
      --------------------------------------------------------------------
     |                                                                    |
     |                    The USBBS List "How-To" File                    |
     |                                                                    |
     |             Edition #171  (USBBS171.LST)  August 1998              |
     |                                                                    |
     |                       Editor: Brent Yandell                        |
     |                                                                    |
     |                                                                    |
     |               "How-To" Contents for Edition #171                   |
     |               ----------------------------------                   |
     |             * How to Add, Update or Delete a BBS                   |
     |             * How to do Area Code Maintenance                      |
     |             * How to Add a Telnet-only BBS                         |
     |             * How to Obtain the Newest USBBS List                  |
     |             * Notes Regarding the Enclosed USLIST.EXE Program      |
     |             * Disclaimer                                           |
     |                                                                    |
      --------------------------------------------------------------------



     ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                   [  How to Add, Update or Delete a BBS  ]
     ----------------------------------------------------------------------
     Please use one of the methods below to add, change or delete a BBS on
     the USBBS List. Revisions left by other means cannot be incorporated
     into the list.  This insures the list contains complete information.

     If you are submitting area code changes, multiple deletions or BBS "up"
     reports in a specific (single) area code, you may wish to use the method
     discussed below in "How to do Area Code Maintenance".

     The USBBS List does not accept new listings which are compiled solely
     from other BBS lists. You must have -personally- and -very recently-
     called each BBS you wish to add to the list.


     * METHOD #1 - USBBS Homepage
     ----------------------------
     URL: http://www.channel1.com/usbbs/
                                       ^
     >> NOTE: Add the slash at the end ^ as shown above.

     Select "Update" or "Delete" buttons. The USBBS homepage is sponsored
     by Channel 1 BBS (617-349-1300).


     * METHOD #2 - Internet Mail
     ---------------------------
     Run the USLIST.EXE program.  Select "Create Update File".  Select
     "Update List" or "Delete".  Follow the instructions and always answer
     all of the questions to insure inclusion on the list.  Each BBS you
     add or delete is appended to a file named USBBS.DAT which will be
     located in the same directory location as USLIST.EXE.  Send this file
     to the editor... Internet Mail: brentycs@gte.net
                      Editor's BBS : 727-842-8099
     The only information accepted by e-mail is that contained in the file
     created by USLIST.EXE - No other e-mail updates can be accepted.


     * METHOD #3 - Direct Update to the USBBS List Editor
     ----------------------------------------------------
     Call the Editor's BBS at 727-842-8099 (the Home of the USBBS List).
     Complete the (S)cript questionnaire.



     ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                    [  How to do Area Code Maintenance  ]
     ----------------------------------------------------------------------
     The following method may be used to:
     - Submit deletion info for more than one BBS in a specific Area Code.
     - Change the Area Codes for more than one BBS in a specific Area Code.
     - Report more than one BBS as being "up" in a specific Area Code.

     Run the USLIST.EXE program.  Select "Create Update File".  Select
     "Report Area Code".  Follow the instructions.  A flat text file will
     be created containing all the boards in the area code chosen. The
     file name will be USBBS.xxx (xxx = the chosen area code).  Load this
     file into a text editor or word processor, and make sure the text
     does not wrap.  Add the appropriate comment in the space provided.
     Save the file with the SAME name (USBBS.xxx) you started with. Renamed
     or distorted (word wrapped) files will not be processed.  Send the
     file to the editor... Internet Mail: brentycs@gte.net
                           Editor's BBS : 727-842-8099
     The only information accepted by e-mail is that contained in the file
     created by USLIST.EXE - No other e-mail updates can be accepted.

     Note: If you are unable to run the USLIST.EXE program, contact the
     USBBS Editor and request Area Code maintenance files for the areas
     you wish to work on.  Serious inquiries only.


     ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                       [  How to Add a Telnet-only BBS  ]
     ----------------------------------------------------------------------
     To add a "Telnet-only" BBS (a BBS available only by Telnet), use the
     following special instructions for either the "Update" feature on
     the USBBS home page or the enclosed USLIST.EXE update program:

         - Enter 000-000-0000 for the phone number.

         - If the BBS is not in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico,
           Virgin Islands etc. enter the BBS Country in the City field
           and leave the two-letter state field blank.

     NOTE: The BBS must be available via Telnet 24 hours per day, 7 days
     per week.

     The same requirements for inclusion of "dial-up" boards applies to
     Telnet-only boards also (see the header of USBBS171.LST). Updates
     which are missing information will not be included in the list.



     ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                    [  How to Obtain the Newest USBBS List  ]
     ----------------------------------------------------------------------
     The USBBS List has been published monthly since June, 1984. The current
     month's list is available as USBBSxxx.ZIP at these locations ("xxx" is
     the version number).

     In most cases, editions are completed on the last weekend of the month
     for the next month, unless the first falls on a weekend.  New editions
     are usually available late Sunday.  See the USBBS171.NWS "News" file
     for a detailed release schedule.

     -----------
         BBS
     -----------
     The current version is available shortly after release on these boards.

     The Bounty (USBBS Home)   727-842-8099  Port Richey, FL
     SPACE                     415-323-4193  Menlo Park, CA
     Freeware Hall of Fame     804-293-4710  Charlottesville, VA

     ------------
         HTTP
     ------------
     USBBS HomePage     http://www.channel1.com/usbbs/
                                                     ^
       NOTE: Be sure to add the slash (/) at the end ^ as shown above.

     Click on the "Download List" button.

     The USBBS HomePage is sponsored by Channel 1 BBS (617-349-1300).



     ----------------------------------------------------------------------
             [  Notes Regarding the Enclosed USLIST.EXE Program  ]
     ----------------------------------------------------------------------
     You can use this program to:

     * Search the USBBS List by:
           * Area Code
           * State
           * Text
           * New/changed listings this month
           * boards offering Internet services
           * boards with a Telnet address
           * Brand of BBS software
           * View contents of USBBS171.ZIP

     * Search results provide 'Expansion' of the listings by interpreting
       the one-letter codes on the list into 'English'.  Press the 'up' or
       'down' arrow keys while displaying listings to see this feature.

     * Create Update Files for submission as described above in this file.

     * Read the USBBS News file (Main Menu "USBBS News")

     * Read this "How-To" file (Main Menu "Updates: 'How-To'")

     * Read an explanation of the list Symbols (Main Menu "List Symbols")

     * Read the List Header info (Main Menu "USBBS Info")


     Additional Notes on Program Operation:

     - USLIST.EXE is a DOS application allowing it to work in as many
       PC (Intel) based environments as possible.

     - All USBBS171.??? files must be located together and in the same
       directory location with USLIST.EXE.

     - A screen-saver begins after three minutes of inactivity.

     - USLIST can display 43-line video while displaying listings. If this
       is desired, enter /43 on the command line when starting USLIST.EXE,
       i.e. USLIST /43

     - The USLIST.EXE in this version of the list only works with list
       files from this version.  This will be true for all subsequent lists.

     - USLIST.EXE will not work with altered USBBS171.LST, USBBS171.NWS or
       USBBS171.TXT files.


     ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                             [  Disclaimer  ]
     ----------------------------------------------------------------------
     List accuracy is not assured.  Use this material entirely at your own
     risk.  All information is submitted to the editor by the BBS community.
     No attempt is made by the editor to verify any information submitted.

     Anyone who uses any of the USBBS files (software and/or information)
     assumes any and all liabilities for anything which may result as a
     consequence of such use.  Under no circumstances shall Brent Yandell
     be liable for any loss of profit or any other damages, including but
     not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages,
     arising out of the use or inability to use any or all of the USBBS
     files (software and/or information).

     The editor reserves the absolute, discretionary right to determine
     the appearance, format and content of the USBBS List.



