if you are using a microcomputer to
connect to the BBS. (Terminals have built-in communications programs.) CrossTalk, Smartcom,
and ProComm are common communications programs that work well with the BBS.
Configuring Your System
Before connecting to the BBS, you must set certain parameters in your terminal or communications
program so that your system "speaks the same language" as that of the NFS BBS. Most terminals or
communications programs have a "setup" or "communication parameters" screen that allows you to
make these settings.
Generic Parameters
Set your system to operate at a speed of 1200 or 2400 baud (depending on your modem's capabili-
ties), 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity. If you later dial up the BBS (as described below) and
'If you are calling from any system where you must go through a port selector instead of
directly to a modem, the process of accessing the BBS is slightly more complicated. The procedure
in CrossTalk is as follows: First, set your communications parameters to 1 stop bit, 7 data bits,
even parity, and 1200 or 2400 baud. At the CrossTalk "command?" prompt, type GO LOcal and
hit < ENTER > until you get the port selector menu. Select the number or command to dial out.
Hit the CTRL key and the letter E simultaneously; then hit < ENTER >. Now type D 8k301589-
0205, then < ENTER > again. After a few moments, you should receive the welcome screen and
"Do you want graphics?" prompt from the NPS BBS. Before you answer yes or no, you must reset
your communications parameters to 8 data bits, no parity. Then follow normal logon procedures.
See your local computer support staff for instructions on how to automate the call-up sequence on
your own computer.
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NFS BBS User's Manual
receive only garbage characters, then it is very likely that one or more of these parameters have not
been correctly set. If this occurs, reset the parameters and hit the key to see if the
garbage characters clean up. Otherwise, hang up, reset the parameters, and try dialing again.
^^^^^™™""1^^™^^^™" Select "full duplex" or "no local echo" if your system allows these
The BBS Witt acctet settings. If you dial the BBS and every letter you type is
calb With C0ntniunka-< displayed twice on your screen, you should check these parameters
(ions parameters set at before continuing.
7, E, 1 (7 date bits,
" evert parity, 1 stop). Finally, select VT100 (or "ANSI-BBS") terminal emulation if you
However after yon are are using an IBM-compatible PC and your system permits it. This
connected to Hie BBS W*U usually allow you to select "graphics mode" on the BBS.
and be/on you type After you dial up, if some of the screens look funny (for example,
anything on the key- ^eie are extraneous characters hi the text, or boxes come out as
board including letters rather than lines), then it is likely that your terminal
, you emulation is not compatible with the graphics mode of the BBS. In
should change the tn*s case> vou sh°uld simply set color/graphics mode off on the
setting to 8 N 1. Board after you dial up. Type M from the "Main Board Corn-
Otherwise ntany mand?" prompt to turn the color/graphics mode on and off. The
features of the BBS graphics mode cannot be used on a Macintosh, so always answer
such as full-screen ^ at *e "Do vou want !raPhics?" prompt if you are using a
editors, databases, and Macintosh.
file transfers wfll be
denied to you* Usually, many other settings can be assigned on a terminal or in a
communications program. The other settings will depend on your
•••^^•^••••••••••••••••M computer, your modem, or your own personal preferences. The
following sections contain procedures for setting up Smartcom
software on a Macintosh computer and CrossTalk software on an IBM-compatible PC.
Smartcom Setup on a Macintosh Computer
Under the Connection menu, select "Phone number." Enter 301-589-0205 (include the "9" or "8"
prefix if your phone system uses it). Click on the OK button to save.
Under the Settings menu, select "Speed and Format." Make sure the "Transmission speed" is set at
1200 or 2400, "Bits per character" at 8, "Stop bits" at 1, and "Parity" at none. Click OK to save
these settings.
Under the Settings menu, select "Autotype protocol." Click on the circle next to "Normal" on the
top line. Under "End of Line," make sure the boxes next to "Insert word wrapping at column..."
and "Insert line feeds" are unchecked. If they are checked, click on the boxes to uncheck them.
Click OK to save. Also under the Settings menu, click on the circle next to VT102. Click OK to
save.
When you close the file, save the changes and name the file NPSBBS.
CrossTalk Setup on a PC
Table 1 on the following page lists all the required and optional parameters for CrossTalk to get the
most out of the BBS display. The left column of Table 1 contains the parameter prompts displayed
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NFS BBS User's Manual
on the CrossTalk setup screen. To select a parameter, enter the first two letters of the prompt; for
example, NU for number. The middle column of the table contains the parameters you need to
select.
Table 1. CrossTalk Configuration Parameters
PROMPT DATA TO
COMMENTS
NAme NPS BBS
NUmber 301-589-0205
'-•" ;- ^ J-
SPeed 2400
DAta 8
PArity N
STop 1
iMtttetioft VTIOO
INfilter Off
Optional
f t "~ f •" *• t •* '•'•
(Don't forget the "9? or *8* prefix If your plione system
Choose 1200 or 2400 baud depending on your modem
See footnote 1
See footnote 1
See footnote 1
Optional, but required for PC graphics and colors
Optional, but required for PC graphics
Establishing a Connection
NOTE: Chapter 3 of this manual is a guided tour that will walk you through your first
session online and introduce you to the major BBS features. If you want to do the tour, you
will want to read the pre-tour preparation section of that chapter before actually establishing a
connection to the NPS BBS.
Once you have configured your communications software, you are ready to dial the BBS. Make sure
your modem is on and properly connected to your computer or terminal and to the telephone
system. Direct your communications software to dial the NPS BBS number, and wait a few seconds
for your computer to connect.
Your computer will usually notify you of a connection with the message "CONNECT" or
"CONNECT 2400" just before the BBS welcoming screen appears. If you cannot connect after two
or three tries, check your communications parameters and make sure the modem cables are properly
connected. Connection failures are usually the result of some problem at the user end of the system.
Occasionally—usually not during regular business hours—the BBS is briefly offline for routine
maintenance or upgrade. At these times, the phone does not answer when you dial in. If you call
and the phone does not answer, immediately try again. If there is still no answer, then wait until
later in the day to try again. If you hear a busy signal, then all of the phone lines to the BBS are
already in use by other callers. Try calling back in a few minutes. If you persistently have trouble
connecting (because of busy signals or no answer), call 301-589-5318 and report the problem.
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NFS BBS User's Manual
NOTE: If you wish to do the guided tour, turn to Chapter 3 now. If you do not wish to do
the guided tour in Chapter 3, the remainder of this Chapter will assist you in getting started
on the NFS BBS.
Online Registration
For experienced
users.**
To make the sign-on
process faster* you can
enter your first name,
last name, and pass-
word on the same line,
john doe password
You do not need to be pre-registered to dial into the BBS. When
you call the BBS for the first time, you will be asked for your
name and a password of your own choosing. (Don't trust your
memory. Keep a record of your password in a secure place
because you will need it every time you sign onto the BBS.) Do
not share your password. As a first-time caller, you will also be
asked to complete an online registration form. The registration
form includes your organizational affiliation, your telephone
numbers, and your interest in the BBS. The BBS will immediately
process your registration information, inform you that it has been
saved, and provide you with full access to the Main Board.
Main Board Menu
mmmmm^^^^^mmHi^ The BBS has a Main Menu that includes most of the major
commands and capabilities. This menu is displayed before what is
known as the "Main Board Command?" prompt (Table 2). To enter a command at the "Main Board
Command?" prompt, simply enter the command abbreviation listed in the Main Menu (example:
type R for [RJead Messages). Additional commands and subcommands may be found in Appendix I
of this manual.
Table 2. Main Menu
= = =: = = = = = ==[ EPA Nonpoint Source Program Electronic Bulletin Board ]= = = = = = = =
MAIN MENU
MESSAGES
[CJomment to Sysop
[E]nter a Message
[K]ill a Message
[QJuick Message Scan
[RJead Messages
[REPLY] to Msg(s)
[RM] Re-Read Mem'd Msg
[TS] Text Search Msgs
[Y]our Personal Mail
FILES/DIRECTORIES
[Bulletin Listing
[F]ile Directories
[DJownload a File
[DB] Download Batch
[FLAG] for Download
[Ljocate Files
[U]pload a File
[UB] Upload Batch
[N]ew Files
[Z]ippy Directory Scan
SETTINGS & MISCEL.
[M]ode Graphics
[P]age Length
[T]ransfer Protocol
[USERS] list users
[X]pert On/Off
[W]rite User Info
[V]iew Settings
[NEWS] Screen Display
[CHAT] Between Nodes
[SJcript Questionnaire
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
Type J for a list of SIGS or
J followed by the SIG
number (e.g., J 1)
[G]oodbye (to hang up)
For HELP, type H plus the
command abbreviation
ONLINE DATABASES/
PROGRAMS
[OPEN] a database
(Clean Lakes, News-
Notes, QMail Doors)
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NFS BBS User's Manual
Expert Mode
As you gain some familiarity with the commands on the BBS, you may wish to suppress the Main
Menu by switching to expert mode. In expert mode, the Main Menu does not display and you see
only the "Main Board Command?" prompt. This will optimize your time and minimize your long-
distance charges (if any). To switch to expert mode, type X at any "Main Board Command?"
prompt. Should you later get stuck, you may redisplay the Main Menu once by entering the com-
mand MENU at any command prompt, or you may type X at the "Main Board Command?* prompt
to turn off expert mode. The BBS will remember which mode (novice or expert) you were hi when
you last logged off and will return you to that mode the next time you log on.
Goodbye or Logoff
[GJoodbye disconnects you from the BBS and initiates the logoff procedure by prompting you with
the question Proceed With Logoff? A [Y]es answer will log you off the system. This command
should always be used to log off the BBS to ensure proper updating of all message pointers. Don't
simply hang up by issuing a command to your communications software without first exiting the
board by entering G Y, or the equivalent BYE command. The BYE command is a shortcut—a one-
step logoff process. You cannot log off from all command prompts on the BBS. If you are at a
command prompt that does not recognize the G or BYE command, then hit < ENTER > until a
primary command prompt like the "Main Board Command?" prompt displays on your screen.
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NFS BBS User's Manual
3. Online Guided Tour of the NFS BBS
Introduction
READ THIS INTRODUCTION BEFORE STARTING THE TOURII
Hello and welcome to your guided tour of the NFS BBS. The purpose of the tour is to make your
first session online a successful one, even if you have no previous experience on other BBSs.
If you are new to the BBS environment, I strongly suggest that you use this guided tour for your
first online session. The guided tour will walk you through using each of the main features of the
NFS BBS so you'll understand what the BBS can and can't do.
The tour should take from 30 minutes to an hour. If you don't have time to complete all the
activities outlined in one session, you can complete your tour over the course of a couple of
sessions. Each section of the guided tour starts at the "Main Board Command?" prompt, so you can
easily jump into the guided tour at the start of any section.
Each session online is limited to 1 hour. If you should ever run out of time (BBS Warning:
CAUTION: Auto-Disconnect in (2) mm.!), you may call back immediately and start another
session.
If you are familiar with other BBSs, you may just want to read through this section quickly to
familiarize yourself with the features that are unique to the NFS BBS.
Pre-Tour Preparation
ATTENTION: DO THE PRE-TOUR PREPARATION BEFORE YOU SIGN ONtl
IF YOU DON'T. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DO ALL THE ACTIVITIES IN THE TOUR!
To have the most enjoyable and profitable time during your guided tour, it is important to do a few
things in preparation. If you follow the instructions in the next few paragraphs, you will be able to
fully participate in all the later guided tour activities.
Be Able to Sign On
The guided tour starts as you sign on to the NFS BBS and enter your name. If you are having
trouble getting to this point, please refer to the information in Chapter 2 of the manual, your modem
manual, or your communications software manual.
You should do the pre-tour preparation before you attempt to sign on, so you will be ready to do
the tour the first time you connect.
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NFS BBS User's Manual
Learn Two Key Facts About Your Communications Software
Before starting on the tour, you should also take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the
features of your communications software. (Some common communications software programs are
CrossTalk and ProComm.) This communications program acts as the coordinator between your
computer, your modem, and the modem at the BBS. You should be able to use the communications
software manual or help screens to learn about two key functions—file transfer protocol and keeping
a record of what you read online.
Refer to the help screens or user's manual for your communications software package to discover
what combination of keystrokes gives you access to your communications software features
menu/command line while remaining connected to a BBS. This menu/command line is where you
will enter commands to do the two following functions.
File Transfer Protocol
First, you should scan your communications software manual and determine which file transfer
(uploading/downloading) protocols it supports. These are some common "languages" that
computers use when they are attempting to exchange files. Some common protocols are XModem,
YModem, ZModem, and Kermit. You will need this information before you can exchange files
with the BBS—something we WILL be doing during this guided tour.
Familiarize yourself with the combination of keystrokes you will need to execute at the
communications software menu/command line to upload and download files using your particular
communications software program.
Keeping a Record of What You Read Online (Printing and Capture/Log Files)
Your communications software will allow you to save a record of your online visit to the BBS,
including messages to and from you, results of database searches, and the text of bulletins.
From the menu/command line you should be able to select either the option to print or the option to
capture to a file on disk part or all of your online session.
Printing Online Information
To print the information that scrolls across your screen on the BBS, you must use your
communications software print feature. You can use this feature at any time during your
online session. Make sure your printer is turned on and ready to accept characters. Then
turn the printer feature ON from the communications software menu/command line. From
this point on, everything that scrolls across the screen on the BBS will print out on your
printer. When you no longer want to print the information scrolling by, turn the print
feature OFF. You will still be connected to the BBS.
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NFS BBS User's Manual
Saving Online Information to a File on Disk
To make a file on disk out of the information that scrolls across your screen on the BBS,
you must use your communications software log file or capture feature.
You can use this feature at any time during your online session. Turn the log file/capture
feature ON from the communications software menu/command line.
Depending on the communications software package you use, you may be prompted for a
path and file name. At this prompt, you can type in a path and file name to direct this
information to be saved in any directory on your hard drive or on a floppy disk. If you do
not select a path and file name, the information will be saved to the default path and file
name already set up in your communications software settings.
From this point on, everything that scrolls across the screen on the BBS will be saved in an
ASCII-format file. When you no longer want to save the information scrolling by, turn the
log file/capture feature OFF. You will still be connected to the BBS. After you exit the
BBS, you can use any word-processing software package to view, edit, or print the
information in the file you created.
Create an ASCII File to Upload
Since a BBS is an interactive environment, you will get the most out of it if you learn how to
upload (send materials to the BBS).
A portion of the guided tour will be devoted to uploading a small file to the BBS for practice. To
do this portion of the tour, you will need to create a small ASCII text file for uploading BEFORE
you start the tour.
I recommend that you write a one-line letter to the system operator explaining that you are
practicing uploading. You can write this letter using any word-processing program. The only trick
is that you MUST save it in ASCII or DOS-text format. Any full-feature word processor will offer
the option to save text files in ASCII or DOS-text format.
Please give this test upload file a particular type of name. This will make the file name'unique and
help our Sysop find these test files easily hi the system. Make the first part of the file name the
seven digits of your phone number and make the extension of the file name "xxx." An example file
name: 2428340.xxx.
Remember the name and location of the file as you will need to tell your communications software
program exactly where it can find the file and what the file is called before the program can send
the file to the BBS.
Sample Letter:
Dear Sysop,
I am practicing uploading. Please delete this file from the system.
Thanks!
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NFS BBS User's Manual
Prepare a Disk for Downloading Utility Program
Files of various types are available on the NFS BBS for downloading (transferring from the BBS to
your computer). Most of the available files have been compressed (zipped) to consolidate multiple
files and shorten the transfer. To use a zipped file after you have downloaded it, you must unzip it
to restore it to its original form.
The utility program you will need to unzip downloaded files is available on the BBS. As part of the
guided tour, you will download this utility program to your computer for future use. If you do not
have a hard drive, you should have a blank, formatted floppy disk ready to accept this program
before you start the guided tour.
Registering as a New User
If you have already registered as a new user with the NPS
Tour Guide BBSr skip this sectjon and go on to page 12.
The first time you connect to the NPS BBS, you will be
asked to answer some brief questions. Please answer
these questions as completely as possible. Knowing who
is using the NPS BBS will help the staff of the NPS
Information Exchange better serve the BBS users.
Remember, you must a/ways press the key to
send your commands to the BBS.
All right. Have your modem dial the BBS...
BBS: What is your first name?
YOU TYPE
your name
BBS: YOUR NAME not found in USER'S file.
(R) to re-enter your name or
(C) to continue logon as a new user?
YOU TYPE
BBS: This is the Nonpoint Source Program electronic
bulletin board system of the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Washington, DC. It is generally
open to the public...
10
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NFS BBS User's Manual
BBS: Would you like to register with us? =yes?
YOU TYPE
BBS: Password (One word please!)?..
At this point, you should pick a one-word password that
Tour Guide wn/ anow yOU access to the BBS every time you sign on in
future Remember this password! Write it down!
YOU TYPE >
XXXXXXX (your own one-word password)
BBS: Re-enter password to verify?...
XXXXXXX (your own one-word password)
YOU TYPE *
™ "" Just a note regarding the following questionnaire: only
Tour Guide federal employees will have an FTS phone number All
answer "none" when asked for an FTS number.
BBS: Your Agency/Organization?
Commercial office Phone No:? (Give us your area
code!)
FTS office Phone No:?
City & State calling from?
Clear the screen between each message? (Don't worry
about this; just press .)
BBS: (A) Ascii (Non-Binary)
(X) Xmodem (Checksum—Use with CrossTalk)
(C) Xmodem-CRC
(O) IK-Xmodem
(Y) Ymodem (Batch U/L and D/L)
(Z) Zmodem (Batch U/L and D/L)
(K) Kermit (PCKermit/Columbia Univ.)
=>(N) None
YOU TYPE
Default Protocol Desired =no change?
'"""" You will now have three lines to give us your complete
tour Guide address.
11
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NFS BBS User's Manual
BBS: What is your Company or Agency name (include mail
codes)?
What is your street address?
What is your city/ state, and zip code?
What is your fax number? (Answer "none" if none.)
BBS: Please wait - Adding YOUR NAME to Quick Index File...
Thanks, your registration information is saved.
Reading the News Flash
T«ur Guide
// this is your first time online, you will automatically see
tne news ffasnf tne introductory screen for the BBS. You
wjU se& ffrfe screenjust one time. After the next time the
BBS Content Editor updates the news flash, you will see
the new version one time.
If you have signed on before and wish to review the news
flash now, type "news' at the "Main Board Command?"
prompt.
BBS: June 28, 1991
In this news flash I am going to discuss some
shortcuts and tips to make your time on the NFS
BBS more efficient and enjoyable. . .
BBS:
(XX min left), (H)elp, (N)o more, for more?
< for
more?" prompt when you are reading long text files.
YOU TYPE
< ENTER >
,,
Tour Guide
/ recommend that you scan the entire news flash. It is a
quick introduction to the services and history of the BBS.
If you wish to quit reading it at any time, type "n" at the
"(H)elp, (N)omore, for more?" prompt.
12
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NFS BBS User's Manual
Starting Your Online Session
BBS: Scan Message Base Since 'Last Read1 =yes?
Tour Guide
YOU TYPE
If you are a new user, the BBS will not find any messages
waiting for you. In the future, you will see the message
I.D. number of any messages waiting for you.
BBS:
(Ctrl-K) or (Ctrl-X) Aborts, (Ctrl-S) Suspends.
Scanning Main Board
Msgs For You: None
Msgs From You: None
# Msgs Found:
Scanning AGISSUES (1) SI6
Msgs For You: None
Msgs From You: None
# Msgs Found:
Scanning FISHBAN (2) SIG
Msgs For You: None
Msgs From You: None
# Msgs Found:
Scanning WATERBODY (3) SIG
Msgs For You: None
Msgs From You: None
# Msgs Found:
BBS:
========[ EPA Nonpofnt Source Prograw Electronic Bulletin Board ]=
MAIN MENU
MESSAGES
[Clcoment to Sysop
[Elnter a Message
[Klill a Message
[Qluick Message Scan
[Rlead Messages
[REPLY] to Msg(s)
CRM] Re-Read Mem'd Msg
[TS] Text Search Msgs
[Ylour Personal Nail
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
Type J for a list of SIGS
or J followed by the SIG
number (e.g., J 1)
SSSSS3SSSZS SEZZSSS SSS SS S~ ~~ S KE~ ~B SSS
FILES/DIRECTORIES
[Blulletin Listing
[Flile Directories
[Dlownload a File
0>B] download batch
[FLAG] for download
[Llocate files
[UJpload a File
[UB] Upload batch
[Nlew Files
[Zlippy Directory Scan
[Gloodbye (to hang up)
For HELP, type H plus
the coMnand abbreviation
SETTINGS & MISCEL.
CM] ode Graphics
[Plage Length
[Tlransfer Protocol
[USERS] list users
DO pert On/Off
Mrite User Info
DO iew Settings
[NEWS] Screen display
[CHAT] between nodes
[Slcript questionnaire
ONLINE/DATABASES
PROGRAMS
[OPEN] a database (Clean
Lakes, News-Notes, QMail,
Doors]
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NFS BBS User's Manual
To Dtlead • MMage. type "R », then the
nurixr. Type "H R" for help.
BBS:
(XX min. left) Main Board Command?
You are now at the central hub of the BBS—otherwise known
as the Main Board. The menu above tells you all the things
you can do. Stick with me, and together we'll explore the
most interesting areas of the NPS BBS!
Reading the Public Messages
BBS:
(XX min. left) Main Board Command?
Tour Guide
Let's go take a took at the public messages posted by
other users.
There are many ways to approach reading the messages-
reading only new ones, reading from newest to oldest,
reading those on a certain topic, etc. You can refer to
Chapter 4 of the manual for more details.
Right now we are going to read frj all the messages
posted since fsj the last time you were online. This time,
this command will show you all the public messages ever
posted. In the future, this command will show you only
new public and private messages.
YOU TYPE
rs
BBS: Scanning Main Board...[First public message is
displayed.]
BBS: (XX min left), (H)elp, End of Message Command?
YOU TYPE
BBS:
[Second public message is displayed.]
14
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NFS BBS User's Manual
Tour Guide
At the end of each message, you have the choice of
reading the next message or not reading any further
messages.
Please spend as little or as long as you like reading the
public messages. To continue with the tour, you will need
to return to the "Main Board Command?"prompt.
YOU TYPE
or
n
(to continue reading messages)
(to stop reading messages and return to
Board Command?" prompt)
'Main
Posting a Message
BBS:
(XX min. left) Main Board Command?
Tour Guide
Now it's time for you to post a message of your own.
This first time, you can send a private message to me.
have a special mail box called "Tour Guide." To send
private messages to other users, you would address
messages to them by name.
YOU TYPE
e
BBS:
To =*ALL»?
YOU TYPE
tour guide
BBS:
Subject =abort?
YOU TYPE
taking the tour
BBS:
Message Security (H)=help?
Tour Guide
Select "r" {receiver only] as the message security so that I
will be the only person who can read your message. If
you wanted to post a public message like the ones we
read previously [no security], you would select "n."
YOU TYPE
15
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NPS BBS User's Manual
BBS:
Use Full Screen Editor?
Tour Guide
The full screen editor allows you to type your letter using
a full screen word-processing program instead of a more
primitive line editor.
YOU TYPE
BBS:
To: TOUR GUIDE
Subj: TAKING THE TOUR
1:
2:
3:
YOU TYPE
Tour Guide
YOU TYPE
Hi there, I am taking the guided tour, and so far it has been...[to
end].
Please take this opportunity to give me some feedback on
the guided tour and the NPS BBS. This will help us to
improve the guided tour and the NPS BBS for you and
future users.
or
U
(if the < ESCAPE > key is used for
functions in your communications
software)
BBS:
A)brt,C)ont,D)el,E)dit,F)ullScr,H)elp,I)nsert,L)ist,
Q) uote, S) ave, U) pldMsg
Text Entry Command?
YOU TYPE
BBS:
Saving Message #
Tour Guide
Your message has now been saved to the BBS's disk and
sent to my mailbox.
16
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NFS BBS User's Manual
Using the Online Help System
BBS: (XX min. left:) Main Board Command?
Let's take just a moment to see how the online help
Tour Guide system works. Suppose you wanted to read all new
messggeSf Dut weren't sure exactly how to do this. First,
you would check the menu that is displayed with the
"Main Board Command?" prompt and select the command
for [RJead messages.
YOU TYPE
BBS: (H)elp, (1-413), Message Read Command?
BBS:
(R)ead Messages -Function Help
Subcommands:
(#) a message number between 1 and 9999999
(F) selects only messages from you
(Y) selects only messages left for you
(YA) selects only messages left for you or addressed to
"ALL"
(S) selects messages newer than the last one you have
read
(XX min left), (H)elp, (N)o more, for more?
. , As you can see, the (S) command allows you to read
Tour Guide messages newer than the last you have read.
YOU TYPE
< ENTER > (to continue reading help information)
or
n (to stop reading help information and return to
"Message Read Command?" prompt)
BBS: (H)elp, (1-413), Message Read Command?
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NFS BBS User's Manual
YOU TYPE
The online help system is available from any prompt on
TWIT (Stride the NPs BBS except the "(H)elp, (N)o more, < ENTER>
jor morep* prompts, which break up long pieces of text.
The help information always pertains to the feature you
are currently accessing.
> Reading Bulletins
BBS: (XX min. left) Main Board Command?
,_ „. -™_. Bulletins are short text files that you can read while you
TourCuide are on the BBS.
YOU TYPE
YOU TYPE
Now is a good time to practice capturing online text to a
file on your computer system. If you followed instructions
in the ore-preparation section of the tour, you now know
how to turn on the log file/capture feature of your
communication software. This file capture is optional.
(Optional: Whatever commands are needed to turn on your
system's log file/capture feature.)
BBS:
=======[ EPA Nonpoint Source Program Electronic BBS ]=======
MAIN BOARD BULLETINS !
To download one of these bulletins, type "D BLTn" from the "Main
Board Command?" prompt (without the quotation marks), where "n"
is the bulletin number. Turn CApture off in CrossTalk.
Number Update Description
1 10-08-90 Using this bulletin board system.
2 06-05-90 Uploading and downloading files from the BBS.
3 05-08-90 Sending messages to other bulletin board users.
4 06-05-90 Packed (.ZIP) files and how to unpack them.
•
•
•
•
(XX min left), (H)elp, (N)o more, for more?
18
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NFS BBS User's Manual
YOU TYPE
or
n
(to continue viewing list of bulletins)
(to stop viewing list of bulletins and get to the
"Bulletin List Command?" prompt)
BBS:
(H)elp, (1-XX), Bulletin List Command?
Tour Guide
YOU TYPE
BBS:
To continue, you must be at the
prompt (see above).
'Bulletin List Command?'
First, I want you to glance at Bulletin #4. This bulletin
contains useful information on using the file
compression/decompression (zip/unzip) utility program that
I discussed in the pre-preparation section. If your log
file/capture is ON, you will be capturing the text of this
bulletin to your computer for later reference.
••[ NFS BBS Bulletin 4] =
= [ Compressed (Zip) Files ]:
Most of the files available in the downloading directories are
compressed to conserve room and reduce transmission time. In
some cases, multiple files are packed into a single "package" or
archive. These files all have the extension ".ZIP," such as
"TREATEXE.ZIP." When you download them, you will not be able to
use them or even read them until they are unarchived or
"Unzipped." This operation requires a program for use on your
computer called PKUNZIP. PKUNZIP is a very fast archive
extractor that is available from File Directory 2 on this
bulletin board...
BBS:
(H)elp, (1-XX), Bulletin List Command?
Tour Guide
Now, take a took at some other bulletin.
7 (or any other bulletin number)
19
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NFS BBS User's Manual
BBS:
*[ NFS BBS Bulletin 7 ]«
BBS:
[Text of bulletin...]
(H)elp, (l-XX), Bulletin List Command?
YOU TYPE
YOU TYPE
(If needed: Whatever commands are needed to turn off or close
your system's log file/capture.)
If you did Indeed turn on the file tog file/capture, you have
the text of Bulletin 4 on Zipping and Unzipping on your
computer's disk for future reference.
> Downloading a File
BBS:
(XX min. left) Main Board Command?
, ^-
Tour Guide
The files available online are either text files that are too
large to be read online as bulletins or program files to run
on your computer after you exit the BBS.
Many of the files available on the NFS BBS have been
compressed fzipped} to speed the transfer process
between computers. A utility program {referred to in the
bulletin that you just read) is available on the BBS that will
allow you to decompress (unzip) any compressed files you
might acquire from the BBS. You must transfer
(download) it to your computer one time and then keep it
for future use.
As part of the guided tour, we will download this program
to your system. You must have 150,000 bytes of room
available on your hard drive or a blank floppy ready to
accept this file from the BBS.
First, though, let's take a look at the various types of files
that are available.
YOU TYPE
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-------
NFS BBS User's Manual
BBS:
,=============================[ File Directories ]»
j Use PKUNZIP.EXE on .ZIP files. Download and execute PKZ110.EXE from j
| Directory 1. If you are unfamiliar with archived files, read j
j Main Board Bulletin 4. Read Bulletin 2 for a primer on uploading and |
I downloading files. !
[1] contains files relevant to the NPS Program and the BBS.
[2] contains some public domain utilities for PC compatibles.
[3] contains public uploads from callers — not checked or tested.
(H)elp, (1-3), File List Command?
First, let's look at the list of files available in Directory 1.
Tour Guide
YOU TYPE
BBS:
=====«=«=[ Directory 1 - NPS Related Files and Key BBS Utilities ]«»»
If you are unfamiliar with archive files see Bulletin 4.
".ZIP" files require PKUNZIP. Download and run PKZ110.EXE.
Filename Size Date Description of File Contents
BACKWET.ZIP 5873 03-29-91 EPA Environmental Backgrounder—Wetlands
BBS0791.ZIP 11264 07-24-91 List of environment-related BBSs
(XX min left), (H)elp, (V)iew, (F)lag, More?
< ENTER > (to continue reviewing list of files)
or
n (to stop reviewing list of files and get to the "File
List Command?" prompt)
' In the future as you browse the list, you can electronically
Tour Guide fiag f//es yOU are interested in and download them as a
/bafc/j later. For instructions on flagging and batch
downloads, see Chapter 8 of the manual.
BBS: (H)elp, (1-3), File List Command?
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NFS BBS User's Manual
Tour Guide
Now let's took at the files In Main Board Directory 2.
YOU TYPE •>
BBS:
«*[ Directory 2 - Public Domain Files and BBS Utilities ]>
If you are unfamiliar with archive files see Bulletin 4.
".ZIP" files require PKUNZIP. Download and run PKZ110.EXE.
Pile Name
Size
Date
D2-112.ZIP
DELUXE2.DOC
DS21119.ZIP
HELP. ZIP
JARGON.ZIP
MAN-ASC.ZIP
MAN-WP51.ZIP
PKZ110.EXE
269390
150263
83148
20490
5067
23216
46435
149219
06-05-91
06-05-91
11-24-90
01-16-91
01-02-91
07-15-91
07-15-91
03-22-90
Description
QMail offline mail reader (use with Door3)
Manual on using the Quail offline mail reader
Omen Technology's Zmodem protocol (shareware)
All this BBS's help files.
Microcomputer communications & BBS Glossary
ASCII version of NFS BBS manual
Word Perfect 5.1 version of NFS BBS manual
Phil Katz's File Zip and Onzip compression
utility. Download and execute to disassemble
into several programs and a manual.
(H)elp, (1-3), File List Command?
Tour Guide
As you can see, many of the available files have file
names that end in ".ZIP."
Let's download the file utility that you can use to unzip
any zipped files that you download later from this (or any
other) BBS.
YOU TYPE
BBS:
Enter the filename to Download =none?
YOU TYPE -
pkz110.zip
BBS: Checking file transfer request. Please wait.
(A) Ascii (Non-Binary)
(X) Xmodem (Checksum—Use with CrossTalk)
(C) Xmodem-CRC
(O) IK-Xmodem
(Y) Ymodem (Batch U/L and D/L)
(Z) Zmodem (Batch U/L and D/L)
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NFS BBS User's Manual
(K) Kermit (PCKermit/Columbia Univ.)
-> (N) None
Protocol Type for Transfer, or (N)=abort?
~* ' At this point, you must select an above-listed "protocol"
Tcttir Guide tngf y0ur communications software also recognizes—as I
in the pre-tour preparation section.
YOU TYPE
(the appropriate letter)
•••
BBS:
Download Time: 11.9 minutes (approximate)
Download Size: 149219 bytes (1166 blocks)
Total Will Be: 149219 bytes
Protocol Type: (whichever protocol you selected)
File Selected: PKZ110.EXE
You must now execute the command in your
communications software to upload or download
(depending on which you are doing). Check your
communications software for the appropriate command.
In CrossTalk hit the key to get the command
line and then type "XX " for uploading
and "RX " for downloading. In Procomm,
press the key for uploading and the key
for downloading.
Type Ctrl-X to cancel the file transfer.
You have now told the BBS what file you want it to send
Tear Guide to vour computer. Now, you must tell your computer to
expecf an incoming file. Read the instructions the BBS
Just gave you on how to do this with two of the most
common communications programs.
YOU TYPE
(the appropriate commands)
BBS:
Transfer Successfully Completed.
YOU TYPE
(H)elp, (1-3), File List Command?
After you end this online session, see the text of Bulletin
4 for further instructions on how to store and use the
zip/unzip utility you Just downloaded.
23
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NFS BBS User's Manual
> Uploading A File
BBS:
(XX min. left) Main Board Command?
Tour Guide
Now, it is your turn to send (upload) a fife to the BBS.
You are going to send the short ASCII file discussed in the
pre-tour preparation section.
In the future, you will be able to send reports, data files,
conference information, and other pertinent information for
the benefit of other users, and you will be able to receive
valuable feedback for yourself.
YOU TYPE
u
BBS:
Enter the Filename to Upload =none?
Tour Guide
Enter the unique file name you gave your test file—the
first 7 digits of your phone number followed by ".xxx".
YOU TYPE >
(the appropriate file name)
BBS: Checking file transfer request. Please wait...
Before beginning, enter a description of (file name)
Begin description with (/) to make upload 'Private1.
Enter your text. alone to end. (45 chars/line,
8 lines maximum)
YOU TYPE
/this is a test file...delete it
BBS:
YOU TYPE
BBS: (A) Ascii (Non-Binary)
(X) Xmodem (Checksum—Use with CrossTalk)
(C) Xmodem-CRC
(O) IK-Xmodem
(Y) Ymodem (Batch U/L and D/L)
(Z) Zmodem (Batch U/L and D/L)
(K) Kermit (PCKermit/Columbia Univ.)
=> (N) None
24
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NFS BBS User's Manual
Protocol Type for Transfer, or (N)=abort?
YOU TYPE
At this point, you must select a listed "protocol" that your
communications software also recognizes—as I discussed
in the pre-tour preparation section and as you did in the
downloading section of the tour.
(the appropriate letter)
BBS: Upload Drive : 101335040 Bytes Free Disk Space
Upload Status: Screened Before Posting
Protocol Type: (whichever protocol you selected)
You must now execute the command in your
communications software to upload or download
(depending on which you are doing). Check your
communications software for the appropriate command.
In CrossTalk hit the key to get the command
line and then type "XX M for uploading
and "RX H for downloading. In Procomm,
press the key for uploading and the key
for downloading.
Type Ctrl-X to cancel the file transfer.
You have now fold the BBS what file you want it to
Tow Guide receive from your computer. Now, you must tell your
computer to send the appropriate file, INCLUDING THE
ENTIRE PA TH AND FILE NAME.
(For example: c:\wp51\letters\3856000.xxx)
Read the instructions the BBS just gave you on how to do
this with the common communications programs.
YOU TYPE
(the appropriate commands)
BBS: Transfer Successfully Completed. (Avg. cps: 194)
Thanks for the file(s)!
There is a chance that your upload was not successful the
first time. You may want to try the steps again. If you
are unsuccessful a second time, I recommend that you
move along with the guided tour.
A number of factors can affect the success of an upload.
It can be more tricky when you are accessing the BBS
through a mainframe computer rather than with a PC and
modem.
25
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NPS BBS User's Manual
If in some future session you wish to upload materials to
the BBS and are still unsuccessful, please leave a
comment to the Sysop (type "c " at a "Main Board
Command?" prompt) and describe your system
configuration and the nature of the problem you are
having. The Sysop will reply within a couple of working
days.
Opening the Clean Lakes Database Door
BBS: (XX min. left) Main Board Command?
. The doors on the NPS BBS are some of the most useful
Tour Guide an(j interesting features of the BBS. Doors allow you to
move ffom the regufgr gg§ software (with the commands
and prompts you have become acquainted with so far)
and, without leaving the BBS entirely, access another
program—such as a searchable database.
YOU TYPE
open
BBS:
=============[NPS BBS Main Board Databases/Doors]'
[1] Clean Lakes Database
[2] NPS News-Notes Database
[3] QMail 4 (to download and read messages offline)
Enter the DOOR f to Open =none?
Let's go through the door that allows access to the Clean
Tow Guide Lakes Clearinghouse Bibliographic Database. The menus
are fairly straightforward, but I will continue to give step-
by-step instructions, just in case.
YOU TYPE
BBS: Loading LAKES, please wait...
Please wait—loading Clean Lakes Database...
26
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NFS BBS User's Manual
Clean Lakes Database:
WELCOME TO THE
CLEAN LAKES DATABASE.
CHOOSE A SEARCH OPTION
1. SEARCH FOR WORD IN TITLE
2. SEARCH FOR SUBJECT
3. SEARCH FOR AUTHOR
4. SEARCH FOR REGION OR STATE
5. SEARCH ON MORE THAN 1 VARIABLE AT A TIME
6. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
(Printing, Keywords, etc.)
7. EXIT THE PROGRAM
A NUMBER (1-7) AND PRESS RETURN:
YOU TYPE >
BBS:
Clean Lakes Database:
TO SEARCH FOR A SUBJECT, CONSULT THE KEYWORD LIST, OR
THE WORD(S) THAT BEST DESCRIBES YOUR SUBJECT.
REMEMBER TO PRESS RETURN.
SUBJECT:
YOU TYPE >
metals (or any other word you are interested in)
mmm
BBS:
Clean Lakes Database:
TITLE: ...
AUTHORS: ...
KEYWORDS: ...
JOURNAL/BOOK TITLE: ...
ABSTRACT: ...
Press any key to continue or to return to menu...
YOU TYPE
any key (to continue reviewing citations and abstracts)
or
m (to stop reviewing the list of documents and return to
the Clean Lakes menu. The database does not show
you a count of how many documents your search has
selected for display.)
27
-------
NFS BBS User's Manual
BBS:
Clean Lakes Database:
WELCOME TO THE
CLEAN LAKES DATABASE.
CHOOSE A SEARCH OPTION
1. SEARCH FOR WORD IN TITLE
2. SEARCH FOR SUBJECT
3. SEARCH FOR AUTHOR
4. SEARCH FOR REGION OR STATE
5. SEARCH ON MORE THAN 1 VARIABLE AT A TIME
6. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
(Printing, Keywords, etc.)
7. EXIT THE PROGRAM
YOU TYPE >
6
BBS:
Clean Lakes Database:
1. Additional Information about the Clean Lakes Clearinghouse
2. Saving and Printing Search Information
3. Keywords Thesaurus
More: (Y)es, (NS)NonStop, (L)ine, (U)p, or number, 0 to exit?
2
YOU TYPE ••
BBS:
Clean Lakes Database:
SAVING AND PRINTING SEARCH INFORMATION FROM THE
CLEAN LAKES BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATABASE
To keep a record of the information that results from your
searching of the
Clean Lakes Bibliographic Database, you must...
Press any key to continue...
YOU TYPE
28
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NFS BBS User's Manual
BBS:
Clean Lakes Database:
1. Additional Information about the Clean Lakes Clearinghouse
2. Saving and Printing Search Information
3. Keywords Thesaurus
More: (Y)es, (NS)Nonstop, (L)ine, (U)p, or number, 0 to exit?
3
YOU TYPE
BBS:
Clean Lakes Database:
CLEAN LAKES CLEARINGHOUSE DATABASE
SUBJECT AREA HIERARCHY
Lake Ecology
Aquatic Ecosystems
Benthic Zone/Littoral Zone/Marginal Zone/Pelagic
Zone/Profundal Zone...
Press any key to continue...
YOU TYPE
BBS:
Clean Lakes Database:
1. Additional Information about the Clean Lakes Clearinghouse
2. Saving and Printing Search Information
3. Keywords Thesaurus
More: (Y)es, (NS)Nonstop, (L)ine, (U)p, or number, 0 to exit?
0
YOU TYPE
BBS:
Clean Lakes Database:
WELCOME TO THE
CLEAN LAKES DATABASE.
CHOOSE A SEARCH OPTION
29
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NFS BBS User's Manual
1. SEARCH FOR WORD IN TITLE
2. SEARCH FOR SUBJECT
3. SEARCH FOR AUTHOR
4. SEARCH FOR REGION OR STATE
5. SEARCH ON MORE THAN 1 VARIABLE AT A TIME
6. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
(Printing, Keywords, etc.)
7. EXIT THE PROGRAM
A NUMBER (1-7) AND PRESS RETURN:
7
YOU TYPE
Opening the News-Notes Database Door
BBS:
(XX min. left) Main Board Command?
Tour Guide
YOU TYPE
Now, let's go through the door that allows access to the
EPA News-Notes database. This database will let you
search through every article of every issue of EPA News-
Notes and then read the articles online.
Again, the menus are fairly straightforward, but I will
continue to give step-by-step instructions, just in case.
open
BBS:
e[NPS BBS Main Board Databases/Doors]'
[1] Clean Lakes Database
[2] NFS News-Notes Database
[3] QMail 4 (to download and read messages offline)
Enter the DOOR # to Open -none?
2
YOU TYPE
BBS: Loading NOTES, please wait...
Please wait—loading News-Notes Database.
News-Notes Database:
EPA Non-point Source News-Notes Database
30
-------
NFS BBS User's Manual
(Contains the full text of EPA's
NFS News-Notes Newsletter)
This database is being presented with TextBase Online.
Press Enter to continue...
YOU TYPE
BBS:
News-Notes Database:
Would you like to search by:
[1] Article number
[2] Title
[3] Text
[ 4] Keywords
[5] All fields
[Q] Quit TextBase
Enter choice or ? for help.
YOU TYPE
BBS:
News-Notes Database:
Search All Fields
Enter search terms. Enter ? for help.
A blank line ends the search.
YOU TYPE
lawn
BBS:
News-Notes Database:
Searching...3 records found.
To narrow the search, enter more search terms. Enter ? for help.
A blank line ends the search.
31
-------
NFS BBS User's Manual
Tour Guide
YOU TYPE
By adding a second word, you will narrow the search to
all articles that have both the selected words in them.
You can use the "*" to broaden your search slightly.
For example, pesticid* will find both "pesticide" and
"pesticides."
pesticid*
BBS:
News-Notes Database:
Searching...2 records found.
To narrow the search, enter more search terms. Enter ? for help.
A blank line ends the search.
Tour Guide
YOU TYPE
At the time I did this search, three articles contained the
word "lawn," while only two had both the character
strings "lawn"and "pesticid*."
BBS:
News-Notes Database:
2 records selected.
Display options:
[1] Key display (Article number only)
[2] Key display nonstop
[3] Summary display (Article number and Title)
[4] Summary display nonstop
[5] Full display (all fields)
[6] Full display nonstop
[B] Begin new search
[Q] Quit TextBase
Note: Nonstop displays cannot be interrupted.
Enter choice or ? for help.
32
-------
NFS BBS User's Manual
Tour Guide
YOU TYPE
To save the results of the search, you must turn on your
log file/capture, as discussed earlier. If you do this, select
option "6" to have the articles scroll smoothly by to be
stored on your disk. Option "5" displays the text one
screen at a time for online reading.
5 (or 6)
BBS:
News-Notes Database:
Full Report
5-6/90-16
ONE PERSON'S VIEW OF WORKSHOP DISCUSSIONS:
COLLEAGUES ON BAY RESTORATION.
A REPORT TO
9-12/90-17
DANE COUNTY, WISCONSIN CONDUCTS A LAWN CARE FIELD DAY
AND WALKING TOUR
[M]enu, [N]onstop, or press [Enter] to continue —>
YOU TYPE
< ENTER > (to continue reviewing the articles)
or
n (to start Nonstop scrolling of the text)
or
m (to stop reviewing the articles and return to the
News-Notes Database menu)
BBS:
News-Notes Database:
2 records selected.
Display options:
[1] Key display (Article number only)
[2] Key display nonstop
[3] Summary display (Article number and Title)
[4] Summary display nonstop
[5] Full display (all fields)
[6] Full display nonstop
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NFS BBS User's Manual
[B] Begin new search
[Q] Quit TextBase
Note: Nonstop displays cannot be interrupted.
Enter choice or ? for help.
YOU TYPE
BBS:
News-Notes Database:
Thank you for using TextBase and the NEWSNOTES database
* Joining a Special Interest Group (SIG) Forum
BBS: (XX min. left) Main Board Command?
Tour Guide
The SIG Forums on the NPS BBS are special topic areas
with all the features of the Main Board of the BBS. When
you enter (join) one of these SIG Forums, you will notice
that all the messages, files, and bulletins available are
focused on the SIG Forum topic.
Let's briefly join the Agricultural NPS Issues SIG Forum.
YOU TYPE
BBS:
================[ Special Interest Group Listings ]==============«=======
f Description
1 AGRICULTURAL ISSUES: A forum for discussion of agricultural nonpoint
source pollution issues. SIG Moderator is Daniel Bard.
Special Interest Group area # to join =none?
YOU TYPE
34
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NFS BBS User's Manual
BBS: AGISSUES (l) SIG Joined
(XX min. left) AGISSUES (1) SIG Command?
Tour Guide
Let's take a quick took around. AH the features of the SIG
Forum work the same way as the features we have been
exploring on the Main Board. We will take a quick look at
the available bulletins and files before leaving this SIG
Forum.
YOU TYPE
BBS:
=[ EPA Nonpoint Source Program Electronic BBS ]==========
AGRICULTURAL ISSUES BULLETINS j
To download one of these bulletins, type "D BLTn" from the "Main
Board Command?" prompt (without the quotation marks), where "n"
is the bulletin number. Turn CApture off in CrossTalk.
Number Update
1 05-31-91
2 05-31-91
Description
Agricultural Information Centers Branch
Publications
Self-service searching of CD-ROM agric
products
(XX min left), (H)elp, (N)o more, for more?
YOU TYPE
BBS:
< ENTER > (to continue reviewing list of bulletins)
or
n (to stop reviewing list of bulletins and get to the
"Bulletin List Command?'' prompt)
(H)elp, (1-29), Bulletin List Command?
YOU TYPE
< ENTER >
BBS:
(XX min. left) AGISSUES (1) SIG Command?
YOU TYPE >
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NPS BBS User's Manual
BBS:
——=«--- =[ File Directories ] =
! Use PKUNZIP.EXE on .ZIP files. Download and execute
PKZ110.EXE from Directory 1. If you are unfamiliar with
archived files, read Main Board Bulletin 4. Read Bulletin
2 for a primer on uploading and downloading files.
[1] contains files relevant to the NFS Agricultural Issues SIG.
(H)elpf (1-1), File List Command?
1
YOU TYPE
BBS:
-'— -[ Directory 1 - NPS Agricultural Issues SIG Files ] =
If you are unfamiliar with archive files see Bulletin 4.
".ZIP" files require PKUNZIP. Download and run PKZ110.EXE.
File Name size Date Description
ALTFARM.ZIP 6692 07-17-91 Periodicals on alternative
farming systems
NAL-BIB.ZIP 7013 07-17-91 Selected bibliographies from
Natl Ag Library
(H)elp, (1-1), File List Command?
YOU TYPE
BBS: (XX min. left) AGISSUES (1) SIG Command?
a (for abandon)
BBS: AGISSUES (1) SIG Abandoned
YOU TYPE
Exiting the NPS BBS
BBS: (XX min. left) Main Board Command?
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NFS BBS User's Manual
Well, the guided tour of the NPS BBS has come to an end.
T0ur Guide ^ yOU w/sf, to stgy oni\ne an(j explore on your own—
—-~~-""~"-""""" perhaps visit other SIGs or read some more bulletins—
please feel free to do so. When you are ready to exit or
sign off the BBS, return to this section. I look forward to
seeing you online again!
YOU TYPE
g (for Good-bye)
BBS: Proceed with logoff?
YOU TYPE
BBS: This Bulletin Board System (BBS) and its contents are
intended solely for the exchange of information
furthering the mission and goals of the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its Nonpoint
Source Control Program. Information and messages are
left hereon with the understanding that they may be
inspected from time to time without further notice by
the operator(s) of this system and brought to the
attention of appropriate authorities.
Unauthorized or fraudulent access to this system, or
tampering with its contents, is a Federal crime under
the Federal Electronic Communications Privacy Act of
1986 (18 USC 2510) and may be punishable by a fine of
$250,000 and imprisonment for up to two years.
— Have a good day
Minutes Used: XX
Thanks for calling!
Shortcuts for Your Next Online Session
You might have quickly skimmed over the messages, bulletins, and files available online during
the guided tour. If so, you might wish to look at these features in more detail next time. To do
this, simply use the commands given in the guided tour again. These commands give you the
broadest access to the materials online.
If you really took your time to review the online materials available during the guided tour, you
may wish to review only materials that are new since your last online session. Here are some
tips on how to do that.
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NFS BBS User's Manual
New Messages
When you first access the BBS, you will be asked whether you want the BBS to review the message
base. If you press < ENTER > for Yes, the numbers of the messages you have not yet read will be
displayed.
At the "Main Board Command?" prompt, type R Y and press < ENTER> to see all your new
messages, or type R S to see all the new messages posted (including private messages addressed to
you and all new public messages).
New Bulletins
The numbers of all the bulletins that have been updated since your last BBS session (including,
unfortunately, the ones that have recently been deleted) will be displayed as you enter the BBS.
To read any new bulletins, at the "Main Board Command?" prompt, type B N and press
.
New Files
When viewing a list of files, those that are new since your last BBS session are marked with a
blinking "*".
To see a list of recently added files, at the "Main Board Command?" prompt, type F N and press
.
You will be prompted to enter a date from which to start scanning (the default is about 2 weeks).
Select A for view all. This will display a list of all files that are newer than that date.
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NFS BBS User's Manual
4. Help
Detailed assistance is available through online help on the BBS. From the "Main Board Command?"
prompt, type H followed by the abbreviation of the command for which you want help. For
example, to get help on reading messages, type H R. To get help at the BBS subcommand level
(such as the "End of Message Command," "Message Read Command," or "Bulletin List
Command"), simply type H. The BBS will display a help message relevant to the prompt from
which you typed H.
In addition, when displaying information (such as messages, file lists, and bulletins) that is more
than one screen long, the BBS will display the following prompt at the end of each screen:
(# min left), (H)elp, More?
At this prompt, type H for an explanation of the display options or < ENTER > to continue
displaying text.
Help is also available in a file (HELP.ZIP) that contains the text of all help screens for the BBS.
HELP. ZIP can be downloaded to your computer for reading at your leisure. (See page 15 for
instructions on how to download.) Also, some of the bulletins on the BBS contain instructions for
using the BBS. Bulletins may be read online or downloaded to your computer. To view a list of
bulletins, type B at the "Main Board Command?" prompt.
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NFS BBS User's Manual
5. Messages
Types of Messages
There are four types of messages on the BBS:
• Public messages Messages from one user to another that can be read by all users.
• Private messages Messages from one user to another that can be read only by the sender
and receiver.
• General messages Messages from one user addressed to all other users.
• Group messages Messages that can be read only by users who know the password
assigned by the sender.
Reading Messages
Reading all messages
To read all active messages on the Main Board, type R 1+. This will display all active messages
beginning with the oldest and proceeding to the most recent. Alternatively, type R L to read all
active messages in reverse order beginning with the most recent. To read all messages left since the
last time you read messages, type R S.
Reading your messages
You can check your messages almost immediately after dialing into the BBS by answering Y or
< ENTER> at the prompt that asks Scan Message Base Since Last Read ( =Yes). This
will display the message number of the messages addressed to or from you since the last time you
read your messages.
The prompt will read as follows:
Msgs for you:
Hsgs from you:
# of messages found:
For example, a prompt that reads "Msgs for you: 32 36", tells you that message numbers 32 and 36
are for you and have not been read. To read an individual message for which you already know the
number, type R followed by the number (example: R 32).
You can also read your messages by typing R Y or R YA. R Y will display messages left for you
since the last time you checked them. R YA will display your messages as well as messages
addressed to all users.
While you are reading messages, you may redisplay the previous message in the message base by
typing PREY at a command prompt.
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NFS BBS User's Manual
While reading messages, you may redisplay the current message by typing "/" at the command
prompt.
Replying to Messages
Two commands are available to you for replying to a message on the BBS: the [RE]ply command
for replying to a specific message and the [E]nter a Message command for writing a message that is
not a reply to a message you have received. Most of the features for editing and saving a reply are
the same as those for entering a message with the [E]nter a Message command.
RE To reply to the message you have just read, type RE at the "End of Message
Command?" prompt. To copy (quote) part of the original message into your
immediate reply, scroll back (use arrow keys) to the original message. Scroll to the
beginning of the passage you wish to copy and press the space bar. Scroll to the end
of the passage and press the space bar a second time. Then hit < ESC > to transfer
the information into your reply. These scrolling commands may not work with all
communications software packages.
REPLY # To reply to a message from the "Main Board Command?" prompt, type REPLY
followed by the number (#) of the message to which you wish to respond. To turn on
the full-screen editor while in REPLY, use the Ctrl-Q subcommand (see Appendix II,
Full-Screen Editor Keyboard Commands).
After completing a message reply, you may save it, kill (delete) the message to which you are
replying, and proceed to the next available message by typing the subcommand SK. To save your
reply without killing the original message, type S to save and send the message.
Marking Messages for Later Review
If you do not wish to immediately reply to a message, either record the message number or type M
from the "End of Message Command?" to mark it as a memorized message for later retrieval. The
[RM] Re-Read Memorized Message command, when entered at the "Main Board Command?"
prompt, will redisplay the memorized message.
Killing Messages
To kill (delete) a message from the message base, you need the message number and a sufficient
user security level. Generally, the BBS allows you to kill messages sent by or addressed to you. At
the "Main Board Command?" prompt, type K # to kill message number #. For example, to kill
message 27, you would type K 27. It is a good idea to kill messages after you have read them. You
can kill a message after reading it by typing K at the "End of Message Command?" prompt.
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NFS BBS User's Manual
Security Levels...
G AHows sender to
assign * password.
so only users who
fcnw Hie password
can read the
Entering Messages
To enter a message, type E from the "Main Board Command?"
prompt. You will be prompted to enter the name of the addressee.
You can either enter a person's name or press < ENTER > to
address your message to all BBS users. Next, you will be
prompted to enter the subject of your message and to select an
editor mode. Enter the subject of the message within the spaces
shown. The next prompt will ask you to enter a message security
level. If you want all users to be able to read the message, press
. If you want only the receiver to be able to read it,
type R (for receiver only). Type H at this prompt to see the other
available security options.
Next you will be prompted for whether you want to use the Full
Screen Editor. If you type N (for No) at this prompt, you will be
prompted to enter your message one line at a time and you will be
able to edit your message only one line at a time. If you type Y
(for Yes), you will get the full screen editor, which has a built-in
word processor for entering your message. To use the full screen
editor, your software must be capable of interpreting ANSI cursor
position commands.
Next, you will be prompted to enter the text of your message.
Appendix II describes the specialized keyboard functions of the
full-screen editor. At any time while you are entering a message,
you may hit the key (or U, if is used
commands) and choose from a variety of options that may assist you
:.ih', Only sender and
,•'•-••'; receiver can read it.
«*• * rf, ,
;S-. Allows sender to
'••"\ \ assign a password
:— i$a only sender can
kin message) but all
/^ users can read it.
*i>; All users can read
the message.
by your system for non-BBS
in completing your message:
A)bort
C)ont
D)el
E)dit
F)ulscr
H)elp
I)nsert
L)ist
Q)uote
S)ave
U)pload
Aborts message entry and returns to Main Menu.
Continues the message by returning to line-by-line edit of the message. (Use
F instead of C to continue your message using the full-screen editor).
Prompts you for the line number in the message to delete.
Prompts you for the line number in the message to edit. Then it requires you
to type the old text that you want to replace followed by a semicolon and the
new text (Example, if you typed the word "watse" instead of waste, you
could correct it by typing watsejwaste).
Returns you to the full-screen editor and returns you to the message for
further editing.
Displays help.
Prompts you for the line number preceding where the new text will be
entered and for the new text to enter.
The current message being entered will be redisplayed using the line-by-line
editor.
Prompts you for a message number and asks you to "start quoting [copying]
from which line?" After you enter a response, it asks for the line number to
end the quote and imports the quote into your message. (Note: the full-screen
editor also allows you to quote or list original; see Appendix II.)
Saves the message you have entered and sends it to the addressee.
Uploads text from a file.
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NFS BBS User's Manual
SC)Save/Copy Saves the message you have entered and copies it to other users that you
choose.
When you have finished typing your message, hit and choose S to post the message or SC
(not displayed on your screen) to send the entered message to more than one person, but not to all
users. The SC (send copy) request will prompt you for the names of users to whom the message
should be sent. If you want to know who is registered on the NFS BBS, type USERS at the "Main
Board Command?" prompt.
If, after you have posted your message, you wish to re-edit it, you may do so by typing R EDIT at
the "Main Board Command?" prompt. EDIT, a subcommand of the [R]ead a Message command,
allows the originator of a message to return to that message to modify it.
Scanning Messages
There are several ways to scan messages for pertinent information before you read them. The first
is Q for quick scan. When you type Q S from the "Main Board Command?" prompt, the BBS will
show the message number, sender, addressee, and subject for all messages left since the last time
you read messages. The command Q L will display the same information for all messages in
reverse order beginning with the most recent.
If you are looking for messages that contain a particular word or phrase, you may use the TS
command. TS scans all message text and headers for a text string that you specify. When you type
TS from the "Main Board Command?" prompt, the BBS will prompt Enter the Text to Scan for
(< Enter > =None)? Type any string of characters. The BBS will then ask for the message number
with which to begin scanning and will display the highest and lowest active message numbers. To
scan in chronological order, pick the lower number. To scan in reverse chronological order, pick
the higher number.
If you want to do a quick scan of all messages, use the Q (for quick scan) command from the
"Main Board Command?" prompt. Type Q to scan the addressees, senders, and subjects (but not the
text) of messages. You will be prompted to enter the message number (#) from which you wish to
start scanning. To limit the scanning to those messages that you have not already read, type Q S at
the "Main Board Command?" prompt. (S is the subcommand for "since" your last reading.) To find
messages left to or sent by a particular user that you designate, type Q USER at the "Main Board
Command?" prompt. (The subcommand USER refers to a particular BBS user whom you will be
prompted to identify.)
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6. News Flash
To keep users informed of changes, additions, and scheduled maintenance for the BBS, there is a
NEWS file that is automatically displayed when you log on for the first time and thereafter
whenever the news changes. The news contains information about new features, bulletins, and files
on the BBS, announcements of events, changes in policy on the BBS, and notices about any
interruptions of service on the BBS. To display the news flash, type NEWS at the "Main Board
Command?" prompt.
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NFS BBS User's Manual
7. Bulletins
Bulletins are short files meant to be read by the user online. Bulletins contain information such as
brief new items, schedules, announcements, staff rosters, program descriptions, meeting agendas,
bibliographies,, instructions for using the BBS, and other brief text that can be read easily online.
Most bulletins are uploaded to the BBS by users of the board. See Chapter 8 for instructions on
uploading. Bulletins can be displayed as follows:
List bulletins
• Read a bulletin
Read all bulletins
Read new bulletins
Scan bulletin text
To view a list of all bulletin titles, type B at the "Main Board
Command?" prompt. To list only those that are new since you last
logged on, type B N.
To read a bulletin for which you already know the number, simply type
B followed by a space and the number of the bulletin (example: B 2).
The command B A will display the full text of all bulletins, beginning
with Bulletin 1.
When the subcommand N is used in conjunction with the B A command
(example: B A N), the BBS will display the full text of only those
bulletins new since you last logged on.
When the subcommand S is used in conjunction with the B command
(example: B S), the BBS will prompt you for a text string to search for;
if a text match is found, the entire bulletin is displayed.
Bulletins may also be downloaded. Each bulletin is a file called BLTx, where x is the number of the
bulletin (example: the file containing Bulletin 13 is BLT13). See Chapter 9 for instructions on
downloading.
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NFS BBS User's Manual
8. Files
A variety of files such as databases, utilities, and documents ate stored on the BBS for
downloading. To view a directory of files, type F at the "Main Board Command?" prompt. You
will see a menu listing three file areas. File directory 1 contains NFS-related files. File Directoiy 2
contains public domain utility programs, other shareware, and public domain software not directly
NFS-related. File Directory 3 contains files that have not been screened by the operators of the
BBS. Choose 1, 2, or 3 to see a list of file names. These directories are listings only. If you want to
download a file, you must flag it (see below) or download it from the "Main Board Command?"
prompt.
From the "File List Command?" prompt, a number of subcommands are available to help you scan
and download files:
• Flag When you see a file (or files) that you would like to download, mark it
(flag it) for future downloading by typing F. This will allow you to
specify a list of files that you can download all at once using the
download batch (DB) command. (See chapter 9 for information on
downloading.) You can also type FLAG from the "Main Board
Command?" prompt if you know the name of the file or files.
• Zippy directory scan If you want to search all file descriptions to find specified text, type Z.
You will be prompted to enter the text for which to search. The BBS
will search for your text string in the file description as listed in the file
directory.
• View a zipped file You may view the contents of a compressed file (ZIP file) by typing V.
You will see a display showing the name, file size before compression,
file size after compression, and file date and time of all the files
contained in the zipped file.
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9. Uploading and Downloading Files
Uploading and downloading are functions that allow you to transfer files between the BBS and your
computer. Uploading is the process by which you send files from your computer to the BBS.
Downloading is the process by which you capture or save files from the BBS on your computer.
Three steps are involved in uploading and downloading:
• Setting the file transfer protocol.
• Giving the BBS the command to upload or download.
• Giving your communications software the command to send or receive the file.
The transfer protocol is the name of the language used by your ^^^*mm^^^^^^^^^^^
communications software and the BBS software to send or receive
files. The transfer protocol verifies that the data received are j^ experienced
identical to the data sent. If an error occurs, the transfer protocol ii$ers,,»
detects it and causes the data to be re-sent. You need to set the
transfer protocol on the BBS to match the protocol used by your You can combine down-
communications software. If you are not sure which protocol to fogg commands ott the
choose, check your communications software manual to see which same Kne separated by
protocol(s) it supports. The BBS supports Xmodem, Ymodem, spaces—*
Zmodem, Kermit, and several other transfer protocols.
I> TEXT.ZDP Z
To set the transfer protocol (or change it) on the BBS, type T
from the "Main Board Command?" prompt and choose one of the
protocols listed in the menu. Once selected, the BBS keeps a |—B-MB||iB1BBM(||(||-1-g|i(|IBBlB|(—,^
record of your protocol and will use it automatically for future
uploads or downloads. The protocol can, however, be changed if necessary.
The next step in the upload/download process (or first step, if you have already selected a transfer
protocol) is to give the proper BBS command to upload or download. Use the D command to down-
load a single file, and use the DB command to download a batch of files (see below). Use U or UB
to upload a file or batch of files, respectively (see below).
Downloading a Single File
Before typing the download command, be sure you either know the name of the file or have flagged
the file for download (see page 46 or Appendix I for instructions on flags). If you want to download
more than one file, see "Downloading a Batch of Files" below. To download a single file, type D at
the "Main Board Command?" prompt. This command prompts you to enter the name of the file
(DOS wildcards are permitted) that you wish to download. (If you have flagged a file for download,
you will not be prompted for a filename.) After you have entered the filename, the BBS will check
to be sure that the file is available and will display the following information:
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NFS BBS User's Manual
Checking file transfer request. Please wait ...
Download Time: minutes (approximate)
Download Size: bytes ( blocks)
Total Will Be: bytes
Protocol Type:
File Selected:
(Ctrl-X) Aborts Transfer
You will then have about 60 seconds to give your communications software the command to receive
the tile from the BBS. The command is usually called RECEIVE (hi CrossTalk, the command to
receive an Xmodem transfer is "RX" followed by the filename; in Smartcom on the Macintosh,
click on the "Receive" icon). If you don't know the name of the command in the program you are
using, check your manual. After the proper communications software command has been entered,
the BBS will indicate that the file is being transferred and will inform you when transfer is
complete.
Downloading a Batch of Files
Before typing DB to download a batch of files, be sure you either know the names of the files or
have flagged the files for download (see page 7 or Appendix I for instructions on flags). When
ready to download, type DB at the "Main Board Command?" prompt. This command prompts you
for the name of the first file (DOS wildcards are permitted) and continues to prompt you for the
name of each additional file. (If you have flagged files for download, you will not be prompted for
filenames.) The BBS will check to be sure that the files you entered are available and will display
the following information about them:
Batch Download Time: minutes (approximate)
Batch Download Size: bytes ( blocks)
Batch Protocol Type:
(Ready to Send in Batch Mode)
(G)oodbye after Batch, (A)bort or (E)dit Batch,
(=continue)?
Sending files — Start your download
You will then have about 60 seconds to give your communications software the command to receive
the files from the BBS. The command is usually called RECEIVE. Be aware that you cannot use the
DB or UB commands unless your communications software supports the Ymodem or Zmodem file
transfer protocols as these are the only ones that will work with batch uploading and downloading.
After the proper communications software command has been entered, the BBS will indicate that the
files are being transferred and will inform you when transfer is complete.
Uploading a Single File
To upload a single file, use the Main Board command U. To upload more than one file, use the
Main Board command UB (see below). When ready to upload, type the BBS command U, which
will prompt you for the name of the file to be uploaded. Don't forget to include the A: or B: and
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NFS BBS User's Manual
the complete path before the filename if you are uploading from a floppy disk on an IBM-
compatible PC. After you enter the filename, the BBS will respond:
Checking file transfer request. Please wait ...
Before beginning, enter a description of (Filename)
Begin description with (/) to make upload 'Private.'
Enter your text. alone to end. (45 characters/line, 8
lines maximum)
( )?
At this prompt, you must type hi a brief file description that will go in the directory of files to
inform other users of the purpose of the file. If you want the file to be visible only to the Sysop,
type a slash (/) as the first character of the file description. After you have entered the description,
the BBS will respond with something like the following:
Upload Drive: 130351104 Bytes Free Disk Space
Upload Status: Screened Before Posting
Protocol Type:
(Ctrl-X) Aborts transfer.
You will then have about 60 seconds to give your communications software the command to send or
transmit the file from your computer to the BBS. The command is usually called SEND or
TRANSMIT (in CrossTalk, the command to send an Xmodem transfer is "XX" followed by the
filename; in Smartcom on the Macintosh, click on the "Send" icon). If you don't know the name of
the command in the program you are using, check your manual. After invoking the proper
communications software command, the BBS will indicate that the file is being transferred and will
inform you when transfer is complete.
Uploading a Batch of Files
The UB command assumes that you will be uploading more than one file and prompts you for each
filename. To begin a batch upload, type UB at the "Main Board Command?" prompt. After entering
each filename and description, the BBS will display the following information.
Checking file transfer request. Please wait...
Upload Drive: 17981440 Bytes Free Disk Space
Upload Status: Screened Before Posting
Protocol Type:
(Ctrl-X) Aborts Transfer
You will then have about 60 seconds to give your communications software the command to send or
transmit the file from your computer to the BBS. Be aware that you cannot use the DB or UB
commands unless your communications software supports the Ymodem or Zmodem file transfer
protocols as these are the only ones that will work with batch uploading and downloading. After
invoking the proper communications software command, the BBS will indicate that the file is being
transferred and will inform you when transfer is complete.
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NFS BBS User's Manual
10. Doors
A door is a program such as a database that can be run while you
are connected to the BBS. When you open a door, you actually
leave the BBS software (PCBoard), so you will not see the usual
BBS command prompts and the commands you normally use on
the BBS will not apply. When you exit a door, the BBS will return
to the "Main Board Command?" prompt of the PCBoard software.
At the "Main Board Command?" prompt, type either OPEN or
DOOR. This command will display a menu of databases or other
programs. To select a program from this menu, type the number
of the door. You may also open a door by typing OPEN followed
by a space and then the number or name of the door (example:
OPEN 1 or OPEN Lakes) from the "Main Board Command?"
prompt.
For experienced
Only the first two letters
of multi-letter
commands are seeded.
"BO" instead of
»B08iri»«IttU$tr
instead of "USER."
Offline Mail Reader
One of the NFS BBS doors provides access to an offline mail reader called QMail. QMail is a
utility that allows you to download messages, files, and bulletins in one single file transfer and then
read them on your own computer after you have disconnected from the NFS BBS.
You can use QMail to simulate the NFS BBS on your own computer offline. This program allows
you to set preferences for what to download for later review. You can read and respond to
messages offline and then upload your responses to the BBS.
Since the bulk of your session is conducted offline, you save on the telephone charges that would
normally accrue doing the same functions while connected to the BBS.
You will need your own software to handle your offline session on your own computer. Examples
of QMail-compatible software that you could run on your computer are Deluxe2, Silly Little Mail
Reader, Easy Reader, and RA Mail. Several of these are available in the public domain download
area on the Main Board of the NFS BBS.
If you download the compatible offline mail reader from this or any other bulletin board, you will
probably need to register it with the producer/distributor and there may be a small registration fee.
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11. Special Interest Group (SIG) Forums
^^^•WWH^W^^*^™^* The BBS has a number of mini-bulletin boards known as Special
Soine tadletin boards Interest Group (SIG) Forums where callers with similar interests
use the term can communicate with one another. SIGs have all of the same
"conference1* where we functions and capabilities as the Main Board (menus, news,
Speak of HSIGs*K They messages, files, bulletins, doors), but each SIG focuses on a
are the same. specific subject area.
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm As a new user, you are automatically given access to some SIGs.
For other SIGs, however, you may need to request membership.
To view a list of SIGs, type the command J at the "Mam Board Command?" prompt. If you want to
register to join a SIG, leave a comment to the Sysop (SYStem OPerator) by typing C at the "Main
Board Command?" prompt. Generally by the next business day, the Sysop will have changed your
user record, enabling you to join the SIG(s).
To join a SIG, type J (for join) followed by a space and then the number or the name of the SIG
you wish to join (example: J 3 or J Regulations). You may also type only the J command, which
displays a menu of SIGs and allows you to choose one.
To exit a SIG and return to the Main Board, type A (for abandon). To exit one SIG and join
another, type J followed by a space and the number of the other SIG you wish to join.
Even though the SIGs are separate areas of the BBS, users can scan the SIG messages from the
Main Board. To read messages in all of the SIGs as well as the Main Board, type R ALL at the
"Mam Board Command?" prompt. If there is a set of SIGs that you routinely monitor, you can
select that group of SIGs to scan messages. Type SELECT at the "Main Board Command?"
prompt. You will be prompted with a list of SIGs. Type hi the numbers of the SIGs that you
regularly want to scan. Typing the number of a SIG that you have already selected will deselect that
SIG. Once you have selected SIGs, every time you use a scan or read command (i.e., Q, R, or Y)
with the subcommand A, the BBS will automatically operate only on the selected message bases.
You can also use SELECT or DESELECT as a subcommand of the R command.
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12. Chat
The Chat command allows you to communicate interactively with other users who are logged onto
the BBS at the same time you are. To see if there are any other callers available for an online
conversation, type CHAT. The BBS will show a list of who is logged onto each node of the BBS
and whether they are available to chat or in a door. (A user in a door cannot chat until he/she leaves
the door.) To initiate a Chat with one of these users, type the number of the node the user is on.
After you type a number, the BBS will send a message to that user's screen saying (Name) wants to
chat with you. To respond, from the "Main Board Command?" prompt, type CHAT # where # is
the number of the node the other user is on. Once the other user enters the Chat command, you can
communicate interactively. The screen will show your name and the number of the node you are on
followed by a colon. Type your message one line at a time. Each line is transmitted to the other
user as soon as you press the < ENTER > key. To exit Chat mode, type E or Q on a line by itself.
Either user can end a Chat session. A sample Chat session is depicted below.
Sample Chat Session Between Sysop and a User Named Joann
SYSOP wants to Node CHAT with you, Joann.
To respond, at the main Command line enter (CHAT) (4)
(63 min. left) Main Board Command? chat 4
Node CHAT entered at 17:20
Node CHAT Commands Available:
(Q)uit or (E)xit to Quit
(U)sers to view Node CHAT status
(H)elp or (?) for Help
Enter (U) for status while awaiting other caller ...
(1 ) Joann : hi Sysop. What's up?
(2 ) SYSOP : Hi Joann. I got the file you uploaded. I'll
(2 ) SYSOP : make it into a bulletin as soon as possible
(1 ) Joann : OK, Thanks!
(1 ) Joann : Bye
Node CHAT ended at 17:21
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Appendix I BBS Commands—Alphabetical Listing
[Ajbandon a SIG
Exits the current Special Interest Group (SIG), if you're in one, and
returns you to the Main Board Menu.
Subcommands: None
[B]ulletin Listings
Displays a menu of bulletins.
Subcommands: # A D N R S NS
# (e.g., B 1) selects a bulletin number to read, etc;
A displays all bulletins;
D enters download mode to download selected bulletin(s);
N displays all new bulletins since you last logged on;
R re-displays the bulletin menu;
S searches for text hi selected bulletins (#) or hi all (A)
bulletins.
NS displays selected bulletin non-stop.
[BYE]
Logs off and hangs Up the phone. (Same as command G Y).
Subcommands: None
[CHAT] with Other Users
Allows you to communicate directly with other callers who are
logged on through other phone lines (called nodes).
Subcommands: # G A U
# begins CHAT with person indicated by node number (#);
G initiates a group CHAT;
A announces your own node as available for CHAT;
U announces your own node as unavailable for CHAT.
(Use postcommand Q/E to quit CHAT).
[C]omment to Sysop Allows you to leave a private message to the Sysop (SYStem OPerator).
Subcommands: None
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[Djownload a File
Allows you to retrieve a file from the BBS to your computer.
Subcommands: "filename" "protocol"
filename filename for download used on command line (DOS
wildcards permitted);
protocol sets transfer protocol.
[DB] Download Batch
Allows you to download several files, prompting you to add a
second file name to the command line.
Subcommands: "filenames" "protocol"
filenames filenames for download (DOS wildcards permitted);
protocol sets transfer protocol.
[E]nter a Message
Allows you to leave a message for another user or other users.
After entering a message, you may hit to access
postcommands. If won't work on your systems to
display the postcommands, press U instead. (See
Appendix III for more Full Screen Editor Control Key commands.)
Postcommands! ACDEFHILQSU
A abort the message entry and return to Main Board Menu;
C continue the message;
D delete—prompts user for line number in message to delete;
£ edit—requests line number in message to edit;
F selects full-screen editing rather than line-by-line editing;
H displays help information;
I insert—prompts user for line number and text to insert;
L list—re-displays current message in line-by-line mode;
Q helps display, copy, and move parts of an original
message into a reply (see REPLY command);
S saves the message;
U uploads to a remote editor.
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[F]ile Directories
Describes directories from which files may be downloaded. Files
new to caller are displayed with asterisk.
Subcommands: #DLNRUVZNS
# displays a directory list for the directory with that number;
D prompts user for file to download;
L locate a file among several directories;
N locate a file by date;
R re-list menu of available directories;
U displays files in upload directories;
V view—displays contents of a zipped file;
Z zippy search—searches all directory files for specified
text;
NS displays file hi non-stop mode.
[FLAG] for Download
Allows you to mark a file for future downloading.
Subcommands: "filename"
filename name of file you want to mark.
[GjoodBye
Begins log off sequence. Prompts user with Proceed With Logoff?
Yes or No. An answer of Y completes the log off and phone hang-
up; N leaves user connected to the BBS. (Command BYE combines
the commands G Y).
Subcommands! None
[H]elp
Displays context-sensitive help on any command in the menu.
Subcommands: "command name"
command name command for which user requires additional
information.
[Ijnitial Welcome
Displays the original welcome screen.
Subcommands: None
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[J]oin a SIG
Displays a menu of Special Interest Group (SIG) areas and allows
you to join one.
Subcommands: # "name"
# number of SIG you want to join;
name name of SIG you want to join;
(Postcommand Q allows you to bypass the news when entering a
SIG)
(Postcommand J Main will exit the SIG you're in and return you to
the main board).
[K]ill a Message
Deletes a message from the system.
Subcommands: "message number"
message # number of message to be deleted.
[Ljocate File(s)
Allows you to scan the file download directories for a filename.
s: "filename" # A D N U NS
file you are seeking (DOS wildcards allowed);
specifies the number (#) of the directory to search;
searches all available files within a SIG;
used to flag a specified file for download;
specifies a date to allow scanning for only files dated
after that date;
searches in all upload directories;
displays files in non-stop mode.
filename
#
A
D
N
U
NS
[MENU]
Redisplays the Main Board Menu one time.
Subcommands: None
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[M]ode Graphics
Changes to or from graphics mode depending on your current
setting. (To use graphics mode, you must have installed the
ANSI.SYS driver, which conies with PC-DOS.)
Subcommands CTTY ANSI GRAPHICS
CITY places system in non-graphics, non-ANSI mode;
ANSI places system in non-graphics, ANSI mode;
GRAPHICS places system in graphics, ANSI mode.
[N]ew Files (date)
Locates any files uploaded to the BBS since the specified date.
Subcommands! "date" # A D S U NS
date date to begin a search for new files using MMDDYY
format;
# a number of a directory to search (if you want to limit the
search);
A searches all post-dated files in all directories;
D marks all queued files for download;
S scans most recent files;
U searches upload directories;
NS displays files in non-stop mode.
[NEWS] Screen Display
Displays news in the current Special Interest Group (SIG) Forums.
Subcommands: None
[OPEN] a Door
Allows you to temporarily "exit" PCBoard (the BBS software) to
run an online application program such as a database.
Subcommands: # "name"
# number of door to open;
name name of door to open.
[P]age Length
Allows user to specify the number of lines displayed on screen.
Subcommands: #
# number of lines displayed per screen.
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[Q]uick Message Scan
[R]ead a Message
Scans all public messages for number and subject.
! # F Y S NS + - TS USER
# message number from which to start the scan;
F locates all messages left by you;
Y locates all messages sent to you;
S displays all messages that you have not already read;
NS displays messages in non-stop mode;
+ when appended to "#" displays messages in forward-
numerical order;
when appended to "#" displays messages in reverse-
numerical order;
TS scans message text as well as header but displays only
header;
USER locates all messages left for or received from an indicated
caller.
Allows you to read messages.
Snnin
# F Y YA S L A ALL TS USER SKIP
JUMP SELECT DESELECT
# indicates the message number to read;
F From— scans messages left by you for other(s);
Y Your— scans messages sent to you;
YA Yours/All— scans messages sent to you or to all
users;
S Since— scans and displays all messages not
already read;
L Last— reads messages backwards starting from
the most recent;
A Reads messages from all selected Special Interest
Groups (SIGs);
All Reads messages from all SIGs;
TS Scans header of each message for indicated text;
USER Scans for messages left to or received from an
indicated user;
SKIP Skips remaining messages in current
SIG— usually used after R A or R S command;
JUMP Jumps to next SIG to continue message reading;
SELECT Selects a particular SIG for future message scan-
ning;
DESELECT Deselects a particular SIG for bypassing during
future message base scanning.
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Display Subcommands: NS NEXT PREV RM RM+ RM- + - /
NS displays messages in non-stop mode;
NEXT displays next numerical message;
PREV displays previous numerical message;
RM re-displays the last read message;
RM+ re-displays the last read message and places message base
in forward mode for further reading;
RM- re-displays the last read message and places message base
in reverse mode for further reading;
+ when appended to a message number (#), displays all
messages in forward-numerical order;
when appended to a message number (#), displays all
messages hyin reverse-numerical order;
/ Re-displays current message.
Capturing Subcommands; C D Z
C Capture—messages displayed by current command are
placed in a file and prepared for download;
D messages displayed by current command are placed in a
file and immediately downloaded;
Z same as subcommand D except the file is compressed
(zipped) before being downloaded.
General Subcommands: EDIT
EDIT places the current message in the editor for modification.
Postcommands! RE RR M T T- K N
RE allows you to reply to the current message;
RR immediately accesses the reference message if the current
message is a reply;
M invokes a pointer at the current message to make it easier
to return to that message at a later time; (See [RM] Re-
Read Memorized Message command.)
T scans forward, and T- scans backward, through all
messages that have a subject identical to that of current
message;
K deletes or kills a current message to or from you;
N ends message reading without exiting the BBS.
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[REPLY] to Message(s)
[RM] Re-Read M Message
Allows you to reply to a message using all commands available
under [E]nter a Message. (You may reply to a message while in
[R]ead a Message command—See RE postcommand under [R]ead,
Message.)
Subcommands: #
# The number of the message to which you would like to
Quoting: Q, when used during a reply, initiates a series
of prompts that help you display, copy, and move designated parts
of the original message using the line-by-line editor; CTRL Q
performs the same function as the Q command, using the full-
screen editor rather than line-by-line editor.
If you marked a message with a pointer (M subcommand under
[R]ead a Message) while you were reading your messages, you
may recall it with this command.
Subcommands: None
[S]cript Questionnaire
[SELECT] SIGs for Scan
[Tjransfer Protocol
Displays a list of questionnaires available for you to complete.
Subcommands: None
Lists the Special Interest Groups to which you have access for
scanning or reading your mail (messages).
Subcommands: S # D Q
S selects all SIGs for scanning by placing "X" in each SIG
flag field;
# deselects a SIG that has an "X" flag (removes the "X");
D deselects all SIGs for scanning (removes all "X" flags);
Q Quit—returns you to the Main User Menu.
Displays a list of communications protocols for uploading or
downloading files.
Subcommands: letter or number of protocol in menu
[TEST] a File
Checks a file for possible viruses or other corruptions.
Subcommands: "filename"
filename name of file to be tested.
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[TS] Text Search Msgs. Allows you to scan text and headers of messages to locate specified
text.
Subcommands: F Y S A ALL L C D Z NS RM+ RM- #+ #-
USER | &
F uses specified text string to scan all messages left by you;
Y uses specified text string to scan all messages left for you;
S displays all messages not already read that contain
specified text string;
A scans all selected SIGs for the text string;
ALL scans all SIGs, whether selected or not, for the text string;
L reads current message base backward, last message to
first;
C displayed messages are placed hi a file and prepared for
download to your computer;
D displayed messages are placed hi a file and downloaded;
Z provides same function as subcommand D except that it
compresses (zips) the file;
NS displays messages in non-stop mode;
RM+ re-displays last message and puts message base in forward
mode;
RM- re-displays last message and puts message base in reverse
mode;
#+ scans message base for specified text from this point
forward;
#- scans message base for specified text from this point
backward;
USER displays messages with specified text left to or received
from indicated user;
| Boolean OR operand that when placed in text locates
either first or second text string or both;
& Boolean AND operand that when placed hi text locates
both the first and second text strings.
[Ujpload a File Allows you to upload, or transfer, a file to the BBS.
Subcommands: "filename" "protocol"
filename DOS name of file to be uploaded;
protocol selects a transfer protocol.
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[UB] Upload Batch
Similar to the [UJpload command, but UB assumes that more than
one file will be uploaded and prompts you for each filename.
Subcommands! "filenames" "protocol"
filename(s) DOS name of file to be uploaded;
protocol transfer protocol for the batch.
[USERS] List Users
Allows you to use a text string to search the current user's file for
a name, location, or last log on date.
Subcommands! "text String" | &
text string scans and displays all user records with the
appropriate text;
| Boolean OR operand that when placed in text
(John | Utah) locates either first or second text
string or both;
& Boolean AND operand that when placed in text
locates both the first and second text strings.
[V]iew Settings
Displays your current BBS settings including, for example, your
last date on the BBS, security level, and active messages.
Subcommands: None
[WHO]
Displays the CHAT status of each node (phone line), but does not
permit communication with another node. (See CHAT command to
communicate with other callers.)
Subcommands: None
[W]rite User Information
Allows you to change your password, address, phone number, full-
screen editor default (on/off/ask), or Special Interest Groups for
scanning.
Subcommands! None
[X]peit Mode On/Off
Allows you to toggle between expert and novice modes. Expert
mode suppresses the menus and provides abbreviated command
prompts. (See [MENU] command.)
Subcommands: None
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[Y]our Personal Mail
Scans the entire message base for mail addressed to you or left by
you.
Subcommands! A ALL S NS Q L C + -
A scans all selected SIGs including main board;
ALL scans the entire board including all SIGs;
S scans only those messages since the last message read;
NS displays messages non-stop;
Q displays only the total number of personal messages found
in the message base(s);
L scans and displays number of each personal message
found in message base(s);
C scans only the current message base;
+ when added to a message number, scans from that point
forward;
when added to a message number, scans from that point
backward.
[Zjippy Directory Scan
Allows you to. scan the file download directories for a matching text
entry of your choice.
Subcommands: # A D N U NS | &
# number of a directory to be scanned;
A scans for text string in all directories;
D flags each file found with matching text for download;
N scans for matching text only in files created after a user-
specified date;
U scans only upload directories for matching text;
NS displays screen output non stop;
| Boolean OR operand that when placed hi text (John)Utah)
locates either first or second text string or both;
& Boolean AND operand that when placed in text locates
both the first and second text strings.
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Appendix II Full-Screen Editor
Full-Screen Editor Keyboard Commands
Cursor Movements
Move Left a Character
Move Right a Character
Move Left to Previous Word
Move Right to Next Word
Move to Next Tab Stop
Move to Start of Line
Move to End of Line
Move Up a Line
Move Down a Line
Move Up a Page
Move Down a Page
PC Keyboard Control Keys ANSI Codes
Left Arrow
Right Arrow
Ctrl-Left Arrow
Ctrl-Right Arrow
Tab Key
Home Key
End Key
Up Arrow
Down Arrow
PgUp Key
PgDn Key
Ctrl-S
Ctrl-D
Ctrl-A
Ctrl-F
Ctrl-I
Ctrl-W
Ctrl-P
Ctrl-E
Ctrl-X
Ctrl-R
Ctrl-C
Edit Function PC Keyboard Control Keys
Toggle Insert Mode
Reformat Paragraph
Join a Line
Insert a Line
Delete a Line
Delete to End of Line
Delete Character
Delete Character to the Left
Delete Word to the Right
Insert Key
Delete Key
Backspace
Ctrl-V
Ctrl-B
Ctrl-J
Ctrl-N
CtrlrY
Ctrl-K
Ctrl-G
Ctrl-H
Ctrl-T
Special Functions PC Keyboard Control Keys
Exit Full Screen Editor
Redisplay Screen
Quote or List Original
Toggle 79 Column Mode
ESC
Ctrl-U
Ctrl-L
Ctrl-O
Ctrl-[Underline]
ESC[D
ESC[C
ESC[H
ESC[K
ESC[A
ESC[B
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•PU.S. Government Printing Office : 1992 - 312-014/40055
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