The ISCABBS client is an interface program that works with the ISCABBS computer (bbs.isca.uiowa.edu). It acts as a middleman between the user and ISCABBS, manipulating incoming and outgoing data.
The client offers you features not available with a direct telnet connection to ISCABBS, and at the same time, reduces the load on the BBS machine and on the Internet. With net and machine load reduction, the BBS is able to have more simultaneous users.
You need either a UNIX or VMS account on a system connected to the Internet, or a Windows 95/98/NT4, OS/2 or Macintosh computer connected to the Internet either using SLIP or PPP or through a direct Ethernet connection. The client does not run under MS-DOS. Client 9 support for Windows, Macintosh and OS/2 is not yet complete, and therefore Client 9 is not yet available for those platforms.
NOTE: Please be sure that you are logged in to your UNIX account before starting to download the client.
To download the source code, run this command from your UNIX shell (type the entire command on one line):
lynx -source http://blackout.net/client9/client9.tar.gz > client9.tar.gz
Skip to section 3.1 to install Client 9 for UNIX.
Currently, only VMS source code is available, and this option is recommended for advanced users only. If you have access to a VMS compiler, and you are familiar with how to use the compiler, download the VMS source code from http://blackout.net/client9/client9.zip.
Skip to section 3.2 to install Client 9 for VMS.
We are currently seeking VMS/VAX 5.5 and VMS/Alpha binaries; if you are capable of providing one, please E-mail nine@blackout.net.
Client 9 for Windows is not yet available. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Client 9 for Macintosh is not yet available. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Client 9 for OS/2 Warp is not yet available. We apologize for the inconvenience.
To compile the source code, run these commands from your UNIX shell (type one per each line):
cd $HOME
gzip -dc client.tar.gz | tar -xvf -
cd client9
make install
cd ..
rm -rf client9
This creates a binary file called bbs in your home directory. To run the program, type bbs or alternately, ./bbs if the first command does not work.
If the compile process does not produce a bbs file, seek assistance in the Client> forum on ISCABBS.
To compile the VMS source code, run these commands:
set def sys$login
unzip client9.zip
set def [client9]
@make
The client is named BBS.EXE at this point. You are responsible for moving the client and removing the source code files.
Run the self-extracting EXE file. The installer will prompt you for an installation directory; the default is usually fine. It will then install the client files, uninstallation information, and Start menu shortcuts. To run Client 9, go to Start, Programs, Client 9, then Client 9.
Create a folder in which you want to store Client 9. Then move the Client 9 file you downloaded into this folder. To run Client 9, simply open this file.
Client 9 for OS/2 is not available at this time. We apologize for the inconvenience.
To start the UNIX client, type bbs or ./bbs depending
on your system.
To start the VMS client, type run bbs.
To start the Windows client, go to Start, Programs, Client 9, then Client 9.
To start the Macintosh client, open the Client 9 file in your Client 9 folder.
Under UNIX and VMS, type your command line options right after the name of the program, e.g. bbs <options>. You may also type options in this manner under Windows and OS/2 when you start Client 9 from a command prompt. Under Windows and Macintosh, you will be prompted for options when you start the program. If you have no options to provide, simply press ENTER.
Currently the only option allowed is the name of an alternate BBS server, e.g. gestalt.isca.uiowa.edu.
To stop the client, either log out of the BBS normally, or if this is not possible, press Esc, then Ctrl-D. On the Macintosh, you may also choose Quit from the File menu.
All client features are set up in the client configuration menu. To get to the client configuration menu, press c then c again.
You can set up a list of "friends" online. This creates a customized version of the who list, showing which of your friends is online at any time. To see this who list, press Ctrl-W. If you are using ANSI colors, when you read posts the name of the post author will appear in red if it is written by someone on your friend list.
To edit your friend list, enter the client configuration menu, then press f. You can add or delete names, view the list of names, or edit the description for the names.
There is no limit to the number of users you can place on your friend list.
You can set up a list of "enemies," that is, people from whom you do not want to see any posts or X messages. To edit your enemy list, enter the client configuration menu, then press e. You can add or delete names, or view the list of enemies.
There is no limit to the number of users you can place on your enemy list.
NOTE: At this time, the alternate editor is only available on UNIX and VMS clients.
You can set up an alternate editor for entering messages. For instance, you can use the pico editor. To set up which editor you use, enter the client configuration menu, and then press o for other options.
To use your alternate editor, enter a message, and then at the abort/save prompt, press e for edit. This will take your message and place it in your alternate editor. To import a file into your message, press Shift-E instead. This will prompt for a filename, and insert that file into yoru alternate editor.
Proposed new features at this time include:
If you want to propose a new feature, or report a bug or problem with Client 9, send E-mail to nine@blackout.net.
Copyright © 1998 by Nine. All rights reserved. This documentation may ONLY be copied and distributed in conjunction with the use of a copy of Client 9. All other copying and/or distribution is prohibited.
nine@blackout.net