UNC Bulletin Board Service bbs.acs.unc.edu INTRODUCTION The UNC Office for Information Technology--Computing Services BBS is a public, Internet-based Bulletin Board System. Users can connect to it via Telnet, or over dial-up lines if they have access to an Internet port. Direct dialup is available at UNC for those without Internet access. With this arrangement, the vast majority of users can connect to the BBS without a communications charge. FEATURES We provide a variety of services, and are in the process of adding even more. This BBS was developed as an information, mail, and conferencing system with file upload and download facilities. We provide: Network News Access -- users may read and post to Internet-based news groups. These news groups cover hundreds of topics and are read by thousands. Internet Mail -- Users may send and receive mail to and from any Internet or Bitnet site in the world. Internet to Fidonet gateways exist, so this means that users can send mail to Fidonet boards from this one. Mail may be exchanged with many UUCP sites as well. Messaging -- Local messaging facilities are available. Special Interest Groups -- Public or Private SIG's may be set up for interested groups. Conferencing -- An unlimited number of users can engage in real-time conferencing via our conferencing facility. File Transfer -- Files may be uploaded and downloaded via Kermit or FTP. INFO -- The UNC Campus INFO (videotext) System can be directly accessed through the BBS. Library Catalog Access -- access the catalogs in several states may be accessed through the BBS. THE SYSTEM Our BBS is a extremely heavily modified version of XBBS, by Sanford J. Zelkowitz. It runs on a DECStation 3100 equipped with 16 Mb of RAM and 1.2 Gbytes of disk space, running Ultrix 4.0. CONNECTING TO THE BBS There are three ways to connect to the bbs. 1) The best way for workstation users to access the BBS is through Telnet. Connect to bbs.acs.unc.edu (128.109.157.30 for the BINDless) and log in as "bbs". No password is needed. 2)Dialup connection is also easy. Dial (919) 962-9911 at 1200 bps, or (919) 962-9921 for 2400 bps. When connected, hit the carriage return key slowly until you get a # prompt. At the #, do the following: #inet Connected to port (xxx,xxx) ACS INET> c bbs connected to samba.acs.unc.edu login: bbs Answer the questions asked by the BBS software and you will have your account. 3) Occasionally you will get a message that tells you that "UNABLE TO OPEN SESSION - REMOTE PORT(S) BUSY" as a response to your typing "inet." Never fear, there is another (but slightly less clear) way to the bbs. Do the following: #inet # UNABLE TO OPEN SESSION - REMOTE PORT(S) BUSY #decnet # CALL COMPLETED TO 11DB,0 (1) DECserver 200 Terminal Server V1.0 (BL20) - LAT V5.1 Please type HELP if you need assistance Local> c telnet Local -010- Session 1 to TELNET on node KALI established UNC-CH SPH/BME LAT to TELNET gateway (kali.rad.unc.edu) Access outside of network 128.109.0.0 is prohibited Enter an Internet host name or address. Destination host? bbs Connecting to samba.acs.unc.edu ... Trying... Connected to samba.acs.unc.edu. login: bbs Answer the questions asked by the BBS software and you will have your account. USAGE You will be able to immediately use the BBS. You will note, however, that you cannot send Internet mail or post news. All we need is a completed request form from you to enable these features. The BBS provides instructions on getting this form. We do this to prevent abuse of the system YOUR IDEAS Ideas, suggestions, and criticisms are welcome. When you log off from the BBS, you will be given the opportunity to leave a private message with the System Operator. If you need a particular service, let us know. If there is sufficient demand, we may be able to help.