The OS/2 Shareware BBS
Introduction -or- Now that I'm connected, what do I do?
![[Banner]](../images/greenban1.gif)
Computer Bulletin Board Systems (BBS's) originally took their name from the typical bulletin board at work or school. People would post want ads, items for sale, and general news. These could be addressed to anyone, or to certain individuals. Modern computer BBS's typically offer information, news conferences, and messaging to other people, as well as software applications and utility programs. All you need to connect is a computer, a communication program, and a modem to attach to an ordinary telephone line. You gain access to the BBS by calling with the modem, and logging on using your name and your chosen password.
See Access from the home page for information on telephone numbers and communication parameters. Follow your communication program's instructions for setting the program and dialing.
Once connected to the BBS, you move around using single keystrokes to move from area to area, and to initiate control actions. The required single keystroke will be indicated, and is usually the first character of the command word. For example, "Main Menu" is accessed by pressing the letter "M" (if you have turned off Hotkeys, you must also press Enter). Note how the "M" is presented in bold typeface to indicate it is the command keystroke. The BBS is not case-sensitive, so you can use uppercase or lowercase letters for any command.
You can "upload" files from your computer to the BBS, and "download" files from the BBS to your computer, typically in a compressed format like ZIP (to save connect time and telephone charges).
The OS/2 Shareware BBS is comprised of four basic sections:
File Area, with thousands of files of all kinds.
- Shareware
Shareware requires you to pay to pay a fee to the developer to use the program after an initial trial period (details are provided with the program). This ability to "test-drive" a program before buying it is a prime reason for Shareware's popularity.
- Freeware
Freeware is free to use and redistribute but you must typically include all parts of the program (details are usually provided with the program).
Message Area
The Message Area allows you to send and receive messages to individuals, or to broadcast messages to particular groups and to
read the messages of those groups. These messages can be sent on Internet, Fidonet, and other systems. With Internet you have worldwide access, including access to commercial providers such as CompuServe, and MCI Mail. Messages are often not private - anyone can read them.
Bulletins
The Bulletin Area describes features and policies of The OS/2 Shareware BBS.
Software Registration/Purchase
The Software Registration/Purchase Area provides select shareware you can register, and commercial software you can
purchase.
Utility Areas, to control how you use the BBS.
Change Setup allows you to tailor the BBS to
your needs and preferences.
The Offline Reader Area offers you the capability to gather and download messages from your areas of interest). You can then read the messages offline, at your leisure. Offline Mail Readers allow you to respond to messages, and upload your responses the next time you log onto the BBS.
Copyright © 2000 by Norloff Computer Corp., all rights reserved