File Storage
Introduction – File Storage Drives
Once your hardware is assembled, the next step is determining how Color 64 will organize and store its files.
The BBS divides external storage into logical “drives.” In this documentation, a drive refers to any isolated storage area, regardless of hardware type. A drive may be:
- A 1541 or 1571 floppy disk drive
- A 1581 disk drive
- A CMD HD partition
- An REU configured as a RAM disk
- Any other dedicated storage area
Each drive contains one or more file groups. A file group is a collection of related files serving a common function. Every group must reside together on a designated drive area.
For example, the Public Messages group contains all public posts made by users and should reside on a single drive. If sufficient space is available, multiple groups may share the same drive.
| Drive | Group Assignment (Example Only) |
|---|---|
| 8 (1541) | Boot, Program |
| 9 (1581) | System, Help, Text, Aux1, Aux3 |
| 10 (1581) | Private & Public Messages |
| 11 (1571) | Password, Caller Log |
All file groups must remain accessible while the BBS is running. Disk swapping is not supported once the system is active.
When referring to a “Program Files drive,” this means the drive on which the Program group resides. The same terminology applies to all file groups. Multiple groups may share a drive if space allows.
Below is a description of the file groups used by Color 64. Recommended minimum storage values are provided as general guidance.
| Group | Description | Files | Approximate Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boot | Contains startup files and utilities such as SETUP, password tools, and system loaders. Must reside on drive 0 or drive 1 (LU 0 or LU 1 on Lt. Kernal). |
Bootmaker |
Approx. 200 blocks |
| Program | Contains main overlays, √bbs.parms, and required ML files. Must reside on drive 0 or drive 1. |
√bbs.init |
Approx. 450 blocks |
| System | Contains menus, data files, and relative files used by the BBS. The drive storing System files must support REL files. |
Menu files |
Minimum 300 blocks recommended |
| Help | Caller-accessible help documentation. |
Help files (Sysop defined) |
Sysop determined |
| Text | Additional readable files such as graphics or informational documents. May be combined with Help if desired. |
Text files (Sysop defined) |
Sysop determined |
| Password | Stores user account records. Approximately 1 block allocated per user. |
√password |
Approximately 1 block per user |
| Private Msgs | Stores private email between callers. |
Private message files |
Minimum 300 blocks recommended |
| Public Msgs | Stores public posts and networked messages. |
Public message files |
Minimum 500 blocks recommended |
| Caller Log | Stores caller activity logs. Must reside on drive 0 (or LU 0 on Lt. Kernal). |
√caller log |
Sysop determined |
| Aux1 | User Profile area (v8.1.0a). Stores signatures and welcome banners. |
User signature files |
Varies by number of users |
| Aux3 | Games area (v8.1.0a). May be disabled in SETUP (Spare 1). |
√bbs.games |
Approx. 25 blocks plus games |
| Network | Not needed unless you plan to participate in a Color 64 network. Includes network overlays and generated data files. |
√sys.net |
Minimum 1000 blocks recommended |
Next Section: Different Configurations