_ _ _ ____ _ _
/ \ _ __ ___ | |_| |__ ___ _ __ | _ \ _ __ ___ (_) __| |
/ _ \ | '_ \ / _ \| __| '_ \ / _ \ '__| | | | | '__/ _ \| |/ _\` |
/ ___ \| | | | (_) | |_| | | | __/ | | |_| | | | (_) | | (_| |
/_/ \_\_| |_|\___/ \__|_| |_|\___|_| |____/|_| \___/|_|\__,_|
bbs
XQTRs lair...
Home //
Blog //
NULL emag. //
Files //
Docs //
Tutors //
GitHub repo
----------------------------------------------------------------------
oooo oooo oooooooo8 ooooooooooo ooooo oooooooo8
8888o 888 oooo oooo 888 88 888 88 888 o888 88
88 888o8 88 888 888 888oooooo 888 888 888
88 888 88 888 888 888 888 888 888o oo
o88o 8 o88o 8888 o88oooo888 o888o o888o 888oooo88
o8o888 Ascii Art by The Dutch Dude '98
Mystic BBS Sysop Documentation
Copyright (C) 1997-2014 By James Coyle. All Rights Reserved
All mentioned programs are copyrighted by their respected authors.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
MYSTIC BBS OFFICIAL SUPPORT
----------------------------------------------------------------------
www:
www.mysticbbs.com
www.sourceforge.net/projects/mysticbbs
E-mail:
mysticbbs@gmail.com
FidoNet:
MYSTIC
AgoraNet:
AGN_BBS
IRC:
#mysticbbs (efnet)
-------------------------
NOTES ABOUT DOCUMENTATION
-------------------------
This documentation is about 10+ years out of date. It is provided for
now until it is rewritten. The WHATSNEW file for 1.10 contains all of
the changes and documentation of the features in 1.10 (for the most part)
and should also be used as a reference guide. Most of the features not
mentioned in this documentation, can be found within the WHATSNEW.
As always, AgoraNet BBS and FidoNet MYSTIC echos are great places to ask
any questions as both are frequented by many Syops using Mystic as well
as the author.
-----------------------------
Sysop commands while a user is online (Windows version)
ALT B Change status bar display
ALT C Break into line chat mode
ALL E Edit the online user's account
ALT H Hang-up on user
ALT J Shell to DOS
ALT S Break into split screen chat mode
ALT T Toggle status line mode (2 line, 1 line, or none)
ALT U Upgrade user to a defined security level.
ALT + Add a minute to the user's time left.
ALT - Subtract a minute to the user's time left
F1..F8 Definable SysOp macros.
---
DOOR MCI Codes: (used when running a door only)
%0 Socket handle on Windows (1 on Unix)
%1 Returns 1 (old comport code from DOS version)
%2 Returns 38400 (old baud rate from DOS version)
%3 Node number
%4 User's IP address
%5 User's host name
%# User's permanent index number
%T User's time left
%P Node's temporary directory (where door drop files are created)
%U User's handle (All spaces replaced with _ characters)
Adding /DOS on a door command line will tell Mystic to create a DOS format
drop file (ie, lines ending with CRLF) even when running on an operating
system that may use a different format (ie Linux, etc)
---
General notes (UNDOCUMENTED FEATURES):
1. NEWUSER.MPX is executed (if it exists) after a user saves their
new user information.
2. TRASHCAN.DAT (stored in the data directory) can be used to block
certain user names from being used by a new user. This file is
a straight DOS ASCII file with one user name per line. For
example:
Mike Hunt
Homer Simpson
If the above were the contents of TRASHCAN.DAT in the data directory,
Mystic will refuse to allow new users to use those listed names.
3. When editing menus, the following can be used in the "hot key"
field of the menu command:
FIRSTCMD : Automatically run the command each time the menu is
loaded.
EVERY : Automatically run the command each time the menu is
redrawn (before its actually redrawn)
AFTER : Automatically run the command each time the menu is
redrawn, just before the prompt is displayed.
When editing menus, the following can be used in the "hot key"
field of the menu command in NON-LIGHTBAR menus only:
ENTER : Use the ENTER key as the hot key
ESCAPE : Use the ESCAPE key as the hot key
TAB : Use the TAB key as the hot key
RIGHT : Use the RIGHT arrow as the hot key
LEFT : Use the LEFT arrow as the hot key
UP : Use the UP arrow as the hot key
DOWN : Use the DOWN arrow as the hot key
---------------------------------------------------------------------
About Mystic BBS
---------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
System Requirements
---------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
DISCLAIMER
---------------------------------------------------------------------
By attempting to install Mystic BBS, you understand and agree that
the author of Mystic BBS makes no guarantees that this program will
do anything other than take up space on your drive. The author will
not be held responsible for any damage caused by the use, or misuse,
of Mystic BBS or any of it's included programs.
By continuing to use this program, you hearby agree that the author
shall not be held liable for any reason, under any circumstance, due
to the use of this program. If you do not agree with this disclaimer,
delete this program and do not use it until you are willing to abide.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Starting Mystic BBS
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Mystic are many command line options which can be used when executing
the BBS. If no command line option is supplied, Mystic will attempt to
start up locally so that you may log into the BBS, automatically
selecting the first available node for you.
In addition to no command line, the following options can be used:
-CFG This tells Mystic to start in local configuration mode.
-HOST$ This specifies the user's hostname which should be passed
into Mystic by the telnet server. Ex: -HOSTphl.verizon.net
-IP$ This specifies the user's IP address which should be passed
into Mystic by the telnet server. Ex: -IP125.132.54.741
-N# This specifies a specific node number. There is usually
no reason to use this, as Mystic will automatically select
an available node. Ex: -N1 tells Mystic to start node 1.
-T# This specifies the number of numbers the user will be
permitted to use this session. Ex: -T60 limits the user
to only an hour even if they have many hours of time left
-TID# This specifies the socket handle when using Mystic with a
third party telnet server under Windows
-U$ This specifies the username to login to Mystic with and must
be used along side the -P command to supply the password. If
a user name has a space in it, the spaces should be replaced
by an underscore. For example:
mystic -uJoe_User -pMYPASSWORD
The above example will automatically attempt to login as the
Joe User.
-X$ This specifies a MPL program to execute and then exit Mystic
afterwards. The -U and -P must also be supplied with this
in order to tell Mystic which user to run the MPL program as
mystic -uJoe_User -pMYPASSWORD -xusage
The above will execute usage.mpx from the scripts directory
after logging in as Joe User, and then exit the BBS after
execution.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Using the ACS System (Access Command Strings)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The ACS system is used throughout the BBS to limit access to certain
commands and functions. It is an extremely powerful system designed
to give the SysOp total control over who can do what. In any of the
configuration editors where there is an ACS field, these commands are
to be used.
Mystic supports the following ACS commands:
Ax - This command is used to check the user's age. Where X is
the age the user must be in order to pass.
Dx - This command is used to check if a user has a certain flag
toggled ON in their SECOND set of flags. Where X is the
flag which the user must have in order to pass. For
example: DA will require the user to have user access flag
D in flag set 2 in order to pass.
Ex - This command is used to check the user's current graphics
mode. Where X is one of the following:
1 - User must have ANSI graphics
0 - User must have ASCII (none) graphics.
Fx - This command is used to check if a user has a certain flag
toggled ON in their FIRST set of flags. Where X is the
flag which the user must have in order to pass. For
example: FA will require the user to have user access flag
A in flag set 1 in order to pass.
Gx - This command is used to check if a user is in a certain
message group. Where X is the number of the group as listed
in the message group editor. For example: G1 will require
the user to be in message group #1 in order to pass.
Hx - This command is used to check if a user is accessing
a command at a certain hour. Where X is the hour in the
24-hour mode (ie 00 is midnight or after, 23 is 11pm or
after). For example: H12 will prevent the user from
accessing this command before 12 noon on any given day.
Nx - This command is used to check if a user is online a
certain node number. For example: N1 will require that
the user is currently logged in on Node 1 in order to
pass.
OA - This command is used to check the status of the user's
node message availibility. If the user is able to
receive node messages, OA will return true. False if
they are not available.
OI - This command is used to check if a user's node status
is invisible to other nodes. It will be set TRUE if
the user is invisible, false if not.
OK - This command is used to check the result of the last
called Boolean menu command. For more information, see
the menu commands: -P, -Y, and -N.
OP - This command is used to check the status of the user's
post / call ratio. If the user meets the currently set
ratio, then OP will be true - otherwise, if will return
false. This option is useful to restrict users from
downloading if they're not active message posters.
Sx - This command is used to check if a user meets a certain
security level. For example: S20 will require the user
to have a security level of 20 or higher in order to
pass.
Tx - This command is used to check if a user has at least
X minutes remaining in online time. For example: T10
would require the user to have a least 10 minutes of
remaining time in order to pass.
Ux - This command is used to check a user's permanent user
number, where X is the number of the permanent index the
user must match. For example: U1 would require the user
to have the permanent user index of 1. Each user's
permanent index is listed in the user editor, and no two
users will ever have the same permanent index number.
Zx - This command is used to check if a user is in a certain
File Group. Where X is the number of the group as listed
in the File Group editor. For example, Z1 will require
the user to be in File Group #1 in order to pass the ACS
check.
Any of the above commands can be used together to create an ACS string
used by Mystic BBS. Below are some examples of how they can be used:
s255 - User must have security of 255 or higher.
s255n1fA - User must have a security level of 255 or higher, be
currently logged into Node 1, and have user flag A
toggled on, in order to pass this ACS string.
s10z1h12 - User must have a security level of 10 or higher,
be currently in File Group #1, and be accessing this
function after 12:00 noon, in order to pass this
ACS string.
For added flexibility, Mystic also supports five logical operators
which can be used in ACS strings:
& = Logical AND
| = Logical OR
! = Logical NOT
^ = Always TRUE
% = Always FALSE
In addition to the operators, Mystic BBS also allows parenthesis in ACS
strings to allow evaluation of grouped ACS commands. Some examples of
using operators and grouping are:
^ Always returns TRUE. Grants access to ALL users.
% Always returns FALSE. Grants access to NO users,
not even the SysOp.
s10!s20 User must have a security level which is at least
10 but NOT 20 or greater.
t20|s255 User must have 20 minutes of time remaining, OR
have a security level of 255.
!(s255|fa) User must NOT have a security level of 255 and flag
A toggled on.
(s20fa)|(s255) User must have a security level of 20 with flag A
toggled on, *OR* have a security level of 255 or
higher.
As you can see, the access command system gives Mystic BBS an
incredible amount of flexibility when it comes to system security!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[S] System Configuration
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The System Configuration is where setting up the BBS begins. Here is
where all of the basic BBS definitions are found, including System
Paths, Modem Setup, and more. Below is a screen capture of what the
System Configuration screen looks like, followed by an explanation as
to what each option does.
System Configuration
A. System Paths
B. Modem/Node Settings
C. General Settings
D. File Area Settings
E. Message Area Settings
F. Network Settings
L. Language Editor
N. New User Settings
Command (Q/Quit):
----------------------------------------------------------------
[A] System Paths (System Configuration Editor)
----------------------------------------------------------------
The system paths option will allow you to setup and change the
directories that Mystic BBS will use to store and process it's
data files. These paths are setup initially by the installation
program and in most cases they don't need to be changed. The
follow options are available in the System Paths setup:
System Paths
A. System Path : C:\MYSTIC\
B. Data Path : C:\MYSTIC\DATA\
C. Message Base Path: C:\MYSTIC\MSGS\
D. System Logs Path : C:\MYSTIC\LOGS\
E. Protocol Path : C:\MYSTIC\FILES\
F. Archive Path : C:\MYSTIC\ARCS\
G. Local QWK Path : C:\MYSTIC\
H. File Attach Path : C:\MYSTIC\ATTACH\
I. Script Path : C:\MYSTIC\SCRIPT\
Command (Q/Quit):
[A] System Path
---------------
The system path is the main BBS directory where
MYSTIC.EXE and its supporting files are located. In almost
all cases, this directory never needs to be changed.
[B] Data Path
-------------
The data path is the directory where Mystic BBS will
store all of it's data files. In almost all cases, this
directory never needs to be changed.
[C] Message Base Path
---------------------
The message base path is the default directory where Mystic
BBS will store it's message base data files. Mystic BBS also
allows the option of storing each message base in a different
directory, but in most cases this is not needed and will just
clutter up your hard drive. For more information on storing
message bases in different directories, see the Message Base
Editor section.
[D] System Logs Path
--------------------
The system logs path is the directory where Mystic BBS will
keep an updated log file of BBS activity. The log files can
be used to see what each caller was doing while they were
online. These files are not used by Mystic BBS at all and
exist for information purposes only. It is a good idea to
delete the files in this directory every so often so they
do not become large and waste drive space.
[E] Protocol Path
-----------------
The protocol path is the directory where all external
protocol drivers are stored. For more information on file
transfer protocols, see the Protocol Editor section.
[F] Archive Path
----------------
The archive path is the directory where all external archive
utilities are stored (ie PKZIP.EXE, RAR.EXE, ARJ.EXE, etc).
For more information on archives, see the Archive Editor
section.
[G] Local QWK Path
------------------
The local QWK path is the directory where Mystic BBS will
create QWK offline mail packets if the user is logged into
the BBS locally. This directory usually points to the same
directory of your offline mail reader, if you use one. For
more information, see the QWK Offline Mail section.
[H] File Attach Path
--------------------
The file attach path is the directory where Mystic BBS will
store files that are attached to messages. Mystic BBS allows
users to optionally include a file to any message posted on
the BBS system.
[I] Script Path
---------------
The script path is the directory where all compiled Mystic
BBS programming files are found. Mystic BBS supports an
internal programming language that can be used by SysOps
to create games, utilities, or BBS enhancements with ease.
For more information see the MPL.DOC file included with
Mystic BBS.
----------------------------------------------------------------
[C] General Settings (System Configuration Editor)
----------------------------------------------------------------
The General Settings section is where all the general options of
the BBS are defined. Below is a screen capture of the General
Settings screen followed by an explanation as to what each option
does:
General Settings
A. BBS Name : Another Mystic BBS
B. Sysop Name : Sysop
C. System PW :
D. Sysop PW : SYSOP
E. Default Start MNU : MAIN 1. F1 Macro:
F. Default Fallback : MAIN 2. F2 Macro:
G. Default Language : DEFAULT 3. F3 Macro:
H. Max # of Nodes : 1 4. F4 Macro:
I. Screen Saver : 5
J. Inactive Timeout : 180
K. Chat Hours Start : 00:00
L. Chat Hours End : 23:59
M. Allow Sysop E-mail : Yes
N. Sysop Chat Logging : Yes
O. Login Terminal Mode: Detect
P. BBS List Edit ACS : s255
R. Invisible Login ACS: s255
S. Status Line Type : 2 line
Command (Q/Quit):
[A] BBS Name
------------
This option is used to define the name of your BBS.
[B] System Operator (SysOp) Name
--------------------------------
This option is used to define the name of the System
Operator (SysOp).
[C] System Password
-------------------
This option is used to define a system password, which can be
used if you wish to run a private BBS system which only
someone who knows the password can access. If this option is
left blank, the system password option will be disabled. If
a system password is set, Mystic BBS will prompt the caller
for the system password IMMEDIATELY after connecting to the
BBS - before displaying anything else. If the user does not
correctly enter the system password, the display file
CLOSED.XXX will be displayed, and the call will be terminated.
[D] Sysop Password
------------------
This option is used to define the Sysop password. Any time
one of the Sysop-related menu commands or functions is
selected, the user will have to correctly input this password
in order to access that Sysop function.
[E] Default Start Menu
----------------------
This option is used to define the default start menu. The
start menu is the first menu that the user will see after
logging into the BBS. It can be optionally defined by
security level, or for each individual user. If a start
menu is NOT defined for the user's security level or for that
specific user, Mystic BBS uses the default start menu as the
first menu that the user will see. For more information on
the start menu, see the Security Level Editor section and/or
the User Editor section.
[F] Default Fallback Menu
-------------------------
This option is used to define the default fallback menu. The
fallback menu is the menu that is loaded if the menu the user
is trying to access doesn't exist. The fallback menu can be
set for each menu in the Menu Editor, but if a fallback menu
is not defined for the menu the user is trying to access,
Mystic will use the default fallback menu.
[G] Default Language File
-------------------------
This option is used to define the default language file.
Mystic BBS supports the use of an unlimited number of
language definitions which can be used to customize the
the interface of your BBS. The default language file MUST
exist in the data directory, or Mystic BBS will return an
error. For more information on the Language system, see
the Language Editor section.
[H] Maximum Number of Nodes
---------------------------
This option is used to define the maximum number of nodes
currently in use. Each copy of Mystic BBS is a node. If you
have multiple phone lines and need to run multiple copies of
Mystic BBS, then each copy of Mystic you are running is a
node. For more information see the section on Setting up
a Multi-Node BBS.
[I] Screen Saver
----------------
This option is used to define the number of minutes of
inactivity to wait before activating the screen saver. When
running a BBS, the software can sometimes sit idle between
calls for quite a while. A screen saver has been implemented
to prevent screen burn-in while waiting for calls.
[J] Inactivity Time Out
-----------------------
This option is used to set the number of seconds a user can
be idle before Mystic BBS will hang up on them for
inactivity.
[K] Sysop Chat Hours - Start
----------------------------
This option is used to define when the Sysop will be
available for chat. If a user tries to page the Sysop
during off hours, Mystic will not activate the page bell,
but instead inform the user that the SysOp is not available
and optionally ask the user if they'd like to send e-mail
to the Sysop.
[L] Sysop Chat Hours - End
--------------------------
This option goes along with the above option which defines
the SysOp chat hours.
[M] Allow Sysop E-Mail
----------------------
If this option is set to Yes, the user will be asked if they
would like to send e-mail to the SysOp if they try to page
during off chat hours.
[N] SysOp Chat Logging
----------------------
If this option is set to Yes, Mystic BBS will record SysOp
chat sessions to CHAT.LOG found in the logs directory.
[O] Login Terminal Mode
-----------------------
This option sets how Mystic handles getting the users
terminal emulation. If set to Ask, Mystic will ask the
user. If set to detect, Mystic will attempt to detect
which terminal emulation to use. If set to Detect/Ask,
Mystic BBS will attempt to detect and if ANSI isn't
detected, the user will be asked.
[P] BBS List Edit ACS
---------------------
This option defines the ACS string required to edit entries
in the BBS list. Mystic will also allow the user who added
the entry in the BBS list to edit it regardless of this
ACS string.
[R] Invisible Login ACS
-----------------------
This option defines the ACS string required for a user to
have the option of logging onto the BBS as "invisible" mode.
When a user is logged in as invisible, they will not appear
in any of the Who's Online listings.
[S] Status Line Type
--------------------
This option defines the type of "status line" that Mystic BBS
will use. The status line is at the bottom of the screen
where information on the logged in user is displayed. Valid
options are 1 line, 2 lines, and none. This can also be
toggled by pressing ALT-T while a user is online.
[1-4] Sysop Macro
-----------------
These options define the SysOp macros. A SysOp macro is
text that is displayed whenever a macro key is pressed.
Mystic supports four macro keys: F1 through F4. The text
defined for each of these keys will be pushed into the input
buffer whenever they are pressed, just as if it was actually
typed in.
----------------------------------------------------------------
[D] File Area Settings (System Configuration Editor)
----------------------------------------------------------------
The File Area Settings section is where all options relating to
the file transfer bases are found. Below is a screen capture of
the File Area Settings screen followed by an explanation of
what each option does:
File Settings
A. Compress area numbers : Yes
B. File area list columns: 2
C. Import FILE_ID.DIZ : Yes
D. Max File Desc. Lines : 20
E. Auto-validate ACS : s255
F. See unvalidated files : s255
G. DL unvalidated files : s255
H. See Failed Files : s255
I. DL Failed Files : s999
J. Min UL Space (kb) : 1000
K. Min CD Copy Space (kb): 1000
L. Redisplay File Header : Yes
M. Default Upload Base : 0
N. Test uploaded files : No
O. Pass errorlevel : 0
P. Test command line :
Command (Q/Quit):
[A] Compress File Area Numbers
------------------------------
This option, if toggled on, will compress file area numbers
so they are always sequential during a file area list. So
in a file area list, if a user does not have access to area
number 2, then the next area that the user does have access
to will become area number 2.
[B] File Area List Columns
--------------------------
This option allows the number of columns used in the file area
lists to be configured. Valid options are 1 or 2 columns.
Note: If you change this to 1 column listings, you will have
to edit the file area list prompt to reflect a single listing.
[C] Import FILE_ID.DIZ
----------------------
This option, if toggled on, will allow Mystic BBS to search
all uploaded files for a FILE_ID.DIZ file. The FILE_ID.DIZ
file is included in many archives and contains a description
of the file. If this file is found, Mystic BBS will
automatically read the description and use it as the file
description in the file listing.
[D] Max File Description Lines
------------------------------
This option defines the maximum number of file description
lines which can be used for each file entry. It must be
within the range of 1 to 99.
[E] Auto Validate ACS
---------------------
This option defines the ACS string a user must pass in
order for the files they upload to be marked as validated.
If they do not pass this ACS string, the files will be
marked as unvalidated.
[F] See Unvalidated Files ACS
-----------------------------
This option defines the ACS string a user must pass in
order for unvalidated files to appear in a file listing.
[G] Download Unvalidated Files ACS
----------------------------------
This option defines the ACS string a user must pass in
order to download a file that is marked as unvalidated.
[H] See Failed Files ACS
------------------------
If upload testing is toggled on and a file fails the upload
test, they will be marked as "failed". This option defines
the ACS a user must have to see files which have failed the
upload test in their file listing.
[I] Download Failed Files ACS
-----------------------------
This option defines the ACS a user must meet in order to
download a file which has been marked as "failed".
[J] Minimum UL Space (kb)
-------------------------
Mystic BBS has the option to refuse to accept uploaded files
when drive space gets low. This option sets the number of
kilobytes that must exist in order for Mystic BBS to accept
uploads. If this option is set to zero (0), it will be
disabled.
[K] Minimum CD Copy Space (kb)
------------------------------
This option specifies the number of kilobytes which must be
available on the BBS drive for Mystic BBS to use it's
CD-ROM copy feature.
When a file area is marked as a "CD-ROM" file area, Mystic
BBS will attempt to copy files from the CD-ROM to the
temporary directory before a user downloads it. This keeps
the access to the CD-ROM drive minimal, since CD drives are
usually much slower than a hard drive.
[L] Redisplay File Header
-------------------------
This option specifies whether Mystic BBS will redisplay the
file header after a pause during standard file listings.
[M] Default Upload Base
-----------------------
This option defines the default upload base. When this is
set to zero (disabled), all uploaded files will go into the
user's currently selected file base. If set to a non-zero
value, all uploads will be uploaded to the set file base
number (as listed in the file base editor).
[N] Test Uploaded Files
-----------------------
Mystic BBS optionally supports external upload testing. An
upload processor is a program which will search a file for
viruses and/or errors which may have occurred during the
file transfer. Any upload processor should work with Mystic
but THD Pro Scan is recommended. It's free and available
on the Mystic BBS web page and support BBS.
If this option is toggled to Yes, Mystic BBS will attempt to
run the external processor after all uploaded files.
[O] Pass Errorlevel
-------------------
This option defines the Errorlevel which is returned by the
external file processor if the file has passed all testing
successfully. For more information, see the documentation
included with the upload processor you wish to use.
[P] Test Command Line
---------------------
This option defines the command line which is used to run
the external file processor. The following MCI codes can
be used with this command line:
%1 = Modem ComPort.
%2 = Modem Baud Rate.
%3 = Path and File Name of file to be tested.
For more information, see the documentation included with
the upload processor you wish to use.
----------------------------------------------------------------
[E] Message Base Settings (System Configuration Editor)
----------------------------------------------------------------
The Message Base Settings section is where all options relating
to the Message Base system are found. Below is a screen capture
of Message Base Settings screen following by an explanation of
what each option does:
Message Base Settings
A. Compress area numbers: Yes
B. Message Area List Col: 2
C. Max Auto Sig Lines : 3
D. Redisplay Msg Header : No
E. QWK/REP filename : MYSTIC
F. Welcome filename :
G. News filename :
H. Goodbye filename :
I. Default Archive : ZIP
J. QWK Max Msgs/Base : 0
K. QWK Max Msgs/Packet : 0
L. Quote Color : XX> Quote
M. Text Color : Text
N. Tear Line Color : --- Tear
O. Origin Line Color: * Origin:
Command (Q/Quit):
[A] Compress Area Numbers
-------------------------
This option, if toggled on, will compress message area numbers
so they are always sequential during a message area list. So
in a message area list, if a user does not have access to area
number 2, then the next area that the user does have access
to will become area number 2.
[B] Message Area List Columns
-----------------------------
This option allows the number of columns used in message base
listings to be configured. Valid options are 1 or 2 columns.
Note: If you change the message area list to 1 from 2, you'll
have to edit your message base list prompt to reflect a single
column listing.
[C] Max Auto Sig Lines
----------------------
This option defines the maximum number of lines a user will
be allowed to use in their auto signature. An auto signature
is a few lines of text which is automatically appended to
each message a user posts. Many users will use their auto
signature to add their handle and e-mail address to each
message.
[D] Redisplay Message Header
----------------------------
When this option is set to "Yes", Mystic will redisplay the
message header after a page full of message text has been
displayed.
[E] QWK/REP File Name
---------------------
Mystic BBS internally supports the QWK/REP offline mailing
standard. The QWK offline mailing system allows users to
download messages from the BBS message base and read them
offline using a QWK mail reader. This allows the user to
read and reply to mail offline when it's convenient to them,
and also keeps the phone line free for other callers because
the user will not be reading messages online.
The QWK/REP filename is the name of the packet that
Mystic BBS will create for the user when they select to
download a QWK packet. This file name should be unique to
your BBS name so it doesn't get mixed up with packets
downloaded from another BBS.
[F] QWK Welcome File Name
-------------------------
Many QWK offline mail readers offer support to display files
which are included with a QWK packet. This option defines
the filename which the QWK reader will display when the user
first opens the packet for reading.
[G] QWK News File Name
----------------------
This option is used to define the file that will be displayed
by the QWK offline reader as BBS news.
[H] QWK Goodbye File Name
-------------------------
This option is used to define the file that will be displayed
by the QWK offline reader when the user has finished reading
the QWK packet.
[I] Default Archive Extension
-----------------------------
This option is used to define the default archive which is
used to compress QWK packets. The extension should match
the extension of any archives which have been setup in the
Archive Editor.
[J] QWK Max Msgs/Base
---------------------
This option defines the maximum number of messages which
can be packed into a QWK packet per message base. This
option is disabled if set to 0.
[K] QWK Max Msgs/Packet
-----------------------
This option defines the maximum number of messages which
can be packed into a QWK packet. This option is disabled
if set to 0.
[L] Default Quote Color
-----------------------
This option is used to set the default display color for
Quoted text while reading messages. This color can also be
configured for each individual message base in the Message
Base Editor.
[M] Default Text Color
----------------------
This option is used to set the default display color for
text while reading messages. This color can also be
configured for each individual message base in the Message
Base Editor.
[N] Default Tear Line Color
---------------------------
This option is used to set the default display color for
the Tear Line while reading messages. This color can also
be configured for each individual message base in the Message
Base Editor.
[O] Default Origin Line Color
-----------------------------
This option is used to set the default display color for
the Origin line while reading messages. This color can also
be configured for each individual message base in the Message
Base Editor.
----------------------------------------------------------------
[F] Network Settings (System Configuration Editor)
----------------------------------------------------------------
The Network Settings option is used to setup Mystic BBS with
message base networks such as FidoNet. A Message Base network
is a collection of BBSes that all share the same message bases,
allowing users on a BBS in Europe (for example) to hold a
discussion with users on a BBS in the United States. For more
information, see the section on interfacing with message
networks.
The following is a screen capture of the Network Settings screen
followed by an explanation of what each option does:
Network Settings
1. 0:0/0 2. 0:0/0
3. 0:0/0 4. 0:0/0
5. 0:0/0 6. 0:0/0
7. 0:0/0 8. 0:0/0
9. 0:0/0 10. 0:0/0
11. 0:0/0 12. 0:0/0
13. 0:0/0 14. 0:0/0
15. 0:0/0 16. 0:0/0
17. 0:0/0 18. 0:0/0
19. 0:0/0 20. 0:0/0
A. Origin : Mystic BBS * (000)000-0000
B. Netmail Crash : No
C. Netmail Hold : No
D. Netmail Kill : No
Command (Q/Quit):
[1 to 20] Network Addresses
---------------------------
These options are used to setup Network addresses. When a
BBS joins a message network, it is assigned a network address
which is used to identify the BBS. Mystic BBS allows up to
20 address definitions, meaning that Mystic BBS can
be interfaced with up to 20 different message networks at
once.
[A] Default Origin Line
-----------------------
This option defines the default origin line which will be
used for each message base. This option can also be set
for each individual message base in the Message Base Editor.
An origin line is a line of text which is added at the
bottom of each message posted into a networked message base.
It is used to identify what BBS the message originated from
as well as any other general information you wish to have
supplied about your BBS (ie, phone number, modem speed, etc).
[B] Netmail Crash
-----------------
When this option is set to "Yes", the CRASH flag will be set
true on all outgoing Netmail messages.
[C] Netmail Hold
-----------------
When this option is set to "Yes", the HOLD flag will be set
true on all outgoing Netmail messages.
[D] Netmail Kill
-----------------
When this option is set to "Yes", the KILL flag will be set
true on all outgoing Netmail messages.
----------------------------------------------------------------
[L] Language Definition Editor (System Configuration Editor)
----------------------------------------------------------------
About The Language System
-------------------------
The language definition editor is where all available language
files are defined. A language file is a file that contains
all the text that is displayed to a user while they are online.
These files can be edited with any text editor, or the language
editor supplied with Mystic BBS (LANGEDIT.EXE). By editing the
language file, the user interface can be totally customized to
your liking. Almost 100% of the text displayed to the user
can be customized using the MCI system and the display file
system within the language files. More information on editing
language files can be found in the "Editing Language Files"
section of the documentation.
The following is a screen capture of the Language Editor
screen followed by an explanation of each available option:
Language Editor
## FileName Description
-- -------- ------------------------------
1 DEFAULT Default
(I)nsert, (D)elete, (E)dit, (Q)uit?
[I] Insert Language
-------------------
This option is used to insert a new language file into the
Language database. Do not insert a new language file if it
has not already been compiled. If a user selects a language
that doesn't have a compiled language file, they will
receive an error message and Mystic BBS will then attempt to
load the default language file, as defined in the System
Configuration -> General Settings.
[D] Delete Language
-------------------
This option is used to delete a language entry in the
language editor.
[E] Edit Language
-----------------
This option is used to edit the settings for a language
entry. When this option is selected, Mystic BBS will then
allow the settings for the language file to be edited. The
following is a screen capture of the Edit screen followed
by an explanation of what each option does:
Language 1 of 1
A. Description: Default
B. Filename : DEFAULT
C. Text Path : D:\TP\MYSTIC\TEXT\
D. Menu Path : D:\TP\MYSTIC\MENUS\
M. Allow ASCII: Yes
N. Allow ANSI : Yes
E. Use Lightbar Y/N : Yes
F. Y/N Highlight Yes : Yes No
G. Y/N Highlight No : Yes No
H. Input field color : Test
I. Quote Bar Color : Test
J. Echo Character : *
K. Input Character : ú
L. File Tag Character: û
O. File Search Hi : Test
P. File Desc. Lo : Test
Command (Q/Quit):
[A] Description
---------------
This option holds the description of the language file. The
description is what the user will see when they are prompted
to select a language file.
[B] File Name
-------------
This option sets the file name of the compiled language file.
The compiled language file must exist in the DATA directory
in order for Mystic BBS to use the language. Language files
can be edited with LANGEDIT.EXE or a standard text editor, and
are compiled with MAKELANG.EXE. For more information, see the
"Editing Language Files" section of the documentation.
[C] Text Path
-------------
This option sets the directory where all display files for
this language exist. It is possible for language files to
share the same text directory as other language files.
[D] Menu Path
-------------
This option sets the directory where all system menu files
for this language exist. It is possible for language files
to share the same menu directory as other language files.
[E] Use Lightbar Y/N
--------------------
This option specifies if Mystic BBS will use lightbar Yes and
No prompts for this language. The user must have ANSI
graphics to use any lightbar options. If the user doesn't
support ANSI and this option is turned on, Mystic BBS will
ignore it and use standard prompts.
[F] Y/N Highlight Yes
---------------------
This is the text that is displayed in a Y/N lightbar prompt
when the user has selected a Yes answer.
[G] Y/N Highlight No
--------------------
This is the text that is displayed in a Y/N lightbar prompt
when the user has selected a No answer.
[H] Input Field Color
---------------------
Throughout the BBS, Mystic will prompt the user using a
colored input field. The color of these input fields can be
set here using standard DOS color numbers:
Foreground colors:
0 - Black 6 - Brown 12 - Light Red
1 - Blue 7 - Light Grey 13 - Light Magenta
2 - Green 8 - Dark Grey 14 - Yellow
3 - Cyan 9 - Light Blue 15 - White
4 - Red 10 - Light Green
5 - Magenta 11 - Light Cyan
Background colors:
0 - Black 4 - Red
1 - Blue 5 - Magenta
2 - Green 6 - Brown
3 - Cyan 7 - Gray
[I] Quote Bar Color
-------------------
This option defines the foreground and background colors of
the lightbar used in the quote window of the full screen
editor. See option [H] for a reference to valid colors.
[J] Echo Character
------------------
This option defines the character that will be echoed in
the input field when a password is being entered.
[K] Input Character
-------------------
This option defines the character used to fill blank spaces
during field input. Here are some recommended settings for
this option:
Ascii 32 ( )
Ascii 250 (ú)
Ascii 176 (°)
To enter any of these characters: Select option [K], hold in
the ALT key, type the ASCII number on the keypad, then release
the ALT key.
[L] File Tag Character
----------------------
This option defines the character used to mark a file as
"tagged" into the lightbar file listings. The suggested
setting for this field is ASCII 251 (the û character). Other
lightbar file list options are defined within the ANSIFLST.XXX
template file.
[M] Allow ASCII Graphics
------------------------
This option specifies whether or not this language definition
will allow users in ASCII (no graphics) mode to use this
language file.
[N] Allow ANSI Graphics
-----------------------
This option specifies whether or not this language definition
will allow users in ANSI (color graphics) mode to use this
language file.
* NOTE *
These settings in the DEFAULT language file (as defined in
System Configuration -> General Settings) are used to define
which graphic modes your BBS will support. For example,
setting Allow ASCII to "No" in the default language file will
force Mystic BBS to hangup on any callers using ASCII
graphics.
[O] File Search Hi
------------------
This option defines the color of the highlighted text in
the file description, when doing a file search. See option
[H] for a reference of available color combinations.
[P] File Desc. Lo
-----------------
This option goes along with "File Search Hi". It specifies
the color of normal file description text, when doing a NON
LIGHTBAR file listing. See option [H] for a reference of
available color combinations.
----------------------------------------------------------------
[N] New User Settings (System Configuration Editor)
----------------------------------------------------------------
The New User Settings section is used to define how Mystic BBS
will handle new callers who wish to create an account with the
BBS. The following is a screen capture of the New User Settings
screen following by an explanation of what each option does:
New User Settings
A. Allow New Users: Yes P. Use Matrix Login: No
B. New User PW : R. Matrix Menu Name: MATRIX
C. Security Level : 10 S. Matrix Password : MATRIX
T. Matrix PW ACS : s20
D. Ask Alias : Yes
E. Ask Real Name : Yes X. User Name Format: As Typed
F. Ask Street : Yes
G. Ask City/State : Yes
H. Ask Zip Code : Yes
I. Ask Home Phone : Yes
J. Ask Data Phone : Yes
K. Ask Birthdate : Yes
L. Ask Gender : Yes
M. Use USA Phone : Yes
N. Date Format : MM/DD/YY
O. Language File : Ask
U. Editor : Ask
V. Sysop Feedback : Yes
W. File List Type : Lightbar
Command (Q/Quit):
[A] Allow New Users
-------------------
If this option is toggled off, Mystic BBS will not accept
new user accounts. Instead, the display file CLOSED.XXX
will be displayed and the call will be terminated.
[B] New User Password
---------------------
This option is used to define a new user password. If a
password has been defined, a caller who attempts to log in
as a new user will be prompted for the new user password
before they will be able to continue to log in as a new
user.
[C] New User Security Level
---------------------------
This option is used to set what security level a new user
will be upgraded to after successfully completing the
new user login procedure. For more information on the
security system, see the Security Level Editor section.
[D] Ask Alias
-------------
If this option is set to Yes, Mystic BBS will ask new users
for an Alias.
[E] Ask Real Name
-----------------
If this option is set to Yes, Mystic BBS will ask new users
for their real name.
[F] Ask Street
--------------
If this option is set to Yes, Mystic BBS will ask new users
for their street address.
[G] Ask City/State
------------------
If this option is set to Yes, Mystic BBS will ask new users
for their City and State.
[H] Ask Zip Code
----------------
If this option is set to Yes, Mystic BBS will ask new users
for their Zip code.
[I] Ask Home Phone
------------------
If this option is set to Yes, Mystic BBS will ask new users
for their home phone number.
[J] Ask Data Phone
------------------
If this option is set to Yes, Mystic BBS will ask new users
for their data phone number.
[K] Ask Birthdate
-----------------
If this option is set to Yes, Mystic BBS will ask new users
for their date of birth.
[L] Ask Gender
--------------
If this option is set to Yes, Mystic BBS will ask new users
for their gender.
[M] Use USA Phone Numbers
-------------------------
If this option is set to Yes, Mystic BBS will use USA format
phone numbers (XXX-XXX-XXXX).
[N] Date Format
---------------
This option sets the date format which will be used for
each user. Valid options are MM/DD/YY, DD/MM/YY, YY/DD/MM,
or Ask. If this option is set to Ask, Mystic BBS will ask
each new user which date format they'd like to use.
[O] Language File
-----------------
This option is used to set which language file is used for
new users. Valid options are Use Default and Ask. If set
to Use Default, Mystic BBS will use the default language
as defined in the General Settings section. If set to Ask,
Mystic BBS will ask the user which language they'd like to
use.
[P] Use Matrix Login
--------------------
This option defines whether Mystic BBS will use the Matrix
login option. The Matrix login is an alternative to the
standard "Enter your name and password" login. The Matrix
system allows users to apply for an account and then when
(if) they are validated, they receive a Matrix Password which
is used to log into the BBS.
[R] Matrix Menu Name
--------------------
This option defines the menu file name which is used as the
Matrix Login menu. This file must exist in order for the
matrix login system to work properly.
[S] Matrix Password
-------------------
This option defines the password which is given to the user
after their account has been validated. This is the password
which the user will have to know in order to log into the BBS
system from the Matrix Login menu. If this field is left
blank, the matrix password option will be disabled and the XL
(Matrix Login) menu command will not require a password.
[T] Matrix PW ACS
-----------------
This option defines the ACS level which the user must meet
in order to be given the matrix login password from the matrix
menu.
[U] Editor
----------
This option defines how the BBS will determine the new user's
message editor preference. Valid options are:
Line : New user's use the line editor by default.
Full : New user's use the full screen editor by default.
Ask : Mystic BBS will ask the user their preference.
[V] Sysop FeedBack
------------------
This option defines if Mystic BBS will force new users to
send an e-mail to the Sysop after creating a new user
account.
[W] File List Type
------------------
This option defines how the BBS will determine the new user's
file listing type. Valid options are:
Normal : Normal file listing.
Lightbar : Lightbar file listing. This allows users
with ANSI graphics to scroll through the list
of files with arrow keys.
Ask : Mystic BBS will ask the user their preference.
[X] User Name Format
--------------------
This option specifies the way Mystic will handle new user's
handle. Valid options are:
As typed : Mystic will leave the user handle as they
typed it.
Upper case : Mystic will convert the user's handle to
all uppercase letters.
Lower case : Mystic will convert the user's handle to
all lower case letters.
Proper : Mystic will convert the first letter in
each word of the user's handle to a capital
letter, while forcing all other letters as
lower case.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Event Editor
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The event editor is where all system events are setup. A system
event is when Mystic BBS exits at a specified time so external
programs can be ran to help maintain the BBS. The following is a
screen capture of the Event Editor screen followed by an explanation
of what each option does:
Event Editor
### Name
--- ------------------------------
-1 New Event
(I)nsert, (D)elete, (E)dit, (Q)uit?
[I] Insert Event
----------------
The Insert option is used to add a new event into the event
database. After an event has been added, it should be setup
to run as you want it to.
[D] Delete Event
----------------
The delete option is used to remove an event from the event
database.
[E] Edit Event
--------------
The edit option is used to edit an event already in the event
database. When this option is selected, the following screen
will be shown:
Event 1 of 1
!. Active : No
A. Description : New Event
B. Forced : No
C. Errorlevel : 0
D. Execution Time : 00:00
E. Busy Warning : 0
F. Last Ran on : 00/00/80
Command (Q/Quit):
[!] Active Event
----------------
This option sets if the event is active. If the event is
not set to active, Mystic BBS will ignore the event as if
it doesn't even exist in the event database.
[A] Description
---------------
This option sets the description of the event. This isn't
internally used by Mystic BBS but is added to help keep
track of which event does what.
[B] Forced Event
----------------
This option specifies if the event is a forced event. A
forced event will run at the execution time no matter what.
the circumstances are. If a user is online when a forced
event approaches, they will be warned and then the call will
be terminated if they do not log off by the execution time.
If the event is not a forced event, Mystic BBS will wait until
the user terminates their call before running the event.
[C] Errorlevel
--------------
This option specifies the Errorlevel that Mystic BBS will
exit at when this event is being ran. This is used by the
batch file which runs the BBS to determine which event is
running. For more information on Errorlevels and batch
files, see the instruction manual for your operating system.
[D] Execution Time
------------------
This option is used to set what time Mystic BBS will run the
event. The time format is in 24-hour format. For example,
12:00 is 12 noon, and 23:59 would be 11:59pm.
[E] Busy Warning
----------------
The busy warning option is used to set when Mystic BBS will
warn the user of an upcoming event. So if this option is
set to 5, Mystic BBS will wait until 5 minutes before the
event to warn the user. If the event is not a forced event
then Mystic BBS does not run the event until the user logs
off, and this option will be ignored.
[F] Last Ran On
---------------
This option is used to show the date when the event was last
ran. In most cases, this option does not need to be touched
as Mystic BBS keeps this field up-to-date each time the
event is ran.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Archive Editor
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The archive editor is where all archive compression and decompression
utilities are setup. Archive utilities are programs which take a
number of files and compress them into one file, saving drive space
and in the case of a BBS, file transfer time. Archive utilities are
used with Mystic BBS in the file transfer functions, and in the QWK
offline mail functions and are almost required if you want to use
these features.
Some popular archive programs are:
- PkWare's PKZIP utilities ARJ241A.EXE
- Robert Jung's ARJ utilities PKZ204G.EXE
- Eugene Roshal's RAR utilities RAR202.EXE
- Haruyasu Yoshizaki's LHA utilities LHA225.EXE
These utilities can be found on most BBSes and throughout the
Internet. Many are free for non-commercial use.
Below is a screen capture of the Archive Editor followed by an
explanation of what each option does:
Archive Editor
### Ext Name
--- --- --------------------
1 ZIP PkWare's ZIP
2 LZH Yoshi's LHA
3 RAR Roshal's RAR
4 ARJ Jung's ARJ
(I)nsert, (D)elete, (E)dit, (Q)uit?
[I] Insert Archive
------------------
This option is used to insert a new archive definition into the
archive editor.
[D] Delete Archive
------------------
This option is used to delete an archive definition from the
archive editor.
[E] Edit Archive
----------------
This option is used to edit an archive definition in the
archive editor. Below is a screen capture of the Archive
Settings screen followed by an explanation of what each option
does:
Archive 1 of 4
A. Name : PkWare's ZIP
B. Extension : ZIP
C. Pack Cmd : PKZIP -a -ex -o %1 %2
D. Unpack Cmd: PKUNZIP -o -ed %1 %2 %3
E. View Cmd : PKUNZIP -vb %1 >%3%2
Command (Q/Quit):
[A] Archive Name
----------------
This option defines the description of the archive as it
will appear when listed by Mystic BBS.
[B] Archive Extension
---------------------
This option defines the archive extension as created by the
archive utility which is currently being setup.
[C] Pack Command Line
---------------------
This option defines the command line that Mystic BBS uses
to pack a group of files into one file. Archive MCI codes
must be used for this command line and are listed below.
[D] Unpack Command Line
-----------------------
This option defines the command line that Mystic BBS uses
to unpack an archive into the temporary directory. Archive
MCI codes must be used for this command line and are listed
below.
[E] View Command Line
---------------------
This option defines the command line that Mystic BBS uses
to view the contents of an archive. Mystic BBS internally
supports the viewing of ZIP, LZH, ARJ, and RAR files. If an
archive is not of one of the above types, Mystic BBS will
look into the archive definitions and use the this command
line to view if the extension of the file matches the
extension of the archive definition.
Archive MCI Codes
-----------------
These codes work just like the MCI display codes, but only work
with the archive definitions. The following MCI codes can be
used in the Archive Editor:
%1 = File name being processed.
%2 = Files to pack/unpack.
%3 = Temporary file directory where Mystic BBS packs/unpacks
archives.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Protocol Editor (Editing File Transfer Protocols)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The protocol editor is where all file transfer protocols are setup
and maintained. A file transfer protocol is a program which is used
to transfer files between computer systems. In almost all cases they
are needed if you wish to run a BBS, unless you don't plan on using
the entire file transfer section or any of the QWK offline mailing
functions.
By default, Mystic BBS comes pre-configured to use the CEXYZ v1.00
protocol driver. This archive can be found on the Mystic BBS web page
as well as on various BBS systems under the filename of CEXYZ100.XXX
(where XXX is the archive type). In most cases, you should only need
to copy the CEXYZ.EXE file into the protocol directory as defined in
the System Configuration -> System Paths in order to have a fully
working protocol setup. If you wish to use a protocol driver other
than CEXYZ, you must make sure that it is capable of producing a
compatible DSZ-style log file.
Below is a screen capture of the Protocol Editor screen followed by
an explanation of what each option does:
Protocol Editor
## Key Description
-- --- --------------------
1 X (CEXYZ) Xmodem
2 Y (CEXYZ) Ymodem
3 Y (CEXYZ) Ymodem Batch
4 G (CEXYZ) Ymodem-G
5 G (CEXYZ) Ymodem-G Batch
6 Z (CEXYZ) Zmodem
7 Z (CEXYZ) Zmodem Batch
(I)nsert, (D)elete, (E)dit, (Q)uit?
[I] Insert Protocol
-------------------
This option will add a new protocol definition to the protocol
editor.
[D] Delete Protocol
-------------------
This option will allow an existing protocol definition to be
deleted from the protocol editor.
[E] Edit Protocol
-----------------
This option allows an existing protocol definition to be edited.
The following is a screen capture of the Protocol Editor EDIT
screen followed by an explanation of each option:
Protocol 6 of 7
A. Key : Z
B. Description: (CEXYZ) Zmodem
C. Batch : No
D. UL Command : cexyz.exe /P%1 /B%2 /L%4 /Rz %3
E. DL Command : cexyz.exe /P%1 /B%2 /L%4 /Sz %3
Command (Q/Quit):
[A] Key
-------
This option specifies the hotkey which is used to select
this protocol from the protocol list. It is important to
make sure that a protocol definition does not use the same
hotkey as another protocol definition, or problems may
occur.
[B] Description
---------------
This option defines the name / description of the protocol as
it will appear when a user is prompted to select a protocol.
[C] Batch
---------
This option defines if this protocol is a batch protocol. A
batch protocol is a protocol which allows a group of files
to be sent at one time, consecutively. If a user has flagged
a list of files to download at one time, Mystic BBS will
prompt them to select a BATCH protocol. If a user has
selected only one file to download, Mystic BBS will prompt the
user to select a non-batch protocol. Note that some protocols
allow both single and batch file transfers, so there might be
two definitions on the protocol editor for one protocol. One
being the setup for single file transfers, and one being the
setup for batch file transfers.
[D] Upload Command Line
-----------------------
This option specifies the command line that is sent to the
protocol driver in order to upload (receive) files from
another connection. There is a specific set of MCI codes
which can be used in the protocol editor only listed below.
[E] Download Command Line
-------------------------
This option specifies the command line that is sent to the
protocol driver in order to download (send files FROM the BBS)
to a connected user. The MCI codes available only to the
protocol editor are listed below:
PROTOCOL SPECIFIC MCI CODES:
%0 = Comport handle (Win32 and OS/2 only)
%1 = Comport which the modem is using.
%2 = The baud rate the user is currently connected at.
%3 = Name of the file being transferred.
%4 = Baud rate as setup in the Node settings (locked).
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Message Base Editor (Editing Message Bases)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The message base system allows users to post messages which can be
publicly read by anyone, or sent privately to an individual user.
Mystic also supports to option of having "networked" message bases,
meaning, a message base which is shared with several other BBS
systems, allowing all users from every system to send messages to
each other! The following is a screen capture of the Message Base
Editor along with a description of each available option:
Message Base 1 of 3
A. Name : General Messages
B. QWK Name : General Msgs
C. Filename : GENERAL
D. Storage Path : D:\TP\MYSTIC\MSGS\
E. Post Type : Public Y. Format Type : JAM
F. List ACS : s10 O. Quote Color : XX> Quote
G. Read ACS : s10 P. Text Color : Text
H. Post ACS : s10 R. Tear Color : --- Tear
I. Sysop ACS : s255 S. Origin Color : * Origin:
J. Password : T. Header File :
K. Base Type : Local
L. Net Address : 0:0/0
M. Origin line : My BBS * (000)000-0000
N. Use Realnames: No
U. Default New Scan: Yes W. Max Messages : 0
V. Default QWK Scan: Yes X. Max Msg Age : 0 days
([) Prev, (]) Next, (Q)uit:
[A] Message Base Name
---------------------
This option defines the message base name, as it will appear in the
list of available message bases.
[B] QWK Message Base Name
-------------------------
This option defines the QWK message base name. This name will be
used as the message base name within a user's QWK offline mail
packet.
[C] Storage File Name
---------------------
This option defines the file name which Mystic will use to store
the message base data in. This should be a unique name, up to
8 characters in length.
[D] Storage Path
----------------
This option is used to specify the path on your hard disk that
Mystic BBS will use to store data files for this message base.
Mystic will automatically assign the "default" message base path
to this option, and in most cases it does not need to be changed.
[E] Post Type
-------------
This option sets the "type" of message that is allowed to be posted
in this base. Available options are:
1) Public : All messages are posted as public and can be read
by all users.
2) Private : All messages are posted as private and can ONLY be
read by the user it is sent to.
[F] List ACS
------------
This option defines the Access String (ACS) which the user must meet
in order for this base to appear in the message base listing.
[G] Read ACS
------------
This option defines the ACS string which the user must meet in order
to read messages in this base.
[H] Post ACS
------------
This option defines the ACS string which the user must meet in order
to post a message into this base.
[I] SysOp ACS
-------------
This option defines the ACS string which the user must meet in order
to access "SysOp" functions for this message base. Functions such
as editing the message header and text, along with (X)porting the
message to a text file.
[J] Password
------------
This option defines the password required to access this message
base. If this option is left blank, no password will be required.
[K] Base Type
-------------
This option defines the "type" of message base that is being setup.
Available options are:
Local : Sets the message base as a local base. This means
that this base is NOT part of any message network
where messages need to be exported, processed, and
sent to another system.
EchoMail: Sets the message base as a EchoMail message base.
Most message base networks available to BBS SysOps
are "FidoNet" style echomail networks. This
option causes Mystic to exit with an errorlevel of
5 when new Echomail mail has been entered. This
allows for your setup to execute the appropriate
Echomail mail processors.
UseNet : Sets the message base as a UseNet message base. This
option is for easier integration with the Internet
UseNet newsgroups. This option works much like a
Echomail base, except it causes Mystic to exit with
errorlevel 6 when new messages have been entered and
it automatically sets all messages "To: ALL".
NetMail : Sets the message base as an EchoMail / NetMail base.
When a base is set as NetMail, Mystic will also ask
for an echomail destination address along with the
"To" field.
NOTE: When both Echomail and UseNet mail have been entered,
Mystic will exit with an errorlevel of 7. When this occurs,
both Echomail and UseNet mail processors should be executed.
[L] Network Address
-------------------
This option defines the FidoNet network address, which is assigned
to each BBS in a message base network.
[M] Origin Line
---------------
This option defines the Origin Line which is appended to each
message posted in aa Echomail message base. The origin line usually
contains the name or your BBS, the phone number, location, telnet
address, etc.
[N] Use Real Names
------------------
This option defines whether Mystic will use the user's REAL name
in the "From" field. Some message base networks require that all
message posted use the user's real name.
[O] Quote Color
---------------
This option specifies the color Mystic will use for "quoted" text
when reading messages. Available colors options are:
Foreground colors:
0 - Black 6 - Brown 12 - Light Red
1 - Blue 7 - Light Grey 13 - Light Magenta
2 - Green 8 - Dark Grey 14 - Yellow
3 - Cyan 9 - Light Blue 15 - White
4 - Red 10 - Light Green
5 - Magenta 11 - Light Cyan
Background colors:
0 - Black 4 - Red
1 - Blue 5 - Magenta
2 - Green 6 - Brown
3 - Cyan 7 - Gray
[P] Text Color
--------------
This option defines the color Mystic will use to display "regular"
text while a user is reading a message.
[R] Tear Color
--------------
This option defines the color Mystic will use to display the tear
line of the message. The tear line is a line of text usually
appended at the end of a networked message base. For example, at
the end of each exported message, Mystic will append the following
tear and origin line:
--- Mystic BBS v1.03/DOS
* Origin: (0:0/0)
[S] Origin Color
----------------
This option defines the color Mystic will use to display the origin
line of the message.
[T] Message Header File
-----------------------
This option defines the optional external message header which can
be used. The filename specified here should be found in the TEXT
directory with all of the other display files. If this file does
not exist, Mystic will generate it's own message header. The
following PromptInfo MCI codes are available in the message header
file:
|&1 From |&6 Total messages in base
|&2 To |&7 Reply to message number
|&3 Subject |&8 See also message number
|&4 Message Date |&9 Message status
|&5 Message number |&0 Message Time
[U] Default New Scan
--------------------
This option defines if the message base will be toggled ON in
all users new message scan settings by default.
[V] Default QWK Scan
--------------------
This option defines if the message base will be toggled ON in
all users QWK message scan settings by default.
[W] Max Messages
----------------
This option specifies the maximum number of messages which this
base can contain before they will be purged. Mystic does not
internally do anything with these values. They have been added
to support the Squish message base standard and their utilities.
[X] Max Message Age
-------------------
This option specifies the maximum days a message can be posted
before they will be purged. Mystic does not internally do anything
with these values. They have been added to support the Squish
message base standard and their utilities.
[Y] Format Type
---------------
This option specifies the message base "format" to use. This
can be set to either "JAM" or "Squish", the two most popular
message base formats.
*NOTE: If you have an active message base in one format, and wish
to change to another format, you will need to do one of two
things:
1) Delete the message base data files, and lose the
current messages in the base, or...
2) Run a utility to convert from one format to the other
THEN switch formats in the message base editor.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
File Base Editor (Editing File Bases)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The file base system allows users to transfer files to and from the
BBS system so they can be shared with other users of the BBS. These
files can be categorized into different file bases, which are setup
in the File Base Editor. The following is a screen capture of the
file base editor screen along with a description of each available
option:
File Board Editor
### Name
--- --------------------------
1 New File Base
(I)nsert, (D)elete, (E)dit, (M)ove, (Q)uit?
[I] Insert File Base
--------------------
This option allows a new file base definition to be added into
the database.
[D] Delete File Base
--------------------
This option allows an already defined file base to be removed
from the file base database.
[M] Move File Base
------------------
This option allows already defined file bases to be moved around
within the database.
[E] Edit File Base
------------------
This option allows the settings for an already defined file base
to be edited. The following is a screen capture of the file base
modify screen along with an explanation of what each option does:
File Base 1 of 1
A. Name : New File Base
B. Filename : NEW
C. Display File :
D. ACS : s255
E. Sysop ACS : s255
F. Upload ACS : s255
G. Download ACS : s255
H. Storage Path :
I. Password :
J. Show Uploader : Yes
K. Default NewScan: Yes
L. CD-Rom Area : No
Command (Q/Quit):
[A] Name
--------
This option defines the file base name / description as it
will appear to the user when they select a file base.
[B] File Name
-------------
This option defines the data file name that is used to store
information for this file base. This file should be a unique
file name, different from all other data files.
[C] Display File
----------------
This option defines the display file that Mystic can display
before the files in this base are listed. This field is
optional and should be left blank if you do not wish to have
Mystic send a display file before each file list.
[D] ACS
--------
This option defines the ACS string which the user must pass
in order to gain access to this file base and list files.
[E] SysOp ACS
-------------
This option defines the ACS string which the user must pass
in order to access SysOp functions such as the File Directory
Editor.
[F] Upload ACS
--------------
This option defines the ACS string which the user must pass
in order to upload (send) files from their computer to this
file base.
[G] Download ACS
----------------
This option defines the ACS string which the user must pass
in order to download (receive) files from this file base
onto their computer.
[H] Storage Path
----------------
This option defines the directory where Mystic will store the
files uploaded into this file base.
[I] Password
------------
This option defines the password which is required to access
this file base. If you do not wish to require a password to
access this base, leave this field blank.
[J] Show Uploader
-----------------
This option defines if Mystic BBS will show the uploader's
name during the file list. If this option is set to yes,
Mystic will show who uploaded each file into the file base
at the end of the file description.
[K] Default New Scan Setting
----------------------------
This option defines the default new scan setting for this
file base. When a new user logs into the system, their
file base new scan setting for this base will be set to the
default.
[L] CD-ROM Area
---------------
This option specifies whether the files in this area are
being stored on a CD-ROM drive. If this option is set to
"Yes", Mystic BBS will refuse uploads into the area, as
well as attempt to copy files from the CD-ROM drive to the
hard drive before sending them to the user. This keeps
the CD drive access to a minimal, which is important when
multiple users are downloading files from the same CD-ROM
drive.
See also: System Configuration / File Settings.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Menu Editor (Editing System Menus)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The BBS menus are the core of the BBS system. It is where all BBS
commands and functions available to the user are defined and setup.
Mystic BBS supports an unlimited number of defined menus which can
be setup in any way, allowing a totally customizable and unique
interface to the user.
When first entering the menu editor, you will be prompted to select
which language definition you'd like to edit. It is possible to have
different sets of menus for each language!
After you've selected the language you'd like to edit, you will be
shown the main menu selection screen:
Menu Editor (Language: Default)
Directory of C:\MYSTIC\MENUS\*.MNU
FILE.MNU MAIN.MNU PERSONAL.MNU MESSAGE.MNU
GOODBYE.MNU NEWINFO.MNU SYSOP.MNU BATCH.MNU
TIMEBANK.MNU TEST.MNU BBSLIST.MNU QWK.MNU
PRELOGIN.MNU MATRIX.MNU VOTING.MNU
(M)odify, (I)nsert, (D)elete, (Q)uit?
The following commands are available from this screen:
[M]odify
--------
This option will allow an existing menu to be edited.
[I]nsert
--------
This option will allow a new menu to be created.
[D]elete
--------
This option will allow an existing menu to be deleted.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Menu Editor (Modifying Menus)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
(THIS PART OF THE DOCUMENTATION HAS NOT BEEN FINISHED)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Menu Editor (Menu Command Reference)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------
Auto Signature Commands
-----------------------
Command : AD
Description : Delete auto signature
Optional data : None.
Command : AE
Description : Edit auto signature
Optional Data : None.
Command : AT
Description : Toggle auto signature ON or OFF.
Optional Data : None.
Command : AV
Description : View current auto signature
Optional data : None.
-----------------
BBS List Commands
-----------------
Command : BA
Description : Add to the BBS list.
Optional Data : None.
Command : BL
Description : Display the extended BBS list. The optional data field
requires a LIST ID, which is up to an 8 character long
unique name for the BBS list. This allows multiple BBS
lists to be maintained. If ;SEARCH is appended after
the LIST ID, Mystic will prompt the user for a search
string to allow them to view only BBSes which contain
the search string.
Optional Data : ;SEARCH
Command : BS
Description : Display the short BBS list. The optional data field
requires a , which is up to an 8 character long
unique name for the BBS list. This allows multiple BBS
lists to be maintained. If ;SEARCH is appended after
the LIST ID, Mystic will prompt the user for a search
string to allow them to view only BBSes which contain
the search string.
Optional Data : ;SEARCH
--------------------
General BBS Commands
--------------------
Command : GD
Description : Display a text file. The optional data field is
required and holds the name of the file to display.
If there is no file extension then the extension of
.ANS or .ASC will be appended according to the user's
terminal settings.
Optional Data :
Command : GE
Description : Edit User Settings. This command can be used to allow
users to edit their user profile. The optional data
is required for this menu command, and will set which
field in the user's profile to edit. The optional
data must be set to one of the following:
1 - Street Address 2 - City/State
3 - Zip Code 4 - Home Phone Number
5 - Data Phone Number 6 - Birthdate
7 - Gender 8 - Date Format
9 - Terminal Emulation 10 - Screen Length
11 - Password *12 - Real Name
*13 - Alias 14 - Language
15 - Editor Type 16 - Toggle Invisibility
17 - File List Type 18 - Toggle Availability
19 - Toggle HotKeys 20 - Message Reader Type
21 - Toggle LB Msg Idx 22 - Email Address
23 - User Note 24 - Optional Field 1
25 - Optional Field 2 26 - Optional Field 3
27 - Toggle LB Quote 28 - Toggle LB Email Idx
29 - Toggle Node Chat Type 30 - Toggle QWK FileList
31 - Select Archive Type
* NOTE: These commands should not be made available
to the user. They are added as an option
for use with the NEWINFO.MNU.
Optional Data :
Command : GH
Description : Logoff user. This command will show the display file
GOODBYE.xxx and then log the user offline. If the user
has files in their download queue, they will be prompted
to download them before logoff.
Optional Data : None.
Command : GL
Description : This command lists the last 10 users who called into
the BBS system. Local logins are not included in this
list.
Optional Data : None.
Command : GN
Description : One Liners. This option will allow the user to view
and enter a one-liner if they choose. The optional
data field allows the maximum number of lines and
the maximum line length (in characters) to be
configured. If no optional data is supplied, the
default used is 10 lines and 75 characters.
Optional Data : ;;
Command : GO
Description : Go to a new menu. The optional data field for this
menu command is required. It holds the name of the
new menu that is to be loaded.
Optional Data :