bbsfaq03.001

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Today you may want to start a single line BBS, but you dream of
rivaling CompuServe someday. TSX-BBS will take you there.
TSX-BBS supports up to 256 lines on a single computer using
intelligent serial multiplexers.


With traditional multi-node bulletin board systems you had two
unpleasant choices. You could either run a copy of the BBS
software on a separate computer for each node, or you could use
a multi- tasker such as Windows or DesqView to run several
copies of the BBS on a single computer. Buying a separate
computer for each node is expensive and you have to set up a
network to link the computers together.  While it may be
acceptable for a 2-4 line system, if you plan to grow in the
future you need to think about what the expense and management
will be like when you reach 16 or 50 lines.

The multi-tasking approach avoids the expense of buying
multiple computers and the expense and trouble of setting up a
network connection, but running multiple copies of a
single-line BBS system with a multi-tasker is very inefficient
and usually provides unacceptable performance for more than a
couple of lines.

TSX-BBS is the solution. Designed from the ground up as a
multi- line operating environment, TSX-BBS can support up to
256 lines on a single computer. The reason TSX-BBS can do this
is that it runs in 32-bit protected mode for maximum efficiency
and uses a patented adaptive scheduling algorithm that gives
immediate priority to users who need service.

So, instead of a room full of computers, you can have a single
sytem running TSX-BBS connected through an intelligent serial
multiplexer to many modem lines. For medium to large installa-
tions, this could save thousands (or even tens of thousands) of
dollars in hardware expenses, not to mention the complexity of
maintaining a large networked system.

Another advantage of a multi-line TSX-BBS system is that it
provides a smooth growth path. Many systems run well for one or
two lines, but when you grow you will hit a barrier that
necessi- tates a radical change. With SX-BBS, you can start out
with a small system and grow smoothly to an enormous system.

Super System Capacity

Suppose your dreams are so big that you think you will outgrow
a single computer no matter how efficient the software is.
Relax, TSX-BBS will take care of you.  For extremely large
configurations, TSX systems can be networked together so that
you can grow without bounds.  With its TCP/IP networking
option, you can link multiple TSX systems together. Any program
on any computer in the network can transparently access any
file. Because TSX networking uses a peer-to-peer model, you do
not have to dedicate a computer as a "file server". All
computers in the network can store files and run the TSX-BBS
system.

Reliable, Non-stop Operation

If you are running a single-line hobby board it may be
acceptable to take the system down periodically for maintenance
and improve- ments. But, if you are serious about running a
professional quality board, you need a BBS system that will run
reliably, non- stop, 24-hours a day. TSX-BBS is such a system.

All of the BBS maintenance functions such as adding and
modifying user authorizations, reviewing and posting new
uploads, and backing up files can be done without stopping the
BBS or interrupting your users. You can do new program
development using the TPL language, C, Pascal, or the language
of your choice, while the BBS is in full operation. You can
develop and test menu changes without interrupting your users.
And, the sysop (or properly authorized users) can open
development and maintenance from dial-in connections as well as
from the local console.

Routine operations such as new user registrations are
completely automatic. Internet Usenet newsgroups, Fido echoes,
and netmail processing is automatic with messages being posted
in real-time as they arrive. TSX-BBS can even be configured to
automatically create new Fido and Usenet newsgroups without
sysop intervention. You can literally take a vacation without
most of your users being aware that your board is unattended.

A Sysop's Dream

With other multi-line BBS systems, the computer is dedicated to
running the BBS software and the sysop must use auxiliary
computers for tasks such as viewing uploaded GIF files, running
"door" programs, and processing incoming satellite feeds.

TSX-BBS is the only multi-line BBS system that lets the sysop
run DOS programs, view GIF's, do file maintenance, and run
games while the BBS is live on the same PC. The same computer
that is running TSX-BBS can process incoming satellite data
including Usenet feeds and add it to your board in real-time.
Since most DOS programs such as WordPerfect, dBase, Foxpro,
CSHOW, and Procomm run under TSX with the BBS in operation, you
can run your business on the same computer and at the same time
that you run your BBS.

Using the HOST program that is provided with TSX, or your own
favorite communications program, you can call other systems and
upload and download files while your BBS is running on the same
computer.

Door Program Support

"Door" programs are applications designed to run in cooperation
with a BBS to provide extended services such as games.  Because
traditional multi-line BBS systems dedicate the computer to
running the BBS software, they are unable to execute popular
door applica- tions.  TSX-BBS, on the other hand, can execute
door programs on the same computer with the BBS. And, many
users can run doors at the same time.  TSX-BBS takes care of
the details of creating a DOOR.SYS "drop" file with user
information.

Flexibility is the Key

Successful computer bulletin boards evolve over time.  As your
system grows and you acquire new users and add more lines, you
will develop new ideas for improvements and new features.  It
is important that you select a BBS package that allows you to
customize your system and doesn't box you in with fixed menus
and no way of adding extensions.

TSX-BBS comes with a complete set of menus and support programs
so it is easy to get up and running the same day you receive
it, but it doesn't hold you back when you are ready to do your
own development and customization.  Virtually every menu,
phrase, and color can be changed.  Some sysops like very
flamboyant menus, others prefer more reserved ones; have it
your way.  With a little creative effort you can configure
TSX-BBS to present exactly the image you desire. And, you will
find that this customization is surprisingly easy; we give you
the tools and materials, you can put them together in many
different ways.

TSX-BBS comes with an advanced menu compiler that allows you to
modify any of the standard menus and create new menus of your
own design. You can change the menu tree structure, change the
wording of menu options, translate them to foreign languages,
add and re- move menu items, and integrate text from ANSI and
RIP editors.

TSX-BBS menus are organized into three sections:
initialization, display, and action.  The initialization
section is optional, if present it allows you to specify
actions that are to be performed each time the menu is entered.
You can use this section to write information to log files,
start programs, and perform other tasks. Conditional
expressions allow you to perform different actions based on the
user and many other conditions.

The display section contains the menu image that is presented
to the user. You can put the text in the menu source file or
you can display an external file that may have been created
with an ANSI editor. TSX-BBS allows you to place commands of
the form "@com- mand@" within the menu text to select colors,
do cursor position- ing, and check conditions. You can also use
these commands to cause TSX-BBS to insert parameters such as
the caller's name, the time, the date, the remaining time
available, and many other values.  This makes it easy to create
personalized menus and status displays.

The action section of a menu specifies what actions are to be
performed when a user types a letter or command.  All of the
inherent BBS functions are available as "building blocks" for
you to use, such as browsing file libraries, entering chat,
reading new mail, etc. (there are over 85 actions).  In
addition, actions can call other menus or execute external
programs that you write.  The following is an example of a menu
action section:

  $item key=C action=menu(chat)
  $item key=F action=menu(file)
  $item key=V action=vote
  $item key=W action=who
  $item key=G action=logoff

You can design menus that present options to some users and not
others based on privilege flags.  Entirely different menus can
be selected based on capabilities such as ANSI, color and RIP.
You can even have menu options that appear only on certain days
of the week or during certain hours of the day.

For the finest level of customization you can change the
phrases and colors presented by each "building block" menu
action.  This is especially useful for creating bulletin boards
to serve users who prefer a language other than English.

Don't let your users down. You can enhance and upgrade your
system while it is running continuously, 24-hours day.  You can
create your own test menus while your users continue to run
with the production menus. When you are ready, you can add the
new menus to the production system without taking the BBS down
or even in- terrupting on-line users.  You can even configure
TSX-BBS to present experimental menus and features on selected
lines or for selected users only.

Use TPL to Extend Your System

The optional TSX Programming Language (TPL) is the ideal tool
for writing extensions to TSX-BBS.  You can also use TPL or
developing your own application programs. Using TPL, you can
develop plug-in enhancements to your BBS that are a seamless
part of the system. If you are so inclined, you can use TPL to
develop extensions and commercial applications that can be
marketed in source or object- language form to other TSX-BBS
sites.

TPL is a powerful programming language with a C-like syntax.
TPL includes integer, real, and string variables and constants.
The string variables are especially powerful because they have
dynamic size so you never have to reserve a fixed size area to
hold a value. You can also write string functions that accept
and return strings of varying sizes.

The TPL language includes over 300 built-in library functions.
Many of these functions perform BBS operations such as adding
files to the BBS file libraries or getting information about
registered BBS users.  It is easy to write TPL programs to add
new files using the FILE_ID.DIZ descriptions so that you do not
have to type multi- line descriptions. You can also write TPL
programs to produce reports such as a list of the most
frequently downloaded files, or a list of users whose accounts
will expire during the next month.

A communication "script" facility is integrated into the TPL
language.  You can write TPL programs that dial other bulletin
boards, check for new files, download files, and add them to
your BBS file library; this can be done while your BBS is in
operation and without intervention on your part.  Because the
communication script facility is an integral part of the TPL
language, all of the other language features are available such
as dynamic string variables, functions, file I/O, and
X/Y/Z-modem transfers.  You can schedule scripts (and other TPL
programs) to run at specified times of the day.

File Libraries

A good file library facility is important for most bulletin
boards and is the primary reason for existence for many.
TSX-BBS provides a world class file library.  You can set up
any number of file areas and organize them in hierachical
categories (CD-ROMs, IBM files, Macintosh, etc.).  File
descriptions can be up to 16 lines long and TSX-BBS stores
extended information about each file in- cluding the date and
time when it was uploaded, the name of the person who uploaded
the file, the number of times that the file was downloaded, and
the date of the last download.  Users can download files one at
a time or they can tag files while browsing and then download
them as a group.  Daily download byte and time limits can be
set for each user.

TSX-BBS includes a powerful file search facility.  Users can
search file names and descriptions for single words or for
words joined with the logical operators 'AND' and 'OR'.  For
example, a valid search expression is "GAMES AND WINDOWS", or
"HIV OR AIDS".  A date search allows users to find files
uploaded since the last time they checked or since a specified
date and time.  The search can span all file areas or can be
restricted to specified areas.

A "privilege expression" is used to control acces to each file
area (see "System Security," below).  For each file area, users
can be restricted to the following types of access:

    1. No access whatsoever
       (they do not even know the area exists)
    2. List the file names and descriptions
    3. Download files from the area
    4. Upload to the area

The sysop can set up a private upload area for all user uploads
so that the files can be examined before being publicly posted.

It is easy to set up private file areas for groups of users or
companies that may want to use your board as a support center.

Personal File Workspaces

In addition to file libraries, the sysop may authorize users to
store files in a "personal file workspace". This is a private
directory for the user's personal use. It is also possible for
several users to share the same workspace. Each user can be
disallowed from using a workspace, authorized to use a
temporary workspace which is deleted when the user logs off, or
allowed to have a permanent workspace. The sysop may place
limits on the size of each user's personal file workspace.

Newsgroups and Discussion Forums

TSX-BBS includes a powerful message storage and retrieval
system that is ideal for Usenet newsgroups, Fido echoes and
other types of discussion forums.  The message system can
efficiently store and recall messages from thousands of message
areas making it ideal for major Usenet storage sites. The
maximum number of messages and message areas is limited only by
available disk space.  Message text compression is performed
automatically to reduce disk space requirements.

Messages are organized in a hierarchical (tree-structured)
fashion. The top level can have categories such as Usenet and
Fido. Within the Usenet group there might be subcategories such
as "alt" and "comp".  Within usenet.alt you would find
additional subsub- categories, etc.  Users can explore the
areas by moving up and down through the hierarchical levels or
by browsing the full set of forums as an alphabetical list. By
using sophisticated indexing techniques, TSX-BBS is able to
provide virtually instantaneous access to any message area.
Users can locate message areas by doing searches for words in
the area name.  Users also can search for messages containing