Boot program details
Installation – Boot Program Details
Boot Program Details
All boot programs begin with a plus symbol (“+”). The primary entry point during installation is +setup, which is used to configure your BBS. You will return to +setup frequently as your system evolves.
When a boot program is loaded and run, the following actions occur:
- The system performs an initial reset. The screen clears and default colors are restored to ensure a clean operating state.
- Required support files are loaded into memory. The specific files depend on the boot program selected.
Boot programs are the proper and supported entry point into the system. They contain essential configuration information such as device numbers and initialization parameters for your Boot and Program drives. Always start Color 64 using the appropriate boot file.
Boot File Descriptions
| Filename | Description | Load Sequence |
|---|---|---|
| +bbs | Boots the main BBS and proceeds to the date and time prompts. |
|
| +reboot | Same as +bbs, but automatically accepts default responses to the date/time and regenerate index prompts. | |
| +setup | Boots the SETUP utility. |
|
| +editor | Boots the stand-alone message editor. |
|
| +shell | Loads the ML shell into memory and returns to the BASIC READY prompt. Used when running stand-alone utilities that require ML to be resident. |
|
| REU Boot Files (if REU support was enabled) | ||
| +ram.start | Copies overlays to the REU, installs RAMDOS, and boots the BBS. |
|
| +ram.restart | Same as +reboot, but reloads overlays into the REU before restarting. RAMDOS must be active. | |
| +ram.reinit | Reinstalls RAMDOS after a system reset so REU contents can be accessed. |
|
| +ram.bbs | Boots the BBS using overlays stored in the REU instead of disk. | |
| +ram.reboot | Same as +ram.bbs, but automatically accepts reboot prompts. | |
| Network Boot File (if networking enabled) | ||
| +net setup | Boots the Network Setup utility. |
|
The ML Shell
Most boot programs begin by loading √sys.loadml. This installs the machine language (ML) core into memory and displays the Color 64 title screen.
Once installed, the ML shell remains resident until the computer is powered off or another program overwrites critical memory areas.
Several stand-alone utilities require the ML shell but do not automatically load it. To use them, run +shell first if the ML is not already resident. These utilities include:
- pswd tools
- dir tools
- menu maker
- bbs convert
SETUP Parameters
Defining system parameters is one of the most important steps in configuring your BBS.
Before running SETUP:
- Ensure the drive designated for the password file is online.
- Confirm that the disk or partition is formatted and empty.
- Verify that sufficient free space exists.
SETUP creates a relative file large enough to support the maximum number of callers you specify.
To begin:
1. Insert your Boot disk (if applicable). 2. LOAD and RUN "+setup".
It is recommended that fastloader cartridges be disabled during the initial SETUP run. JiffyDOS may remain enabled. Some systems may produce a “NO CHANNEL” error when creating new relative files if fastload is active. After the password file exists, fastload is generally safe for normal operations.
You may be prompted to insert your Program disk during SETUP.
The √bbs.parms File
All BBS parameters are stored in a sequential file named √bbs.parms. This file is always read from the Program Files drive so that it remains accessible to overlays during operation and recovery from crashes.
For REU users, √bbs.parms is never copied into RAM. It is always read from disk.
If you prefer to store √bbs.parms on a disk separate from your overlays:
- Answer “Y” to the disk swap question during bootmaker configuration.
- Insert the desired disk when prompted during SETUP.
- Ensure the correct disk is present whenever the BBS needs to read parameters.
If √bbs.parms cannot be found at startup, the system will prompt for the correct disk.
Once the proper disk is inserted and accessed, the Main Parameters screen will appear:
At each SETUP prompt:
- The current or default value appears in brackets.
- Press RETURN to accept the displayed value.
- Enter “-” and press RETURN to return to the previous question.
For detailed explanations of each parameter, see:
Next Section: SETUP Parameters