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{{DISPLAYTITLE: The SYSOP Menu}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:The SYSOP Menu}}
[[bbs operation|BBS Operation]] - <strong>The Sysop Menu</strong>


While the BBS program is waiting for a caller, if you press any of the function keys, you will see a SYSOP menu.  
While the BBS is waiting for a caller, pressing any function key will display the SYSOP menu.


Note: When starting a new system, it is IMPORTANT that you enter at least one public message before letting any other callers log on.  There are two reasons for this.  First, this will force the last message read variable to be increased by one (allowing new users to read their mailboxes the next time they log on to your BBS).  Second, it is critical that when the first message is posted on a new system that you always answer Y to the question "Start a new subject (Y/N)?".  When you type O for logoff, the BBS will save your last message read variable along with several other stats and then begin waiting for the next caller. For this reason, your first steps should be doing a local mode login and creating a message in your message base.
'''Important (New System Setup)'''


The SYSOP menu is comprised of: 
Before allowing other callers to log on, you MUST post at least one public message yourself.
* F1: Local Mode Logon
:F1 on this menu is local mode.  This allows you to log into the BBS as if you were calling it, except the first thing displayed will be a question if you desire to perform a Fast-Logon as User #2 (which will take you directly to the command prompt) or perform a normal login. The normal login option will take you to the User ID prompt (it will not show the initial start-up screens). For both type of logins, graphics mode will automatically be turned on and text will scroll across the screen at a maximum rate.
* F2: Term Mode
: F2 on the SYSOP menu will take you to the TERMINAL program.  If you decided to put the "√bbs.term" overlay with your Program Files, it will be loaded and you will enter the Plusterm program.  You will see another menu allowing Terminal mode, Change Graphics/Baud Rate, Autodial, Dos Wedge, Upload/Download, Protocol (Punter or Xmodem), Buffer, and Return to BBS mode.  This term program supports full color capabilities and full multi-file transfer capabilities.  It also has a built-in buffer function for capturing text information online.  Once in terminal mode, you press F1 to exit back to the TERMINAL menu to start an upload or download, use the buffer, or return to the BBS.  See the section on Plusterm for more specific instructions on the use of the Plusterm program.
* F3: Display Caller Log
: F3 on the SYSOP menu allows you to print the caller log onto the screen or a printer (Commodore or compatible setup as device #4 only).  The caller log is stored on disk as √caller log" and is continuously updating itself.  The log is limited to a size selected by you in the SETUP program and will hold information for several calls in the order they were made.  When someone calls, their name and the time they called are added to the log.  Then a “trail" is made of their activity.  This can be helpful in determining what areas of the BBS are most frequently accessed or which downloads are most popular.  Also, it can be useful in tracking down a problem caller.  Press the home key to pause (it generates the same code as a CTRL/S) or SPACE BAR to abort.
* F4: Network Menu/Set Time and Date
: F4 on the SYSOP menu is a dual function key.  If you are running the Network configuration, then this will take you to the Network menu (see Network documentation for more information).  If you are not running Network, then pressing F4 allows you to reset the date and clock and re-initialize the "√level ? msg” variables.  There will be little need to change the time or date, but if you ever add or remove a "√level ? msg", make sure you select this option (or  use the [↑]Change Time & Date command online) to reset the appropriate variables.
* F5: List Feedback (Display/Answer Mail)
: F5 on the SYSOP menu allows you to print your mailbox to the screen or printer. (If you are using an SFD with the CSI Connect 400 interface to store your private messages, you will not be able to print your mailbox to the printer due to a bug in that interface).  Use the HOME key to pause or SPACE BAR to abort. After reading your mail, you will be given the option to send a private message in response and clear your mailbox file.  All replies from this selection are addressed as sent from membership number 2.
* F6: Password Maintenance
: F6 on the SYSOP menu will take you into the password maintenance routine.  This routine is used to display (or print) and edit your password file.  Again, if you are storing your password file on an SFD with the Connect 400 interface, you will not be able to print.  Use the HOME key to pause and the SPACE BAR to abort.  At the end of the listing, you will be told how many passwords are on file.  If you see this value approaching the maximum number of passwords that you set your system up for, you will know it is time to either remove some callers that have not called in a long time or to increase the size of the password file.  When the listing is completed or aborted (abort using the space bar - you may have to hold it down for a few seconds), you will be given the opportunity to edit any of the password records.  Enter the membership number of the member to edit and that member’s information will be printed on the screen (access level, name, password, etc.).  If you need to add/subtract from the number of blocks uploaded/downloaded, or change the caller's name/handle, password, access level, or time remaining today, you will be able to do that here.  One by one, you will be allowed to enter new information or just press RETURN to leave the information unchanged.  To delete a member from the membership list, change their access level to “0”.  You will be asked "Are you sure?".  This will also automatically delete any old mail that still may be on the system addressed to this member.  


: The information that is printed when you are listing the password file is formatted in a special way.  Here is a template of the information that is printed:<i>
There are two critical reasons for this:
:: record#: membership name, password,
:: level, expiration date, membership information,
:: DL blocks, UL blocks, times called,
:: access group, last date called, block size,
:: last message read, time left, number of posts,
:: real name, phone number, birth date,
:: address line 1
:: address line 2 </i>


: When you are printing the information to a printer, it will be formatted for 80 columns but will still be in the same order as the above template. Refer to section 3.3 for information on the use of each of these fields.
# It increments the “last message read” variable so new users can properly access their mailboxes.
# When posting the very first message on a new system, you MUST answer '''Y''' to:  
::“Start a new subject (Y/N)?”


: One function you will need to perform regularly is to create a new “√membership list".  This is the list that the callers will see when they select (M)embership list.  Having a membership list separate from the password file that is updated only by the Sysop allows us to remove any embarrassing words or phrases from the password file before making a new public membership list.  After you have listed and possibly edited the password file, you will be given the opportunity to create a new membership list.  <u>If you are just setting up your system for the first time and have not yet made a membership list, then now is a good time to edit your name and password</u>.  When you list the password file, you will only see one member.  It has the password that the BBS automatically set up for you the SYSOP.  Enter “2” for the record number to edit. Then press RETURN until you are prompted for your name.  Type in your name. Then press RETURN until you are prompted for your password.  Now type in your new password.  Then type return a few more times (to skip past the rest of the information) and your password information will be saved to disk.  Next, press RETURN when asked for the record number to edit and answer "Y" to create a new membership list.  When the routine is finished, the program will automatically return to the Waiting for Caller screen.
After logging off with (O), the system saves your message pointers and statistics.   
* F7: DOS Wedge
For this reason, your first action after installation should be a local-mode login and posting a message.
: F7 on the SYSOP menu will take you to the BBS Dos Wedge routine.  This routine is in "√bbs.xfer", so there will be a delay after pressing F7 (unless you are running an REU or HD system).  It operates exactly like the one in the stand-alone message editor program.  


: The table below lists the Dos Commands available in the DOS Wedge:
----


: {| class="wikitable
The SYSOP menu consists of the following:
 
* '''F1: Local Mode Logon'''
** Logs into the BBS locally.
** You may choose Fast Logon as User #2 (direct to command prompt) or perform a normal login.
** Graphics mode is automatically enabled and display scrolls at maximum speed.
 
* '''F2: Term Mode'''
** Loads the TERMINAL overlay (√bbs.term) if present.
** Provides Terminal mode, Graphics/Baud settings, Autodial, DOS Wedge, Upload/Download, Protocol selection, Buffer capture, and Return to BBS.
** Press F1 while in terminal to return to the Terminal menu.
 
* '''F3: Display Caller Log'''
** Displays or prints (device #4) the √caller log file (HOME pauses, SPACE aborts).
** Shows caller names, time of call, and activity trail.
 
* '''F4: Network Menu / Set Time & Date'''
** If Network is enabled, opens the Network menu.
** Otherwise allows you to reset the date/time and reinitialize √level ? msg flags.
** Use this after adding or removing any √level # msg files.
 
* '''F5: List Feedback (Mailbox)'''
** Displays or prints your mailbox (HOME pauses. SPACE aborts).
** After reading mail, you may reply and clear the mailbox.
** Replies are sent from Member #2.
 
* '''F6: Password Maintenance'''
** Displays, prints, and edits password records (HOME pauses. SPACE aborts).
** You may edit name, password, level, upload/download counts, time remaining, etc.
** To delete a member, change their access level to 0.
 
: Password record display format:
:: record#: membership name, password 
:: level, expiration date, membership info 
:: DL blocks, UL blocks, times called 
:: access group, last date called, block size 
:: last message read, time left, posts 
:: real name, phone number, birth date 
:: address line 1 
:: address line 2 
 
 
: Creating a new √membership list:
:: After listing/editing passwords, you will be prompted to create a new membership list.
:: On a new system, edit record #2 (SYSOP) to change your name and password.
:: After saving, answer '''Y''' to create a new membership list.
 
* '''F7: DOS Wedge'''
** Loads the DOS Wedge (from √bbs.xfer).
** Provides disk utilities.
 
:{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
|+Disk Commands in DOS Wedge
|+Disk Commands in DOS Wedge
Line 44: Line 77:
! Format
! Format
|-
|-
| @  
| @
|Status/Read Error Channel  
| Status / Read Error Channel
|Single command  
| Single command
|-
|-
|$  
| $
|Display directory  
| Display directory
|Can pattern match – “$0:A*”
| $0:A*
|-
|-
|#  
| #
|Change Device Number
| Change device number
|#<num>  
| #<num>
|-
|-
|N  
| N
|Format Disk
| Format disk
|N0:<diskname>,<id>  
| N0:<diskname>,<id>
|-
|-
|C  
| C
|Copy File
| Copy file
|C0:<source_filename>=<target_filename>  
| C0:<source>=<target>
|-
|-
|R  
| R
|Rename a File
| Rename file
|R0:<oldname>=<newname>  
| R0:<old>=<new>
|-
|-
|F  
| F
|Read a File
| Read file
|F0:<filename>  
| F0:<filename>
|-
|-
|P  
| P
|Print a File
| Print file
|P0:<filename>  
| P0:<filename>
|-
|-
|%  
| %
|Regenerate Directory
| Regenerate directory
|Single Command
| Single command
|-
|-
|!  
| !
|Message Editor
| Message editor
|Single Command
| Single command
|-
|-
|X  
| X
|Two Drive Copier
| Two drive copier
|Single Command
| Single command
|-
|-
|SYSOP  
| SYSOP
|Sysop In/out flag toggle
| Toggle Sysop In/Out
|Single Command
| Single command
|}
|}
: One feature of the directory routine is that it counts the number of files selected. For example, if you want to see how many callers have mail waiting for them, you could switch to the drive that holds the private messages and then do a $0:?private* and hit RETURN.  All filenames matching that pattern will list on the screen and at the end you will see a line saying how many files were selected.  You can find this feature very handy when trying to balance your files between the drives.  When reading a directory or sequential file, press the HOME key to pause, or the SPACE BAR to abort.
 
* F8: System Shutdown  
: You can use Directory listings to count matching files.
: F8 will save the message index, caller log, system variables and then exit to BASIC. This is the ONE AND ONLY proper way to shut the system down.  If you hit the stop key by accident with the stop key enabled (rerun on errors turned off), type "cont" and hit RETURN.  If that doesn't work, type “GOTO9991” (without quotes) which should execute a proper system shut down, saving the message index, caller log and variables.  Stopping the system without using F8 (or GOTO9991) will leave files open and some vectors pointing to the BBS's ML routines.
:: Example: $0:?private*
 
* '''F8: System Shutdown'''
** Proper shutdown procedure.
** Saves message index, caller log, and system variables.
** Exits cleanly to BASIC.
 
Stopping without F8 or GOTO9991 can leave files open and ML vectors pointing to BBS routines.
: If STOP was pressed accidentally, type:
::  cont
: If necessary, type:
::  GOTO9991
 
----
 
Next Section: [[passwordrecords|Password Record Information]]
 
[[bbs operation|BBS Operation]]

Latest revision as of 04:53, 16 February 2026

BBS Operation - The Sysop Menu

While the BBS is waiting for a caller, pressing any function key will display the SYSOP menu.

Important (New System Setup)

Before allowing other callers to log on, you MUST post at least one public message yourself.

There are two critical reasons for this:

  1. It increments the “last message read” variable so new users can properly access their mailboxes.
  2. When posting the very first message on a new system, you MUST answer Y to:
“Start a new subject (Y/N)?”

After logging off with (O), the system saves your message pointers and statistics. For this reason, your first action after installation should be a local-mode login and posting a message.

The SYSOP menu consists of the following:

  • F1: Local Mode Logon
    • Logs into the BBS locally.
    • You may choose Fast Logon as User #2 (direct to command prompt) or perform a normal login.
    • Graphics mode is automatically enabled and display scrolls at maximum speed.
  • F2: Term Mode
    • Loads the TERMINAL overlay (√bbs.term) if present.
    • Provides Terminal mode, Graphics/Baud settings, Autodial, DOS Wedge, Upload/Download, Protocol selection, Buffer capture, and Return to BBS.
    • Press F1 while in terminal to return to the Terminal menu.
  • F3: Display Caller Log
    • Displays or prints (device #4) the √caller log file (HOME pauses, SPACE aborts).
    • Shows caller names, time of call, and activity trail.
  • F4: Network Menu / Set Time & Date
    • If Network is enabled, opens the Network menu.
    • Otherwise allows you to reset the date/time and reinitialize √level ? msg flags.
    • Use this after adding or removing any √level # msg files.
  • F5: List Feedback (Mailbox)
    • Displays or prints your mailbox (HOME pauses. SPACE aborts).
    • After reading mail, you may reply and clear the mailbox.
    • Replies are sent from Member #2.
  • F6: Password Maintenance
    • Displays, prints, and edits password records (HOME pauses. SPACE aborts).
    • You may edit name, password, level, upload/download counts, time remaining, etc.
    • To delete a member, change their access level to 0.
Password record display format:
record#: membership name, password
level, expiration date, membership info
DL blocks, UL blocks, times called
access group, last date called, block size
last message read, time left, posts
real name, phone number, birth date
address line 1
address line 2


Creating a new √membership list:
After listing/editing passwords, you will be prompted to create a new membership list.
On a new system, edit record #2 (SYSOP) to change your name and password.
After saving, answer Y to create a new membership list.
  • F7: DOS Wedge
    • Loads the DOS Wedge (from √bbs.xfer).
    • Provides disk utilities.
Disk Commands in DOS Wedge
Wedge Command Function Format
@ Status / Read Error Channel Single command
$ Display directory $0:A*
# Change device number #<num>
N Format disk N0:<diskname>,<id>
C Copy file C0:<source>=<target>
R Rename file R0:<old>=<new>
F Read file F0:<filename>
P Print file P0:<filename>
% Regenerate directory Single command
! Message editor Single command
X Two drive copier Single command
SYSOP Toggle Sysop In/Out Single command
You can use Directory listings to count matching files.
Example: $0:?private*
  • F8: System Shutdown
    • Proper shutdown procedure.
    • Saves message index, caller log, and system variables.
    • Exits cleanly to BASIC.

Stopping without F8 or GOTO9991 can leave files open and ML vectors pointing to BBS routines.

If STOP was pressed accidentally, type:
cont
If necessary, type:
GOTO9991

Next Section: Password Record Information

BBS Operation

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