Keeping in Touch
August 1992
SPITFIRE Monthly Support Newsletter for registered SPITFIRE Sysops
Compliments of Buffalo Creek Software
In this issue
- SPITFIRE UTILITY REVIEW - BCSUTI
- S.N.A.P. - SYSOP NETWORK ALLIANCE OF PROFESSIONALS
- SYSOP-OF-THE-MONTH
- NEWLY REGISTERED SPITFIRE SYSTEMS
Archival transcript
The text below is a faithful Unicode rendering of the original SF08-92.TXT. Its DOS line wrapping, spacing, capitalization, spelling and CP437 box art have been retained.
╔════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ ╟─┐
║ K E E P I N G I N T O U C H ║ │
║ ═══════════════════════════════ ║ │
║ SPITFIRE Monthly Support Newsletter ║ │
║ for registered SPITFIRE Sysops! ║ │
║ August 1992 ║ │
║ Compliments of BUFFALO CREEK SOFTWARE ║ │
║ Buffalo Creek's BBS * 515-225-8496 ║ │
║ 38400/19200/9600/24400/1200 Baud ║ │
║ 2 Nodes ║ │
║ ║ │
╚═╤══════════════════════════════════════════╝ │
└────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Edited by Jacque Shipley
The Mother Board BBS - (515) 986-3464 - 19200 Baud
Sysop Of The Month by Walt Crede
Roam This Fertile Land - (515) 288-8755 - 2400 Baud
Newly Registered SPITFIRE BBS List by Ann Woltz
Other Contributions As Noted
╔═════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Notes from the author of SPITFIRE! ╟─┐
╚═╤═══════════════════════════════════════╝ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘
Buffalo Creek Software UTI
--------------------------
I have finally found the time to get the Buffalo Creek Software UTI
finished. It is now being tested by quite a number of SPITFIRE Sysops.
The Buffalo Creek Software UTI should be released sometime during the
month of August unless we run into some unforeseen problems. It should
be noted the Mike Stewart (San Jose, CA) has put a very special effort
into testing the Buffalo Creek Software UTI. This is not to that others
haven't worked hard at testing it, however, Mike's efforts and help have
gone beyond the normal testing. Thanks, Mike.
MKSFFBBS Revision
-----------------
MKSFFBBS version 2.1 was released by Buffalo Creek Software on
August 2, 1992. I only put one small addition in this program,
however, I think it is a nice addition. Someone (I don't remember who
- red faced) suggested the addition. When adding files to SFFILES and
answering 'No' to adding a file, MKSFFBBS now provides the opportunity
to erase such file.
SFUSERS Revision
----------------
SFUSERS version 1.4 was released by Buffalo Creek Software on July
20, 1992. I only put one small change in this program. I simply sped
up the caller name search. Previous took forever to find a caller's
name. Now, SFUSERS will find a caller's name as fast as SPITFIRE. One
quick note about SFUSERS, I have often said that SFUSERS is one of the
best keep secrets in the entire SPITFIRE project. It can be used to
create bulletins. It can be used to maintain your BBS subscriptions.
It can be used to find duplicate birth dates, phone numbers and
passwords.
SFPCKUSR
--------
SFPCKUSR version 1.0 was released by Buffalo Creek Software on July
17, 1992, SFPCKUSR is a stand alone program to pack the SPITFIRE
caller database (SFUSERS.DAT). SFPCKUSR will purge callers using three
different criteras. First, it will purge all callers marked for
deletion. Second, it will purge all callers with a specified security
level. Third, it will purge callers who haven't called in a specified
number of days. SFPCKUSR is extremely fast. It is run via an event on
Buffalo Creek's BBS each night.
SFPCKMSG
--------
I am currently writing SFPCKMSG which will be a SPITFIRE message base
pack program. Hopefully, this will be releasde during the month of August.
SPITFIRE v3.2 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
---------------------------------
QUESTION: No one can read messages on my board. I recently had a hard drive
-------- crash and now no one can read messages. SPITFIRE just says there
are 0 messages but I know there are messages. Do I need a new
copy of SPITFIRE?
ANSWER: No, you do not need a new copy of SPITFIRE. Rather, you simply
------ need to create or alter your CONFIG.SYS. By default, DOS will
only allow 8 files to be opened at once. Therefore, you need to
tell DOS that you want to open more than 8 files at once. This
is done by the FILES=x command in your CONFIG.SYS file. Depending
on your system's setup, we recommend that you tell DOS to allow
up to 25 files to be opened at once. So in other words, have a
line in your CONFIG.SYS file such as FILES=25. You will be able
to read messages once your alter your CONFIG.SYS file and reboot
your machine.
Thank you for your continued support and promotion of SPITFIRE. The
SPITFIRE project continues to grow at a very nice pace. None of this would
be possible without the help of many GREAT SPITFIRE Sysops. It hasn't
changed - for the most part, SPITFIRE Sysops are top shelf folks. Thanks.
Until next time, may God bless you...
Mike, Ann & family
╒═════════════════════════════════╕
│ SPITFIRE UTILITY REVIEW - BCSUTI│
╘═════════════════════════════════╛
For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the function of a UTI
program, it is a Universal Text Interface which allows SPITFIRE to
exchange netmail with other BBS software programs. A UTI is required
because the various BBS software programs use different formats for the
messages contained within each BBS's message bases. The Universal Text
Interface creates a common format which makes it possible for SPITFIRE
Sysops to exchange mail, both importing and exporting, with Sysops and
callers of PC Board, Wildcat, GAP, etc. systems.
Mike Woltz, author of SPITFIRE, is now putting the finishing touches
on Buffalo Creek's Software UTI (BCSUTI) utility. Sysops participating
in netmail exchange will now have a choice in UTI programs. However,
in comparison, the BCSUTI has some very important advantages!
The first one being the ease at which it configures the SPITFIRE
message conferences for mail exchange. Each of you are familiar that
for each SPITFIRE Message Conference, you provide a description of up
to 40 characters which explains what type of messages the caller can
expect to find in that particular message conference. The UTI, however,
must pass a short name of up to 15 characters long to the netmail software.
The BCSUTI simplifies this process. When configuring the conferences for
netmail, if you elect to choose the option to <A>dd All conferences the
BCSUTI will default in the first 15 characters of your 40 character
description as the conference's "Short Name". Using this option, all
your netmail message conferences can be configured in a matter of seconds.
The BCSUTI also adds versatility in that you can elect to add the conferences
<O>ne at a time or you may wish to <E>dit individual conferences after they
have been configured. The delete feature also allows you the option of
deleting <A>ll Conferences or <O>ne Conference from the configuration.
Perhaps the most significant advantage the BCSUTI has to offer is the
increase in speed at which the messages are converted to and from the
universal text interface format when exchanging messages with other
systems. Sysops exchanging a large number of messages will notice a
significant increase in efficiency. The import and export functions quickly
translate the messages into the appropriate format; SPITFIRE when importing
and the universal text interface when exporting. BCSUTI just simply
outperforms the existing SPITFIRE UTI program.e3
Although, maybe not as important, but noteworthy is the size of the
files. The BCSUTI is written in Assembler which contributes to both
the speed and the compact size of the files. The combined total of
all the BCSUTI files, including documentation, is smaller than one
module of the original SPITFIRE UTI utility. As Sysops, it seems the
shortage of disk space is something we must always be concerned with.
Another concern Sysops must always be aware of is cost. Buffalo
Creek Software offers the BCSUTI free to registered SPITFIRE Sysops.
An offer this good in itself is remarkable even if the product
performed "adequately". However, once you try BCSUTI, you will
undoubtedly agree it is a superior product that will process your
netmail both very quickly and efficiently!
╒════════════════════════════════════════════════════╕
│ S.N.A.P. - SYSOP NETWORK ALLIANCE OF PROFESSIONALS │
╘════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
S.N.A.P.! (referred to as SNAP) was originally created by Scott Fries
and Mike Rickman of The Basic Concept BBS. The concept of SNAP is really
quite simple: 'A group of Sysops joined together in the ongoing struggle
to prevent Virus infected software' and also to 'Promote Quality
Communications That The Whole Family Can Enjoy'.
As any Sysop or user knows, the threat of viruses are a reality for
us. As Sysops we try to run the best quality BBS that we are able to run.
We have all heard about someone getting a virus and a few of us have had
the misfortune of actually experiencing it first hand. A computer virus
is nothing to laugh at, unless you are one of the individuals that write
them and take pleasure in watching the agony of the person you infected.
The sad part about the whole virus thing is that the people that are
writing them are TERRIFIC PROGRAMMERS! It's just too bad that they are
WASTING their talents on something so bad.
SNAP! is becoming just as it is entitled 'Sysop Network Alliance of
Professionals' and SNAP! boards are popping up all over, both locally
and nationally. The way to tell if the BBS you are calling is an official
SNAP! registered member is the display screen that pertains to SNAP! when
you log on these systems.
SNAP! boards are getting the reputation of being the 'safer' boards
to call and exchange information. Why? Because SNAP signifies that the
Sysop on the system you are calling takes PRIDE in their BBS and makes
their best effort to ensure the users that they will not get a virus when
downloading files. SNAP! Sysops are considered to be 'Professional Sysops'.
It is quite obvious from these boards that their respective Sysops take
pride in their work and the operation of their BBS's simply by the 'Quality'
you see all over their boards.
SNAP boards are by NO means members of a BBS police group. We are
not looking to crack down on other Sysops for any reason or their BBS's
that they run. We do try to crack down on viruses and make communications
as 'Quality' as we possibly can.
Currently, we have generated a tremendous interest in most of the BBS
community. We currently have registered or are in the process of discussion
of registering many Sysops from many types of BBS software. For example,
among our list, both local and national, are:
TYPE BBS SOFTWARE
---- ------------------------------------
SBBS SPITFIRE BBS SOFTWARE
GTBS GT-POWER BBS SOFTWARE
WCBS WILDCAT BBS SOFTWARE
CBCS COMPUTER BASED CONVERSATION SYSTEMS
FIDO THE FIDO NETWORK
HERM HERMES BBS SOFTWARE
PCBB PC BULLETIN BOARD SOFTWARE
TBBS THE BREAD BOARD SYSTEM
QBBS QUICK BULLETIN BOARD SYSTEMS
MAJR MAJOR BULLETIN BOARD SYSTEMS
GAP GAP DEVELOPMENT
SLBS SEARCHLIGHT BULLETIN BOARD SYSTEMS
After talking with these Sysop's you would not believe the things we have
learned! Each Sysop belongs to a particular Sysop Group which is composed
of multiple Sysops using the same type of BBS software, and until SNAP!,
haven't banned together in a common unity towards any goal!
SNAP! Sysops are 'Quality Professional' Sysops that go out of their way
to ensure they operate a 'Quality BBS' without all the garbage that goes on
with so many BBS around the globe.
If you are not currently a SNAP! registered Sysop, please carefully
consider joining with the other 'Professional Sysops'!
We will be offering a quarterly newsletter to registered members.
We have also been talking with the authors of varied Net-Mail programs
about adding a SNAP! conference around the globe.
We will be making available in the near future many varied reports
on various information pertaining to Sysops and also BBS's in general.
We would also like to have local/national meetings inviting our registered
and interested members to come and share, get to know each other and also
exchange valued information.
We hope to consider you our next registered SNAP! member. If you are
already a SNAP! member than you got in on the ground floor and we would
like to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in our
organization. Being a registered member.. you realize the importance of
such an organization and the future possibilities that it holds for it's
members and Sysops in general.
This article is just an introduction. We will be publishing quarterly
newsletters soon and sending them out via U.S. mail or you may wish to
obtain them faster by downloading them from our BBS or one of the future
SNAP! distribution sites in your local area.
Thank you for your time in reading this!
Scott Fries, Mike Rickman, Mike Flynn, Ted Staub
Article Contributed by Mike Rickman, Sysop
The Basic Concept BBS, (513) 856-9101
╒════════════════════╕
│ SYSOP-OF-THE-MONTH │
╘════════════════════╛
Mary & John Krone
Independent Computer Information X-Change (ICIX)
Crystal Lake, Illinois
We have a mother-and-son team in the August Sysops-of-the-Month niche,
an unusual but extremely active combination. Rather than being heavy with
the editing pencil, I'll let them tell you about themselves pretty much the
same as they told me. -Ed.
John:
I would first like to say that I never expected nor would I ask to
be sysop of the month. I think this is an unbelievable honor.
WHY DID WE START? Well, in about 1980 we had a family member get
recruited into a destructive cult. To make a long story short, Many,
MANY, M A N Y dollars, days, weeks, months later, we were successful in
getting our family member back. Now we sat here with all this useful
information and tried to figure out a way that would be least expensive
for us to distribute it to others in hopes someone else could avoid the
horrible experience we had. We finally figured that a BBS would be a good
way to go. So, off we went with our purpose and idea.
HOW IT HAPPENED. Back in 1988 or so, there weren't many BBS programs.
It seemed we tried them all, though. If one program wouldn't answer, the
other wouldn't hang up or it wouldn't do something else...absolutely no
luck at all. The only way to test them was to call from another computer
(a Commodore 64 with a 1200 baud modem) which helped tremendously.
Then one night, after having a good meal at a local restaurant, we saw
a poster there about a BBS. We wrote down the number and called it when
we got home. It was a Spitfire BBS. We were impressed. After chatting
with the sysop, he set us up with a copy of Unregistered Version 2.1 and
had it going for us in about 15 minutes (over his modem). When we found
out that he was only like 12 years old, we almost killed him! I know I
wanted to (grin).
WHAT HAPPENED SINCE THAT TIME? Well, we have added doors by request
and added an extensive file area (well, not that extensive, but not much
dealing with our original purpose.) Now people log on and play the doors,
download the shareware...and ignore any files related to destructive cults.
Go figure. Now it's just pretty much run as a hobby.
We have been registered sysops for quite some time now. Even "Spitfire
Pioneers" (which is something I am very proud of). We are a proud member
of Circuit Net. Circuit Net is a Spitfire-based net mail system which
reaches all over North America and even in Europe. (If interested in
starting, the shareware version is available on our board: 815/459-0825).
It is something I recommend. It's easy to install, inexpensive, and most
of all, a lot of fun!
Mary:
Prior to becoming Spitfire Pioneers (1989), we were completely new to
BBSing although John was not new to computers. In 1980, however, we had
gone through the experience of having one of our family members become
involved with a destructive cult. We were successful in resolving this
problem through the help of many people around the country who had had
similar experiences and were willing to share their information and
experiences with us. In retrospect, we can see that had we known how to
be alert and cautious, the greater part of our ordeal could have been
avoided. With this in mind, we thought a BBS would be a great vehicle to
let our information be available as a help and hopefully a preventive for
anyone interested.
Our message preceded the knowledge of BBS's...we thought we would give
Spitfire a try...and are hooked! I have yet to master the ins and outs of
the technical requirements for running a board. John has worked his buns
off to make this the highly respectable board that it has become solely
due to his capabilities and willingness to learn. He has given this
board endless hours and proudly represents Spitfire, Circuit Net and
himself as an outstanding Sysop...reflecting the kind of person he is...
a great person to know. But, I still consider it a privilege to be
included in the Spitfire Family even though my contribution is not
technical and, unfortunately for the next cult victims and their families,
not much in demand.
I.C.I.X. (Independent Computer Information X-Change) has dedicated many
of its bulletins to basic research information on cults. If you have any
questions about this subject, feel free to address me in our message base.
I.C.I.X. can be reached at 815/459-0825, We have a USR Courier HST.
We welcome any questions about our board, Spitfire or Circuit Net. We
look forward to hearing from you.
╒════════════════════════════════════╕
│ NEWLY REGISTERED SPITFIRE SYSTEMS │
╘════════════════════════════════════╛
A hearty welcome is extended to the following, who have
recently become public registered SPITFIRE Bulletin Board Systems:
Lee-Net...................................318-984-3822....2400 Baud
Lee Nelson, Sysop..............................Lafayette, Louisiana
Antenna Farm..............................302-652-5654....9600 Baud
Jim Sullivan, Sysop............................Wilmington, Delaware
Davis Office Systems......................Phone Unknown...9600 Baud
Davis Office Systems, Inc........................Merced, California
BBS Name Unknown..........................406-771-7119....2400 Baud
Cliff Ayers, Sysop.............................Great Falls, Montana
The Saddle Shop...........................915-590-3115....2400 Baud
James Sommer, Sysop..................................El Paso, Texas
Aegis BBS.................................Phone Unknown...2400 Baud
Anthony Caruso, Sysop...................................Bath, Maine
Wasteland.................................414-421-8235...14400 Baud
John Frejnik, Sysop............................Greendale, Wisconsin
Education Online!.........................414-377-1637....2400 Baud
Peter Glaser, Sysop............................Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Take-A-Byte...............................205-333-9395....9600 Baud
Data - Basics Inc...............................Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Boltar's BBS..............................649-410-5353..Unknown Baud
Boltar Developments...........................Auckland, New Zealand
The Cactus Ranch..........................708-234-8169....9600 Baud
Terry Bobbe, Sysop.............................Lake Bluff, Illinois
Rochester Astro Information Network.......716-224-0078....2400 Baud
Astronomy Section...............................Rochester, New York
Flight of the Night Hawk..................602-743-0579....2400 Baud
Ryan Koski, Sysop...................................Tucson, Arizona
The Skyway BBS............................312-871-9942....2400 Baud
Mark Kaczor, Sysop................................Chicago, Illinois
VARBBS....................................215-887-6972....2400 Baud
VAR-Source, Inc...............................Oreland, Pennsylvania
NACS BBS..................................702-362-0886....9600 Baud
Ramon DeArmond, Sysop.............................Las Vegas, Nevada
Sean's BBS................................915-594-7645....2400 Baud
Sean Dunbar, Sysop...................................El Paso, Texas
M.D. BBS..................................913-762-7139....2400 Baud
Mike Martinez, Sysop..........................Junction City, Kansas
The Mouse House...........................513-624-6431....2400 Baud
Scott Steger, Sysop................................Cincinnati, Ohio
Rise of the Dragon........................702-876-3316....9600 Baud
Chris Bearden, Sysop..............................Las Vegas, Nevada
The Sudden Impulse........................201-641-8167....2400 Baud
James Nepil, Sysop.........................Little Ferry, New Jersey
Favors~...................................317-786-3846....2400 Baud
Richard Friestad, Sysop.......................Indianapolis, Indiana
Info-Omega BBS............................514-593-7543....2400 Baud
Andre Lavoie, Sysop........................Montreal, Quebec, Canada
"Two Boys Video" BBS......................315-894-5747....1200 Baud
Don Peterson, Sysop.................................Ilion, New York
Brainwave BBS.............................302-875-7216...19200 Baud
Clifford Shockley, Sysop...........................Laurel, Delaware
Keeping 6 BBS.............................302-731-4366....2400 Baud
Brendan Waters, Sysop..............................Newark, Delaware
Meng's Madhouse BBS.......................716-392-8720....2400 Baud
Thomas Meng, Sysop.................................Hilton, New York
The Ultimate BBS..........................916-334-2773....2400 Baud
Brian Gibbons, Sysop....................North Highlands, California
Bulk Data.................................708-679-1837....2400 Baud
Si Mong Park, Sysop...........................Lincolnwood, Illinois
The Dark Castle...........................803-542-0752...57600 Baud
Brian & Rindy Eargle, Sysops................Drayton, South Carolina
The Apollo BBS............................214-237-0321...14400 Baud
Glen O'Gorman, Sysop...........................Grand Prairie, Texas
The Final Frontier........................207-622-0588....2400 Baud
Matthew Randall, Sysop...............................Augusta, Maine
Operation Crime Fight.....................407-545-0770....2400 Baud
Earthline, Inc..................................Hobe Sound, Florida
A Little Bit of Everything...............215-789-7549..Unknown Baud
John Harris, Sysop..........................Havertown, Pennsylvania
The Falcon BBS............................302-292-0137....9600 Baud
David Clifton, Sysop...............................Newark, Delaware
Nookies in the Crater.....................808-833-6862...14400 Baud
Shawn Muldowney, Sysop.............................Honolulu, Hawaii
The Apple Dumplin' Gang...................214-721-9058...14400 Baud
Darrell Apple, Sysop..................................Irving, Texas
MIDNIGHT ESCAPE BBS.......................219-456-4127....2400 Baud
Earl Gibson, Sysop..............................Fort Wayne, Indiana
Carlisle Barracks Computer Users Group....Phone Unknown...1200 Baud
Carlisle Barracks Users Group.........Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania
Lone Wolf BBS.............................915-267-3985....2400 Baud
Ronald Tarter, Sysop..............................Big Spring, Texas
The Only Alternative BBS..................606-342-9631....9600 Baud
Mike Flynn, Sysop.................................Elsmere, Kentucky
Wolfhound.................................417-326-3361....2400 Baud
Jim Leonardt, Sysop...............................Bolivar, Missouri
The Po' Boyz Den..........................207-985-6264....2400 Baud
Adam Beatham, Sysop................................Kennebunk, Maine
Lone Star State...........................817-699-4890....2400 Baud
Thomas Teeter, Sysop.................................Killeen, Texas
In addition, there were 14 new private SPITFIRE BBS Systems
registered. These private SPITFIRE BBS's included registrations
from: Portland, Oregon; Union City, Ohio; Rancho Cordova, California;
Kenosha, Wisconsin; Wahiawa, Hawaii; Great Lakes, Illinois; Henderson,
Nevada; Kirkland Washington; Spring Lake, North Carolina; Omaha,
Nebraska; Las Vegas, Nevada; Tucson, Arizona; Sherman, Texas; and
Scarborough, Ontario Canada.
There were 23 registrations for whom registration information was
incomplete. These included BBS's in: Salem, Oregon; Greenville,
North Carolina; Cincinnati, Ohio; West Kingston, Rhode Island;
Phoenix, Arizona; Traverse City, Michigan; Newton, Iowa; Bear River,
Nova Scotia Canada; Las Vegas, Nevada; Helena, Montana; Erie,
Pennsylvania; Topeka, Kansas; Boise, Idaho; Santa Clara, California;
St. Albans, West Virginia; Kenora, Ontario Canada; Sacremento, California;
Mesa, Arizona; Wilmington, Delaware; Ottawa, Ontario Canada; South
Bend, Indiana; Rochester, Michigan; and Augusta, Maine.
The increase in registrations where information is incomplete is
largely due to Buffalo Creek's Software's new policy of accepting
on-line Mastercard and Visa credit card registrations.
JUST A REMINDER...the newsletter is always looking for
contributions. Please forward any articles in ASCII text to
either Buffalo Creek's BBS or The Mother Board BBS.Source note
This reading edition was decoded from SF08-92.TXT in the original SF08-92.ZIP package. The page date records the preserved archive timestamp; it is not a newly inferred publication date.