
                 ) Telegard Tips (


             Setting Up and Configuring Telegard 2.7
                for Novices and Experienced SysOps
                  with tips, tricks and helpful
                    security measures to help
                      you run a better BBS!


                      Updated March 13, 1993



                      Edited and Compiled by:
                           John Kristoff


                   The Crossroads BBS in Chicago
                 (312) 587-8756  FidoNet 1:115/743




[Welcome!]

    Are you setting up a new Telegard BBS?  Are you considering
    setting one up?  Maybe you've been running a Telegard BBS
    and are looking for ways to customize it or learn some more
    about the ins and outs of what can be done with this powerful
    program.  Whatever your intentions are (less of hacking it),
    this document can be a powerful reference tool in running
    Telegard or even any other BBS program.  We recommend that
    you print out a copy of this document so that you will have
    a hard copy to refer to when working with your setup.  It
    will be much easier if it is on paper when trying something
    new.

[Background]

    This file was written to help the great number of wannabe
    SysOps and also the vast number of current sysops with some
    of the tips, tricks and lessons that I have come across in my
    SysOp lifetime.  I've been SysOping since July of 1991 and
    have been in and out of the computer world since 1983 when
    I wrote my first BASIC program on a TRS-80 in grade school.
    Much of the information presented here is directly from my
    experience over the past couple years and from the messages
    and text files written by other SysOps that are trying to
    make your life easier, because I remember very clearly what
    it was like to start out knowing very little.

    I've tried very hard to provide a accurate and extensive
    collection of information for your disposal.  Do with it as
    you wish, but please be careful when trying something new
    and take every precaution to protect yourself and your system.

    I apologize for any ommisions to the sources of this 
    information but it is seemingly impossible to recollect and 
    track where all of it came from.  As far as I'm concerned, 
    all information presented here is public domain and you can 
    do with it what you please but just don't hold me responsible 
    if your copy of this file is altered or inaccurate in any 
    way.

    This document will perhaps never be in a final, complete
    form.  It can probably always use another tip, or get more
    basic for certain users.  I may have left out a great deal
    of information that could have or should have been included.
    For those reading this, I would appreciate any feedback as
    to how you perceived this file and if it helped you or not.
    Much of the basic tasks that are covered in Telegard's own
    documentation has sometimes been clarified here and sometimes
    it has not.  I assume some level of intelligence for all
    that can at least read.  However, if you find anything that
    should have been included, the only way it'll probably
    make it in this document is if you let me know that it should
    be.

    ** Please note **

       When you see a pair of brackets such as [...] this
       indicates additional information is forthcoming or
       as a reminder to myself that I need to add something.


    The TGTips file has been created from scratch almost entirely 
    on my own except for some screen captures and saved messages 
    I stumbled on from various locations.  I used SLED.COM by Sam 
    Wilmott for all the text editing work.  A editor that has 
    surpassed the test of time.

    I have considered creating this document using a HyperText or 
    similiar program for an easy presentation to it's users, 
    however, with my own nitpickiness and my lack of wanting to 
    pay a registration fee to distribute it in such a form, it 
    will stay in the ASCII text format as long as I am on the 
    project.  If others wish to interface it with a HyperText or 
    similiar program, contact me if there's anything I can do to 
    make your job easier.

    The structure of this document is in two parts.  The first 
    part will cover all the editorial notes and dicussions about 
    Telegard how-to kinds of things.  The second part will 
    provide you with examples to all the various solutions you 
    need that include but are not limited to batch files, modem 
    setups, and program configurations.  If you have the time, 
    please read through the first part completely.  You may read 
    about something interesting that you would have otherwise 
    missed.  The second part can be used as a reference to the 
    problems you have as you encounter them.

    My enduring thanks to the SysOps of the world who really 
    understand what BBSing is all about and to you this file 
    is dedicated.

    I'm also indebted to all the Telegard SysOps who have 
    either directly or indirectly helped with this document's 
    creation.  Without you this document would never be.

[...Modem reference, Status.Dat, Color codes...]
[...SysOp level gets 2 minutes online, arj/zip backup...]
[...Echomail, networks, mailers, modems, etc...]
[...guest accounts, co-sysops...]
[...programming & utils ideas...]
[...quick login, selectable menus..]

I.                      [Getting Started]

    For the Telegard BBS, you must obtain these files as the bare
    minimum.  These will help you to evaluate the program and take
    your first look to judge if this is what you really want to do
    and if so, with this particular program.

    As of this writing, version 2.7 is the most current release of
    Telegard.  The main package for 2.7 is usually found in an 
    archive named TG27.*.  However, the full documentation is not
    usually included in this archive so you'll need to also get a
    copy of the latest documentation as if well if it's not included.
    As of this writing, there is a full documentation file for version
    2.5i and a upgrade document for version 2.7.  Make sure you have
    both of these.  Version 2.5i's documentation can sometimes be
    found with the archive name TGBBSDOC.*.  The 2.7 upgrade document
    should be included with TG27.*.

    For version 2.7 and for many BBS programs, you will need to 
    install a FOSSIL driver on your system.  A FOSSIL driver is a 
    device driver or TSR usually loaded in your CONFIG.SYS or 
    AUTOEXEC.BAT file at startup that interfaces your BBS program 
    and some door programs with the serial communications of your 
    system.  
    
    Some FOSSIL programs are listed at the end of this document.  
    For more information on what a FOSSIL driver is and how it 
    works, refer to the FOSSIL driver's documentation.

    For a complete listing of the required files with descriptions
    and comments, send Appendix [....] at the end of this file.
    Recommended or helpful files to be used with your BBS will also
    be listed as well.

[...     BNU170.ZIP    - David Nugent's BNU FOSSIL driver* ...]
[...     DSZ1109.ZIP   - Chuck Forsberg's Zmodem protocol  ...]
[...     Recommended files before installation             ...]

[... TGU_140.ZIP
     TGSEC17.ZIP
     TGPROT6A.ZIP
     TGPROT6B.ZIP   ...]

[Paging SysOp!  Help!]

    Too often new SysOps will run to their nearest BBS where
    the SysOp chatted with them once, or answered one question
    for them, in attempt to ask a million questions that could
    be found with the new SysOp's own resourcefullness if he/she
    took the time to do so.  Most SysOps don't mind helping out
    others when they have problems, but it is rather boring to
    have to explain every little thing about a program or how
    something works when it can be found in the manual.

    Try to keep in mind that although the SysOps are a great
    resource to beg and bother for help, try to go to them only
    after you've exhausted your own means of finding the answer
    by yourself.  You can benefit by participating in message
    bases that directly or indirectly support your program and
    deal with ins and outs of your software, always double check
    the program's documentation, 50% of the time, the solution
    to your problem is there.

    Lastly, try to show some patience.  Is it really a life or
    death situation that you can't figure out how get a certain
    game online running?  Don't page your neighborly SysOps for
    these small problems, leaving a message is just as easy and
    may even be better so the 'neighborly' SysOp can look up
    some info about your specific problem if need be.

[What to learn and how]

    One of the best ways to learn about something in this modeming
    world of ours is to read up on it.  If you are having trouble
    making your modem work, check out the text files or education
    file base of a good BBS and see if there are any tutorials on
    modems.  Browse your nearest bookstore for a 'hardware bible'
    to learn in the ins and outs of your computer, take up C or
    Pascal so you can learn how programs work from an author's
    perspective or just to make your own utilities, participate
    in any user groups or online conferences that sound interesting
    and helpful to the topic at hand, and lastly, when you've
    accumulated all this vast knowledge about a subject, write about
    it and pass it around to your friends like this document.

    Some topics you may want to investigate or think about as you
    get into SysOping might include modems, protocols, FidoNet,
    echomail, serial ports, hard drive technologies, UART chips,
    popular communication programs, compression, security, back
    ups, CD-ROMs, operating systems, viruses and so on.

[System Requirements]

    Your uses of your system more or less determine your actual
    requirements in hardware.  There are a couple of general
    guidelines that you can follow.

    First, have your own dedicated phone line.  In some people's 
    eyes, a part time BBS isn't really a serious place to visit.  
    Not too many people want to worry about what time of day 
    they're making their call or whether they have to call on a 
    weekend or not.  A part time BBS can be a good introduction 
    into the hobby to see if it's something you want to invest 
    your time and money on, but for an extended period, you 
    should really move to a full time system if you want to get 
    the most out of the BBS experience.

    How fast should your modem be?  Can you afford to buy a fast
    quality modem?  If your answer is yes, then do so right away.
    One of the biggest attractions of any BBS is if it supports
    high speeds.  Prices of modems are continuing to come down
    as the speeds increase.  Some companies offer a SysOp discount
    of up to half off the regular price of some of their top
    models.  2400 bps BBSs are slowly becoming ancient history
    as prices fall and user demands increase.

[...SysOp price list...]

    Can you dedicate your computer full time to your BBS?  If
    your answer is no, then your BBS will be seriously limited.
    You can however invest in some multitasking products if your
    hardware can handle it.

    The BBS computer doesn't have to be a 486/50, ATs still make
    fine systems considering what they are coupled with.  The
    two components that make the biggest difference are the modems
    and the storage space.  We just talked about modems, so let's
    mention hard drive space now.

    Your hard drive capacity should reflect your needs or wants
    of having files online.  Do you want to have thousands of
    files online?  Are you going to carry large sized files such
    as adult graphics or music files?  Do you want to be known
    as the place to go to find anything?  If so, then too much
    hard drive space will never be enough.

    Here's a very rough formula for determing your hard drive
    space requirements.  I tried to generalize for a general
    setup as much as possible, the results could vary greatly
    from system to system.  It tries to predict how much space
    you may require for your BBS.

[...fix...]

    BBS:          10
    Utils:         5
    < 100 files:  20
    < 1000 files: 50
    > 1000 files: 60 meg per 1000 files
    FidoNet:      10
    < 5 echomail:  2
    < 25:         10
    < 50:         20
    OS/2 or Win:  35
    Doors:        300K per door


    You might want to consider what I call the 15/15 rule.  This 
    rule says that you should have either 15 megs or 15% of you 
    total hard drive space free at all times, whichever is 
    greater.  This is in case of some unexpected heavy traffic 
    such as someone uploading a large collection of files.

    Make a habit of cleaning up your hard drive regularly.  Purge
    all your unused or outdated files that you will not need.  Back
    up anything that you are not sure about onto tape or floppy.

    Use one of the popular archive compression programs to save
    space on your hard drive if you must keep them there.  You
    can unarchive them when you need them.

    Invest in a hard drive utility such as Stacker to compress
    all your files on your hard drive.  Keep in mind however,
    that the more compressed files you already have on your
    hard drive, the less a program like Stacker will be able
    to help you.

    Invest in a CD-ROM drive if you want to make a lot of files
    available for download to free up your hard drive space.

    Invest in a tape backup which can be used to automatically
    restore files nightly by a door program that allows your
    user's to request offline files.

[System Maintenance]

    If you haven't already caught on, operating and maintaning
    a BBS system is a lot of hard work and usually expensive.
    To keep your system running smoothly, efficiently and at
    peak performance, investing in quality software and hardware
    is a must.

    That's not to say you need to buy the latest version of
    every commercial utility on the market.  Hardly that is the
    case.  Often enough, some of the best written and most widely
    used programs are shareware, freeware, or public domain.  Any
    of the compression programs serve as an example.

    Possibly the hardest working piece of equipment on your
    system, and maybe the one most prone to errors in many ways
    will be your hard drive.  

    For most practical purposes what you use to handle the
    chores of maintaining your hard drive is up to you.  Find
    something that you can work with easily and quickly if you
    haven't already.  Some of the key operations that you will
    want to do on your hard drive follows.

    Degrament your hard drive on a regular basis.  As time goes
    on, files become scattered all over your hard disk which makes
    the reading and writing of files on your hard drive slower
    because of the time it takes to move to the next location on
    the drive.

    Check your hard drive for errors.  This step can and should
    be done along with the defragmentation step.  Occasionally
    files will become cross-linked or lost due to software errors,
    power outages, system crashes and so on.

    Backup all your BBS related files on a regular basis.
    This is one of the safest forms of protecton against all
    drastic situations.

    Employ virus protection for your system.  This can range from
    simple virus scanners to TSR protection.

    Keep in mind you can never be too cautious.  Ask any SysOp who
    has ever suffered a major hard drive crash, virus infection
    or other drastic situation.  No matter how good you think your
    equipment is, it's never 100% reliable in all shapes and 
    sizes.

[When problems arise]

    Sometimes no matter how hard you try, your system will fail.
    Such is life.  Sometimes the only thing you can do is start
    over.  If your crash is so severe that you cannot bring your
    BBS up within a few hours but rather a few days or even weeks,
    make an effort to get the word out to other bulletin boards
    in the area so that your users will know what happened.  They
    like to be kept informed.

    People may laugh at you because of it, but it's a honest
    and sensible solution to keep them in the know and when they
    can expect you to be back up.

    Some of your local SysOps will usually even help you out in
    case you lost a lot of files.  Many a times they will give you
    unlimited downloads to get back your 'stash' and provide you
    with configuration setups in case you lost or forget yours.

[Before Install.Exe]

    Anxious to get started yet?  What do you mean you already
    started and went through the installation process?  Jeez are you
    ever impatient.  Well, for those that didn't, or in case you
    think you might have to do it again, please read on.

[SysOp Checklist]

    Get out a notebook and a pen, we're going to take down some
    information on your system.  This part is very important.  It
    takes very little effort but can provide you with a wealth of
    information and you'll be surprised at how valuable it will
    be later on.  Store the info in a safe place so you don't lose
    it.  You can even keep a copy of it online in a database
    program too, but you should have at least one hard copy if you
    do.

    Computer Model: Gateway 2000
    CPU: i386/33MHz
    Hard Drive: Conner 210 megs
    Modem Model: US Robotics Dual Standard 16.8Kbps
    Modem speed: 16,800 bps
    Modem COM port: COM1
    Internal modem: Yes/No
    UART chip: NS16550AFN
    BIOS: AMI 1988 v1.10
    RAM: 5
    Vendor: Gateway
    Vendor voice: (312) 555-5555
    Vendor BBS: (312) 555-1212
    Monitor model: Song Multisync
    Display Adapter: SVGA
    Game port: No
    Keyboard: 101 extended
    OS: DOS 5.0
    CMOS Info:

    etc.

[Directory structure]

    A key security protection method before you even accept your
    first caller is right here in the beginning of this file.
    The generic BBS documentation usually gives an example to
    install your BBS in a subdirectory such as C:\BBS but if you
    are reading this, then you will know that using the default
    directory structure can be a grave mistake.

    You may be wondering how something as silly as where you put
    your BBS files on your hard drive can make any kind of
    difference as to how your BBS is run.  That is a good question,
    let me give you the following scenario.

    Someone asks you how you setup your BBS and you tell them
    exactly what you did and even give them examples to your
    startup files saying "I switch to my C:\BBS directory and..."
    It really doesn't matter how they find out what your directory
    structure looks like, the important thing is, if they know
    it, they can use the information against you and your system.

    Now the person that knows your how your BBS is setup decides
    to upload a really neat game for you to play.  You appreciate
    the upload and even give it a try.  You run the program and
    it all seems just great, thanks for the upload you think to
    yourself.

    Now consider this, before the game actually began play, it
    went into your C:\BBS directory and copied a couple of your
    data files over some of your download files.  For example,
    the program ran without you knowing this command:

      Copy C:\Bbs\Status.Dat C:\Bbs\Dl\Games\Game.Zip

    Now the next person that goes to download Game.Zip will have
    a copy of a vital data file.  Think of the possibilities.
    If this doesn't scare you, wait til you read more about the
    security issues up and coming in this file.  Don't run away
    yet though, there are plenty of things you can do to protect
    yourself.

    The first and foremost decision you should make is a name
    for your main BBS directory.  Please do not name it C:\BBS
    or C:\TELEGARD, that is much too easy for a hacker to guess.
    Come up with something that nobody could guess on the first
    million tries.

    If this means that you ran Install.Exe in C:\BBS already,
    you should consider a re-install or a change in configuration.
    Whichever is easier of course.

    Just as much as you should have a map handy when taking a
    cross country road trip, you should be mapping out your
    directory structure and plans for the BBS.  Try to document
    everything you can to avoid pitfalls later.  You will also
    need directories for downloads, uploads, various utilities,
    door programs and games, protocols and a host of other
    files.  Keeping them well organized and known to only the
    SysOp is very important.

[Start-up files]

    Before your BBS will actually work, you will need to make sure
    that you have some of the necessary boot up information for your
    system installed and configured.

    In your AUTOEXEC.BAT file, add this line (or compatible):

         SET DSZLOG=C:\BBS\DSZTEMP.LOG

    This sets the protocol program DSZ's log location to the file
    and directory you specify.

    In your CONFIG.SYS file add these lines (or compatible):

         FILES=30
         BUFFERS=40
         DEVICE=C:\DOS\ANSI.SYS

    The first line specifies that a total of 30 files may be open
    at one time.  Telegard holds many data files and log files open
    during a session and this is the minimum recommended.

    The second line BUFFERS=40 tells DOS to reserve buffer space
    sort of like how a cache works.  40 is the recommended minimum.

    ANSI.SYS is a device driver that comes with the DOS operating
    system and is required in order to see all the pretty colors and
    graphic capabilities of Telegard.  Other ANSI drivers are available
    and should be used instead of DOS's default ANSI.SYS.  For those
    alternatives, please see the appendix [...]

    In order for Telegard to interface with the modem and com port
    you'll need to obtain and install a FOSSIL driver.  These programs
    allow for Telegard to interface with the modem and communications
    port via the FOSSIL driver.  You'll find common FOSSIL drivers to
    use and example setups in the appendix [...]

    In a later section covering advanced Telegard setups, we will
    discuss alternative start ups, utilities, and so on.  For the
    beginners, the above will work just fine until you are ready
    to optimize your system.

[Lock Ups]

    Have you ever had your computer just lock up on you?
    Then you'll know the danger of it happening to your BBS
    when you least expect it.  Especially right after you
    leave for that 2 week vacation to the Bahamas.

    There are what I call two kinds of hung systems.  The
    first one can be easily cured.  I call it the Warm Hang.
    All that is required is that you press <Ctrl><Alt><Del>
    and you're back in business.  Then there is the worst of
    the two, the Cold Hang.  The Cold Hang requires that you
    cold boot the machine, I mean power down and power back
    on to get it running again.

    You can protect yourself against the Warm Hang by the
    installation of a "reboot manager".  These handy utilities
    will monitor your COM port for phone rings or a carrier and
    force your computer to reboot under certain circumstances
    such as no incoming rings for more than 8 hours.

    [...Use, which ones, etc...]
    [...
    of them now.  I've seen WATCHDOG, WATCHKIT, DVGAUARD, ABOOT,
    PHONEV4 and so on.  Most of them have proven to have limited
    ...]

[Multitasking]

    Using a multitasker on your BBS computer can greatly improve
    your effectiveness as a SysOp.  Many SysOps use one because
    it's the only computer they have and they need to get some
    non-BBS work done.  Instead of taking the phone off-hook and
    disallowing callers, a multitasker keeps the BBS online and
    open.

[...also good if you do have a second computer to do maintenance
    while user is online...]

    Depending on the multitasker, the system requirements can
    vary.  Following are some discussions of the three most
    popular multitasking platforms for PCs.

    [DESQview]

    DESQview is one of the more popular multitaskers for SysOps
    running DOS based systems because it does such a good job of
    multitasking DOS applications especially with high speed 
    modems.  One of the problems of other multitaskers is that
    they can sometimes be a lot of trouble with high speed modems.

    The system requirements for DESQview are probably less than 
    for any other current multitasking system.  I have a 386/33
    with 4 Megs of RAM and that is more than enough for DESQview.
    Of course more RAM and a faster machine never hurt because
    it's nice to have things like RAM drives and caches to help
    improve your system performance, but overall, a setup similiar
    to that is great.

        [...setups...]

    [Windows]

    I know of very few SysOps who run their BBS under Windows.
    From my experience, which with Windows is not extensive,
    tells me that DESQview, plain 'ole DOS or even OS/2 would
    be a wiser choice for your operating system.

    To be one the technical side for a moment, Windows uses a
    multitasking method known as cooperative multitasking.  This
    means that each individual application in Windows tells the
    operating system (in this case Windows) when it can pass on
    the CPU for other applications to use.  This is in contrast
    to pre-emptive multitasking in which the operating system (in
    these cases OS/2 and DESQview) will handle when a application
    gets to use the CPU, also known as time-slicing.  You tell
    the operating system how long each program should get the CPU
    under these conditions.

    Cooperative multitasking then leads to some problems.  One
    could be that the programmer demands a lot of CPU time for
    his programs and thus takes away from others.  Another is
    that DOS programs do not usually have Windows-aware routines
    built in.

    With the current release of Windows 3.1, multitasking with
    a high speed modem is next to impossible.  A computer chip
    found on the motherboard, serial card or in some internal
    modems called the UART is the backbone of your asynchronous
    communications.  When you multitask at high speeds, you need
    a UART chip that can store the fast moving data coming in
    from your modem when your system may be busy with another
    application.  The current UART chip for this is the NS16550AFN.
    Many computer systems come with the 16450 now-a-days.  However,
    situations as we are mentioning, the 16550 is in most cases
    needed because it provides a 16 byte buffer to store incoming
    data or it may be lost causing CRC or other errors which will
    cut your cps rate down substantially.

    If the above comments where above your ahead or you had some
    trouble understanding any of it, I recommend finding some
    text files on the subject or join a communications or technical
    conference on your favorite BBS and ask for help.

    Because of Windows methods, there is little support for either
    BBS programs or communications programs using it.  This isn't
    to say people aren't using Windows.  Almost anything is possible
    and people will find ways to do things that seem to break the
    laws of nature as long as there are computers, however, the
    mainstream seems to prefer other operating systems.

        [...setting up with Windows...]

    [OS/2]

    I know very few SysOps who run their systems under OS/2 but
    the numbers are slowly climbing.  I don't know of any Telegard
    SysOp during so as of yet, but I believe it is possible.

    [...]

[Using 4DOS]

    4DOS is a COMMAND.COM replacement which adds a lot of
    commands and improvements over existing MS-DOS commands
    and batch files.  Many SysOps find 4DOS an invaluable
    utility along side their BBS system.

    Some of the stengths of 4DOS are invaluable to SysOps
    because SysOps spend so much time dealing with DOS and
    batch files.  The one drawback to 4DOS is of course the
    registration of it.  If you are perfectly comfortable
    and content running plain DOS there may be no reason
    to use it simply because it may be a unnecessary expense.
    However, I do recommend you at least take a look at it
    and see what it has to offer.  It can provide you with
    a lot of unique ways to improving and customizing your
    system with things that you normally wouldn't be able
    to do as easily.

        [...4dos setup and example stuff...]

[Front End Mailers]

    Front end mailers are programs that will handle the answering
    of the phone to deal with BBS networking.  You can install a
    front end mailer even if you don't join a network, but it may
    be useless to carry the weight of the mailer's files on your
    hard drive space if you don't really need it.  On the other
    hand, many front mailers are as powerful or more so than
    Telegard when it comes to interfacing with the modem and when
    setting up events.  If however you plan on joining a network
    like FidoNet, it would be to your benefit to try to setup
    FrontDoor at the start so you'll have gained the experience
    in using it by the time you join a network.

    Examples and help for the mailer program is located in
    Appendix [...]

II.                   [Installation]

    So now you've created a totally ridiculous name for your BBS
    directory, and are ready to get things up and running.  The
    Upgrade.Doc file explains how to install Telegard easy
    enough, so there is no reason I should have to repeat it
    here.  One thing to keep in mind, is to change the location
    of your Download Directory to something like C:\Files or
    similiar.  Put it off your root directory.
    
    When you start the install program, first check the path
    names (1) and change them to suit your needs.  You probably
    shouldn't change any of them except (0) base directory,
    (4) system/chat logs..., (7) temporary files, (9) download
    directory.  The others may be needed to stay directly off
    the main BBS directory with their associated names as many
    TG utilities will have to find files in these directores and
    they may not be smart enough to know they aren't the default
    subdirectories off the bbs root directory.
    
    Goto the Configure BBS Options (2) and put in your name and
    all the personal info, making sure you select the proper COM
    port for you modem and highest bps rate you support.  If you
    can't do that, you shouldn't be reading this or attempting
    to run a BBS yet.
    
    Then when you are absolutely sure you have everything setup
    properly and the way you want, go ahead and Start the install
    by pressing 3 from the install main menu.  You're off!
    
    Recreating your STATUS.DAT will be explained later, so don't
    delete your install.exe file when the install process is done.
    [...]
   
    Don't worry if you screwed up any of the directories or info
    about who you are, your network (if any), BBS name, etc.  You
    can change that in TG as you will see later.
    
    To start up Telegard, be in the main BBS directory and just 
    type 'Telegard -k' without the single quotes.  The -k tells 
    the BBS to ignore the modem for now.  We will configure the 
    modem later.  Normally you would just enter 'Telegard' 
    without the single quotes to start, and Telegard would try to 
    initialize the modem.  Since setting up the modem is usually 
    the trickiest part for most new SysOps, we'll attack that 
    later in this file.
    
    Well how do you like the way Telegard looks?  If you don't, 
    don't worry you can change that screen, but that's for 
    another day.  Most importantly is that you start configuring 
    your BBS so it can start taking calls right away, right?  
    Well sort of, we need to make sure everything works, and is 
    setup the way you need it to be, so don't get impatient in 
    the next few lessons.
    
    You can logon to your BBS now as a local user.  As it says in 
    the Waiting For Caller screen (WFC screen) you just hit the 
    spacebar.  Take your time, you don't want to miss anything.  
    It'll prompt you Y/N/F which stands for Yes I want to logon, 
    No I don't want to logon, or Fast logon (which skips all the 
    opening screens and formal introductions that the normal user 
    sees.  You'll need your personal password and the system 
    password to logon when answering Yes from the Waiting For 
    Caller screen (WFC screen).  Unless you've already changed 
    it, your password should be SYSOP and the system password is 
    also SYSOP and you'll need the last four digits of the phone 
    number, unless you've changed that one, it'll be 0000.  We'll 
    change these shortly.  You should press Y to logon normally.  
    Assuming you have ANSI.SYS or compatible driver loader you 
    can go ahead through the welcome and introductions.  Read 
    your mail from the Telegard team, and configure your account 
    when it asks.  Now take some time to look around the BBS, 
    Don't mess with too many of the commands yet, especially if 
    you're not familiar with them.  Just browse through the menus 
    so you can see how it looks.  Pretty generic looking huh?  
    Well we'll change that later.  For now, just be psyched that 
    you are the first user of your own BBS!
    
    [Configuration Basics]
    
    Let's take care of a few things right off the bat, after 
    you've logged off your BBS, let's add some pertinent info 
    that will be needed.  First let's enter in the User Editor 
    who you are.  From the Waiting For Caller screen (WFC screen) 
    hit 'U'.  You will now see a pile of information for a guy 
    named SYSOP.  Hey that's you!  Well let's make it a little 
    more personable and tell him your real name, and other 
    information, oh  yeah, most importantly, change your 
    password!!  If you leave it at SYSOP you're asking for 
    trouble.  You can hit '?' without the single quotes at the 
    User Editor prompt for help.  For starters just get your 
    basic information (address, name, handle, password, phone 
    number, date of birth, etc.) you can learn what the all the 
    other stuff does by re-reading Main.Doc at a later time. The 
    user editor in Telegard isn't very attractive and it'll take 
    some time to remember all those commands, you might want to 
    learn a couple of the basics before you begin.
    
    One more place we want to configure really quick is where 
    Telegard specifies the system password.  From the WFC screen 
    hit 'P' for System Configuration.  From the System 
    Configuration menu hit 'B' for File Paths & BBS 
    Configuration.  You'll be at another menu and command prompt.  
    Now hit 'F' for BBS passwords.  You'll see three choices (A, 
    B, and C).  The most important for now is A. Select it and 
    change it to a new password that only you will know.  When 
    finished, you can Quit (pressing Q) until you get back to the 
    WFC screen.
    
    I hope you're remembering or writing these passwords down.  
    The first one we changed was your personal password, the 
    second one was a system password.  There is a difference.
    
    [Modem Configuration]
    
    Welcome to (probably) the most difficult part of configuring 
    Telegard.  If you can setup up the modem properly without too 
    much hassle, consider yourself lucky. But if this part takes 
    you longer than you had hoped, with lots of frustration, you 
    aren't alone, most SysOps experienced your same pain and 
    disappointment.  If you don't know much about modems and the 
    AT command set you will start learning.
    
    This is probably going to be as hard to write as it is to 
    setup for each individual.

                    Remember, patience is key.
    
    If you read through this, all the modem manuals you have, the 
    MAIN.DOC, UPGRADE.DOC, your Archie comics and still have no 
    clue why it isn't working then try to find a fellow TG sysop 
    (a friendly one, many hate to be bothered with the 
    new-starts) or find a TG board that carries the ITCnet which 
    supports Telegard or a TG beta site that carries the private 
    Telegard Support area linked directly to the author Martin 
    Pollard.  It may take you awhile before you get everything to 
    work properly, so please don't start posting all kinds of 
    ANSI ads after you installed TG.  Get a couple people you 
    know who are willing to try calling dozens of times to 
    connect to your system over and over.  They'll also have to 
    test out all your door programs, protocols and whatever else 
    you're doing.  So make sure everything works before opening 
    shop. Any BBS that doesn't have Zmodem working because the 
    sysop hasn't figured it out yet gets me to say goodbye faster 
    than logging onto the PIRATES RULE BBS.
    
    First let's make a basic check.  You have installed a FOSSIL 
    driver in your Autoexec.Bat, Config.Sys, etc., whichever 
    applies.  You may need to reboot your system for the FOSSIL 
    to activate if you haven't already.  You also have a modem 
    installed and working (You had better not be reading this if 
    you don't <g>).  Have your modem manual, Main.Doc and your 
    rabbit's foot handy.  If you have a standard 2400 hayes 
    compatible modem, try starting Telegard normaily by entering 
    Telegard from the main BBS directory and seeing if the modem 
    initializes properly.  If you see that a string of about 30 
    characters doesn't go away after a short while, chances are 
    you have some work to do.  If it does, you probably still 
    have some work to do, but it shouldn't be too bad.
    
    The modem setup in Telegard is accessed through P - Sysetm 
    Configuration from the WFC screen.  Then from there, it's 
    selection A - Modem Configuration.  This is where the fun 
    begins.  Learn this screen well.  If you feel a little 
    uncomfortable with this screen, take time to scan through 
    your modem manual taking in all the jargon.
    
    You'll want to make sure of a couple of things right off the 
    bat.  Where is your modem located?  If it's not COM1 then 
    find out which port it is if you don't know. Another option 
    you need to know is the maximum bps rate of your modem.  2400 
    is usually the standard for most SysOps and it was for me 
    when I started.
    
    Telegard needs for the modem to return numeric codes instead 
    of verbose codes.  When you call a BBS it usually will say 
    CONNECT 2400 or similiar, that is a verbose code.  A numeric 
    code is just a numeric number representing that same 
    response.  The AT command for numeric codes is V0 which is 
    already set in the default modem initialzation string of TG.
    
    Another AT command to keep in mind is the Echo command. Use 
    E0 in the initialization string to turn the echo off.
    
    If you're reading this and saying 'AT commands?  What are 
    those?', then you're in trouble.  But if you're a glutton for 
    punishment and you still want to go on, they are commands 
    sent to your modem telling it how to act.  In a nutshell.
    
    Here's a list of common registers that you will want to check 
    and setup accordingly.  Double check with your modem manual 
    that these are the same for your modem.
    
       S0=0  usually the standard setting, this says, set the
             amount of times the phone rings before picking up.
    
       S7=60 sets the amount of time that the modem waits for
             a connection, this says 60 seconds. Settings from
             30 to 60 are common.
    
    And some command command settings:
    
       E0    sets the echo of modem commands to off
    
       M0    sets the modem speaker off
    
       V0    sets result codes to numeric (used for Telegard, when
             using a front end mailer, this may be need to be V1)
    
    [Common Modem Tips]
    
    If you have a 2400 with MNP or v.42bis, you may want to 
    disable both protocols (MNP and v.42bis) because most of your
    files that you transfer to/from users will be in compressed 
    format and will be actually be slower in transfer speeds 
    using those protocols.  MNP 5 is a compression protocol that 
    will try to compress whatever is being sent.  If you are 
    downloading GAME.ZIP for instance, MNP will try to compress 
    your .ZIP file further.  However, ZIP and other archive 
    utilities are far better at compressing than MNP 5, hence 
    you'll be losing out, actually increasing your transfer time 
    because MNP is providing more overhead by trying to compress 
    something it can't.  Same with v.42bis but v.42bis is smarter 
    in that if it realizes it can't compress something, it won't 
    try. There is still however a minute overhead with this 
    protocol, but may be worth it to use anyways.
    
    If you have a high speed modem 9600+ you should lock your COM
    port at the highest port speed supported.  Dual Standard 
    16.8Ks can use 38,400 and the DS 14.4 can use 19,200.
    
              Keep studying that modem manual.
    
    If you are still having problems with Telegard and your 
    modem, contact your closest Telegard support for further 
    help.  Don't give up to easily.  There's nothing wrong with 
    experimenting with different initialization codes. Just write 
    down each one and note the effect it had so you can learn 
    from what you're doing.  Once you conquer this part of 
    Telegard, everything else will fall into place.

    I have included many examples of modem configurations from
    other SysOps in this file.  Hopefully one will pertain to
    yours or be somewhat simliar.  I cannot vouch for the
    completeness and accuracy of each because I have no possible
    way to test them.  All that is known is that they seem to
    work for those who submitted them.  Check the modem setup
    appendix [...]
    
    III.  Preparing for your first caller
    
    You finally got your modem to initialize, you're had your 
    friend call your BBS to see if it would answer the phone and 
    it did.  Now, you have other problems and things to worry 
    about.  What now you say?  Well how about all the different 
    protocols, beefing up security and creating the access levels 
    to assign to your users, putting up online programs, getting 
    files online, creating message areas and all kinds of other 
    fun stuff.
    
    [Protocols]
    
    When you first starting calling BBSs, what were you looking 
    to get out of the experience?  Most likely it was files, and 
    lots of them.  Ok, so now you need to install your protocols 
    so your users can get some of your files you have leeched 
    from other BBSs.

    Did you get TGPROTA and TGPROT6B like I suggested? If yes, 
    then fine, you can install that, if not, that's ok too 
    because you don't need it.  Remember to get a copy of DSZ?  
    Good, you'll need it.  Go through your DSZ manual and become 
    basically familiar with how it works and some basic commands 
    introduction (Also, please consider registering this program 
    in the future, you'll use it, so you should be paying for 
    it.)  If you install the TGPROT package or you just look at 
    all the default protocols that are setup in Telegard, you 
    might be wondering if you need all these.  This depends on 
    you and your users, I currently only have about 4 or 5 
    protocols.  Zmodem, Ymodem, Xmodem, and HS/Link. I haven't 
    had any complaints as to where all my protocols are because 
    the others are rarely used.  It's up to you if you want to 
    keep them or delete them now.  I can almost guarantee that 
    they probably all don't work on the first shot.  For most, 
    they hardly ever do.  I only have XModem, YModem, ZModem and 
    HS/Link as my protocols, and I have gotten zero complaints or 
    questions to install others.  You may want to toggle the ones 
    you're not sure of as inactive in the Protocol setup menu.  
    That way you can go back and put them in if you so desire.
    
    Before moving any further with protocols, you might consider 
    using GSZ.EXE instead of DSZ.EXE.  Why, and what is it?  GSZ 
    is basically the same as DSZ with a few small differences.  
    The most notable difference is the graphical interface.  GSZ 
    displays a bar graph of the transfer on your end so you can 
    see how far along the tranfser is coming.  It also has
    MobyTurbo which provides a little bit of enhanced performance
    and is compatible with DSZ in every respect.  For more
    information, locate a copy of it as GSZxxxx.ZIP on your
    favorite BBS.
    
    Before you start allowing file transfers, setup your batch 
    protocols as speciifed in the TGSEC17 file.  This is 
    important for the secuirty of your BBS.  The rest of your 
    protocols should be working fine as long as you have 
    installed DSZ properly and, if you wish to install the 
    TGPROT package, it should install everything for you as well.
    
    For further help in setting up your basic protocols, contact 
    a Telegard support site.  Don't forget to have a little 
    patience, read the docs, and give it a few tries before 
    bothering the other SysOps.  A llttle bit on HS/Link and 
    Bi-Modem will be discussed later.
    
    [Access Levels]
    
    Telegard assigns a security level setting to every user and 
    you can customize how it is set for each person.
    
    You should figure out what kind of security levels you want 
    for your users.  Take this time now to review the Main.Doc 
    file for a discussion on security levels (i.e. SL). Once you 
    have the basic understanding of what a security level is 
    you'll want to define your security levels for your system.  
    There are two main security levels for your users. These are 
    called a validated user security level, and a unvalidated 
    user security level.
    
    A validated user is a user that you have verified (by 
    whatever definition that means for your standards) and have 
    given a default 'normal' user access level.
    
    A unvalidated user is one who is usually on for the first or 
    whom you haven't approved for full 'normal' user access as of 
    yet.
    
    Security levels can go from 0 to 255 with 255 being the sysop 
    (you).  Only one person should have 255 and when first 
    opening your BBS, don't give anyone a access level of 100 or 
    more until you know what you're doing.
    
    Again, plan out what kind of general access levels you would 
    like to have on your board.  How many different levels of 
    access do you want?  As a start you use the two basic 
    validated and unvalidated to start.  You can define other 
    higher levels for special users (such as visiting SysOps) 
    later.
    
    Now what should you allow unvalidated and validated users 
    access to you?  Well it is up to you, but I suggest for now, 
    you should only allow minimal access to unvalidated users.  
    This is in case a hacker has discovered you as a new SysOp 
    and tries to take advantage of you.  Later when you have your 
    board under control you can allow more access to new users if 
    you'd like.  I allow access to everyone on my board (just 
    about) to new users.  (fyi)

    Above are the basics of security levels.  With Telegard you
    can change your security levels as much as you want and even
    make unvalidated users have the same access as validated 
    users.  When you start to learn about AR flags you can do even
    more.  The possibilities are endless.

    If I can ramble for a quick second... I don't like the sysops 
    who force me to call just to leave a application letter and 
    not be able to look around.  I have to wait for verification 
    to see if I want to call your BBS?  No thanks.  I guess my 
    thinking leans more to the old timers of allowing open 
    systems for people to explore.  Especially if someone has to 
    call long distance just to apply to a BBS.  Come on guys, 
    this is a hobby, let us have fun with it.  I know your 
    reasons for doing it, you'll get all kinds of bad users on 
    your system taking advantage of you.  Big deal, if you make 
    it so they can't harm your system (or close to impossible at 
    least), you'll be just as well off and have a nicer 
    reputation then the guy who scrutinizes every user right down 
    to their birth date.  If you're just starting out, ignore this
    paragraph because it may make a whole lot of sense for you to
    restrict access to first time callers.  I don't want you to
    become a victim from a security hole that you have not patched
    up yet.
    
    Now how do you allow access to various functions, menus and 
    commands?  Well I don't have to go into this, it's all in the 
    Main.Doc that comes with Telegard.  Please refer to this on 
    how to use them.  Keep in mind that there are different 
    places you can allow access to certain things. For instance 
    you can define a command to allow access to anyone with a 
    security level of 20, let's say the command to leave e-mail.  
    You can also restrict this command for each individual user 
    in the User Editor.  Search around the board and you'll 
    discover all the various ways of using these types of things.
    
    Take the time to look over the TGSEC17 file for setting up 
    the security levels.
    
    You can get fancy and as complicated as you wish, check out 
    the TG support echoes mentioned earlier for help in 
    customizing your system.
    
    I tend to give access to file downloading/uploading to new 
    users.  Most of my door games and only the local message 
    bases.  I have not yet had a cracker crash or hack this setup 
    (but it still may be possible, all hacker and crasher types, 
    please try to hack my system, I enjoy a good game of who is 
    smarter).  I figure I should not let unvalidated users access 
    networked and personal mail for the main reason that they 
    could put all kinds of unwanted junk in them before I get a 
    chance to stop them from going out.  Say a user posts 10 
    messages of juvenille foul language in the Communications 
    echo on FidoNet, well that is gonna make my BBS look pretty 
    bad if it's echoed out all over the world.  Just be smart 
    people.  Don't give them a chance to make you look stupid, on 
    the other hand, people don't like to waste a call to a system 
    that is closed so tight they can't do anything but leave you 
    a comment and logoff. Oh, and if you're wondering why I allow 
    new users to post in my local bases, well you'd have to see 
    my regular users to see why it wouldn't bother them no matter 
    what people posted.  The more rank material for them, the 
    better.
    
    [Security]
    
    One thing about Telegard (or any BBS system for that matter) 
    is that security can be a problem.
    
    There are a lot of ways a cracker can crash or get into your 
    operating system with a generic Telegard BBS setup that 
    hasn't been fixed or secured from abuse. But all (that I know 
    of at this time) ways of a cracker trying to wreck havoc on 
    your system can be overcome just by tweaking things a tad bit 
    and using common sense which is the most important of all.
    This includes nothing fancy, just some common sense.  
    Sometimes even a little imagination.
    
    You really need to take every precaution in protecting your 
    BBS.  The most important file to help you in this situation 
    is to read and use TGSEC17.  You should have obtained a good 
    copy of this file already.  It includes a alternative ANSI 
    driver that will prevent ANSI bombs (that is when ANSI 
    commands change the screen colors to black on black for 
    example, which is not good if you want to see what's going 
    on, or ANSI commands can also redefine keys so hitting 
    <ENTER> may actually be sending a /G to Telegard. not good, 
    it doesn't hurt anything, but it sure can be frustrating).  
    It also includes a directory file that you should put in your 
    GFILES directory, and add to your files bases with only you 
    the SysOp having access.  It will help prevent uploads of 
    certain filenames that could crash your system (don't forget 
    to toggle Search for Duplicate File in the setup).
    
    Just some other tips from my experience with security that 
    are not included in TGSEC:

     1.   In the message base editor from the WFC screen,   
          type 'B' and change the minimum security levels   
          for email.  The reason for this is simple.  One
          problem with the current release of Telegard 2.7
          is that if a new user has access to personal mail,
          he can delete his own new user application.  This
          may not cause a problem for you, but why would you
          want him to do that.  You can still allow them
          access to post personal mail, but not read it.
          They wouldn't have any to read anyways.

          If you're out of town for a few days and your nightly
          events pack the message bases, his letter will be gone
          for ever.  Then perhaps he would send another letter
          asking why you haven't validated him yet and being a
          great SysOp that I know you, you rush to validate him
          and apologize that you must have forgotten.

     2.   Be very careful when you recieve uploaded files.
          The only way you can totally protect yourself from
          a virus infection or malicious file is to not run
          it.  I personally use very few files that are     
          uploaded to me for a couple of reasons.  Mainly
          because I have obtained all the files I want or   
          need on my own.  But to be safe there are a few   
          precautions you can take.  You can setup a program
          that will test and check all you uploaded files   
          for integrity or viruses (more on this later).    
          Keep in mind, that whatever method you use, you
          should make sure the upload verifier is accessing
          your archive utilities and scanners from a pre-
          defined directory.  This is because if the user
          uploads SCAN.EXE in one of his archives and it
          contains a virus, the upload verifier could run
          the SCAN.EXE that's infected if it doesn't run
          it from a specified directory.

[...upload checker not recommended...]

          You can also not validate files until you
          manually inspect them.  If they look at all       
          suspicious, you can just delete them.  If you feel
          guilty, you can still give your user upload       
          credit, but it doesn't mean you have to keep the  
          file.  Someone tried uploading a virus to me
          once, and that was a mistake.  What I usually
          do is first see who uploaded the file, I never
          validate a file based on who uploaded however,
          just because they may be your best friend, doesn't
          mean their files aren't infected.  But if you
          know who uploaded the file personally, at least
          you have someone you can hold accountable.

          Next, unarchive the file in it's own directory,
          unless it's an executable file, I don't touch it, I
          usually delete them saying .EXE, .COM or other
          similiar extension is not an allowed upload.
          Some programs do come as .EXE but you can get
          those on your own so you can protect yourself.

          Scan the file for viruses, set your archiver to
          scan all files not just certain extensions such
          as .EXE, .COM, .OVR.  That way, if someone
          created a file with a virus and renamed it with
          a different extension in order for a install
          program to rename it back to a executable, you'll
          protect yourself even further.

[...use more than 1 scanner...]
[...check for pklited files...]

          Next, I use a utility that dumps all text of the
          .EXE or .COM file.  This takes all readable text
          and I can examine it to look for strings which
          may indicate a virus, hacked program or similiar
          occurence.  This is how I located a trojan program
          that SCAN.EXE didn't detect.  It contained some
          nice swear words and it told me how dumb I was.
          Good thing the uploader was dumber than I was.

          That reminds me, you probably don't want to rely
          on one virus scanner.  The good thing about SCAN.EXE
          is that it is good, but not perfect, it's hard to
          be perfect in the virus game.  For sysops, you don't
          have to register it, McAfee's way of saying thank
          you.  Too bad all software wasn't that way.  :)
          Keep current on the virus protectant software as
          well.

          Next, if you've gotten this far, I would check the
          file's documentation, if it doesn't have any, I
          throw it away.  Not too many programs (if any)
          come without documentation.  This may indicate
          a pirated version of some commercial program.

          I may inspect it a little further, but if it
          passes all that I usually validate it if it's a
          worthwhile file to take up my hard drive space.

          That's a lot of work to go through to validate
          files, but so far I've been completely safe and
          have had only one file that was really considered
          dangerous uploaded.  Sometimes hacks get through,
          but that's life.  I catch them eventually.

          Since I take so long to validate files because of
          this process, my users joke with me about it, but
          I don't run mainly a file board so it's no big deal.
[...]     If this is too anal for you, a good upload verifier
          should be ok for your needs.  Just be extremely
          careful when you run any program that a user uploads.

[...PRN in .ZIP archives...]

          Here's another tip.  You may want to load a TSR
          program that logs all disk read/write activity.
          I've seen one called SYSLOG.  This may help you if
          you think you have something writing to your disk
          like that phony upload I was discussing earlier.

     3.   Install a reboot manager.  This is a program that
          will watch monitor your phone line, and if your   
          phone rings more times than it is supposed to,    
          your computer will reboot.  You should have your  
          BBS to start up automatically when you reboot.    

[...Autoexec/startbbs.bat if not errorlevel 255 goto dobbs...]

     4.   Carefully look at each new user's application and
          new user information.  Examine their Personal Info
          and make sure they didn't enter anything stupid in
          the application that suggests a loser who does
          nothing but bother sysops.  Make sure they are
          here for the usual BBS purposes.  Any misleading
          or anal behavior shouldn't be tolerated.  You can
          optionally verify every user by giving him/her a
          voice call to make sure they entered the phone
          number correctly.  Many SysOps do this, many do
          not, it's up to you if you would like this extra
          sense of protection.

     5.   Use a external chat program.  Telegard's chat
          has has a major security leak for the unaware
          SysOp.  When you are in Telegard's chat, you can
          type '/' without the single quotes followed by
          a few different commands.  One will type out any
          file to the screen.  So if a user created a macro
          that you were unaware of, and suddenly you chat
          with him, and he runs the macro to display one
          of your files that contains secret information,
          he could grab a lot of passwords (as an example).
          To be on the safe side, only use Telegard's chat
          with someone you really trust.  How to install
          another chat program is included later in this
          document.
          
     6.   More advanced tips and explanations later.  This  
          was to give the new SysOp a basic introduction
          of security and what types of things you will need
          to deal with.

    [Beta Testing]

    Now for Beta testing.  Find someone that is willing to call 
    your BBS and see if it is working.  I recommend not bothering
    a local SysOp to call your BBS right off the bat.  First,
    they probably have better things to do than to laugh at
    your new setup.  Another user that you have befriended is a
    much better approach for the first few tests.  Second, you get
    the user's perspective.  SysOps are born arrogant and they have
    biased opinions.  Including myself as if you couldn't already
    tell.  Third, the user will find the simple problems with your
    BBS first.  Such as a door game doesn't work, a protocol is slow,
    a command is missing, etc.  This is sort of like a estimate on
    the damage.  Once you recognize the problems with the user, you
    can then fix them, or get help elsewhere when you know what's
    wrong but can't fix them.  After this stage, then see if you
    can get a friendly SysOp to call and suggest more advanced
    things.
    
    If you have a second computer with a modem, you can do much of
    the testing yourself.  If you've installed your FOSSIL driver,
    your ANSI driver, and setup your modem and the modem commands
    properly, Telegard should pick up the phone and accept the
    caller.  If you're having problems with users connecting or
    your modem picking up the phone, re-read your modem manual and
    keep in mind the things that your modem should be doing in the
    initialization string mentioned earlier and in the Main.Doc file.
    
    A good thing to have on hand at this time is a copy of the 
    SysOp function keys.  These are the keys that you can use 
    when someone is online.  They are useful for many things as 
    you will read.  For now, F10 is to chat, F1 is to modify some 
    basic information, and you can use ALT-J to shell to DOS if 
    you need to.  If the user is welcomed with a Shuttle Login 
    Menu (that you forgot about) then he will only be able to 
    apply for access, he will not be able to access the BBS 
    without the proper password.  The default is MATRIX which you 
    should change later if you plan on using the shuttle logon 
    menu.  You can also auto validate the user when he/she is 
    online with ALT-V.  You will probably do this for your friend 
    because you know them already.
    
    The shuttle login is not discussed in this documenation 
    because in my opinion it's absolutely a threat to open 
    systems ideas which I subscribe to.  Anyone who makes you 
    call their system to apply for access without even being able 
    to look around at all is just too anal in my book.  I really 
    don't think it's necessary, but if you feel the need to use, 
    it isn't hard and is covered fully in TG's documentation.  The
    only case I see the shuttle logon menu a good idea is for those
    new SysOps who are still uncomfortable with their system
    security.  It is a good method for screening out the trash
    callers.  However, once you have things under control, take
    it out and let the world come on in.  When you have enough
    experience and know-how, make backups, and are a nice guy,
    you won't have much to worry about.
    
    Have your friend look around the BBS, trying out different 
    features and commands, when you're ready, have them upload or 
    download a file if you think you're ready. You should have 
    this all setup now.  If there are any commands that don't 
    work, take note of what they are so you can correct them 
    later.  For now, it's important that the system is basically 
    useable.
    
    The rest of the basic configuration of your BBS will not be 
    included.  You should be able to complete this yourself.  
    This is to encourage you to learn your system rather than me 
    walking you through every little step of Telegard.  Just 
    take it slow before you start advertising your BBS to others.  
    Get all the basic things working and functional.  Take out 
    all the commands you don't need or are only there for 
    examples (such as the online menu choices). Most new users 
    will get turned off by a BBS that is poorly run, and at first 
    yours will most likely be poorly run. So have pa.... and work 
    hard to get things rolling along.
    
IV.  Up and Running
    
    Ok, you've finally got your board up and running with 
    everything online working.  Things are still a little generic 
    looking and it's not fully customized, but you're ready to 
    start getting people to use your system.  You want to see 
    files uploaded, messages posted, games played, etc. Well 
    continue reading and I'll help you to get and keep those new 
    users.
    
    [Getting Users]
    
    One of the most popular ways of getting new callers, is to 
    call the BBSs that you call and tell people you have a new 
    BBS.  If you make it sound interesting enough, they just 
    might call.  Make sure you tell people some basic 
    information:

     BBS name
     SysOp Name
     Software (Telegard 2.7)
     Phone number
     Highest modem speed supported
          if it's 300 baud, you probably won't want to      
          mention it.
     Specialty, uniqueness or features of your board
          basically tell them why they should call, if
          it's just that you need new users to make a
          great board, that's fine.  If it's free downloads
          that's ok too.  Just make sure you have something
          that users want.  People rarely call a new BBS
          just because you said so.  And if they do, they
          will only call once if they are bored by an empty
          board.

    [Advertising]

    Before you do start posting your ad on every BBS in N. 
    America, and posting in every single message base, ten times 
    each, you should ask the SysOp if it all right to post a 
    message about your BBS on his BBS.  He might already have a 
    special message section for that purpose only, then put it 
    there.  If he/she has a BBS list, then for god sakes put it 
    there.  Most SysOps will welcome your ad in a general message 
    type area as long as you are polite and post just one 
    message.  There's nothing more annoying then seeing 7 ads for 
    the same BBS in the Sports message section, and worse, those 
    who upload 10 ANSI ads in the message base. 2400 callers and 
    Offline mail people don't appreciate it.
    
    [Keeping Users]
    
    For the first few months, you are going to question your BBS.  
    You probably are getting hardly any callers per day, or maybe 
    they just logon for a quick second and see what you have for 
    files then logoff.  Have pati....  It usually takes a BBS a 
    few months to get any regular callers. You have to pay your 
    dues and prove to the BBS callers of your community that you 
    are not only here to stay but that your BBS is the one to 
    call.
    
    [...replies to new user app...]
    [...online BBS news...]
    
    [SysOp Networking]
    
    Try to get to be good friends with a few of your local 
    sysops.  Possibly form some kind of group that you can all 
    share information, tips with, recommend to users the other's 
    BBS.  Don't be too jealous to recommend another BBS.  Hardly 
    any user alive will call only one BBS, so why not make it a 
    group of BBSs which will support you the same way.  You might
    form a network of local sysops and compile newsletters, make 
    simple logoff screens telling users to call these 'other' 
    great BBSs (that's how I started finding other BBSs to call).
    Don't think you can provide your users with everything.  They
    need other BBSs, so give your users at least one reason to 
    use yours.
    
    [Become an Active SysOp]

    The best BBSs that I have ever seen are the ones where the 
    SysOp is not just a SysOp but also a user.  The SysOp should 
    (time considering) join in the message bases and encourage 
    conversations, join in some of the online games, and chat 
    with the users when you have the time.  I have found these 
    three things to be the success of my BBS.  Of course files 
    are important, but if the users see a real person on the 
    other end of the line, it really gives them a sense of 
    belonging.
    
    [Reward vs Force]
    
    There are so many BBSs that force users to upload 1 file for 
    every so many files, post a message for so many call, etc.   
    No user likes these ratios.  But sometimes limits do have to 
    be set.  Especially for files.  Usually the BBSs that enforce 
    a post/call ratio are very boring BBSs.  The SysOps have to 
    force the users to enter messages for each call.  Usually 
    this degrades the board because the messages will look like 
    this:

     "HI, SysOp here, this is the Sports base, so how about
     them Cubs.  By the way, why don't you guys post?"

     "I'm just posting this message because I have to.
                                   -Joe user"

     Look familiar?  Compare it with this:

     "Hi, welcome to the Sports message area.  Did you see  
     that Cubs game last night?  Holy Cow!  Andre has really
     been playing bad lately.  I don't think he should    
     make the All Star team this year.  I missed the last 2
     innings, did anyone happen to catch them so you can    
     fill me in?"  -SysOp

     "Hey SysOp, yeah I saw the game, it was a close one.   
     Andre ended up hitting a homer in the 9th.  So I guess
     that kinda blows your All Star team theory.  By the    
     way, do you have any sports related software online?   
     Or maybe a sports online game?  - Joe User"

    Notice the difference?  Of course it won't go perfectly like 
    that everyday of the week, but it'll catch on if you 
    encourage it.
    
    [Comments, Suggestions and Feedback]
    
    One thing that I like to make clear on my BBS is that 
    comments and suggestions are welcome.  Even criticism. That's 
    usually the best way to make your BBS better.  You learn what 
    pisses the users off ('hey how why do I have to donate $50 to 
    download 1 file?'). You probably shouldn't listen too 
    carefully either ('Hey why do you even have a download/upload 
    ratio?').  Use your best judgement when making those type of 
    decisions. Just remain available and helpful to the users and 
    they'll keep calling.
    
    [Nightly Events]
    
    You'll want to setup at least one nightly event to be run 
    every night that will handle special maintenance functions of 
    your BBS.  Nightly events is one of the most powerful and if 
    used properly, a great asset to the inner workings of any 
    BBS.  You can do almost anything you can dream up in the 
    nightly events, but mostly it is used for simple maitenance 
    of statistical bulletins, online game maintenance, Telegard 
    data file maintenance and so on. You can setup events to be 
    run at any time of the day and for any time of the week or 
    month.  If you're using a front end mailer, you will use it's 
    events scheduler.
    
    For a complete discussion of events, see the MAIN.DOC. I can 
    only recommend that you check out a bunch of TG utilities to 
    see what is possible to run at the nightly event.
    
    One problem with Telegard's nightly events is that if takes 
    less than 1 minute to perform, it will be repeated until 1 
    minute has gone by since the event started.  I once had a 
    event that just automatically posted a message to the users 
    once a week on the rules of the BBS.  Too my surprise after 
    the first run, I woke up the next morning and saw 6 copies of 
    the message posted to everyone.  You can overcome this with a 
    very small and simple utility that you can create right now.  
    It's called WAIT.COM which will pause your batch file for a 
    number of seconds that you specify.
    
    Save this script as WAIT.SCR (only what's between the lines)
    and type:  DEBUG < WAIT.SCR
    
    Do not save the dotted lines, only the space between the
    dotted lines.
    
    You will have WAIT.COM, syntax is WAIT <seconds of delay>
    
    ----------------------<Cut Here>-----------------------
     N WAIT.COM
     E 0100 BF 5B 00 33 C0 33 C9 33 D2 BE 82 00 38 4C FE 74
     E 0110 2D AC 3C 0D 74 16 2C 30 72 F7 3C 09 77 F3 8B DA
     E 0120 D1 E2 D1 E2 03 D3 D1 E2 03 D0 EB E5 0B D2 74 0E
     E 0130 B8 B6 00 F7 E2 33 D2 BB 0A 00 F7 F3 8B F8 B8 40
     E 0140 00 8E D8 BB 6C 00 8B 77 02 03 3F 13 F1 8B 07 8B
     E 0150 57 02 38 4F 04 74 03 83 C2 18 3B D6 72 06 77 0E
     E 0160 3B C7 73 0A B2 FF B4 06 CD 21 74 E1 FE C1 8A C1
     E 0170 B4 4C CD 21
     RCX
     0074
     W
     Q
    
    ----------------------<Cut Here>-----------------------
    
    All TG sysops should have the Telegard Utilities package. The 
    latest is version 1.40.  If you don't have it, you can 
    download it as TGU_140.ZIP on most any Telegard BBS. In your 
    nightly events you should run these 3 utilities in this 
    order:
    
    Zerouser.Exe
    Namefix.Exe
    Delemail.Exe
    
    That's it.  Pretty simple.  This will help clean your TG 
    records data files, and orphaned messages.  Read the TG Utils 
    documentation for these files, which are found in TGU_140 for 
    more information on what they do exactly.
    
    A small sample description of my nightly events to help you 
    with ideas is as follows:
    
    CHECK ALL UPLOADS
    DO ONLINE GAMES MAINTENANCE
    CREATE USERS' AGE DISTRIBUTION BULLETIN
    LOG USAGE OF ONLINE GAMES FOR BULLETIN
    CLEAN UP FILE DESCRIPTIONS
    CREATE A PRETTY USER LISTING
    CREATE A TOP FILES DOWNLOADED LISTING
    CHECK FOR DUPLICATE ACCOUNTS
    DELETE INACTIVE USERS
    PACK MESSAGE BASES
    RUN ZEROUSER
    RUN NAMEFIX
    RUN DELEMAIL
    CREATE ALLFILES LISTING
    CREATE BBS ACTIVITY GRAPH
    CREATE TOP USERS BULLETIN
    SCAN FOR VIRUSES
    ....etc.
    
    If some of that doesn't look familiar, it's just that I'm 
    running some sort of utility to perform certain functions.
    
    V. Advanced Telegard
    
    This section is for SysOps who already have Telegard up and 
    running for a short while, or when you are comfortable with 
    your Telegard knowledge and now you want to really get into 
    the more advanced features and fun things of SysOping.
    
    [WFCMENU.ANS]
    
    This is actually very easy.  If you're into customiznig the 
    heck out of Telegard, change your WFC screen.  Just load up 
    the WFC ansi screen in TheDraw and edit it to your liking. 
    Pay careful attention to how it is setup, the stats at the 
    bottom need to be pretty much in the same spot so you can 
    read everything.

[...change computer types, infoforms at login...]

    [Problem Users]
    
    Experienced SysOps know what I'm talking about here w/o even 
    mentioning anything.  The problem is, what can we do about 
    those users that just keep bugging us and try try aggravate 
    our life.  First tip is, don't get too hung up over those 
    users.  They log on as new, they don't give you any 
    information in the new user app except 'l;akad;dfjadkfj, 
    bye.'  There are many solutions, not really perfect.  The 
    first, is to restrict access to all new users.  This is a 
    simple quick fix by either installing the shuttle logon menu 
    or limiting commands, or even as extreme as not allowing new 
    users.  Here's some of the other common problems I see and 
    what I try to do to slow them down.
    
    [Finding Duplicate Accounts]
    
    A user who continuously logs in under different aliases is 
    frustrating.  A smart user might not ever caught get if the 
    SysOp doesn't voice validate his/her users.  There is a 
    utility designed to warn you of possible duplicate accounts 
    (DUPCHECK.ZIP) which you can get from a good Telegard BBS. I 
    try to examine carefully each new user and if I find any of 
    the information misleading, I don't allow access to that 
    account and write a letter to the user explaining what I and 
    he both did.  If I know it's a duplicate account, I will 
    delete it immediately unless it's a just forgetfulness on the 
    user's part, I will delete all other accounts and lock them 
    out of the BBS or degrade their access until they defend 
    themselves if they do.  Usually they'll just leave because 
    it's not worth it to them if you're the kind of SysOp who 
    runs a tight board.  There's many boards out there with lack 
    security and SysOps who doesn't care what comes through.
    
    [Jerks]
    
    Telegard SysOps have had their problems with jerk users as 
    well as any other type.  One problem with Telegard is that is 
    widely used for pirating.  (You might even be running that 
    board now).  The problem with this is that a lot of the 
    people who like to call Telegard boards are in the 13-17 age 
    group.  So some of these d00dz are still having a problem 
    with maturity.  "where's the elite stuff stuff??" is a 
    question I get asked often enough.  It usually doesn't bother 
    me, and I usually don't have anyone telling me my board 
    sucks, but I did when I was first starting.  Best thing I can 
    say is to ignore it.  But it probably does suck if you're 
    just starting out.  Don't worry, it'll get better with time.  
    Just watch what other SysOps do with their boards, use their 
    ideas and add enough of your own to make it different.
    
    [Cracks & Crashers]
    
    I don't know why, but there are people out there who just 
    want to do you no good.  Maybe you were an ass to them, who 
    knows.  But they are out there.  Not many of them, but enough 
    that you should be mildly concerned.  If you're a fairly good 
    guy all around, you probably won't have as many problems as 
    the SysOp who is rude and a ass on other people's BBSs.  
    Follow the security tips I have outlined in this document and 
    always remember that it probably isn't perfect all the time.  
    You will probably always have little breaches of security, 
    but if you make backups and keep an eye out, you should be 
    able to prevent and cure any of them.
    
    [Auto-Validation Hack]
    
    There is a lot of security that can be breached on a ignorant 
    SysOp.  But now that you are reading this, you will be a 
    little less ignorant than before (I hope).  The following is 
    a list of security tips and suggestions for you to implenent, 
    some are not really needed at all, but they are nice to know 
    if you ever need them, here they are:
    
    TG Hack for auto-validation.  There was a small text file 
    that was going around some of the elite boards about a way to 
    get auto-validated on Telegard boards.  It was a sad attempt 
    by some kiddies thinking there were some big time crackers.

    When a user logs in as a new user they will go through the
    new user application process.  What they put for their handle
    or real name is irrelevant.

    When it comes time to select the country, they choose option
    3 which is other.  As in the example:
 
        1. United States
        2. Canada
        3. Other <---- pick this one!

    When prompted for the address, and other information as shown
    below exactly as typed:

         Address: Western Hemisphere N. American
         City   : Planet Earth
         State  : Sol Solar System
         Zip    : GALMILKWAY
         Phone  : 7777777777

    When Telegard asks which type of computer you are using, no
    matter what the SysOp has it setup for, they pick #10.

    In the "poor excuse for a hacker" document they recommended
    putting such as this in the new user application:

        "Hey how's it going, haven't called in while, maybe next
         time we can chat..."
         
    Now what does all this do?  Well if you use the Telegard
    internal message packer to pack your message bases, they
    will be validated.  How do you stop this?  For god sake,
    anyone still using Telegard's internal message packer after
    reading this document ought to be shot.  Never use it for
    reasons explained later.  Make sure you always check your
    new user's info before validating him to make sure they
    didn't try this "idiots 'r' us" crack.

    [E-Mail Hack]
    
    You must look out for this (especially since I'm telling the 
    general BBS public now).  I came across this security breach 
    in a hacker type magazine, and most of the usual pirates 
    don't read it, so they probably don't know about it yet.  
    Well here it is.  Let's say my username is JIMMY on XYZ BBS.  
    If HACK LOSER on another board wants to see what JIMMY on XYZ 
    BBS is up to, he can logon on as new to the XYZ BBS and use 
    the username JIMMY2 and guess what.  He will be able to read 
    JIMMY's personal email.  [...describe...] So now you have 
    something to look out for.  (I'm hoping this will prompt 
    someone to write a utility to scan the user list for this 
    occurence)  Again, as mentioned before, don't allow new users 
    access to read personal mail.  Before you validate anyone, 
    you should be sure that they are not trying this hack.  It 
    will not mean much for most boards, but if someone does send 
    private email with some rather personal information it could 
    be a big downfall for someone.

    [Chat Hacking]

    Telegard's internal chat program.  Many new SysOps and even 
    older ones do not know of a great risk they can be taking by 
    using Telegard's built in chat program.  You might wonder 
    what kind of harm could that have to you BBS and I will 
    answer plenty if you're not careful.  You can even still use 
    it after you read this, but you should know about it's 
    problems.  First off, the danger area.  TG's chat program is 
    unique because the user can actually use some commands there 
    were built into it.  One such command it similiar to DOS's 
    TYPE command.  Whereby the user or SysOp can enter /TYPE from 
    Telegard's chat program in the first column (similiar to how 
    the message editor works) and then a space followed by the 
    file name with optional path. Think of this scenario.  Your 
    user has created a macro that executes this command.
    
    /type c:\autoexec.bat
    /type c:\config.sys
    /type status.dat
    /cls
    
    You'll also notice the /CLS command.  It does exactly what 
    you think it does, clears the chat screen.  Now if a user was 
    to run this macro while you were in chat with him, and maybe 
    you left to go answer the door bell, he grabs some very 
    powerful information because your BBS path will most likely 
    show up in your config.sys and autoexec.bat file, plus he'll 
    grab some info from your status.dat file that even holds your 
    password.  So be careful when using TG's chat.  If anyone 
    ever tries anything suspicious, just hit F5 to hangup on user 
    immediately.
    
    To find out the other commands, in chat type /? in the first 
    column and it will display them for you.  The only one to 
    worry about is /type.
    
    [Helpful Utilities]
    
    The following is a partial listing with description of files 
    and programs that I have found to be generally helpful to 
    Telegard SysOps.  For a complete list of files that I have 
    available, please call The Crossroads BBS and download 
    Filelist.Zip for free or if you're on FidoNet you can FREQ 
    FILES at 1:115/743.  There may be other boards that carry 
    more TG utils, so don't limit yourself to my board for 
    leeching (please!), but most of the ones I have online do 
    provide some use.  A lot of TG utils can be shabby, poorly 
    written, or require some ridiculous registration fee for it's 
    continued use.

    Editorial time again.  I'm so sick and tired of all your
    programmers who want to charge other SysOps for a small, but
    useful utility.  There are so many SysOps out there that
    do not know how to program.  BBSing for most SysOps is
    too expensive as it is.  SysOps don't need to be paying
    $25 for a voting booth program or a quote door.  Please
    write more freeware and public domain.  There are just too
    many greedy programmers out there in the commercial world
    as it is.

    [Telegard Utilities]
    
    These files may be out of date and are not guaranteed to be 
    found on my BBS so if you try a FREQ and come up empty 
    handed, don't say I didn't warn you.

    AGE27.ZIP
          Age distribution graph generates a color graph
          of your users broken up into age groups.
    ANS-FIX.ZIP
          ANSI for Telegard 2.7 message bases.  Converts
          your ANSI drawings so they can be uploaded to
          Telegard 2.7 message bases correctly.
    BW270_TG.ZIP
          Bluewave Mail Door program, allows users to
          upload and download messages and request files
          along with them.
    CHCKUL10.ZIP
          Checks "Uploaded by" user in the file bases
          and replaces with a name you choose if he/she
          doesn't exist.
    COLCU101.ZIP
          Rewrites USER.LST to change all user's color
          setup so everyone's is the same.
    DUPCHECK.ZIP
          Scans user list for possible duplicate accounts.
    HS-TG1B5.ZIP
          HS/Link interface for Telegard.
    MDATE200.ZIP
          Deletes Messages older than a certain date.
    MFILE300.ZIP
          Listing of files available online generator.
    MGSUD151..ZIP
          Purge inactive user accounts
    MLHELP14.ZIP
          Help in setting up FrontDoor with Telegard
    MMAIL101.ZIP
          Adds mass e-mail back into Telegard 2.7
    MSGTK101.ZIP
          Tracks message use by area
    NETGIVE.ZIP
          Gives netmail credits to uses
    PASS271.ZIP
          Forces users to periodically change their
          passwords.
    PKEY_100.ZIP
          Global pause key reset for all users
    PWFILE27.ZIP
          User to user password protected file transfer
          door.
    QUOTEITB.ZIP
          Leave a quote to next caller utility.
    TFM26.ZIP
          Telegard file base manager.
    TG-M13.ZIP
          How to setup Telegard multi-node.
    TGAR101.ZIP
          AR flag modifier utility.
    TGFBCLNR.ZIP
          Capitalizes the first letter in every file
          description.
    TGM101.ZIP
          Telegard external menu editor.
    TGNEWS22.ZIP
          News manager/displayer for Telegard
    TGRSET16.ZIP
          Automatically update and initialize data
          and log files during a nightly event.
    TMAIL151.ZIP
          Network mail interface for Telegard.
    TOPFLS21.ZIP
          Generates most popular files bulletin.
    TUSERS15.ZIP
          Generates over 7 statistical bulletins.
    UMV2.ZIP
          External user editor.
    URWRD11.*
          Awards users with file points when someone
          downloads a file they uploaded.
    YINFO*.*
          Creates a custom looking (Y)our Info screen
          to display user's info. (freeware!)

    [DoorMaster]
    
    Once you start looking and trying to install a number of door 
    games, you'll find out how frustrating it can be. This 
    program can make things a little simpler.  What it does is 
    convert a door information file of one type to another. For 
    example, a door program written exclusivly for PCBoard 
    requires the information file PCBOARD.SYS (I hate that!). 
    Unfortunately, Telegard does't create that door file but the 
    good news is you can convert one that Telegard does create to 
    a PCBOARD.SYS.  There might be a lot of doors you'll need to 
    convert information files for.  So if you have had trouble 
    installing a door, get this utility.  There are other ones 
    out there, but this one seems to be the most complete. 
    Another one to consider though is QuikDoor because it does 
    create a couple information files that DoorMaster does not. 
    DMxx.* & QKDOORxx.* available at a BBS near you.
    
    [QUIKDOOR]
    
    Another door info file conversion program.  This particular 
    program converts some extra files that DoorMaster currently 
    does not.  If you find you need a certain file created or 
    converted like EXITINFO.BBS for example, try QUIKDOOR before 
    giving up.
    
    [Doorway]
    
    Another popular door program utility is this one.  It can be 
    a hard fix at some doors that you just can't get to run, or 
    to use another program as a door program, that was never 
    intended to be a door program.  This is for more advanced 
    SysOps and access might need to be granted to trusted users 
    only.  Overall a very nice utility.
    
    [BBS Information Door]
    
    A nice little program that I have found that helps very new 
    bbs users to the world of BBSing and modeming.  You can 
    probably find it anywhere as BIDxxx.ZIP.  It is a simple door 
    program that contains short text files that you can edit or 
    create, ability to download files from within the door and is 
    very use for any user to use.  It comes setup to explain some 
    basic BBS concepts, lingo and manners. It is good for the 
    most inexperienced users (the 55 year old types usually :) )
    
    [Generic Chat]
    
    I currently use this external chat program rather than 
    Telegard's for two reasons.  One the security problem with 
    Telegard's chat interface discussed elsewhere in this 
    document and because it is simply better.  It is a fast ANSI 
    split screen chat that is DESQview aware and it is freeware. 
    The current version I am using lacks a paging feature but I 
    just use Telegard's internal pager or FX-Chat's and use a 
    GLOBATx.BAT file to access it.  The GLOBATx.BAT is a batch 
    file with the x equaling a number from 0 to 9.  In the batch 
    file you but whatever commands you want for whatever purpose 
    and anytime when Telegard is up and running you just press 
    ALT-x where x is the number in the batch file name and the 
    batch file will be run.  The good thing about using this chat 
    program this way, is that it doesn't take time away from the 
    users when chatting such as other external chat programs do.  
    I have found this to be the nicest ANSI split chat so far.  
    Others are Fx-Chat and Chat34.*

    [...Want Ads, BBS List, ANSI viewer, Wishlist...]

    [Installing another BBS as a door]
    
    This Can be quit tricky.  Depending on the BBS program.  You
    might be able to run it with the D- command or using a drop 
    file.  It all depends.  On the other hand, there are special 
    utilities that will load up before your bbs and have a menu 
    for which BBS/program to load, and it will come back to that 
    menu when done.  I've never done any of this, so any info 
    from others that have, please forward it to me.

    [...mezzanine, more info needed]


    [Door Games]

    At the time of this writing the following is a list of door 
    programs that I use and are very popular.  You can get them 
    all from my BBS if you would like a copy.
    
    Land of Devastation, Global War, Solar Realms Elite, The Pit, 
    TradeWars 2002, and Barren Realms Elite.
    
    There's tons of doors out there, find a bbs where you can 
    leech for days and try them out.  The above 5 or 6 are a good 
    place to start are usually very popular on most systems. See 
    what the users in your area like.  Don't forget other 
    non-game doors such as a better voting program than TG's, or 
    a Quote door, etc.
    
    [Doors Installation]
    
    I get asked a lot for help with setting up doors.  It is 
    sometimes difficult for new SysOps to install certain doors.  
    This usually passes with some experience but if you are 
    having any trouble, check here first, experiment, then 
    experiment some more, then ask a local SysOp for help.
    
    Telegard 2.7 does not create the entire DOOR.SYS file if you 
    haven't yet noticed.  It is missing a couple of lines I 
    believe and this will cause some door programs not to run.  
    You can't use DoorMaster to create from a Telegard DOOR.SYS 
    either.  What I have found to be the best drop file to 
    use is DORINFO1.DEF.  Use this one whenever you can.  It 
    seems to be the most compatible and DoorMaster even recently 
    changed Telegard's default from DOOR.SYS to DORINFO1.DEF.  
    DOOR.SYS will still work with some doors but with fewer than 
    it should.  If you still have problems using a DORINFO1.DEF 
    file it's most likely 1 of 3 things. You're not calling the 
    program correctly (i.e. the batch file doesn't change to the 
    door's directory and execute from there or you are just 
    making some simple error in the way it is called), 2, the 
    DORINFO1.DEF will not work because the door program requires 
    a RBBS DORINFO1.DEF which is a little bit different than what 
    Telegard creates (a QuickBBS style), thirdly you are missing 
    some other drop files such as a EXITINFO.BBS file which 
    Telegard does not create.  For that, you'll need 
    QKDOOR29.ZIP.  Those in my experience are the most common 
    problems for why a door program will not run.
    
    Another problem you may have in running doors is that you 
    cannot run it locally but remote users can.  I have seen this 
    in a couple of doors but not very many.  If they don't like 
    to run locally or have an option for local use, then write to 
    the author and ask him if he'll add it.
    
    When you're having trouble gettng a door program to run, try 
    some of these steps:

    - Read the MENU.??? file from TGBBSDOC.ZIP to find
      out about the different drop files TG creates and
      which ones you may try to use.

    - Read the documentation for the door game.  This
      sounds stupid, but if more beginning SysOps actually
      read the docs, they would have 1/3 less problems.

    - Check that you are copying the proper door info
      file into the door program directory.

    - Sometimes the drop files Telegard creates aren't
      compatible with what the door program required.  Try
      another drop file.

    - Make sure you are executing the door program from
      the door program's directory.  CD to the proper
      directory before executing it in your batch file.

    - Make sure you have the proper command line options
      specified.  Some doors reguire you specify a
      configuration file on the command line (for example
      DOOR.EXE C:\DOORGAME\DOOR.CFG).

    - Make sure you have enough memory, if not you can
      swap to disk or extended memory by specifying this
      in TG's setup.

    - Check to make sure you created the configuration
      file for the door game properly if it requires one.

    - If the door program doesn't support a door info file
      that Telegard creates, you can use a program like
      DoorMaster to create one by conversion.

    - It just simply might not work with Telegard.  I
      believe there are some door programs that just will
      not work with Telegard.  If you know of a BBS that
      uses the door program, ask him for help, or contact
      the author.  You can probably get most any door
      program to work minimally with Telegard even if you
      have to use DoorWay as a last resort but it might
      not be worth the trouble.

    One thing I found is that some door programs actually screw 
    up the local ANSI color on my computer.  I believe it is 
    Solar Realms Elite that has done it to mine but others may 
    not reset it properly either.  If you are noticing any ANSI 
    problems such as blinking ANSI not blinking, put the command 
    MODE CO80 at the end of the batch file that calls the door 
    program.  (For Color monitors of course, refer to your DOS 
    manual for more information)

    [One batch file does all]

    Something I've recently done to help me maintain my doors 
    batch files is to just create one door batch file. The way 
    this is done is instead of calling a seperate batch file for 
    each door (i.e. SRE.BAT for Solar Realms Elite, TWAR.BAT for 
    TradeWars) you create one batch file and when you call the 
    batch file, you specify the name of the door as a parameter.  
    For example, When I call Solar Realms Elite, I would specify 
    this on the Telegard CMD line: "DOOR.BAT SRE"
    
    Then in my Door.Bat file, I would simply say:
    
    Goto %1
    Rem Put commands here
    :SRE
    Rem Commands to call Solar Realms Elite
    Goto End
    :GAME2
    Rem commands...
    :End
    MODE CO80
    CLS
    Rem whatever other global commands you want
    
    This saves a minimum of disk space, but most of all, makes 
    your door game batch files a lot easier to maintain and 
    standardize.  If you find it really difficult to run a door 
    this way, you can of course create it the old way with it's 
    own batch file, but you usually shouldn't have to do this.
    
XX.  File base Area


    [Organizing Uploads]
    
    Ever notice those Telegard boards that have their unvalidated 
    uploads scattered in all different directores? Well there's a 
    simple cure for that problem.  You want your users to put the 
    uploads in one directory right?  All you have to do, is put a 
    command that is executed just before they upload a file.  You 
    can do this by adding another 'U' command and make it execute 
    first before to force the user to switch to the proper file 
    base.
    
    Put this command in the Upload command in the batch menu as 
    well.  If you're using the TG utils that helps to use 
    HS/Link, then you'll want to do that for Download in the 
    batch menu as well.
    
    If you want to limit certain types of files or you need to 
    say anything to users before they upload, put in a command 
    with U for upload before the regular command and have it 
    display a line of text (-L) or a file (-F).  You can tell 
    your users to upload only certain files with flashing ANSI, 
    you could create a question saying, you are about to upload, 
    do you agree to the above?  Get creative.
    
    Here's an example of moving the user to the upload file base 
    when uploading:
    
    1. Long descript :
    2. Short descript:
    3. Cmd letters   :U
    4. ACS required  :"s10"
    5. Cmdkeys       :FA
    6. MString       :1
       Flags         :(H)idden
    Q. Quit
    
    It's that simple.  Make sure you put this command just before
    your Upload command, so it'll get executed first.  Now 
    everytime someone types U to upload, they are first moved to 
    your Uploads directory.  Assuming here it file area 1.

    [Depth Directories]

    I've noticed that, in Telegard 2.5, there was a Depth flag 
    you could toggle on or off for file directories.  Since the 
    feature had not yet been implemented, nothing further came of
    it.  I was eagerly waiting for its developoment and release 
    in 2.7.  Alas, to no avail.
    
    I've successfully added a "depth" feature to my file bases by 
    using conferences.  If you have a lot of file areas (as most 
    good boards do) then you'll notice that a lot of them are 
    unnecessary.  I.E.:
    
    
            Telegard Utilities          Nature GIF's
            Hard Drive Utilities        Star Trek GIF's
            Floppy Utilities            Commercial GIF's
            Misc. Utilities             Cartoon GIF's
            Adventure Games             Keyboard Utilities
            BBS Games                   Pascal Programs
            C Programming               Basic Programs
                           << etc >>
    
    A user gets bogged down with a file area list longer than 
    some board's file lists!  Problem solved.  Organize the 
    Telegard file areas into a "Dos-like" system.  For example,
    
            /Utilities                 /GIF's
            /BBS Stuff                 /Programming
            /Games                     Sound Blaster
            ANSI Art
    
    The '/' in front of the file areas above mean that they have 
    "depth" to them.  Once a user enters that file area, they are 
    greeted with yet another set of file areas to choose from. 
    For example, entering /GIF's would give:
    
                Nature GIF's         Commercial GIF's
                Cartoon GIF's
    
    or whatever.
    
    You can even have more depth directories branching off from 
    here!  How do you do it?  No problem.  Most boards I've 
    noticed do not use all the conferences to their advantage.  
    Assign a unique conference to each of the depth directories 
    (i.e. /Utilities would be conference "U").
    
    When a user enters the depth file area, turn on the 
    conference flag.  This will then show all the file areas 
    available for that depth dir.  Make sure all file areas that 
    are above the depth directory have an ACRstring of 'c@' so 
    they are only accessible from the main conference.  Include a 
    file area which will return to the previous level.  It will 
    actually flag off the previous flag, and flag on the @ flag.  
    Anyways, it's really easy to do.
    
    [Wish List]
    
    Do your users seldom put messages in your message bases
    asking if anyone has such-an-such a file?  Maybe you are 
    looking for a special Telegard utility or game? What some 
    have done is to install a file wish list door or text file.  
    For example from the files menu, your user enters a 'W' and 
    it brings up a list or program that users can enter file 
    requests in.  This may be good if you want only particular 
    files uploaded to the BBS.  Users will usually try try to 
    upload something that the SysOp wants to please the SysOp.  
    You can use a -F command and display a text file or you can 
    use an external door program.  You can find one on your 
    favorite BBS most likely.  I've begun work and semi-completed 
    one of my own for now.
    
    [Protocols]
    [HS/Link]
    
    HS/Link is a bi-directional protocol that allows uploading 
    and downloading at the same time.  All this while achieving 
    the speeds of a regular Zmodem transfer.  HS/Link is fastly 
    becoming a standard in protocols.  It is very fast and the 
    author support is excellent.  I highly recommend that you 
    install this protocol.  To do so though, you'll need a 
    special utility for Telegard.  HS-TG1B5.ZIP is the the 
    interface program that is currently out.  You can find it at 
    the Crossroads BBS (312) 587-8756 or any good Telegard BBS.  
    Get a copy of HS/Link (HS112.ZIP), read the docs for both 
    programs, then install it.  It's fairly easy and will be a 
    huge benefit to both you and your users.
    
    [Bi-Modem]
    
    At this time, I cannot recommend using Bi-Modem for your 
    bi-directional protocol, because their may be a security leak 
    that could be very damaging to your system. I haven't 
    verified it extensively so until then I do not recommend 
    using it.  There is a utility for Telegard that will allow 
    you to use it however, and the current BiModem release is 
    v1.24 if you still are not scared.  If anyone has more recent 
    info please drop me a line.
    
    [SZModem]
    
    SZmodem is a Zmodem compatible protocol written by Scott 
    Baker, the same author who brings you Land of Devastation.  I 
    am not a user of SZmodem but I have tried it and didn't 
    really need its features.  I'm not sure at this time if there 
    are any security problems in using SZmodem but there may be.  
    I do need to find some more info on this, so again if anyone 
    can spread some light on this subject, please drop me a line 
    so I can let others know for sure.
    
    [Other Protocols]
    
    At this time, there aren't really any other protocols besides 
    Zmodem, HS/Link and Ymodem-G that I would use. There are all 
    kinds that claim to be faster and better than Zmodem, but 
    since very few users actually support these protocols, I 
    don't bother.
    
    [Delete unused protocols]
    
    How many of your users are using Puma, ASCII, or whatever 
    other ridiculous protocols are on your protocol menu?  
    Probably none if any.  Go to the protocol menu from the WFC 
    screen and just delete those stupid things once and for all.  
    The only ones I'm currently using are Zmodem, Ymodem, Xmodem 
    and HS/Link.  You might want to ask your users for 
    suggestions as to which ones they use.
    
    [Free downloads]
    
    It is to your benefit and the users if you setup at least one 
    file base that won't take file points or download credit away 
    from them.  You can put files such as your files list, or 
    maybe a help file or things that will help them with BBSing.  
    Here's a partial list of one of my free downloads base:

    HS112.ZIP      HS/Link protocol, to encourage users
                   to upload while they download.

    BWAVE211.ZIP   Bluewave Offline Mail Reader to encorage
                   users to use this and participate in the
                   message bases.

    BBSLIST.ZIP    A local BBS listing

    CLEAN99.ZIP    Virus disinfectant utility.

    FILELIST.ZIP   Complete list of all my files online

    GTERM330.ZIP   Term program for users to get instant
                   graphics for online game LOD

    PKZ110.EXE     PKWare's popular compression program

    SCAN99.ZIP     Virus detection utility

XX. Message base area

    [Bluewave]
    
    If you run Telegard, you should install the Bluewave Mail 
    Door.  Unless you don't have a message base (how boring).   
    Offline mail is one of the greatest advances in the world of 
    BBSing.  It saves all the users time, encourages them to 
    participate more, and makes your BBS available more hours of 
    the day for other activities. Bluewave is an especially well 
    written offline mail door (also the reader, a seperate 
    program to read/write/reply to messages is available) that 
    you will want to use.  You can even use it as a local sysop.  
    You don't have to logon to the BBS and use Telegard's message 
    editors, yuck.  You can use the text editor of your choice, 
    which is great because the text editors will be much nicer to 
    use than Telegard's internal editor.  There are a lot of 
    other features you will discover later with Bluewave.  
    Sometimes conversations start up over taglines.  It's just a 
    big convience and a must have for a good BBS.  Encourage and 
    help your users to use it.  I provide it as a free download, 
    have a bulletin online explaining the basic installation,
    answer any questions and have spent time chatting with users 
    just to get their copy working right if they had problems.

    [...provide Bwave help file...]
    
    Installing a bi-directional protocol within Blue Wave!
    
    Thanks go to Dave Murphy for providing me with this info on 
    how to install bi-directional protocols with the Blue Wave 
    mail door.
    
    [HS/Link and Bluewave]
    
    How it works? If you need an explanation of HS/Link then 
    don't bother trying this yet.  Your users need to change 
    their protocol to use HS/Link, and instead of having to do 
    both the download and upload of messages seperatly, they just 
    do the download and send the uploaded messages at the same 
    time, when the door quits back to the BBS, it tests for the 
    existence of a .NEW packet and if one exists, it is 
    processed.
    
    First you'll need to modify your door command that calls Blue 
    Wave.  Pass @R to the batch file that calls Blue Wave.  @R is 
    the user number of the person online. The Bwave.Bat file will 
    run the door as it normally would, but before exiting to the 
    BBS, it checks for a .NEW file in the New directory which 
    would have been put there by someone using the bi-directional 
    transfer capability.  If it finds one, it processes the mail 
    door as if it was in local mode just before exiting.  Take a 
    look at the batch file and you can see how this works.
    
    Here's an example of the menu command:
    
       Long Description : (/B)Blue Wave Offline Mail Door program
       Short Description: (/B)BlueWave
       Command Keys     : /B
       ACS Required     : s20
       Command String   : DG
       MsString         : Bwave.Bat @R
       Flags            : -----
    
    Create another subdirectory of your Blue Wave mail door 
    directory, I'll use C:\BBS\BWAVE\NEW as an example here. Now 
    setup a new protocol definition in the Bluewave door that 
    looks something like this:
    
    Protocol HotKey : H                              Default: No
    Protocol Title  : Hslink                         Batch? : No
    Send CommandLine: hslink -p%P -b38400 -e%B -u C:\Bbs\bwave\New %F
    Receive CmdLine : hslink -p%P -b34000 -e%B -u%F
    
    -p specifies the com port
    -b specifies the bps rate (put locked rate if any here)
    -e specifies user's bps rate
    -u specifies the upload file or diretory to receive
    
    You may also want to not even bother defining the receive 
    line in case your users are clue-less <grin>.
    
    Now here's a sample batch file when running the Blue Wave 
    door:
    
    @Echo Off
    Cd\Bbs\Bwave
    Bwmail
    If Not Exist C:\Bbs\Bwave\New\Yourbbs.New Goto End
    Type C:\Bbs\Bwave\Wait.Ans > Com1
    Copy \Bbs\Bwave\New\Yourbbs.New \Bbs\Bwave\New
    Bwmail /k%1 /u
    Del \Bbs\Bwave\New\Yourbbs.New
    :End
    
    That's it.  It seems to work pretty well on my system and 
    hopefully will for yours too.  The time savings for your 
    users may be minimal but it does help if your users upload a 
    lot of mail.
    
    Don't forget to create a Wait.Ans that gets sent to the user 
    while the local Bluewave upload is being done so he'll know 
    what's going on.  I guess you could also echo the bwmail 
    command but that is not recommended.
    
    Here's the protocol definition for Hydra, a recently 
    developed bi-directional freeware protocol.  I have not used 
    this one yet so I don't know if will work as is or not.  You 
    can probably figure it out easily enough and the batch file 
    given above is the same for this protocol anyways.  Here it 
    is:
    
    Protocol HotKey : Y                              Default: No
    Protocol Title  : Hydra                          Batch? : No
    Send CommandLine: HYDRACOM port %P line %B rec f:\bwave\new send %F
    Receive CmdLine : HYDRACOM port %P speed 38400 line %B get %F
    
                        Thanks again David!
    
    
    [Purging mail]
    
    When you start having lots of users, the personal mail 
    message area can get quite large just with new user apps 
    alone.  One way you can save space and to force users to 
    delete their mail after reading it is to put the M restrict 
    flag on in each of your user's accounts.  This forces the 
    user to read their personal mail and delete it before moving 
    on at the logon process.
    
    
    [Making Messaging Easier]
    
    A small but helpful tip is to change the message prompt to 
    something a little more useful.  You can do this when 
    defining the menu itself.
    
    This is what the standard message prompt will look like:
    
    [1:20] Read (1-35) ?=help
    
    Too make it more useful and help to user's I've changed my 
    string to say:
    
    [1 of 20] (R)eply (D)elete <ENTER>=Next (?)=Help
    
    Now the problem is to get user's to quote the message they 
    are replying to.  There isn't a real easy way to help users 
    to do this, but you can do a few things.
    
    Possibly in the two lines that are displayed above the 
    message editor you could tell them to quote.  Better yet, get 
    them to use Blue Wave.
    
    [Full screen editors]
    
    I do not use a full screen editor for my BBS because I don't 
    think it would be used much.  So I won't be able to help here 
    much.  TopEd is suppposedly the one to use.  With the advent 
    of offline mail, urge your users to use Blue Wave.
    
    These are the basic commands to call TopEd and QuickEd.
    
    TOPED10Q.ZIP  (for Toped)     TG cmd line:  1 @P @B @T 300
    QED120.ZIP    (for Quicked)   TG cmd line:  @P @B @T 180
    
    [Additional Setup Tips]
    
    Want to get some personal data from the user?  Why not add 
    additional new user questions?  It's easy, just read the 
    Main.Doc file on InfoForms (it's near the end of the file). 
    I've seen people ask if they're a SysOp of another board, and 
    if they are it'll branch to another question and ask for the 
    BBS name and number.  You can ask for the user to enter his 
    best joke, then you can post it in the message area (good way 
    to get people involved) for all to read. There's a lot of 
    flexibilty in the InfoForm system, try to see what you can 
    come up with.
    
    Want more ideas?  Think them up yourself.  j/k  How about 
    contests, make up a donations policy, a special access level 
    to loyal users, come on get creative.  I can't do all the 
    thinking.
    
    [Short-Cut commands]
    
    In the Main.Doc file you'll find reference to short- cut 
    commands, but since so many people hardly ever read 
    documentation, you might not know about them.  Basically they 
    are short-cut SysOp commands for people with SysOp security 
    levels.  You enter them in this format: //\\* with the 
    command letter followed after the *. For example to shell to 
    DOS from your main menu, you would enter: //\\*D and you'd be 
    in DOS as if you did it from the SysOp menu.
    
    To stop Co-SysOp access user's from using short-cut commands 
    to do something like drop to DOS, you should but these dummy 
    commands in every single menu you have.
    
       Long Description : (//)Dummy Command
       Short Description: (//)Dummy Command
       Command Keys     : //
       ACS Required     :
       Command Thing    : -L        <Anything will work>
       MsString         :<null>
       Flags            : -!-H-
    
    [Originality & Creativity]
    
    What's the secret to a succesful BBS?  I don't know, but I 
    can tell you this, originality sure doesn't hurt. Try coming 
    up with something nobody has done before, even if it sounds 
    crazy, it might lead to different ideas or improvements in 
    the way the board operates or presents itself.  I have 
    stumbled upon a couple small improvements just by fooling 
    around with various features and just trying crazy things.  
    Chances are you can too.  Think of ways to make the BBS more 
    fun, easier to use, etc.  One thing I'd like to do is to 
    eliminate the batch menu and just have the ability to keep 
    adding files automatically, well enough of that... That's 
    another project, if you figure it out, let me know.
    
    Is your BBS like all the rest?  Same old files, same old 
    games, same old stuff as the other 2500 boards out there?  
    You need a niche market.  Create a speciality.  It can be 
    anything, even if it's simple such as being a game bbs, or a 
    SysOp's BBS, or a Science flavored BBS, usually some of the 
    best boards have an edge.  Does yours?
    
    [Fx-Chat]
    
    Put Fx-Chat.Exe and the Config file in your main BBS 
    directory.  You can put the log file and sound file wherever 
    you want by telling the setup program where it is.  Next for 
    the Command: Fx-chat.Exe /A@G /P@P /S@B /N@N!
    
    [ANSI Screens]
    
    Sometimes the appearance of your BBS makes all the 
    difference.  You may notice some BBSs that colorize their 
    boards with all kinds of fancy ANSI graphics.  This can be 
    both good and bad.  It's good in moderation, remember not 
    everyone cares to see how good of an artist you are, and not 
    everyone has a fast modem.  It takes a lot longer to display 
    a ANSI picture over a 2400 modem than at 9600 baud. But some 
    ANSI should be on the board to make it look nice. I'm not 
    gonna give a course in ANSI because I'm not the person to do 
    it.  I can suggest a few things, that's about it.  The most 
    popular and probably the best ANSI drawing program available 
    at this publication is TDRAW460.ZIP. It's a full powered ANSI 
    drawing program for those who are serious about creating nice 
    artwork.  When you design a screen to be used with Telegard, 
    save it in 79 line mode.
    
    Look at other's ANSI artwork, or download some ANSI pictures 
    to help you get started in designing your own. Remember, 
    SysOps borrow from each other, so if you steal someone's 
    design technique, don't worry about it, they probably did 
    too, but it might be nice if you at least gave credit to 
    those that influenced you.  If you can find a professional 
    ANSI artist (that doesn't sound like a nice life, but hey..) 
    see if they'll create some menus or BBS ads for you.  
    Remember, don't have full screen ANSI's wherever the users 
    go, just enough to make the board look nice such as a full 
    screen welcome ANSI, logoff ANSI, and nice looking, easy to
    read menus.  I don't recommend creating full screen ANSIs
    with the pretty blue background for your menus.  You'll
    lose a lot of users who are impatient while waiting for
    the screen to paint.

    You might notice that a LOGOFF.xxx screen isn't completely
    displayed when someone logs off.  The simple fix for this is 
    to create a logoff.bat file with just a @echo off in it, set 
    your swapping to EMS to active and make sure that Telegard 
    executes batch files, it will have to wait until your logoff 
    screen is displayed before swapping to EMS and execute the 
    batch file.
    
XX.  Telegard Downsides & Bugs

    [MCI Codes]

    Telegard can use the MCI codes almost everywhere in the 
    system.  This is a real pain the the message bases and new 
    users will get scared of their use.  I've had threats from
    new users who thought their password and real address was
    being displayed to everyone because of it.  I recommend
    discouraging their use entirely.

    [Midnite Timeout]

    Midnite Chat Timeout.  If you haven't heard or experienced 
    this bug, let me tell you briefly about it. When you are 
    chatting with a user near midnite, and your system time hits 
    12:00 midnite and you're in chat with him or her, the user 
    will get kicked off with a message that displays the timeout 
    display.  This is just a bug in Telegard that was never 
    fixed.  So if you're chatting late night, exit out for 
    midnite so they don't get logged off.

    [...not just in chat...]


    [File Area Manager]

    File Area, Manager, dl/ul, etc.  I don't especially like the 
    way Telegard handles it file areas, uploads, downloads, etc.  
    I always felt it was very awkward.  I guess this is why most 
    of all the big file boards are usually using PC-Board.  
    Telegard's user interface just isn't as nice.  If you've used 
    other BBS programs as a user or SysOp then you can probably 
    think of a couple things right off the bat.  One of the major 
    things I find a fault with in Telegard right off the bat, is 
    all the commands.  Who needs all those commands?  They can be 
    very confusing.  When downloading a file, you have to be in 
    the right file directory (area) to download it or else will 
    say file not found.  What a pain in the ass.  Also, no file 
    tagging when listing files.  That would be nice.  Probably my 
    biggest peave is the way it handles the batch transfers. 
    Yuck!  you have to select each file one at a time, select the 
    batch protocol, then goto to the batch menu, select upload or 
    download, then your batch protocol such as Zmodem from there.  
    How completely clumsy and foolish.  Oh well, that's just one 
    of the drawbacks to using Telegard.  If you really hate it 
    that much you can probably install a external file 
    area/manager door program.  I've been considering this move 
    as well, but not sure if it'll work all that well.  Someone 
    let me know if they have done this with some success.
    
    [Pause Bug]
    
    I have not tested to see if this is a actual bug or not, but 
    I read a message by someone claiming it to be one. If you 
    have the "pause on screen" option set to on, and while 
    reading messages, hit "=" to continuously read messages, 
    after it gets done reading, the "pause on screen" option is 
    set to no automatically.

    [Internal Message Packing]

    Internal message packer.  Don't use it basically. You can 
    pack (purge) messages of all or selected bases in Telegard 
    while logged on.  (Message menu)  But you should not be using 
    this function.  Get MSGPACK.EXE that comes with TGU_140.ZIP 
    (read some more docs) and use that one. You can delete the 
    internal message pack command from your menus.
    
XX. Undocumented features

    [Message Packing]

    There are a couple of ways to purge messages in Telegard.  
    The best way is to use the MSGPACK.EXE in the TGU_140.ZIP 
    archive and run it during your nightly events. Two other ways 
    involve using Telegard's internal message packer, but I'll 
    tell you right now, please don't use this function.  Use the 
    external one.  The internal one is not very friendly and it 
    can cause problems.  Just for your information, if you press 
    'K' from the WFC screen, you'll be able to pack the message 
    bases with the internal message packer.  But again, that is 
    just for your information, do not use it.

    [Version Info]

    Unless you have a command with the Cmdkey of '|' it will 
    display a short message about Telegard.  It is really 
    useless, but it is there.  Logon on to Telegard and see for 
    yourself.  To play with the users who know about this, make a 
    command that uses the same key and have it display a message 
    such as 'your hacker activity has been logged and when the 
    SysOp finds out, you will be deleted from this BBS.' Mean and 
    cruel, yes.

    [...display time, date... ctrl-t?...]
    
    [Moving forward - Life w/o TG]
    
    In the last 6 to 9 months, everyone and his uncle has been 
    telling Telegard SysOps that they should switch to a 
    different BBS program,  For reasons that I don't need to go 
    into.  My philosophy is this, sure suggest to me, make 
    comments, even argue, but don't get pissed if I disagree or 
    do things differently.  My advice for you is, when you're 
    unhappy with Telegard, look for something else that is 
    better.  Don't make your decision too quickly, use good 
    judgement, and don't let one person make your choices for 
    you.  If I did that, I might be running Qmodem Host :)
    
    [Other Recommended BBS Programs]
    
    Remote Access
    Maximus
    T.A.G.
    SBBS
    
    [Nite's Last Word]
    
    I have been using Telegard for about 1 1/2 years now, as of 
    3/93 and I am happy with it's performance.  There are a 
    lot of drawbacks when using any one package but with Telegard 
    and my BBS requirements, the benefits greatly out-weigh them.  
    I'm not a pirate, cracker, or other type such as those, but I 
    have BBSed along side of many of them. That is one reason for 
    knowing a lot about how they try to crash our boards.  Of 
    course, maybe now someone else knows it and will use it 
    against the SysOp who didn't read this, but oh well.  Freedom 
    of information I say.  I hope I wrote this document with as 
    much accuracy as possible.  I'm sure this can be used by 
    somebody.  I wish I had more documents like these when I was 
    first starting out.  If anything in this file was inaccurate, 
    misleading, destructive, sexual, or nasty, too bad, unless 
    you or someone writes me to fix it, it won't be fixed.  So 
    pass it around, send in your suggestions and if I keep adding 
    and improving it, I'll give you some extra downloads if you 
    help me produce this again.  Give me a call or send some 
    netmail with whatever feedback you have.  Even nasty 
    feedback, we can always use a new guy to rank on my board.  
    :)     -Niteline
    
    
    Appendix A
    
    Current Telegard Support Sites as of July 1992
    
    These are the current Beta testers for the last release of 
    Telegard v2.7  They should all have Telegard utilities and be 
    able to provide you with expert help.  Some better than 
    others, so don't limit yourself to one site, utilities and 
    opinions are scattered can vary.
    
    Paul Dyer             Eclipse!                    916-725-0674   V.32
    Bob Eden              K9 Academy BBS              604-856-7118   V.32
    Brent Johnson         Guardian's Gateway          510-830-4616   HST/V.32bis
    Perry Lowell          The SKATEboard BBS          508-788-1603   HST/V.32
    David Luckie          The Intrepid BBS            205-479-2327   HST/V.32bis
    Scott Malin           Death's Domain              203-749-6103   HST/V.32
    Jeff Martin           Martin's Domain             512-396-0252   HST
    Michael Randolph      The Q Continuum BBS         316-721-8466   HST/V.32bis
    Carol Shenkenberger   Shenk's Express             619-697-8873   V.32
    Tim Strike            Forbidden Knights           416-820-7273   HST
    Tim Thompson          The Underground BBS         619-460-0863   HST
    Kevin Watkins         The U.S.S. Light Speed ][   617-925-8508   HST/V.32
    Dan Winsor            Death Vale BBS              313-646-5632   HST
    Michael Yadron        Lighthouse BBS              219-464-0411   HST
    
    These people are also supporters of Telegard and provide 
    useful help with Telegard 2.7.  They are members of the 
    ITCnet network.
    
    Spring of Life           Alan Bingham    CA  (805) 296-7817  805/103  14.4-B
    The Dawg House           Scott Irwin     UT  (801) 544-9705  822/105  9600-C
    Twin Data Inc.           Tom Kavanagh    NJ  (908) 359-7859  862/0    14.4-A
    The Chop Shop            John Reed       OK  (405) 787-6052  846/106  2400
    Buckwheats Pleasure Dome Craig Landgraf  TX  (713) 855-1701  841/803  2400
    The Alpha State          Doug Welzel     NJ  (609) 751-7446  862/400  14.4-B
    Alternate Reality        Sujeet Patel    NJ  (609) 778-3103  862/403  2400
    The Dark Side            Dwight Johnson  AZ  (602) 661-1256  823/132  2400
    The Winter Palace        Linda McCarthy  MA  (413) 535-1063  858/201  14.4-A
    Utility City             Eric Kimminau   MI  (313) 299-5854  871/112  14.4-A
    The Madhouse Society     Bob Shields     AZ  (602) 649-3894  823/101  2400
    Miami Links BBS          Carlos AvelianetFL  (305) 258-9809  881/100  9600-C
    The Wishing Well BBS     Rozey Strohi    MI  (313) 759-2128  871/103  9600-C
    APFL-The BBS             Tom Kane        NJ  (201) 567-6994  862/300  9600-C
    Castle Roogna BBS        Jeff Young      IL  (309) 662-2058  837/203  9600-C
    Something Wicked!!       Robert Carter   OK  (405) 737-0640  846/116  2400
    The Castle BBS           Jack Schofield  TX  (214) 988-1053  841/100  14.4-A
    The Abyss BBS            Robert Paller   NJ  (609) 882-6058  862/402  14.4-A
    The Hood BBS             John Scalise    MA  (413) 786-4827  858/205  2400
    Starfleet Command        Chris Ewing     CT  (203) 749-0532  861/1701 16.8
    Northwest Hickory BBS    Toby Wellborn   NC  (704) 326-7051  886/203  14.4-C
    Fatal Error BBS          Neil Hoener     CO  (719) 282-9419  824/202  14.4-A
    Zentraedi Control BBS    Andrew Hardison NM  (505) 897-1318  825/100  9600-C
    Wizard's Palace          Jon Plax        KS  (913) 491-5518  847/200  14.4-A
    The Hot Spot!            Pat Butler      TX  (409) 589-3312  841/703  2400
    The Night Shift BBS      David  Anderson GA  (912) 673-6549  880/1001 2400
    SW Cemetery of Psychos   Michael Jones   KY  (502) 366-2349  888/108  2400
    The Adventure's Guild    Kevin Kuphal    IL  (815) 748-4031  837/300  14.4-B
    
    
    Appendix B
    
    Modem Examples and Help for specific modem types
    
    Here are some examples from others in setting up other 
    modems.  If you find your modem here, it should work with 
    their settings.  Good luck.
    
    USRobotics Courier 14400 HST Dual Standard NRAM Settings...
    
       DIAL=TONE   B0  F1  M0  X7
       BAUD=19200  PARITY=N  WORDLEN=8
    
       &A3  &B1  &G0  &H1  &I0  &K3  &L0  &M4  &N0
       &P0  &R2  &S1  &T5  &X0  &Y1  %R0
    
       S02=255  S03=013  S04=010  S05=008  S06=002
       S07=060  S08=002  S09=006  S10=007  S11=070
       S12=050  S13=000  S15=008  S19=005  S21=010
       S22=017  S23=019  S24=150  S26=001  S27=128
       S28=004  S29=020  S32=006  S33=000  S34=000
       S35=000  S36=000  S37=000  S38=000
    
    =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
    
    I would try s27=1 first, and if your software cannot detect
    a CONNECT 14400, then change it to s27=128 as that will
    give a CONNECT 9600 for all 9600 and above connections.
    
    Dip switch settings are (U=up, D=down):
      1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
      u u d u d u u d d u
    
    Protocols:
    
    5. <U>L command: "dsz port %P ha on estimate 0 %B pV1 rz -m %F"
       <D>L command: "dsz port %P ha on estimate 0 %B pV1 sz -m %F"
    
    
    
    USR 16.8k Settings for FrontDoor
    
    ATI4
    
    USRobotics Courier 16800 HST Dual Standard Fax Settings...
    
       B1  C1  E1  F1  M0  Q0  V1  X7
       BAUD=38400  PARITY=N  WORDLEN=8
       DIAL=PULSE  ON HOOK   TIMER
    
       &A3  &B1  &C1  &D2  &G0  &H1  &I0  &K3  &L0
       &M4  &N0  &P0  &R2  &S1  &T5  &X0  &Y1  %R0  
    
       S00=000  S01=000  S02=043  S03=013  S04=010  S05=008  
       S06=002  S07=060  S08=002  S09=006  S10=007  S11=040  
       S12=050  S13=000  S14=000  S15=008  S16=000  S17=000  
       S18=000  S19=000  S20=000  S21=010  S22=017  S23=019  
       S24=150  S25=005  S26=001  S27=000  S28=004  S29=020  
       S30=000  S31=000  S32=008  S33=000  S34=000  S35=000  
       S36=000  S37=000  S38=000  S39=000  S40=000  S41=000  
       S42=126  S43=200  S44=015  
    
       LAST DIALED #: 
    
    OK
    ati5
    
    USRobotics Courier 16800 HST Dual Standard Fax NVRAM Settings...
    
       DIAL=PULSE  B1  F1  M0  X7
       BAUD=38400  PARITY=N  WORDLEN=8
    
       &A3  &B1  &G0  &H1  &I0  &K3  &L0  &M4
       &N0  &P0  &R2  &S1  &T5  &X0  &Y1  %R0
    
       S02=043  S03=013  S04=010  S05=008  S06=002  S07=060
       S08=002  S09=006  S10=007  S11=040  S12=050  S13=000
       S15=008  S19=000  S21=010  S22=017  S23=019  S24=150
       S25=005  S26=001  S27=000  S28=004  S29=020  S32=008
       S33=000  S34=000  S35=000  S36=000  S37=000  S38=000
       S41=000  S42=126  S43=200  S44=015
    
       STORED PHONE #0: 
                    #1: 
                    #2: 
                    #3: 
                   
    Obviously more are needed, please send you modem setups if
    you are reading this and have figured out your setup for
    optimal performance.  New sysops could benefit with your
    examples greatly!

FrontDoor w/ USR 16.8k

   File   Global   Mailer   Editor   Terminal   Modem   Printer   Manager
͸
 Hardware 
                                      
 Modem port                    1      
 Maximum baud rate             38400  
 Lock port                     Yes    
 Reset modem to connect speed  No     
 Lower DTR when busy           No     
 Lower DTR to terminate call   No     
 Toggle DTR before dialing     No     
 FrontDoo Carrier detect mask (CDMASK)  128    
 Inbound buffer size           0      
 Copyright 1989-1991 Outbound buffer size          0      eserved 
                                      
;


   File   Global   Mailer   Editor   Terminal   Modem   Printer   Manager
͸
 Messages 
                              
 300         CONNECT|         
 1200        CONNECT 1200/    
 1275        CONNECT 1275     
 2400        CONNECT 2400     
 4800        CONNECT 4800     
 9600        CONNECT 9600     
 19200       CONNECT 16800    
 FrontDoor; SETUP 38400       CONNECT 38400    
 Error       ERROR            
 Copyright 1989-1991 Advance Busy        BUSY             eserved 
 No Carrier  NO CARRIER       
 Ok          OK               
 Ring        RING|            
 No Dialtone NO DIALTONE      
 No Answer   NO ANSWER        
 Voice       VOICE            
                              
;



   File   Global   Mailer   Editor   Terminal   Modem   Printer   Manager
͸
 Command strings 
                                                          
 Escape code    +++                                       
 Return on-line ~ATO|                                     
 Onhook         ATH0|                                     
 Offhook        ~ATM0H1|                                  
 Dial           AT                                        
 Prefix       DT,                                       
 Suffix       |                                         
 Delay          3                                         
 Init-1         ATZ|                                      
 Co Init-2                                                   rved 
 Init-3                                                   
 Down           ATM0H1|                                   
 Reset          AT|                                       
                                                          
;


   File   Global   Mailer   Editor   Terminal   Modem   Printer   Manager
͸
 Answer control 
                                                         
 Manual answer Yes                                       
 Force answer  ATB0A|                                    
 Answer delay  2                                         
 Limited hours No                                        
 Starting time 00:00                                     
 Ending time   00:00                                     
                                                         
;



 Modem control 
   #   String to match                      String to send                    
ĳ
   1   HST                                  ATB1|                             


    [...more example for modems, mailers, squish, etc...]
    
    Appendix D  FOSSIL drivers
    
             Bnu.Com /L0:38400 /T:1024 /R:1024 /M- /F+
    
       /L0:38400    locks the port rate to 38,400 on COM1
       /T:1024      sets the transmit buffer to 1k
       /R:1024      sets the receive buffer to 1k
       /M-          turns of the display messages
       /F+          enables fast ANSI writes
    
    The transmit and receive buffers may differ a little from
    what you want to use.  A lower buffer is good for those
    low speed callers so they can abort TG's screens quicker.
    
            [...Also put in BNU.SYS, X00.SYS as well...]
    
    
    Appendix X(roads)
    
    About the Crossroads BBS and Niteline
    
    I first opened the Crossroads BBS in July 1991.  Too bad I 
    was the only one who knew it.  <grin>  It took quite a while 
    to really get the board going.  I think when I really 
    starting liking my own BBS was about 6 to 8 months later.  I 
    started using Telegard 2.5i right from the start. I looked at 
    a couple other programs but Telegard was really the easiest 
    to understand and install.  I started off knowing very little 
    about running a BBS and I certainly jumped into it a little 
    premature.  I didn't know any modem AT commands or what a 
    FOSSIL driver was used for.  All I knew was the hobby was one 
    I wanted to be a part off and with a lot of patience and 
    practice (even now) the board has been very successful.
    
    The Crossroads BBS, Chicago, IL 312-587-8756 1:115/743
