-=====================================================- T H E S P A D G E F A C T O R Y U S E R G U I D E -=====================================================- An utterly daft BBS run by the creatures from the Park Tavern Pool Room, Ossett, Yorkshire, England. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ========================= +44 (0)924 265593 7pm-7am ========================= Even Bertie Flirtbuttock had difficulty the first time... IF YOU'RE A TSF VIRGIN.. GRAB A PACKET OF PROPHLACTICS AND ENJOY THIS TENDER INTRODUCTION INTO THE ART OF SPADGERING. "I'll be gentle with you.." Put on your listening trousers and sit yourself down, heres a guide so cunningly put together you'll be wondering why it hasn't been granted a honours degree in home economics. Foreword: -=========- This guide is meant to enable users to log on and experience no problems, get to what they want very quick, know where to look and how to get at it, also to keep phone-bills down to a minimum whilst getting the most out of the system. I realise there's an awful lot of people out there new or unfamiliar with BBS's so this guide will ensure they remain happy whilst using TSF (The Spadge Factory) at least. Contents: -=========- Chapter 1 ............................................. The Log-on Software requirements/suggestions Archiver requirements The Log on itself Chapter 2 ............................................. Joining TSF Entering your details Membership/New Users Using the system with low priveliges House Rules System Conventions Chapter 3 ............................................. The Main Menu Chat request Voting booth Bulletins File areas Message areas Options Recent Callers Questionaire Sysop Message Sodding Off User Log KwikMail Chapter 4 ............................................. Bulletins Access Contents Updating of.. Contributions to.. Running your own.. Chapter 5 ............................................. File Areas Catalogue Browse Upload Download New Files Scan Files File List Specific areas Specific menus Chapter 6 ............................................. Message Areas Message system Private mail General mail Scanning mail Conventions Chapter 7 ............................................. Options Your statistics Changing your options Time Mode Expert Mode Masking Sections Chapter 8 ............................................. General Use Writing Messages Uploading/Downloading Archiving Details & Info Protocols Logging Off Chapter 9 ............................................. Comments Suggestions? Problems? System/Sysop Details of TSF. Chapter 1 - The Log on... -=========================- The best thing to do here is maybe get yourself a modem, or possibly an Amiga too.. if you've got both of these then it looks like you're gonna be ok from now on.. Boot up a decent piece of comms-software, try Access/Ncomm/Jrcomm as all these are widely available shareware programs and all very good indeed - always try to get the latest version, support the shareware author and then you'll get an even better version from the programmer. It's also worthwile to have a copy of LHARC or LHARCA which are the utilities used to compact and organise the files available, without these the downloaded files you have are useless. LHARC and LHARCA are widely available and no self-respecting comms junkie is without them... but if you're not interested in files and just want to join in the fun, then chuck LHARC in the nearest food-processor and whip a Supertramp CD on... Now call 0924 265593 (if you're in the UK) or +44 924 265 593 (outside the uk) and cross your fingers.. makes sure it's after the time of 7pm UK time... thats' when the board goes on-line. Currently the board only supports 300/1200 baud but will be improved on delivery of the new modem, by the time you read this though, the board should have a 2400bps option. If you get through you'll be greeted with a message (this message depends on Spadge's moods and changes often..) kick the return key and you're in.. Now it's time to enter your name and the area you're calling from.. Most people ought to be able to work out the answers to the prompts... If it's your first time (don't be embarrased, we all have a first time) then you'll be told that access is limited, because you haven't joined yet and have been granted new-user status. To join, just press J on any of the menus that will appear.. Chapter 2 - Joining TSF -=======================- This requires you to enter a few personal details.. well not too personal because I'm not interested in the size of your widger... Just enter the details as requested and after this you'll be added to the user-files and within 24hours (usually) Spadge will get off his fat, lazy backside and make you a member - giving you access to all the major areas... If Spadge happens to be lurking around when you join, you might even find yourself made a member immediately.. but that depends on whether the pubs have opened yet.. Using the system with naff-all priveliges [I.e just joined or newuser] -======================================================================- Upon joining you'll still be pretty limited, it's reccomended that you leave the Sysop (Spadge) a message by pressing "L" and maybe downloading the file-list from the new-user file area (see later). After this you might as well log-off (sod-off as it's known on TSF) and wait until the next day before re-calling... when you'll have been made a member and then you'll be able to use the system fully... Membership & House Rules -========================- Membership is free and downloading is unlimited.. that is until (or if) it becomes a problem.. if we get a load of "troughers" [just coming on, scoffing all the files in sight and then sodding off] then downloads will be restricted and "troughers" will be locked out of the system - the Spadge Factory is not meant purely as a feeding-base for such people bent on taking advantage of the sysops good nature.. As far as rules, there are not many.. most important is that piracy is NOT tolerated in any form and will be looked upon with distain and disgust.. uploading of commercial titles is a waste of time and money as I'll just scrub them before anyone gets chance to download them. Besides, anyone caught doing it will be whipped with cold hamburgers until their bottom is sore and wrinkly. Hardly a nice thought so don't bother.. This bbs is all about FUN and the having of it, it's all about sending messages and having a laugh, having a chat and maybe getting hold of a few useful/interesting programs along the way.. also its THE place to get in touch with Newsflash contributors and editors! System Conventions -==================- Before you start reading you really ought to be aware of a few things that get used... for a start, on occasion emotions are put into text.. how's this done? Easy with Ascii faces... huh? Ascii faces? yep... like... Just turn your head 90 degrees to the left to see the faces... :^) <-- Smile, happy/etc :) <-- Cheeky Grin :^( <-- Frown, Upset/etc :^p <-- Pervy Face (Tongue out) :*) <-- Drunk :^Q <-- Sick :^D <-- Laugh =:^o <-- Shock :~( <-- Sad/Cry >:^( <-- Angry/Very Bad mood.. Of course many improvise and some very clever examples crop up from time to time.. Ascii drawing has become somewhat of an artform and amongst the best examples I've seen are on THE CRUSADERS BBS [Norway +47 6 8108 64]. Chapter 3 - The Main Menu -==========================- All commands are what's known as HOT-KEYS, this doesn't mean you'll burn your fingers but means all the available selections are available at any time, and no return is needed.. even when the menus are being drawn on the screen you can press the selection you require (or know you require) without waiting.. obviously this saves time & money - you can turn auto menus off all together - more on that later. "C" - Chat Request: This popular feature pages your sysop (Spadge) and if he's around or not busy he'll break in and you can chat 1:1 until you've had enough... and believe me.. he really can CHAT so don't be suprised if a few hours and a quite a few quid on the phone-bill later, you're still there. "V" - Voting booth: This prompts you to answer a question the sysop is currently taking a ballot on, this could be anything and everything, at the moment (when this documentation was written) the subject was "What do you think causes the mysterious markings in crop-fields?" you can then select any of 8 possible theories - after you've voted once you cannot vote again. After a determined period the sysop will print the results of the poll. In effect voting proves to be nothing useful but is meant as a bit of fun and interest. Users will be informed in the event of a new ballot taking place, this all depends on events in the big ol' wide world or might have something to do with the BBS itself, for instance voting on whether a new section should be started etc.. If anyone would like to hold a ballot then leave a message with details. "B" - Bulletin menu, this is where all the details and info can be found that is uploaded by the sysop, eg Newsflash latest news and sick jokes. Some areas need special access because of the nature of some of the files, if you ask nicely and Spadge thinks it's ok then you'll get access. This menu is detailed later. The extra access is purely to avoid some distress that may be caused by idly reading something extremely funny... "F" - File areas - where to find the on-line library of utilities, demos, music, art, comms, misc-files and info-files. More on this later. "M" - Message area - where you can look after all your messaging needs, it has to be said however that new mail is marked for you when you log on and can be read immediately with the "R" option on the main menu.. Full info on this section in another chapter. "O" - Options - enables you to view and select various settings according to your configuration and preference. More details later. "Z" - Recent calls - shows a list of the latest callers to the board, just out of interest.. the ones that say LOCAL are probably the friends of the sysop (on the host system) or it's just the sysop testing the system further. (and believe me it needs it..) "Q" - Questionaire - there may be a few questionaires, but there is always the Newsflash one, enabling you to fill in some answers about the disk-mag on line, we'd really like you to do this! It helps us enormously.. "L" - Leave message to sysop - direct feedback to sysop. If you've logged on for the first time it's common courtesy to leave at least one message. "S" - Sod Off! This logs you out of the system, if you're a new user it gives you the option of leaving a message to the sysop before cutting the line. "U" - User Log, gives the dirt on some of the users, what they like etc This enables you to spot people with similar views and gives the name you should leave messages to... You can of course add yourself to the databanks by filling in the short questionaire. -= KWIKMAIL =- ^^^^^^^^ Using the system myself I thought it would be a good idea if you could read any new or private mail straight away. When you log on, new messages are checked.. if there are any to YOU then these are marked and stored. To view these just press "R" on the main menu and it's done for you, no need to go through the message system! You can of course Forward, Delete or Reply to the message after reading it. You can also press "W" to write to someone (or ALL) on the main menu and you can press "N" to read all of the new messages in the system... these options have been included to save time and hassle.. I hope you find them very useful. Also remember you don't HAVE to wait until the menu is drawn (if of course you have selected auto-menus) so you can just press R,W or N as soon as the menu starts to appear. Now you can press "D" on the main menu for a User-directory.. this is a listing of all the users, their location and maybe a little bit of surplus info such as their Amiga vocation (programmer/musician etc, or Middlesbro supporter.. Hi Tim!). You can use this to see who you are able to send mail, you can of course select ALL, which means ANYONE can read it. Chapter 4 - Bulletin Menu -=========================- The bulletins are small equivalents of message boards where notices, stories and suchlike can be put up. Some of these can contain material that might not be popular with some users, for this reason some require special access.. if you ask for higher access then you'll usually get it, if not you'll get a message saying why not, most of the bulletins are available to all users. The bulletins cover many areas of interest and if you feel that another bulletin is needed then by all means drop the sysop a message, if theres an interest you'ld like to cover with a regular bulletin then please tell the sysop who can then make a space for your feature - this could be a local user group etc, meetings, night-outs, special interest etc etc or just a section for the sheer hell of it. Most of the bulletins are updated on a regular basis, if there are anyupdates since you last called this will be shown in a text file during the logon sequence... make a mental note of the bulletin so you can take a look at it later. Quite a few bulletins are there hoping to raise a laugh and a smile so enjoy them, any problems, suggestions and hints? -> Mail the sysop! For example, the Tittle-Tattle bulletin contains a write up on the Sysops recent trip with a friend down to Allister Brimbles place down in Devon.. this is quite amusing but does require improved access to be read (due to the content and nature of the report...) Chapter 5 - File Areas Menu -===========================- This area is used to download and upload files from and to the system, you can browse the files, catalogue them and finally transfer them, within a matter of minutes directly onto your own system.. within a few minutes you could have the latest virus killer, even if you're half way around the globe from where the bbs is sited. Catalogue all files - this lists ALL entries in the system, in alphabetical order along with a brief explanation of what the file is. You can also just obtain a list of all the individual areas (utilities, demos and suchlike) but more on that in a moment. List New Files - lists all the files uploaded since you last logged on.. Download - prompts for a filename which will then be downloaded.. Scan Files - search for a filename (saves time if you're unsure if a certain file is available.. eg a new virus killer). You can use * as a wildcard.. eg. Search Pattern? VIR* everything starting with "VIR" is listed.. this could be all verions of virus X! Browse - Go through the files 1 by 1 in detail (Available in section menus).. Section Menus ------------- The files area is further broken-down into 7 sub-menus which service Utilities, Demos, Comms, Art, Misc.files, New-User/Info and Music. Each menu has the same options but for instance CATALOGUE will only catalogue the area you are dealing with, say all the art, demos or music.. this saves time if you're not interested in listing all the utilites or vice verca. You can also BROWSE through files 1 by 1 in this mode. Exiting from a sub menu will get you back to the master files menu. Chapter 6 - The Mail Menu -=========================- The system has a complex but easy to use message system, you can either send a private message to anyone you want (eg the sysop) - this letter can not be read by other users.. or you can send a letter and file it in one of the 4 open areas on the board, Newsflash, General Mail, BBS News and Buy/Sell/Swap - letters to these areas may be directed to a specific person in a conversation or to everyone (use ALL at the prompt). A new section, MOISTY BIT has also since been added, this is a very naughty area reserved for lunatics and people with a very broad sense of humour, again special access is required for this area.. When you log on, the system checks for new mail directed to you, if it finds any you are told and they are marked, all ready to be read by pressing R on the main menu. You can also read new non-private mail thats been left in the open areas by pressing N. This menu provides a dedicated message menu that allows you to scan for subjects or individuals and read past private/non-private mail. You can also send private mail or write to one of the other areas. In general the main menu Kwikmail commands (detailed earlier) are all you'll most likely need, but in case you need one of the more elaborate features.. you can find them here. The conventions used in sending messages are expressed in Chapter 8, general usage... Chapter 7 - User Options/Stats -==============================- This menu allows you to check out your statistics, such as the number of calls you have made, the sections you have access to and your privelige level etc. This is the same information as is shown when logging-on. You can view/edit your settings too, you can select any of 4 display modes; ANSI colour menus, ANSI colour & Graphics, standard ascii or the FAST! set which is a basic no-frills menu set, designed for people using slow modems or calling from overseas, and would prefer speedy operation. You can toggle expert mode on/off (more on that in a moment) and change your personal details. The time option simply shows you when you logged on and how long you've been on, and the time remaining... more time can be gained by asking the sysop, although you get a generous helping to start with. Expert Mode On/Off. This determines whether menus are automatically displayed when you enter a new menu. The default is 'novice' user which shows the menu. When you know the controls it's better to switch to expert mode as this makes bbs operation very fast and you can always redisplay the menu with the "?" key. With the combination of Hot-keys and expert menus you have a very quick moving bbs indeed! You can also display your key-options on a menu by pressing return.. most of these are linked with the function they carry out.. eg F for files, M for Messages and R for read Masking: This allows you to shut-out sections you're not interested in.. For example, if you're not interested in section 8 (Amiga Demos) then masking section 8 will not list the demos in the file listing, in fact if you try to download one you'll get the "Access denied" message.. you can switch the section back in later if you wish.. you can also do the same for any of the other sections too.. such as the BBS message area etc. At the prompt, enter "+!-" then the sections you don't want to see.. for eg. "+!-89a" this masks out sections 8,9 and A. To add them again you'ld use "+!+89a". The +! means ALL available sections.. Chapter 8 - General Use Info -============================- Here are some conventions for doing standard procedures on this BBS. First of all we'll cover MESSAGE writing as it's perhaps the most often used function on any bbs and is really, the principle behind it all. Message Principals ================== A. Writing ---------- There are 2 ways to write a message, you can write by using W on the main menu or one of the options on the message menu or you can REPLY to a message that you've just read. When you're writing a message you have firstly to enter the name of the recipient, this can be any name or ALL (denoting everyone). If the file is a private message the name has to be exact.. or the user will not receive the message! Then you can type a brief synopsis of the subject.. If you'ld like to leave a message to the sysop then just type SYSOP at the first prompt... If you're a new user you'll see the following then appear.. ENTER YOUR MESSAGE TEXT BLANK LINE ENDS MESSAGE If you're an expert user, you'll get straight to the editor.. You'll then see.. 1: This means the system is waiting for you start writing and you're on line 1, as you type, the system word-wraps as it goes keeping things neat and readable.. when you've said all there is to say then just enter a blank line. If you'ld like a space between paragraphs just press space & return or enter a period "." and press return. The message can be any number of lines as long as it does not exceed 2K in length, this allows for a long message and anyway you can always continue the message with another.. Its also worth noting that the "." command formats a line so that it stays the way you typed it.. eg.. 1:.*** CRAY COMPUTER FOR SALE *** 2:.*** ONE CAREFUL OWNER *** 3:.*** BARGAIN AT JUST $80 *** 4:. 5:Reply to xxxxx this would appear as you'ld typed it, with out the "." it would appear as... *** CRAY COMPUTER FOR SALE ****** ONE CAREFUL OWNER ****** BARGAIN see what I mean? It's only for bordered messages like this that you really need to use the "." command. Text messages don't need it at all. When you press return you are greeted with the following menu: A: Abort Message C: Continue D: Delete Line E: Edit Line H: Additional Help I: Insert Line L: List message N: Section Names P: Preview Message R: Replace line S: Store/Save These should all be fairly easy to suss out, if you do need help then just type H and each of these commands is explained.. It`s also worth noting that you can send messages with the ASCII send option on your comms software... prepare a document off line with your text editor and use ASCII send in a message.. eash huh? Saves time and money.. B: Reading ---------- When you use any of the KWIKMAIL commands on the main menu the messages are sifted out for you and displayed, along with who it was from, when it was written and who it was to. If there is an (X) it means the message has been read by the recipient. The message is also displayed and you can press return to go to the next message, REply, Quit reading, UA which replies to the sender but allows you to change the subject, Delete message, Mark the message for reading later, RA read again, Forward to another user/subject area. Private mail carries the following options: A: Abort B: Both to and from you F: Mail from you M: Marked Mail T: Mail to you Which allows you to re-display old private messages or whatever you like. You cannot read other users private mail... any mail to or from you can be read with this sub-menu. In general use, most users will be satisfied with the R: read marked mail and the N: read new messages on the main menu, as they can reply as necessary without having to suss out the message menu. Downloading A File ------------------ To download a file you must have access to the area, if you're a member then you automatically get access to all areas.. Downloading is automatic and is carried out at the protocol chosen when you joined - although this can be changed if desired through the user options/View-Edit command. On downloading you are prompted for the filename, this MUST be the same as listed in the catalogue eg FILELIST.LZH. After this (if successful) you are given the file size, download time and the protocol employed. Uploading A File ---------------- Section E has been reserved for user-uploads and after entering the filename you must select section E. Then you type a description for the sysop/other users which will be used in the file catalogue. All files are checked by the sysop before being allowed to be downloaded by the sysop. The file is uploaded at the protocol you chose and again, is automatic. Archives -------- There are a number of archiving programs available, ARC, ZOO, LHARC, ZIP and PACK. I've used LHARC (file suffic .LZH) when uploading all my files as this is perhaps the most popular. I reccomend that you upload files with this protocol and get hold of LHARCA which is an extremely comprehensive and quick LHARC manipulator program. On occasion I might not archive a file, this is usually for TEXT files which can then be read whilst BROWSING through the catalogue.. this is to enable users to read info files and documentation. (Such as the files in the new-user area). Protocols --------- This is the term given to the type of file-transfer system employed, the most popular are X and Z modem. I reccomend Zmodem because if for some reason the line is broken, you can start again at the point where you were disconnected. It's also fast. If you'ld like to set your protocol again, choose options menu from the main menu and select V. Logging Off ----------- You can log-off at any menu in TSF, just hit S to Sod-off! Chapter 9 - Comments -====================- If you have any suggestions for features or options on TSF then please don't hesitate to tell me, a system is no good if it doesn't offer what it's users want. I've tried my best to try and provide different options and make things as easy as possible - if you've other ideas then DO drop me a line! Any suggestions for votes etc are very much welcomed. If you are experiencing ANY problems at all then report this immediately!! The system is run on a 1.2 A500 with 3megs on board, a 42meg Seagate drive and various bits hanging off the edges. It's also accompanied by a couple of diskdrives and countless CD's.. I hope you get a lot of fun, enjoyment and satisfaction from TSF, I get a kick out of running it and it provides a great opportunity for our readers to get directly in touch with the editorial section - what other publication offers this?? Best wishes - Spadge [Sysop of TSF] -------------------------------------------------------------------------- (C)1990 SpadgeInfo Services. If you'ld like to adopt this text file for another BBS then please do so.. but as a favour to me (for writing all this) give my BBS a good plug! The Spadge Factory - +44 (0) 924 265 593 --------------------------------------------------------------------------