GETTING STARTED

GETTING STARTED

In this chapter, you will learn how to log on to the typical bulletin

board.

It will also show you how to set up user ID, look around, use BBSes,

and then log off.

Finding A BBS

To avoid paying a lot while you experiment with BBSes, you should

only call local BBSes until you get the hang of it. It doesn't really

matter what time you call them; most of them operate around the

clock, 7 days a week.As you learn how to find a BBS, you will learn

how to choose the ones that you wish to contact.

If you have friends who use BBSes,then you should ask them to

recommend to you a BBS that you would like. They will know which

ones are good and which ones aren't. You can also go to your local

computer store and ask them if they have list of local BBSes. Most

likely they do, and will be happy to give you one. You can also look

for computer magazines that will often list nationwide BBSes, if you

look around, they are not hard to find.

Before you contact a BBS, you will need to know its baud rate, the

number of stop bits, and the parity. If you are working with a list of

BBSes, then they will have these items listed along with the BBS

number. It will look something like: 12/24/9600-8-1-N. All that this

means is that it will operate on 1200-2400- or 9600-baud with 8 bits,

1 stop bit, and has No parity. A lot of BBSes are upgrading to 9600-

bps, and you will probably not find any that run on 300.

Calling A BBS

Once you have decided on a BBS to call, you are ready to start. Get

into your communications program and then dial the phone number

of the BBS. If you need directions, look in the program's help screen.

Parameters

If the BBS number didn't list parameters, then go with the standard

ones: 2400-baud, 8 bits, 1 stop bit, and NO parity.

Note: If your software has screen capture, then you will need to make

sure you turn it on before you log on. This will allow you to save every

thing so you can view it after you log off.

Dial the Number

You will now need to dial the BBS number. Most BBSes are busy a

lot. You might have to try for a while before you get through. But,

keep trying; you will get through.

If your modem has a speaker, you will be able to hear the busy

signal. As soon as it rings, you can get ready to log on. When you

get through, you will hear a high-pitched tone. This will tell you that

your modem is trying to match parameters with the other modems.

As soon as the modems decide on a speed to talk at, the speaker

will shut off. More than likely, at this point you will see the word

CONNECT on your screen.

If the BBS doesn't display information right off, then you will need to

press ENTER a time or two. Some BBSes wait for you to

acknowledge the connection before they talk to you. If your screen

still doesn't show anything, you probably have trouble on the line. If

not, you are ready to go.

User Verification

You will probably have to wait a little while before you are allowed full

access to the BBS. They will probably make you wait about a week

for verification. They will probably call you to make sure everything is

correct and that you are who you say you are. As soon as they have

verified this information, you will be allowed full access. Until you

have been verified, you will probably only be able to read and enter

messages.

Different BBSes will verify you in various ways. Some will turn

around and call you immediately. Others will make you send in a

copy of your driver's license and your password. Still others will ask

you what your modem's phone number is, and they will call your

computer right back and have you type in your password, and then

you are verified.

Donations

What? Give them money? Yes, many sysops will frequently ask

users to donate to the BBS. It does cost money to have one. Many

BBSes are shut down because the sysop can't afford to keep it in

operation. Making monthly donations will help make sure that it

remains in operation.

Sometimes the sysop will ask for money for certain projects. They

may want money to increase file space for messages, as well as

faster modems. When you donate money, you will usually get a

thank-you from the sysop. They might give you more time on the

BBS, or they might even make you an assistant (if you donate

frequently).

Access Fees

You will find that about 10% of all BBSes will require you to pay for

your on-line privileges. The cost depends on what BBS you are on,

and how much they want to charge. Most of the ones that charge will

be the ones that cater specifically to one interest.

BBSes, unless they are run as a business, usually don't break even.

They have to pay about $20 per line. They usually have about 5 lines,

so that is $100. They have to charge a little, and they still need

donations to try to come close to even.

You will not have to pay for access fees when you first log on. If they

try to get you to, it is not worth it. Most will let you have a free "trial"

period. You can explore the different files and find out if it is

something that you want to get into.

REMEMBER, JUST BECAUSE YOU PAID FOR IT, DOESN'T

MEAN IT WAS WORTH PAYING FOR.

You shouldn't pay for access until you are sure you want to use the

BBS.

Make sure that you are comfortable with logging on and off with

ease.

By the time that you feel comfortable with the BBS and the way it

works, you should be able to make an informed decision on whether

or not you want to pay membership fees.