#Amiga BBS software???
8 messages in this thread
HELP! – My 14 year old son wants to run a BBS – But the main item he is
interested in is Doors! He would like a MessyDos system since "all the
GOOD doors are on IBM systems", but I don't have the money to spare for
another MSdos system right now….. I DO have an Amiga system he can use.
Is there an Amiga system which will run Doors (preferably those that a 14
yr old would consider good)???
Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!
– Jane McAshan, 73030,1601 – via Whap!
Jane;
Yes, I'm pretty sure that there are several AmigaBBS programs that will
run "doors." Hopefully, others will be able to provide the specifics. I
don't even know what "doors" is other than to note that many AmigaBBS file
listings make reference to it.
-bill
Jane,
The software systems with Doors do exist. Our club BBS has run two or
three different ones, each permitting the use of at least two phone lines.
However, I cannot recall the names of them and do not know the source.
If you don't get better information, contact me and I'll give you the
phone number of the club member who purchases and installs software for
the club BBS. He'd be glad to talk with you about it, I'm sure. He's
really a great person, and I don't know of anyone who enjoys the Amiga
more.
—Betty
Jane,
Pretty much all the Amiga BBS packages will run "doors" of one type of
another. A pseudo-standard among various packages is those doors designed
to run on the Paragon system. Xenolink, DLG Pro. and others will run
Paragon doors. Skyline runs it's own format as does CNet. There are
others as well. These four are pretty common. None of these are
particularly inexpensive. CNet can be found at some dealers for under
$100, Skyline about the same, Xenolink & DLG Pro are close to $200.
I run Xenolink on my own BBS and have run Skyline in the past. Xenolink
is considerably more complicated to setup but does offer multi-line
support and more "power". Skyline was for the most part, easy to setup
and use, though weak on sysop maintenance features.
Running a BBS requires a pretty good understanding of AmigaDOS, the
CLI/Shell interface, serial ports and arcane modem configurations. When
you add in "doors" to it, the complexity goes up by an order of magnitude
as you have to deal with the requirements of each door program and the
usually minimal documentation.
FWIW, the software on MS-DOG systems typically runs as much or more than
equivalent Amiga software. It also requires just as much knowledge but
about MS-DOS.
There are PD & shareware packages available, though I don't know what type
of "doors" they may or may not run.
Good luck.
Phil
I suggest pointing your son to Proteus BBS. It's _free_ and better than
many costly BBS packages out there (you can download it here on CIS).
Proteus is ARexx-oriented and therefore can run many 'Doors' written in
ARexx with little modification. If you want to take a look at a Proteus
system, I run one at (508) 677-4535. Your son may just flip his wig at
what you can do with Proteus now, including 'ParaBIT' which allows a
caller to upload, download and continue using the terminal/menu system
_all_at_once_, which can be a great time saver.
FYI – The reference to 'Doors' usually means 'Online Games', though not
always.
-Chris
He's definitely interested in the "online games" type! I currently run a
6 yr old Amiga BBS, running BBS-PC, one of the original Amiga BBS programs.
I've been reluctant to change, both due to the number of users, and files,
and a lack of interest in additional features (lack of TIME too)! However,
if my son and his friends will help, I'll switch…. but they want one that
can run GAMES too!…..
– Jane McAshan, 73030,1601 – via Whap!
Jane,
The MCCC BBS in Dallas/Ft. Worth is using XenoLink software, and it
supports the games. It's rather easy to use, too (at least for the users)
– much easier than some of the others I've seen.
—Betty