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Displays version number, authors, and system information.
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When you log on the system with your user number, the system will place you at the end of the last message that was on the system the last time you were on. This holds true no matter which room you move to. Thus to see only the new messages, just use the PRINT command immediately after entering each room.
The ALL command provides a way to look at all new messages in all the rooms without having to individually select each room and issue the PRINT command. The one exception is the MAIL room. You must specifically use the MAIL command to see any private mail that has been sent to you.
When you use the BYE or OFF command, the last message number entered on the system will be stored in your user record. The number is used the next time you log on to determine the last message read. The assumption is made that you read all messages previously to issuing the BYE or OFF command. If you have read your mail, the mail that you have read will be deleted from the system when you use the BYE or OFF command.
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Must have a parameter of Y or N for "Yes" or "No", or T or F for "True" or False". If a Y or T is given, then ANSI mode will be selected. If a N or F is given, then ADM3 emulation mode will be selected. Default at start of call is "N" (not selected). When you login, ANSI will be set to your last setting (see SET command). The command is given in the form "ANSI Y" or in the form "ANSI N".
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Used to apply for a user number to allow greater access to the system. When you apply for a user number, you will be asked for a first name, a last name, where you are calling from, and a password. The length of all four cannot exceed 35 characters, but the individual lengths may be adjusted to suit your need. This allows long names (though the password will be restricted in length) or a long password with a short name. A user name (first and last) must be at least 2 characters and no more then 22 characters long. Where you are calling from can take up from 2 to 30 characters (less that used by your name). The remaining space is allocated to your password. The user number is provided by the system.
If you are already logged on as a user it is assumed that you wish to change your password. An application can be requested at anytime. When the system first answers a call, it always assumes user #0 unless you log in. Initial use of the apply command will flag a note to the sysop about the request. Upon approval you will be granted greater access to the system.
The command is given in the form "AP" after which you will be asked for the specific information needed. For more information on how to apply for a user name and number, enter the command "HELP NAME".
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You can obtain a list of other local area BBS systems by entering the command "BBS". This list is rather lengthy, so you may want to capture it to a file on your system to read at your leisure. The list is updated on an irregular basis.
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If no number is given, goes to the last line of the currently selected disk, makes it current, and prints the line. If a positive number is given, then the current line becomes that many lines below the line you were on. If a negative number is given, then the current line becomes that many lines up from the bottom of the selected disk. If the "S" session parameter is given, then session numbers are assumed rather than line numbers. Note that if you enter data on the disk, that means that the last line of the disk is the last line of your session, and the first line you entered is the first line of your session. When a session number is referenced, then the current line will become the first line of the indicated session.
The command is given in the form of "BO" for go to bottom, "BO 10" for go to 10th line up from bottom, or "BO S" to go to bottom session, or "BO S 2" to go to the second session up from the bottom.
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The BYE command causes system to hangup and terminate your call.
The OFF command is the opposite of the ON command. It causes the files to be updated and closed. This is the same as the BYe command.
When you use the BYE or OFF command, the last message number entered on the system will be stored in your user record. The number is used the next time you log on to determine the last message read. The assumption is made that you read all messages previously to issuing the BYE or OFF command. If you have read your mail, the mail that you have read will be deleted from the system when you use the BYE or OFF command.
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Shows current call number and message number. Also shows the length of time for this call, and time left.
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Must have a parameter of Y or N for "Yes" or "No", or T or F for "True" or "False". If a Y or T is given, then the control characters will be printed as capital letters preceeded with a "^". If a N or F is given, then control characters will be printed as normal characters. Default at start of call is "Y" (visible). When you login, CC will be set to your last setting. The command is given in the form "CC Y" or in the form "CC N".
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The change command consists of two basic types, and takes on five different forms. The first type of the change command is the delete string. The change works on the current line, it looks for all of the occurances of the specified string, and removes them. The rest of the line is scrunched together.
Because of the form of the command, it is somewhat specific in how it is entered. The command "CHange" is to be followed by a space, followed by a delimiter character. Valid delimiters are: / \ . , ' " or a single space. If a space is used as the delimiter, the space immediately following the CHange command is assumed to be the first delimiter.
The first delimiter is followed by the string to remove which is followed by a trailing delimiter that matches the first one. A third delimiter may also be provided if so desired. (i.e. CH /string//) for those who are used to that form.
Once the command is finished, the current line will be redisplayed. The string can be removed from more than one line if desired by adding a number after the third delimiter. The command "CH /string//5" would search 5 lines starting with the current line for the specified string and remove the specified string from each line if found.
When the multi-line string command is given, only the total lines changed is displayed rather than displaying each line as it is changed. The current line pointer is always left at the line that it was on before the change command was given.
The replace string form of the change command works like the remove string form of the command, but contains a second string between the second and third delimiters. Thus the command "CHange /old string/new string/" would search the current line for "old string" and replace it with "new string". During the change, the line length is adjusted to fit any changes. If the line length exceeds 79 characters the extra characters are truncated off the end of the line. Once the change is finished, the changed line will be redisplayed.
Multiple lines can be changed as with the remove string form of the command by adding a number after the third delimeter. This will cause the number of lines specified to be searched and the indicated change made in each line if the specified string is found. As with the remove string form of the command, the lines are not displayed if a multi-line change is requested. Instead the number of lines changed will be displayed when the command is finished. The current line pointer will always be left at the line that it was at before the change command was given.
If the requested data string is not found, then the message "NOT FOUND" will be printed. The CHange command is only allowed within your own session. Once a change is made, it cannot be unchanged.
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Must have a parameter of Y or N for "Yes" or "No", or T or F for "True" or "False". If a Y is given, then the display will be shown in colour via ANSI colour control. If a N is given, then the colour mode will be disabled. Default at the beginning of the call is CO N. When you login CO will be set to your last setting (see SET command). The command is given in the form of "CO Y" or "CO N".
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The DA command selects drive A and opens it for use. If the drive wasn't already open, then the current line is set to one. Drive A is always selected at the beginning of the call. The command is given in the form "DA".
The DB command selects drive B and opens it for use. If the drive wasn't already open, then the current line is set to one. Drive A is always selected at the beginning of the call. The command is given in the form "DB".
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Deletes the specified line or lines. If no number is given, the current line is assumed. If a positive number is given, that line becomes current, and is deleted. If a negative number is given, we go up that many lines, make it current, and delete it. If a second number is given then all the lines starting from (and including) the first one specified down to (and including) the last one specified are deleted. If the number given is negative, it is assumed to refer to that many lines above the current line.
When only a single line is to be deleted, the line will be printed first and a prompt asking if you really want to delete the line will be presented; "DELETE (Y/N) ? ". If you answer with "Y", "Yes", "T", or "True", the line will be deleted, otherwise the delete command will be aborted, and the specified line will not be deleted. The current line pointer will be left at the line specified for the delete.
If a multiple line delete is requested, you will be prompted: "Delete ### > ### (Y/N) ?" where the deletion of the line range requested is given. If you answer with anything but "Y", "Yes", "T", or "True", the delete command will be aborted, and the specified line will not be deleted. The current line pointer will be left at the first line specified for the delete.
An attempt to delete outside your own session will cause an error message to be given. The [del] in the command example is any non-numeric character or word or a single space. "DELETE FROM LINE 10 TO LINE 20" would be an acceptable form of the delete command. Unlike KIll, deleted lines may be undeleted with the UNdelete command. (See HELP KILL.)
A deleted line is shown with a "@" following the line number when line numbers are on. In addition, deleted lines will be shown in inverse video when ANSI is on (Y). If Color is on, deleted lines will be shown in red.
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You can enter into the world of artificial stupidity by selecting DOCtor. Learn more about your innermost feelings, cure your neuroses, or generate new ones! Have fun. Use ^C or enter "QUIT" to return to the command prompt.
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Goes down the number of lines specified on the currently selected disk from the current line, makes it the new current line, and displays the line. If no parameter or "0" is given, then "1" is assumed. If the number is preceeded with "-" the command is reversed and it goes up instead of down. Trailing data on the command line is ignored, thus "DOwn 10 more" will go down ten lines. "DOwn a line" would get translated to "DO 1".
If the "S" session option is given, the command works on sessions rather than lines. If a session number is referred to, then the current line becomes the first line of the indicated session. Thus "DOwn 2 Sessions" would place the current line pointer at the first line of the 2nd session down from the current session.
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Must have a parameter of Y or N for "Yes" or "No", or T or F for "True" or "False". If a Y or T is given, then a delay of 1/4 second will occur at the end of each line. If a N or F is given, then no delay will occur. Default at the start of the call is "N". When you log in EL will be set to your last setting (see SET). The command is given in the form of "EL Y" or "EL N."
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Selects enter mode. Data is entered at the end of the disk. Enter mode is exited by typing a control C. If the control C is entered while a line is being typed (no CR yet) that line will not be saved. An alternate form of exit from the enter mode is to send two consecutive carriage returns.
Note that any entry that occurs means that the last line of the disk is the last line of your session, and the first line you entered is the first line of your session. Your session is terminated and the user file updated when you use the "BYe" command. You can use the REplace or CHange commands to edit your entry. The form of the enter command is "EN".
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When you give this command, you will be asked to type a single character. This character will become the enter prompt. The enter prompt will be sent when BWMS II is waiting for an input. This provides a means to trip automatic programs when an input is required. If you enter a carriage return, then no prompt character will be sent. The default prompt at the beginning of the call is none. When you log in, the prompt character will be set to your last setting (see SET command).
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Searching starts at the beginning of the disk (line 1) and progresses to the end of the disk at which point the search is terminated. The current line is then returned to the line you were on prior to the initiation of the search.
When a line is found with the requested string in it, it will be displayed. It is usually best to have line numbers on "NU Y" during the search so that the line number that the string was found in can be used for later reference.
If no string has been previously provided since the call
began, a blank line (
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Find the first occurance of
Because of the operation of the command, the format is
strict. It consists of the two letters FI followed by an
optional [nd], followed by a space, followed by the string to
search for. If the command given is FInd
If the requested data string is not found, then the message
"NOT FOUND" will be printed. If the current line is the last
line on the disk, then searching will begin with the first line
on the disk. If a control C is sent while the command is in
operation, the command is aborted and the current line is left at
the line at which the system was on when the control C was sent.
The command is given in the form "FI BackWater". The command is
case specific.
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A command may be preceeded with the two letter preface of "GO".
The preface is simply thrown away and the command following is
parsed instead. This allows the command form of "GO TO LINE 21"
which would cause line 21 to be made current and displayed.
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Display help information. There are 2 forms of the help
command: "HElp" and "?". If no parameter is provided, then a one
screen display of the available help commands is displayed. If a
parameter of a valid command is given, then specific information
on that command will be displayed. Thus the command "HELP LIST"
or the command "? LIST" will show help information for the LIST
command. If the command referenced is unknown, "HELP CMD" will
be shown.
If the MANual command is given, the entire list of all help
information is displayed. This command is intended for those who
wish to capture a local copy of the manual for BWMS II.
Most commands are based on a two or three letter sequence.
Parsing is done by searching on the first two or three letters,
and directing processing to the appropriate subprocess based on
the command. If a numeric value is found rather than a command,
the "LiNe" command is assumed.
For commands that expect a numeric parameter, the command
line is searched for the numeric value. Anything else in the line
is ignored. For commands that expect a second numeric value, a
delimiter is expected between the first and second numbers of a
non-numeric value (a space, a comma, word, or group of words).
Numbers can be positive or negative (though not all commands will
accept negative numbers).
For commands that require a Y or N response, the answer
"Yes", "No", "True", or "False" may be given. The first Y, N, T
or F that is found in the command line is assumed to be the
response. For commands that don't expect a parameter the rest of
the command line is ignored.
The find and change commands look for strings as per the
definition of the commands. The ON command being special is
parsed per its definition. The HElp command also is parsed as
per definition. If a command is not found the error message
"INVALID COMMAND" will be printed. If an error occurs while
processing a command, the error message "INVALID PARAMETER" will
be displayed.
For commands that can operate on sessions, if a
"
For help on individual commands, enter the command "HELP"
followed by the specific command you wish to see. For more
information on the use of the system, enter the command "HELP
GEneral".
While entering data, there are two ways to get out. The
first is to use a control C, which if given will cause the
current line being entered (if any) to be discarded, and you are
returned to that command processor. The second way is to type
two CR's in a row. When a line is entered with no data, it sets
a flag, and if another line is entered with no data, then the
line is discarded and you are returned to command mode.
Anytime a control C is typed the current command is
terminated and you are returned to command mode no matter where
you are. Anytime a control S is received from the line, BWMS II
will stop sending data. Any other character received will start
the data being sent again.
While entering data or commands, the line can be edited by
typing a control H (BS) to backup (a BS SP BS is sent to erase
the character on your terminal). If the pointer is at the
beginning of the line a control G will be output for each BS
received, and no BS SP BS will be echoed. A delete character
received will cause the previous character to be removed from the
line, and the character being removed will be displayed. A
maximum of 79 characters can be entered in a line. Any
characters that exceed the 79 character miximum will be
discarded, and a control G (bell) will be echoed for each
character.
While in enter mode, BWMS II will echo each character as it
receives and processes it. When a carriage return is received,
the data will be saved to disk, and the carriage return
(optionally followed by a line feed if LF Y is set) will be
echoed when BWMS II is ready to receive the next line. You can
use the EPrompt command to specify your own prompt character.
Since most systems store data as a line terminated with a
carriage return followed by a line feed, BWMS II discards any
line feed that immediately follows a carriage return (first
position in the new line) while in enter mode.
Null characters are always discarded when they are received.
As such, all characters received can be entered into the data
base except control C, null, and delete. In addition, no more
than two blank lines in a row are allowed, and a line feed will
be discarded if it is the first character in the line. Nulls are
filtered at the low level and never passed on to the system, thus
they can be used for delays if needed.
If no activity occurs (as determined by no data being sent)
for 15 minutes, the system will automatically perform the BYE
command. The length of time allowed on-line is limited. A
message indicating that an automatic logoff will occur is
displayed five minutes prior to logout. At one minute prior to
the automatic logoff a message indicating such will appear. A
minute later the automatic logoff (BYe) will happen. You can see
how much time you have remaining by using the TIme command. For
more information see "HELP CMD".
After answering the call, the system will log you in as user
zero. This is called the "null user". While some access is
currently allowed at the null user level, it is restricted use.
The exact restrictions may change as time and circumstances
dictate. To gain access to more functions and a freer use of the
system, you may apply for a user number through the use of the
"APPLY" command.
When you apply, you will be given a number between 20 and
998. The system will pick the number from a pool of available
user numbers. The number is chosen by looking for a free user
number. Once a free number has been found, you will be asked for
your name and where you are calling from.
A note about names: BWMS II stores user names and passwords
in a special protected user file. In order to provide the
maximum flexibility and protection for your name and password,
the maximum length of each individual portion is adjustable. The
maximum length of the combination of your first name, last name,
where you are calling from, and password cannot exceed 35
characters. Your name must consist of only letters and numbers,
but your password may contain any typable character (including
spaces).
Although your full name can be up to 22 characters long,
only the first 16 characters are significant. A space will
always be inserted between your first and last name when it is
displayed in the user list.
If after you make your application you find you wish to
change your password just reapply at any time after logging on
under your old password. If you forget your password, just apply
for a new user number and let one of the operators know that your
old user number is invalid so that it can be freed up for reuse.
Inactive users will be periodically purged from the system based
on need. (If we need the space and you haven't been active for
over a year you will probably be purged from the system.)
Once your application is complete, you may log in with your
new user number at the command prompt with the ON # command the
next time you call in (see HELP ON).
Applications are limited to one per call. User logins are
also limited to one per call. For more information see "HELP
AP", or for general information on the system "HELP GEN".
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This command works exactly like the "LiNe" command, if no
parmeter is given, it shows the current line. If a positive
number is given, that line is made current and is displayed. If a
negative number is given that many lines up from the current line
is made current and displayed.
If the "S" session option is given, then the numbers refer
to sessions rather than lines. If a session number is referred
to, the current line will become the first line of the indicated
session. The command is given in the form of "HERE", "HERE 22",
"HERE -10", or "HERE S 2".
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Kills the specified line or lines. If no number is given,
the current line is assumed. If a positive number is given, that
line becomes current, and is killed. If a negative number is
given, the line up that many lines up from the current line is
made current and killed. If a second number is given then all
the lines starting from (and including) the first one specified
down to (and including) the last one specified are killed. If
the second number is negative, it is assumed to be that many
lines above the current line.
When only a single line is to be killed, the line will be
displayed first and a prompt asking if you really want to kill
the line will be presented. If a multiple line kill is
requested, you will be prompted in the form of "KILL ### > ### ?"
where the killing of the line range provided is given. An
attempt to kill outside your own session is not allowed and will
cause an error message to be given.
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Must have a parameter of Y or N for "Yes" or "No", or T or F
for "True" or "False". If a N or F is given, then all CR/LF
sequences will be replaced as CR only. If a Y or T is given,
then all carriage returns will be followed with a line feed.
Default at the start of the call is "Y". The LF value will be
set to your last setting when you log in (see SET command). The
command is given in the form "LF Y" or "LF N".
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Goes to the line number specified on the currently selected
disk, makes it the current line, and displays the line. If no
parameter or "0" is given, the current line is displayed. If a
negative number is given, then the new current line becomes that
many lines above the current line. Any data after the command is
ignored, thus "LINe 10 please" will go to line 10 and display it.
If the "S" session option is provided, then the number
refers to sessions rather than lines. When a session number is
referred to, the current line will become the first line of the
indicated session. The command is given in the form of "LN 10",
or "LN -10", or "LN 2 S", or "LN -2 S".
If the "S" session option is given with the TO command, then
sesison numbers are referrd to rather than line numbers. When a
session number is referred to, the current line becomes the
first line of the indicated session. The command is given in
the form of "TOP", or "TO 10", or "TO S 2", or "Please go to
line 10".
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Prints lines starting at the line specified. If none is
specified, then all lines are printed starting from the top of
the disk (line 1). If a second number is provided, then printing
will be in the range between the first and second numbers.
The READ command is exactly the same as the LIST command.
If while printing a control C is received, the printing is
terminated and the current line become the line that was being
printed. Any data that follows the command is ignored, thus
"LIst 10 please" will start printing from line ten.
If the "S" session option is provided, then the number
refers to sessions rather than lines. Session printing begins
with the first line of the indicated session. If the first
number provided is greater than the second number, printing will
occur backwards.
The command is given in the form "LIST", or "LI 2", or "LI
10, 20", or "PLEASE LIST ALL SESSIONS FROM 2 THROUGH 10".
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Displays "LOst" message.
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Must have a parameter of Y or N for "Yes" or "No", or T or F
for "True" or "False". If a Y is given, then line numbers will be
printed while in enter mode. If a N is given, then the line
numbers will not be printed. Default at the beginning of the
call is NP Y. When you log in NP will be set to your last setting
(see SET command). The command is given in the form of "NP Y" or
"NP N".
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Must have a parameter of Y or N for "Yes" or "No", or T or F
for "True" or "False". If a Y is given, then line numbers will be
printed while listing messages. If a N is given, then the line
numbers will not be printed. Default at the beginning of the
call is NU Y. When you log in NU will be set to your last setting
(see SET command). The command is given in the form of "NU Y" or
"NU N".
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The ON command turns on the system. If no parameter is
given, then drive DA is selected and the message "FILE ON" is
printed. This causes the file information for DA to be loaded
into memory ready for use. If a command that requires the disk
information to be in memory is given before the ON command, then
the ON command will be performed automatically and you will be
logged in as user #0.
If a number is given after the ON command, then it is
assumed to be a user number, and the user login request is
performed. If the number exists, then the password will be asked
for with the prompt "Password: ". The password given is checked
against the password that is valid for that user number. If the
password given is incorrect, then login is denied. Once login
has been achieved, the system will be set to your last control
setting, and the current line will be set to the last line on
drive DA when you last called. If the disk has been changed
since you last called, then the current line will be set to line
one.
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Prints out the number of lines specified. If none is
specified, all lines are printed starting with the line following
the current line. If the number given is negative, printing will
be in reverse (successive lower lines). Printing always starts
with the line following the current line (for negative printing,
the previous line). If two numbers are given, then the lines in
that range are printed. The current line pointer is left at the
last line that is printed.
If while printing a control C is received, printing will be
aborted, and the current line will become the line being printed
when the control C was received. Any data following the command
on the line is ignored, thus "PRint 10 more lines please" will
print the next ten lines.
If the "S" session option is provided, the session number
specified is printed. If the number given is negative, then the
session that many sessions previous from the current session is
printed instead. If no session number is given, then the current
session is printed starting with the first line of the session.
The line pointer is left at the last line of the session that was
printed. The command is given in the form "PRINT", or "PR 10",
or "PR -5", or "PR S 3", or "PR 10, 20", or "PR Sessions 5 to 7",
or "print session -2".
When you log on the system with your user number, the system
will place you at the end of the last message that was on the
system the last time you were on. This holds true no matter which
room you move to. Thus to see only the new messages, just use the
PRINT command immediately after entering each room.
Alternately, you can see the new messages in all the rooms by
using the PRINT ALL command, or the ALL command.
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Goes to the specified line on the disk and replaces it with
a new line to be entered. When the command is given, the line is
displayed and a prompt is printed asking if you really want to
replace the line.
If no number or zero is given, then the current line is
replaced. If a negative number is given, then the line that is
that many lines up from the current line is prompted for
replacement.
Any data following the command on the line is ignored, thus
"REplace 10 please" will go to line ten and do a replace. Once a
line has been replaced it cannot be unreplaced. If while entering
the new line the input is aborted (control C), the old line will
be left alone. You can only replace lines within your session.
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You can play a very simple-minded game called Target by
entering the command TARget. If you have ANSI set to Y, or COlour
set to Y the ANSI cursor control will be used. If both are off
then ADM3A cursor control sequences will be used. Use ^C to exit
the game.
You can play the Wumpus game at any time by entering the
command "WUMPUS" at the command prompt. At anytime during the
game you can see your current status by entering the "WUMPUS"
command as well. When the game starts you will be shown your
starting position. You can move to a new location by entering the
number of the room you wish to go to. To try to shoot the Wumpus
enter the command "SHOOT ###" (where ### indicates the room
number you wish to shoot to). Remember, if you don't hit the
Wumpus he will move. If he is next to your room, he may move into
your room and eat you. If you move into his room he will also eat
you. If you move into a room that has a bottomless pit you will
fall in it and die. There are bats in these caves, so beware!
If you shoot an arrow in a direction that is not one of the
adjacent rooms it will go wild. Who knows where it will end up.
It may hit you, or if you are real lucky, maybe the Wumpus. The
game continues until you win or lose.
You can still use the regular commands while the game is
operational, the only exception is that entering a number by
itself will not take you to that line while the Wumpus game is
active it will instead be assumed to be a command to move to a
new room in the Wumpus cave.
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Displays a test pattern. If no parameter is given, a margin
of 76 is assumed. Otherwise the given margin is used. If anything
other than a positive number is given it is ignored and a margin
of 76 is assumed.
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The Time command shows current system time, time on line,
and time remaining.
Each minute position is incremented once per day when used,
and decremented once per day when not used. The minimum number
possible is 0, and the maximum number possible is 9.
If you use the eXtend option with the command, then a
hour/day usage map will be displayed instead. The extended map is
displayed in a similar format to the standard map except that it
has a resolution of hours and days rather than minutes and hours.
Go back to the TOP
Undeletes the specified line or lines. If a second number
is given all the lines starting from (and including) the first
one specified down to (and including) the last one specified are
undeleted. If the number given is negative, it is assumed to
refer to the line that is that many lines previous from the
current line. The current line will be set to the last line that
was undeleted.
You are not allowed to undelete outside your own session.
An attempt to undelete outside your own session will cause an
error message.
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Goes up the number of lines specified on the currently
selected disk from the current line, makes it the current line,
and displays it. If no parameter or zero is given, then line one
is assumed. If a negative number is given, the command is
reversed, and it goes down instead of up.
If the "S" session option is given, the number refers to
sessions rather than line numbers. When a session number is
referred to, the current line becomes the first line of the
session.
Any data given after the command on the line is ignored.
Thus "UP 10 more" will go up ten lines. The command "UP a line"
would get translated to "UP 1".
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If no number is given, a list of all current users on the
system is displayed. If a number is provided, then that specific
user will be displayed. If two numbers are given, the users
within that range will be displayed. If a name or a part of a
name is given then a list of all users by that name or that
contain the part of the name will be displayed.
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CA --- CA[ll] (no parameters) (print call log)
Shows current call number and message number. Also shows
the length of time for this call, and time left. A list of the
last 64 callers is then displayed.
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This command is used to exit the BWMS message system.
It was intended to allow expansion to other uses for the system, and
was used during the transition from BWMS to BWMS II to access the
new system during development. Without disrupting normal operation.
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Allows the access level to be changed. If no number is
given, access level zero is assumed. If a number is given, then
the access level will be changed. When the access level is
changed, you will be asked to enter your password again with the
"Password:" prompt. When you log in, your highest level of access
is automatically selected for you.
When you use the enter command, your access level will be
reverted to level zero. This is to protect previous entries from
being destroyed by an upload failure.
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The MAIL command will list all current mail you have
waiting. When you log off the system, the mail will be
automatically deleted to make room for new mail. If you have
private mail waiting, you will be notified when you logon to the
system. To send private mail see the PRIVate command.
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The PRIVATE command allows you to send private mail to
another user. You must privide a user number, and you must be
logged onto the system with your own user number to send private
mail. This allows the mail handler to properly handle the mail.
The user must be a valid user. You will automatically be placed
in the enter mode by the PRIVATE command. You can exit the Edit
mode at any time and re-enter it later if you wish. If you wish
to look at a message in another room you can select the alternate
room and come back to the mail room to finish your message later.
The Mail room in room 3, so just select "ROOM 3", or DC to get
back to the mail room. You can then use the ENter command to
continue entering your message. When you are done use the command
DONE or SEND to send the message. If you forget to send the
message, it will automatically be sent when you hangup. See the
MAIL command on how to read a private message.
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With the ROOM command you can move between the rooms by entering
the name of the room you wish to go to.
Rooms are identified by the available room names displayed when
you log on to the system with your user number. The command line
prompt will be preceeded by the name of the room you are
currently in. To see the list of available rooms, use the ROOM
command without a name. You do not need to preceed the room name
with the ROOM command to go to a room.
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The SET command causes the current Y/N settings and custom
enter prompt to be saved to your user file. When the SET command
is given, the next time you call the settings that were in effect
when you entered the SET command will be selected when you log on
to the system.
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CA --- CAl[l] [###] (print call log or find call # session)
If a number is not provided, shows current call number and
mes sage number, the length of time for this call, and time left.
A list of the last 64 callers is then displayed.
If the optional number is provided, searches for the session
produced during that call number on the current disk. If the
session is not found, then the error message "NOT FOUND" is
displayed. When the first line of the call session is reached it
is made current, and then displayed.
Note that the call number referred to is the real call
number, and not the session number. Session numbers are counted
sequentially starting from the first session on the disk and
always start with session one as the first session on the disk.
Call numbers are sequentially counted from the first call to BWMS
II and are not related to disk session numbers. The form of the
command is "CALL", or "CALL 1234", or "LOG 2345".
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A deleted line is shown with a "@" following the line number
when line numbers are on. In addition, deleted lines will be
shown in inverse video when ANSI is on (Y). If Color is on,
deleted lines will be shown in red.
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This command is used to allow remote sysops to leave meassages
to each other relating to system maintance.
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When set to N user names will not be displayed in the
session headers. When set to Y, the session header names will be
displayed. This is useful to speed up listings since the user
file doesn't have to be searched when the session header is to be
displayed.
If a negative is given, then a list of all Twited users is
displayed. A user is "twited" automatically if they use the "F"
word, or by the determination of the sysop that they are overly
abusing the system or other users. Only the sysop can untwit a
user (of course a user can always activate another user name).
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Searches for the session that was entered during the
specified message number on the current disk. If the sesison is
not found, the error message "NOT FOUND" will be displayed. If
no message number is given, then goes to the top of the current
session. When the first line of the session is reached and made
current, it is displayed.
Note that the message number referred to is the real message
number, and not the session number. Session numbers are counted
sequentially starting from the first session on the disk and
always start with session one as the first session on the disk.
Message numbers are sequentially counted from the first message
that was entered on BWMS II and are not related to disk session
numbers. The form of the command is "MSG", or "MES 1234", or
"MSG 2345".
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This command goes to the specified session, makes the first
line of the session current and displays it. If no session
number is given, then the first line of the current session will
be made the current line. If the number given is negative, then
the session selected will be the session that many sessions up
from the current session. The command is given in the form of
"SE", or "SE 5", or "SE -2".
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Write protects current line if no parameter given. Goes to
indicated line and protects it if a number is given. If a range
is given, then protects all lines in the range. If the number
given is negative, then it is assumed that the number is that
many lines up from current line.
This protects from accidental erasure of important messages.
An attempt to delete, change, or otherwise modify a protected
line will cause the message "LINE IS PROTECTED" to be printed and
the command will be aborted. Protected lines show a "$" in the
space position following the line number whenever line numbers
are on. In addition, when ANSI is on (Y), the line will be
highlighted (bold). If color is on, the line will be shown in
magenta. Use the "XU" command to unprotect lines.
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Unprotects current line if no parmeter given. Goes to
indicated line and unprotects it if a number is given. If a range
is given, then unprotects all lines in the range. If the number
given is negative, it is assumed that the number is that many
lines up from current line. Protected lines show a "$" in the
space position following the line numbers whenever line numbers
are on. In addition, when ANSI is on (Y), the line will be
highlighted (bold). If color is on, protected lines are
displayed in magenta. Use the "XP" command to protect lines.
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AR --- AR[chive] (no parameters) (archive disk)
The Archive command transfers the currently selected disk to be
written to an archive file.
This command is only available from the console.
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The Local command prevents the system from responding to
the modem so that local mainatnce can be done undistrubed.
The message "System unavailable" is sent to anyone who tries
to call in.
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The MAximum command sets the system timeout to the
maximum possible. This prevents the system from timing out
while performing local maintance.
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The SYstem command causes the program to be immediately
terminated. WARNING: the link data is not saved, nor is the call
log updated. Any entry made will *NOT* be saved. Use the BYE
command first if you have done an entry or it will all be lost!
This command is only available from the console.
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This command truncates all lines below the current line if
no number is given. If a number is given, that line is made
current and trancation occurs below that line. Negative numbers
are not allowed.
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This command expansion for the User command allows the super
user to review those users who are new (unassigned), or who are
Twited out. If the user number given is -1, a list of the twits
are shown. If the user number given is -2, a list of the new users
are shown. The system automatically twits a user if they use foul
language. A twited user only has access at the lowest level.
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This command is used to allow the local editing of the
selected user parameters. For security reasons, this command is
only available locally to the super user.
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Note: The insert command never worked. It required a bunch of
work to revise the file format to make it work, and no one (me)
found the the time to do it.
The Insert mode is exited by typing a control C. If the
control C is entered while a line is being typed (no CR yet) that
line will not be saved. An alternate form of exit from the
insert mode is to send two consecutive carriage returns. You are
not allowed in insert lines outside your own session.
Note that any entry that occurs means that the last line of
the disk is the last line of your session, and the first line you
entered is the first line of your entry. Your session is
terminated and the user file updated when you use the "BYe"
command. You can use the REplace or CHange commands to edit your
entry. The form of the command is "IN", or "IN 10".
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Note: The move command never worked. It required a bunch of
work to revise the file format to make it work, and no one (me)
found the the time to do it.
Go back to the TOP
These commands don't do anything other than to show a short
message that anyone who has played Big Cave Adventure will be
familar with.
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FI --- FI[nd]
GO --- GO [command] (command preface)
PL --- PL[ease] [command] (command preface)
A command may also be preceeded with the "PLease" preface.
The preface is simply thrown away and the command following is
parsed instead. This allows the command form of "PLEASE GO TO
LINE 21" to be given, which would cause line 21 to be made
current and displayed. (See the "GO" command.)
? --- ? [cmd] (display help information)
H --- H[elp] [cmd] (display help information)
HEL --- HEL[p] [cmd] (display help information)
CMD --- CMD [cmd] (display help information)
GE --- GE[neral] [cmd] (display help information)
NA --- NA[me] [cmd] (display help information)
MAN --- MAN[ual] (no parameters) (display all help information)
HELP CMD (general help)
HELP GE --- HELP GE[neral] (General System Information)
HELP NAME (Applying for a user name/number)
HER --- HER[e] [S] [-][###] (here command)
KI --- KI[ll] [-][###] [-][###] (kill line(s))
is any non-numeric
character or word or a single space. Thus the command "KILL FROM
LINE 100 TO LINE 110 PLEASE" is an acceptable form of the
command. Unlike DElete, once a line is killed it is not
recoverable. (See HELP DElete)
LF --- LF [Y/N] (send line feeds)
LN --- LN [S] [-][###] (go to line)
LIN --- LIN[e] [S] [-][###] (go to line)
TO --- TO[p] [S] [-][###] (go to line)
# --- [-]# (go to line)
The command TO or TOP goes to the line number specified on
the currently selected disk, makes it the current line, and
prints the line. If no parameter or zero is given, then line 1
(top) is assumed. If a negative number is given, the current
line becomes that many lines up from the current line position.
Any data following the command on the line is ignored, thus
"TO 10 please" will go to line ten. "TOP" would get translated to
"TO 1".
If a number is given by itself as a command, the specified
line will become the current line and will be displayed. If a
negative number is given, the current line will become the line
that is that many lines up from the current line. The command is
given in the form "20" or "-20".
LI --- LI[st] [S] [-][###] [-][###] (list lines)
REA --- REA[d] [S] [-][###] [-][###] (list lines)
is any non-numeric character or word or a single space. If a
negative number is provided, then it is assumed to reference the
line that is that many lines previous to the current line.
LO --- LO[st] (no parameters) (print lost message)
NP --- NP[rompt] [Y/N] (enable enter mode number prompt)
NU --- NU [Y/N] (turn line numbers on or off)
ON --- ON [###] (user login)
LOGON --- LOGON [###] (user login)
Password: [xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]
PR --- PR[int] [S] [-][###] [-][###] (print lines)
RE --- RE[place] [-][###] (replace line)
TAR --- TAR[get] (simple minded game)
WUMP --- WUMP[us] (begin a Wumpus game - show status)
SHOO --- SHOO[t] ### (try to shoot the Wumpus)
XT --- XT[est] [###] (test pattern)
TE --- TE[st] [###] (test pattern)
TI --- TI[me] (no parameters) (show current time info)
ST --- ST[ats] [x] (show usage statistics)
The STats command shows a minute by minute daily average of
the system usage. The table is shown with one line per hour in
six groupings of ten minutes each on the line. When a '0' appears
in a minute position, it means that the system has not been used
at that time for over nine days. If a '1' appears, it means that
the system was used at that time within the last 24 hours. A '9'
appearing in a minute position means that the system has been
consecutively used at that time for the past nine days.
UN --- UN[delete] [-][###] [-][###] (undelete line(s))
is any non-numeric character or word or a
single space. Lines are deleted with the DElete command. The
command is given in the form "UN", or "UN 20", or "UN 10 to 20",
or "UNdelete -1", or "Please Undelete lines 4 through 21".
UP --- UP [S] [-][###] (go up ### lines)
US --- US[er] [###] [###] (show user information)
BackWater II Manual -- Commands available to assigned (logon) users
LOG --- LOG (no parameters) (print call log)
EX --- EX[it] (no parameters) (exit BWMS)
LEV --- LEV[el] [#] (change access level)
Password: [xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]
MAI --- MAI[l] (read private mail)
PRIV --- PRIV[ate] ### (enter a private message)
DONE --- DONE (send the message)
SE ---SE[nd] (send the message)
ROOM --- ROOM (room name) (select a room)
BLU --- BLU[e] (no parameters) (select blue room)
LAD --- LAD[ies] (no parameters) (select ladies room)
MALL --- MALL (no parameters) (select mall room)
MEN --- MEN[s] (no parameters) (select mens room)
WOM --- WOM[ems] (no parameters) (select ladies room)
SET --- SET (no parameters) (set user flags)
BackWater II Manual -- Commands available to level 4 users
LOG --- LOG [###] (print call log or find call # session)
DE --- DE[lete] [-][###] [del] [-][###] (delete line(s))
EXEC --- EXEC[utive] (no parameters) (select executive room)
HN --- HN [Y/N] (Show Header Names)
MES --- MeS[sage] [-][###] (goto message session number)
MS --- MeS[sage] [-][###] (goto message session number)
SE --- SE[ssion] [-][###] (goto session)
XP --- XP[rotect] [-][###] [-][###] (protect lines)
PRO --- PRO[tect] [-][###] [-][###] (protect lines)
XU --- XU[nprotect] [-][###] [-] [###] (unprotect lines)
UN --- UN[protect] [-][###] [-] [###] (unprotect lines)
BackWater II Manual -- Commands available to the super user
LOC --- LOC[al] (no parameters) (local operation)
MA --- MA[ximum] (no parameters) (set timeout to maximum)
SY --- SY[stem] (no parameters) (return to DOS)
TR --- TR[uncate] [###] (truncate disk)
US --- US[er] -1/-2 -- Show Twits/New users (show user information)
ZAP --- ZAP [###] (zap/edit user)
BackWater II Manual -- Non-functioning commands
IN --- IN[sert] [-][###] (insert mode)
Selects insert mode. If a number is not provided, ENter
mode is selected and data is entered starting at the line below
the current line. If a number is provided, that line will be
made the current line before the insert mode is entered. If the
number given is past the last line on the disk, or the current
line is the last line on the disk, then normal enter mode will be
selected.
MOV --- MOV[e] [-][###] (move lines)
BackWater II Manual -- Eggs
EAST - EAST (no parameters) (show east message)
WEST - WEST (no parameters) (show west message)
NORT - NORT[h] (no parameters) (show north message)
SOUT - SOUT[h] (no parameters) (show south message)
XYZZ - XYZZ[y] (no parameters) (show xyzzy message)
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