#BBS Software
7 messages in this thread
Well, I've decided to go ahead and take the plunge and start a BBS. What I
need is some info on BBS software. The three real main requirements I have
(which is probably asking a lot) is FidoNet compatability, that it be
reasonably easy to use, and fairly stable. Multitasking would be nice (for
when I finally break down and get more RAM) too. The ones I've been kind of
leaning towards are Paragon and Skyline. I've also heard of one called
Dialog-Pro (or just Dialog), but haven't been able to find out anything
about it. I don't mind buying the commercial BBS software, but does anyone
also know of any PD/Sharewares that fit the bill?? It looks like the board
will be running on a stock 1meg A2000HD with a 40meg HD, and a 2400 baud
modem (at least for now). I've heard that FidoNet can be implemented on
Skyline through the AREXX port. Not having any experience with either
Skyline or AREXX, is it a big deal to do? Is FidoNet built into Paragon?
I've also seen that BBS-PC! is used a lot, but from what I can gather,
there are no updates forthcoming. Looking forward to any and all comments.
Glenn
First Welcome to the world of SYSOP's, I think you'll need more Ram to run
a BBS with Fidonet but I'm not sure, Paragon is a good program for Fidonet
and skyline is a close second, I use skyline my self and love it But you
may run into Memory problems with only 1 Meg (Mainly for running online
games via Arexx) I'm not up on PD/Shareware BBS Programs so I couldn't help
you there.
James Scott
Great Day to be Alive
Hi Glenn,
I am presently running a Dialog Professional BBS system and I really love
the software. It's very easy to use from a sysop's stand point (much easier
from what I hear than Paragon). Some one else left you a message saying the
Skyline was a close second to Paragon for Fido capability. Hmm… I wasn't
aware that Skyline sysop's presently had the ability to do Fido. At any
rate, Dialog does and also supports UseNet/UUCP. These are not the easiest
things to set up, but it is being done by many Dialog sysops. Dialog is
multi-user allowing up to 36 users online at the same time and up to 65,000
users on the system. It does allow online chat sessions between users, but
I think Paragon's chat feature is better implemented at this time. Dialog
is based on an operating system approach. There is only a handler in memory
at all times and this greatly reduces memory requirements. The average
memory requirements for each port (modem line) is 50-100k. That makes it a
good candidate for running on an unexpanded 500 or 1000. (Here comes the
plug!) You can see it in action by calling:
COLE PLACE MUSIC BOARD (714) 827-3265
Regards,
Allen
Allen,
I know Skyline supports Fido through it's AREXX port by, I assume, an
external module. Is Fido support an integral part of Dialog, or is it done
through a door or external module? How tough is it to get Fido up and
running with Dialog (or Paragon, if anyone else knows)? Also, can you give
me the price for Dialog, where you got it from, etc. Thanks for the help!!
Glenn
Glenn,
Fido support is integrated into Dialog in that it will accept net and
echo mail into its message areas (keeps msg points properly updated for
users, etc.). 3rd party programs are needed to converse with other Fido
boards (TrapDoor, etc.). Dialog comes with script files prepared to
interface with such programs. Again, it should be pointed out that Dialog
is not one large BBS program (like BBS-PC!), but rather more like an
operating system. This allows for the ease of running script and other
types of files.
How hard is it? I haven't done it yet, but I'll let you know what I get
that part of the system up and running.
You can call the main Dialog BBS at (306) 249-2352. Tom Conroy who is one
of the Dialog authors runs this system.
Regards,
Allen
Allen,
Thanks for the info. I've pretty much decided to go with Paragon, as I have
some local support here to help get it going and maintained, and I like a
lot of the features of the software. See ya on Fido!
Glenn
Glenn,
Good luck with Paragon! It's a powerful system. If you have local
support, I'm sure you will find it most helpful.
Regards,
Allen