City Of Night Bulletin Board
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                               Users'  Handbook
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                                              By: Robert Swan
                                              Last Update: September 1995
                                              (C) Copyright 1995
      
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 2
      
      
      Table Of Contents
      -----------------
      
      Chapter 1 - Introduction
      
          About Bulletin Boards In General...............   4
          How Bulletin Boards Work ......................   4
          Our Purpose ...................................   5
          Our History ...................................   7
          Our Machine Configuration .....................   8
      
      Chapter 2 - Connecting To City Of Night
      
          Connecting Using The Phone.....................   9
          Connecting Via Internet .......................  11
          Connecting Via Radio Packet ...................  11
          Equipment/Terminals Supported .................  11
          Logging Into City .............................  12
          Logging Off City ..............................  13
      
      Chapter 3 - City Membership
      
          Guest Usage Of City ...........................  14
          Becoming A Member Of City .....................  14
          Validation ....................................  14
          Rules Of Conduct ..............................  15
      
      Chapter 4 - Basic Usage Tips
      
          Basics ........................................  17
          The TOP Menu ..................................  18
          The SIG Menu (Special Interest Groups) ........  18
          Disturb Flags .................................  18
          Messages ......................................  19
      
      Chapter 5 - Electronic Mail
      
          Local Electronic Mail .........................  20
          Internet Mail .................................  20
      
      Chapter 6 - Sending Public Messages
      
          Public Message Bases ..........................  21
          Special Interest Groups .......................  22
          Stories .......................................  22
          Bulletins .....................................  23
          Voting ........................................  23
      
      Chapter 7 - Teleconference
      
          Basic Teleconference Usage ....................  24
          The Teleconference Rooms ......................  25
          Teleconference Commands .......................  26
          Actions .......................................  28
          Invitation Lists ..............................  29
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 3
      
      
      Chapter 8 - Chat Modes
      
          Private Chat ..................................  30
          Public Chat ...................................  31
          Broadcast Messages ............................  31
          Accept/Reject Lists ...........................  32
      
      Chapter 9 - Account Information
      
          Section Y - Private Account Data ..............  33
          Section A - Public Query Data .................  33
      
      Chapter 10 - Games
      
          Credits .......................................  34
          The Games Menu ................................  34
          Labyrinth .....................................  34
      
      Chapter 12 - File Transfers
      
          Section F - File Libraries ....................  35
          Rules Regarding Files .........................  36
          Xmodem Protocol ...............................  37
          Ascii Protocol ................................  38
      
      Chapter 13 - Intersystem Connections
      
          Pipes .........................................  39
          Aux Ports .....................................  39
      
      Chapter 14 - Internet Access
      
          What Is Internet ..............................  40
          Signing Up For Internet .......................  41
          Full Shell Access .............................  41
          Mail-Only Access ..............................  41
          World-Wide-Web Page ...........................  41
          About City's Internet Connection ..............  41
      
      Chapter 15 - Direct Command Mode
      
          The BBS's Architecture ........................  42
          Using Direct Commands .........................  42
          Macros ........................................  43
          Creating Your Own Macros ......................  43
          Command Language Reference ....................  44
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 4
      
      About Bulletin Boards In General
      
          City Of Night is an Online Computer Bulletin Board System. 
      Bulletin Boards (often referred to as BBS's), exist throughout
      the world as electronic meeting places and centers for the exchange
      of ideas and information between people using computers. The first
      BBS's came into existence in the late 1970's, but it wasn't until
      the mid-1980's that cheap modems and computers made them really
      popular with large numbers of people. Since that time, BBSing (which
      is the practice of connecting to, and using, BBS's) has become one
      of the major uses of home modems and computers.
      
          There are many types of Bulletin Board Systems:
      
          Commercial -      Established by companies to distribute
                            information about their products, or advice 
                            and program fixes.
      
          Educational -     Established by schools to enable parents and
                            teachers to exchange class-related
                            information.
      
          Special-Purpose - Established by political or social groups
                            for particular kinds of information.
      
          Dating -          Designed to enable people to meet and start
                            relationships.
      
          General-Purpose - Designed to support a wide variety of changing
                            needs. City Of Night fits in this category.
      
      
      How Bulletin Boards Work
      
          Most BBS's consist of a computer located at some central place,
      running specialized software, and having one or more phone lines and
      modems attached to it.  The computer waits for a call from a user,
      then answers the phone and connects the user to the BBS. Once 
      connected, the user may take part in whatever activities the 
      particular BBS will support or allow. 
      
          Most BBS's will only communicate with users who have modems.
      You will therefore need a modem to connect, as well as a computer
      running communications software. (You may also connect using a 
      modem and a 'dumb terminal', although with the availability of
      cheap computers, this has become a rarely used mode.)
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 5
      
      
          If you dial a BBS's number with a regular telephone, you will
      hear a number of strange tones when the system answers. These tones
      are the way modems communicate over the phone, and are a sure sign
      that you should be using a modem to make the call rather than a
      regular telephone. 
      
          Some BBS's (not City) have operating hours. This applies
      mostly to small BBS's which are sharing a phone line with people
      who want to use the line for regular calls during the day. Most
      large BBS's (like City) are available 24 hours a day, seven days
      a week.  Occasionally, you may call City and not get an answer;
      this is generally due to maintenance operations being performed
      by the System Operators (Sysops). Files must be backed up at
      regular intervals in case of disk failure, and the system will
      be unable to answer calls at these times. At City, we always
      attempt to schedule these downtimes at the least busy times of
      the day, typically Thursday or Friday mornings. If City does not
      answer, just wait a few minutes and try again.
      
      
      Our Purpose
      
          There are two main purposes for City Of Night:
      
          1)  City exists to facilitate the exchange of ideas and
              opinions among the young people of the San Francisco
              Bay Area. This allows people to socialize and make
              new friends in a semi-supervised atmosphere where people
              can remain anonymous.
      
              To further this goal, a variety of chat modes and
              conferencing modes are supported. There are public
              message posting boards for general subjects, and a 
              large number of special subjects. Users can post
              questions to be put for an immediate vote by the
              membership,
      
              To insure privacy, users are not required to reveal any
              personal data about themselves to other users at any time.
              Users are encouraged to be very careful about giving away
              their personal information. They should NEVER make info
              such as home phone number, real name, or address, available
              to the general user community by posting it to a public
              message board. Giving out another user's personal data
              is also contrary to the Rules of Conduct on this system.
      
              However, the operators have no control over an individual
              deciding to tell someone else their personal data. Anyone
              who does this, does so at their own risk.
      
              To promote safety, the Sysop requires that all new users
              DO provide personal data to the operator of the BBS. This
              discourages any kind of illegal activity, since the system
              operator can report such activities to the authorities
              if necessary.
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 6
      
      
          2)  City exists to encourage and assist young people in 
              learning how computers operate and are programmed.
              Computers will play an ever-increasing role in our lives,
              and being computer-literate is very important.
      
              To further this goal, several special-interest discussion
              groups are dedicated to computer subjects. City also has
              a unique feature called Direct Command Mode which allows
              users to actually program the BBS while they are connected.
              Several of the system operators are computer professionals
              in real life, and are available to give advice and
              suggestions about computer subjects and career choices.
              City's file libraries have a large number of shareware
              products to further anyone's computer-related interests.
      
          City has other minor goals, of course. If the whole thing
      where not 'fun', then it would not be successful! Running City
      has helped the system operators in their own careers, by creating
      an environment of learning about the needs of modern computer
      users. And the City's Software was developed with the help of
      users testing its various functions.
      
          City also supports a number of specialized goals, by allowing
      certain users to run their own special interest areas. These
      include political discussions, schoolwork discussions, and dating
      services.
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 7
      
      
      Our History
      
          City Of Night started out in 1982. The Sysop was impressed with
      the Compuserve Information System, and decided to create a similar
      system using a brand-new Commodore VIC-20 computer with 3500 bytes
      of memory. This first system was called S.I.N. (The Swan Information
      Network), and consisted of the VIC-20 computer, a modified VicModem,
      and a single tape drive for message backup and logging. This little
      system supported only one user at a time (although the user could
      chat with the sysop), had electronic mail, and public messages. This
      proved to be totally inadequate of course.
      
          The next improvement came about when the Sysop purchased a 
      16k memory expander module and a 1540 floppy disk drive. The

      software was totally rewritten to take advantage of the new
      machine resources, and it was renamed System-20.  It supported
      multiple, relatively large message bases, improved system status
      and sysop functions, and a sophisticated command interpreter, 
      but still with only one user at a time. This system was in operation
      for about a year.
      
          During this time, the software was cloned for use by
      other people. The most successful clone was Randall, but it was
      never placed into permanent operation.
      
          In late 1983, the Commodore C-64 was introduced. The Sysop
      purchased this machine and a second disk drive, and again began
      a major rewrite. This new system was called Q.I.N. (Quintessential
      Information Network), and was highly successful. Although it 
      supported only a single user and no file transfers, its console
      chat and message base facilities were quite sophisticated and it
      attracted quite a few callers. (One must remember that in 1983,
      almost all BBS's were still single-user). Q.I.N. could remain
      in operation for weeks non-stop.
      
          In late 1984, a second version of Q.I.N. was written (called
      QIN-2), which had a far superior command interpreter and a structure
      that allowed on-the-fly configuration changes. The intention was
      to make the interpreter the central processing element (like in
      the current City), but the C-64 lacked the capacity to accomplish
      this. No further development was done on the Commodore-based City
      BBS's. QIN-2 ran for another few years, until its 300-baud modem
      capacity limit became a significant problem. Our BBS operation
      was temporarily halted in mid 1985. 
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 8
      
      
          In 1986, the Sysop obtained a Leading Edge XT-style computer
      and started up the BBS again using WildCat shareware. WildCat
      turned out to be totally unacceptable from  a configuration
      point of view, although it did have many nice features and supported
      speeds greater than 300 baud. Also, for the first time, we had
      file libraries! Development of a homegrown BBS program for the
      IBM was started in late 1987. Goals were set very high. In
      particular, we wanted:
      
          - Support for multiple concurrent users
          - Support for file transfers
          - Capability of running on the XT (8088), since
            386 computers were still in the $4,000 price range.
      
          The initial development took about 1 year, and the new
      homegrown IBM-based BBS went online in late 1988. This system
      was called Star-Alameda, although the new software continues
      to bear the name QIN.  Although it had fewer features than many
      boards, it was an immediate success. This was mostly due to its
      unique 'feel', and its full implementation of a direct command
      mode that was capable of executing user programs. It was in 1989
      time that the name 'City Of Night' was adopted, at first as a
      special interest group on the system, then later as the name
      for the overall system. The first City Of Night had three 1200
      baud modems, the Leading Edge 8088 computer, and its 20 meg
      hard drive. The Sysop's console appeared as a fourth port, and
      all ports could chat. At the time of its initial release, QIN
      was more capable than any freeware BBS program, and better than
      most commercial products designed of 8088 computers. The underlying
      program architecture has not changed since this release.
      
          However, City has continued to grow. Program changes to
      add ports and memory, improve functionality, and provide user
      visible expansion have been continuous. City now runs on a 386
      clone computer with 700 megs of hard drive space, 4 megs of ram,
      and 12 modems. There are no definite plans, but in the near
      future we may port City over to a Unix-based machine where better
      use can be made of memory. Right now, City runs under DOS.
      
      Our Machine Configuration
      
          - Homemade 386 clone computer with 64k cache
          - All homegrown software
          - 4 megs of 70ns RAM memory, used as EMS.
          - 1 Zoom 14.4 external modem
          - 4 Hayes Optima 2400 mnp external modems
          - 7 CPI 2400 modems
          - 4 Kouwell 4-port serial cards
          - 2 Kouwell 2-port serial cards
          - 1 Connor 540 SCSI hard drive
          - 1 Maxtor 120 SCSI hard drive
          - 1 Adaptec SCSI host card
          - 1 Hercules monochrome video card
          - 1 Original IBM monochrome monitor
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 9 
      
      
      Chapter 2 - Connecting To City Of Night
      ---------------------------------------
      
      Connecting Using The Phone
      
          The preferred method of connecting to City is by using normal
      phone lines to one of our 12 dial-in modems. There are three
      phone numbers you might need to know, as described below. Note that
      City uses a single 'hunt group'; if you dial the first number and
      its busy, the phone company will automatically switch you to the
      next available number (unless they are ALL busy, in which case you
      will get a busy signal.) Unless you have special needs as noted
      below, you should always connect using the FIRST number.
      
          (510) 521-7827   - This is City's primary number, and the number
                             you should use unless you have special needs.
                             This number will ring at all 12 of City's
                             lines, giving you the maximum chance of 
                             getting a connection.
      
          (510) 521-0327   - This number jumps into the middle of the 
                             group, on the first error-correcting modem.
                             It will ring at 5 of City's 12 lines. Use
                             this number if:
      
                             - You have an error-correcting modem, ie.
                               a modem with v.32 or mnp, AND
      
                             - You have experienced line noise when
                               using the first number.
      
          (510) 521-9606   - This number jumps into the end of the
                             group, on the 14.4 modem. It rings only a
                             single line out of City's 12 lines, so you
                             have the least chance of getting in. You
                             should only use this number if:
      
                             - You have a modem which is faster than
                               2400 (ie. 9600, 14.4, or 28.8), AND
      
                             - You have a need for a high speed
                               connection because you want to transfer
                               files or do other intensive operations.
      
      Note:  Even though you dial the low-speed number, you may be
             connected to the high-speed line if all the low-speed
             lines are busy. This is normal. We want everyone to be
             connected!
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 10
      
      
      You will generally have to follow this procedure to dial into
      City:
      
          1)  Boot up your computer, and start your communications
              program. City will work with almost any communications
              program, including telix, procomm, qmodem, Windows
              Terminal, etc. 
      
          2)  If you are given the option, tell your program to
              perform ANSI-BBS emulation.  If this is not available,
              then select VT100 emulation. If no emulations are
              available on your program, you will probably still be
              able to connect; just skip this step.
      
          3)  Tell your communications program to dial the number
              for our BBS. This is done differently in various programs.
              In procomm, you press alt-d.
      
              If your program does not have dialing capability, you
              might be able to get your modem to dial by typing:
      
              ATDT5217827        <-- Put in the correct number
      
              If you are using a DUMB MODEM (non-Hayes compatible),
              you might have to pick up a phone, and dial the number
              yourself. When City answers with a load tone, merely
              switch on your DUMB MODEM, and hang up the phone. This
              type of equipment is now pretty rare.
      
          4)  You might have to tell your program to wait up to 60
              seconds for a connection. The default wait time is
              often set to 30 seconds, which is sometimes too short
              for a busy system like City.
      
          5)  You should get a connected message, first from your
              program, then from City. You might have to press your
               key a few times to bring this up, especially if
              you have an error-correcting modem and you are not calling
              our error-correcting line.
      
          6)  At the prompts, enter your City Of Night User Name and
              secret password. If you do not yet have an account on City,
              and if the system offers you the option, use the name
              guest.  Note that upper and lower case are ignored in
              this login process. However, your backspace key might
              not be handled correctly. If you mistype, just press
              your  key and try again. You will be given several
              chances.
      
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 11
      
      
      Connecting Via Internet
      
          City Of Night supports two kinds of connections via the
      Internet:
      
          1)  Guest connections.  Telnet to Citynight.com and login
              as 'guest'. This option is only switched on occasionally.
      
          2)  Subscriber connections. Telnet to Citynight.com and login
              with your Citynight Unix password. When connected to
              Citynight, type:  city    or:  city2. This option is
              available at all times to our Internet Service Subscribers,
              but since there are only two ports available, we encourage
              users to dial in instead.
      
      
      Connecting Via Radio Packet
      
          City sometimes allows connections via radio, using the
      amateur radio packet switching system. Our address is WA6ZJG-2,
      and once a packet connection to this address is made, you login
      using the normal commands. Note that passwords sent over the
      packet system are not very secure! 
      
          To make use of this option, you will need a radio license
      and some specialized equipment. While we welcome such experimental
      activities, the primary use of this facility is to allow connections
      from remote sites like our Gatherings, where no phone lines are
      available.
      
      
      Equipment/Terminals Supported
      
          City is designed specifically to be compatible with any
      terminal or communications program. While it might not exploit
      the full capabilities of your terminal, you should be able to
      use City adequately.
      
          City uses primarily ANSI-BBS communications, which is a
      compatible superset of the time-honored VT-100 protocol. You
      should try to get your communications equipment operating in
      this mode, in order to take advantage of color output and quick
      cursor movement. However, City can be switched to 'plain ascii
      text' output. (It defaults to this mode when you connect as
      a guest, but remembers the last mode you used.) In non-ANSI,
      plain text mode, City should be compatible with 100% of ascii
      terminals. 
      
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 12
      
      
      Logging Onto City
      
          Everyone on City Of Night has a unique 'User Name'. This name
      identifies you to the system, and can be almost any name(s) or 
      word(s) you like. The Sysop reserves the right to limit your
      choice based on good taste and to avoid confusion. The username
      is sometimes referred to as a 'handle'. You should NOT use your
      real name as your Username since this name is visible to all other
      users on the system. You may tell your friends your Username.
      
          In addition to the Username, you will have a Password. You
      should never tell anyone your password. Choose a password which
      is hard to guess, and is not associated with you in real life.
      (See the section on Security for more hints.) A valid combination
      of your Username and Password are required for you to connect to
      City.
      
          Once you have established a connection to City, you will see
      prompts from our system for your Username and Password. If you
      have already been granted an account on City (and have been told
      your username and password), you should enter them. There are
      rules against using a username that belongs to another user,
      although it is sometimes permitted. 
      
          If you are unable to get past the prompts with your Username,
      then look for the option to enter the name GUEST. This will allow
      you to connect using a guest account, where you can e-mail the
      Sysop for information about your Username. The guest facility
      is not always turned on; in particular, if the system is very
      busy with regular users, guests might not be allowed.
      
          When you log in as a guest, your access will be very limited.
      Guest accounts are designed to let you look around the system and
      decide if you'd like to become a member. If you decide to apply
      for membership, select option R at the Top Menu.
      
          There are two membership-granting modes available:
      
          1)  Immediate username allocation - You will be allowed
              to create a new username immediately for yourself. This
              account will still be somewhat restricted until you are
              validated, but it will be far better than a guest account.
              Anyone caught creating multiple usernames for themselves
              will be banned from the system.
      
          2)  Delayed allocation - You will be allowed to submit your
              personal data and choice of a username, but not to create
              it. The Sysop reviews these applications, and contacts the
              persons by phone to set up the account.
      
      
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 13
      
      
      Logging Off City
      
          You can disconnect from City at any time simply by hanging up
      your phone connection. This does not hurt City, the way it hurts
      some other BBS software products.
      
          You may also logoff type selecting option L from the Top Menu.
      This option will request confirmation, and also give you the chance
      to connect again using a different Username (without hanging up the
      phone and risking the lose of your dial-in connection.) This is
      very useful if several members of the family want to connect, and
      the system is very busy.
      
          Be sure to save or post any messages or files you are working
      on before logging off; City does not save your work automatically.
      
          Also note that there are certain time limits which can cause
      you to be logged off automatically, as well as line noise detectors
      to prevent an 'runaway modem' from posting garbage. 
      
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 14
      
      
      Chapter 3 - City Membership
      ---------------------------
      
      Guest Usage Of City
      
          City Of Night sometimes allows users to connect using a Guest
      Account. Guest accounts are designed for three purposes:
      
          1)  If you are unable to logon using your regular Username for
              any reason, you can connect as a guest then contact the
              Sysop for assistance via electronic mail. This sometimes
              happens when a user forgets his password.
      
          2)  Guest accounts enable first-time users to try out the
              system without establishing an account, to decide if they
              want to become members.
      
          3)  During times when new members are not being accepted, guest
              accounts can be used to try out the system anyway. By
              connecting occasionally as a guest, you can stay in touch
              and read announcements about when new users might again be
              accepted.
      
          Guest accounts are quite limited. They have a very short time
      limit per call, and there are many functions that are blocked.
      Guests are not generally allowed to post any messages or view
      other users public query data.
      
      Becoming A Member Of City
      
          If you like City Of Night, and want to become a member, you will
      have to apply for membership. This is done from the Top Menu by
      selecting option M.
      
          There are no charges or fees associated with City use or
      membership.
      
          You will be asked to select a Username and a Password, and to
      enter some real data about yourself, including your real name,
      address, and voice phone number. This information is required;
      without it, your account will not be opened. The information will
      be verified, and your account will be closed if the information
      does not check out. 
      
      Depending on the new user mode selected by the Sysop, you might
      be able to create your new account and start using it immediately,
      or you might have to wait for the Sysop to verify your information.
      
      Validation
      
          Validation is the process followed by the Sysop of checking your
      personal data to decide if you should be granted membership in City.
      Since City Of Night is a privately owned, privately run, no-charge
      system, the Sysop's are under no obligation to admit anyone, and may
      close an account at any time. 
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 15
      
      
          Validation will generally involve a phone call to the number
      you gave us in your application. The phone number you give must be
      a VOICE phone number, not a modem/BBS number, not a pager number,
      and not an answering machine number. The Sysop's will try a
      reasonable number of times to reach you at this number, then drop
      you from the validation list. If you really want membership, leave
      a number where you can be reached.
      
      
      Rules Of Conduct
      
          We all hate rules, but to insure a smooth-running community and
      to protect the members, some rules are necessary. The Sysop will
      make all determinations of when rules have been broken. Sanctions
      from breaking City's rules can range from a letter of warning to
      permanent banishment from the BBS.  Other actions which cause
      trouble for the Sysop or User community can lead to sanctions, even
      if not mentioned here. But this is a fairly complete list of the
      actions which can get you into trouble on City:
      
      1)  Giving fake information for validation. You must keep us
          up-to-date with your real name, address, and phone number.
          If at any time your data does not check out, your account
          will be closed.
      
      2)  Threats against any user will not be tolerated. The excuse
          'well he threatened me first' will not be accepted. If someone
          threatens you, e-mail the Sysop about it.
      
      3)  Excessive profanity, either in chat, messages or anywhere on
          the BBS.  
      
      4)  Using someone else's account is not allowed. The only exception
          is when you have the persons permission, and are doing it
          because the person is unable to connect themselves. In this
          case, you must not impersonate the owner of the account to
          other users or the Sysop.
      
      5)  Giving out personal information about other users is not
          allowed. This is meant to cover such info as their real name,
          phone number, address, school, workplace, etc. 
      
      6)  Any illegal activity, or discussion of illegal activity, will
          get your account closed immediately, and can also lead to your
          name being reported to police or other authorities. This 
          includes drug dealing, software piracy, or any other illegal
          activity. This is intended to prevent City from becoming a
          meeting place for criminals; innocent discussions of any
          subject ARE allowed, so long as City does not become part
          of a real or planned crime.
      
      7)  Flooding another user with messages or broadcasts, so they
          cannot use the system effectively, is not allowed and will
          generally result in your broadcast ability being turned off.
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 16
      
      
      8)  Any attempt to hack into City, or to hack into other people's
          accounts.  Exception: if you suspect there is a system bug,
          you may report the situation to the Sysop then try to exploit
          it. If you find a security bug in our software, you must report
          it. Reports of actual bugs will be rewarded with credits or
          extra privleges.
      
      9)  Any kind of harassment of other users, or any action intended
          to make the system less usable to other people or to damage the
          system in any way, is not allowed.
      
      10) Users are not allowed to impersonate a system operator.
      
      11) Any activity which the Sysop's do not like will be stopped.
      
      
          There is one overall fact that you should remember when you
      connected to City Of Night: City is a privately owned system. All
      data entered into City is the property of the Sysop. The Sysop has
      the right to deny access to anyone, and does not have to give any
      reason. By your usage of City, you agree to these terms.
      
          The City's computer is in the Sysop's home, so everyone who
      connects is actually a guest in the Sysop's home. Politeness and
      consideration for the Sysop and other users must always be
      exercised.
      
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 17
      
      Chapter 4 - Basic Usage Tips
      ----------------------------
      
      Basics
      
          Most menu options in City Of Night can be selected by simply
      pressing the single key associated with the option. For example,
      if the menu reads:
       
             S - Send A Message
             Q - Quit
      
             Enter Selection -->
      
      Then you need only press the 'S' key on your keyboard to select the
      Send A Message option. You do not have to shift the S to upper case,
      since most menus will understand either lower or upper case. You
      also do not generally have to press the  key when selecting
      options; if the only allowed response is a single letter, the system
      will respond immediately when that letter is pressed, and not wait
      for an  to be pressed. There are two exceptions:
      
          - If the possible responses include values with more than one
            keystroke, but your choice is a single keystroke, you will
            have to press  after your single keystroke. 
      
          - When you are entering text (such as in a letter or
            teleconference), the  key signals to our software
            that your entry is finished. In most cases, the system will
            insert an  keystroke for you when you approach the end
            of the line. However, in cases like these, your last
            word might get cut off, so its better to press return
            yourself. (There is 'wordwrap' in some places, but not in 
            all places.)
      
          If at any time you are unsure what to do next, try just
      pressing the  key, or the '?' key. One of these keys will
      generally bring up a menu of the possible choices you can make.
      
          If you make a mistake while typing text, you can use your
       key to move back and correct it. However, the backspace
      key on some computers is non-standard. If your backspace key does
      not appear to work correctly, try going into Section Y and setting
      the 'Type Of Backspace' option for your account.
      
          Cursor keys are not recognized by the City software. There is
      no full-screen edit facility at the current time. If you press a
      cursor key, you will likely get some garbage characters like [D.
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 18
      
          City does not 'queue up' your keystrokes like some systems.
      You will have to wait for a prompt before you will be allowed to
      type anything. Note that excessive keystrokes before a prompt
      appears may cause the 'run-away modem detector' to be triggered,
      which will log you off. If requires several hundred keystrokes to
      fool the detector this way, so don't worry too much.
      
      The TOP Menu
      
          When you connect to City Of Night, you will receive several
      pages of system announcement messages and account status messages,
      then you will be placed in the TOP MENU.  The Top Menu is the 
      main central point of control for the BBS; from the Top Menu, 
      options branch out in all directions. The options of the main
      menu are commonly called 'Sections'. Pressing the '?' key will
      cause the Top Menu to display the options available. Note that
      if you are a guest caller, or are not yet validated, then some
      of the options will be restricted. The Top Menu prompt includes
      a message reminding you of how many minutes you have left this
      call before the system logs you off.
      
      The SIG Menu
      
          By pressing 'J' on the Top Menu, you will be taken to section J,
      which is the Special Interest Group Menu. This menu contains
      pointers to areas of the system which are run by appointed users
      rather than the Sysop. Some options lead to simple message bases;
      other options lead to entire sub-menu systems. Since City allows
      users to program their own menus, you will see some strange things,
      which often change. If you would like to run a SIG, discuss the
      possibilities with the Sysop.
      
      Disturb Flags
      
          City Of Night includes facilities for users to interrupt each
      each other to initiate chats, etc. However, some users do not
      want to be interrupted. To control interruptions, there are three
      flags:
      
          Your Do-Not-Disturb Flag - If set off, the system will allow
          users to interrupt you with chat requests and broadcasts. The
          only users who cannot interrupt you, are users you have placed
          on your 'reject list'.  Once set on, the system will not allow
          users to interrupt you. The only users who will still be allowed
          to interrupt you, are users that you have placed on your 'accept
          list'. You can change the setting of your flag, and update the
          accept/reject lists, using either section R from the Top Menu,
          or by using commands in teleconference.
      
          Your Inform Flag - If set off, then you will be notified each
          time a user connects to the system. If set on, you will not
          be notified. This flag is set in section Y.
      
          Your NoInform Flag - If set off, other users will be informed
          when you connect. If set on, other users will not be informed.
          This flag is set in section Y.
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 19
      
      Messages
      
          City Of Night supports the creation and dissemination of
      information among users via messages. There are several ways
      that messages can be saved and organized, which will be detailed
      later. For now, we will discuss some of the characteristics of
      messages and some ways that you can handle them.
      
          A message is a piece of text which can be up to 39 lines long.
      You can type this text into City using the editing capabilities
      of the City software. City's editor is designed for really 'dumb'
      terminals, and allows you to type the information in one line at
      a time. There is wordwrap, so if you simply keep typing, City will
      make sure that the last word on each line is not broken. You can
      pause your data entry at any time by typing /q at the beginning of
      a line. When so paused, you will be presented with editing options:
      
          D - To delete a line
      
          L - To list the lines you have typed so far
      
          M - To modify a line. The original line will be displayed, and
              you can type in the replacement underneath it.
      
          Q - To quit editing, and abort your message. 
      
          B - To broadcast a one-line comment directly to another user
              who is online, without aborting your message.
      
          C - To continue your message entry.
      
          S - To save your message. Instead of pressing /q then S, you
              can also save your message immediately by typing /s at the
              beginning of a line.
      
          Each message entered in City is assigned a unique serial
      number when it is saved. This number will appear whenever the
      message is displayed, and can be used to identify a message
      specifically. (This is generally needed only when making some kind
      of complaint about message content to the Sysop.)
      
          City's message editor is primitive, and many users find it
      easier to create their messages on their own home computers then
      use 'ascii upload' to put them onto City. This is perfectly
      acceptable, and works quite well so long as you remember the line
      and message size limits for City messages. 
      
          You may also want to save a copy of a message (particularly
      a mail message) on your own computer. After you have read an
      interesting message and decided that you want a copy, turn on
      'ascii file capture' or 'logging' on your home computer, then
      press 'A' to read the message again.
      
          Note that guidelines against harassment and profanity apply
      to messages, and your message might be deleted if its offensive.
      Repeated offensive postings might result in suspension of your
      ability to post.
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 20
      
      Chapter 5 - Electronic Mail
      ---------------------------
      
      Local Electronic Mail
      
          City Of Night includes an electronic mail system which allows
      you to send private messages to other users on City. No one can read
      your private messages except you, the destination user, and the
      Sysop. (The Sysop does not pry into users' mail; but in cases of
      harassment by mail, the Sysop may need to read mail to investigate
      allegations of harassment. If you feel you are the victim of 
      harassment by mail, don't delete the message you have received.
      Inform the Sysop, and he will read the message and take appropriate
      action.)
      
          City's mail system is somewhat limited. You should delete your
      mail as soon as you can (after reading it), to conserve space in 
      the mail database. City should not be used as your permanent file
      cabinet! Typically, mail will be deleted automatically after a few
      weeks, even if it has not been read. But do not rely on this
      process; please delete your read mail as soon as you can.
      
          City supports a 'receipt' feature for mail. If your message is
      important, you can request that you be notified when your 
      destination user has read the message you are sending.
      
          City will notify you that new mail has arrived in these three
      ways:
      
          -  When you logon, you will get a message saying that you
             have new mail
      
          -  If you are logged on when you get new mail, and if your
             do-not-disturb flag is off, you will receive an automatic
             broadcast when someone sends you mail.
      
          -  Each time you go back to the Top Menu prompt, the system
             checks for and reports on new mail.
      
      Internet Mail
      
          At various times in the past, City Of Night's mail system
      has been integrated into the world wide Internet mail system.
      However, at the current time there is no such connection. City's
      mail is local only, it only operates between users of the BBS.
      
          Internet mail is available to City users, along with other
      Internet services, but these services must be subscribed-to
      separately. Please refer to the chapter on Internet Services.
      
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 21
      
      Chapter 6 - Sending Public Messages
      -----------------------------------
      
      Public Message Bases
      
          The City's software supports up to 50 public message bases. Some
      of these bases are dedicated to topics of general interest, and many
      others are on loan to special interest groups. 
      
          The bases dedicated to the general user community are grouped
      into section P (press P from the Top Menu). Here you will find areas
      for general announcements, buy-and-sell, gossip, announcements of
      new privately-run BBS's, and other subjects of interest to everyone.
      Most of the more specialized message bases are in section J.
      
          Wherever they are located, the message bases all function in
      the same way. Messages are organized into 'strings', where someone
      has posted a 'subject message', and other users have added their
      'comments'. Each base is limited to 50 subjects, and each subject
      may have 13 comments. Each base is assigned an owner, who has
      delete authority for all messages in the base. Besides the owner,
      only the person who posted a message (or the sysop), may delete
      a message. Co-owners can also be assigned to a message base, and
      they will also have global delete access. The main owner of the
      base can change the title of the base at any time.
      
          Here is an explanation of the options available in a 
      message base: 
      
          Press:  R - to read all the messages in the base, in
                      chronological order.
      
                  N - to read all the messages posted since the
                      last time you were in the message base
                      (the NEW messages). The 'new message flag'
                      for each message is not reset until you 
                      disconnect from City; therefore is you
                      go into a message base twice in the same
                      logon session, the same messages will be
                      read twice as 'new'.
      
                  S - Start reading at a specific subject number.
                      Not very useful unless someone tells you the
                      subject number to start at.
      
                  L - List the message subjects. Useful for quickly
                      getting the feeling for what has been posted.
                      If you see a subject you like, you can note the
                      number of the subject message, then use option S.
      
                  A - Add a new subject. You will be allowed to edit
                      a message which will then be added as a new 
                      subject. 
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 22
      
      
                  C - Change the message base title. This option will
                      only appear for the owner of the base.
      
                  Q - Quit the message base. 
      
          Once you have selected an option to read messages, they will
      be displayed to you one page at a time. At the end of each message,
      a list of options will appear. The exact options vary depending on
      various factors. Here are the possible options:
      
          Press  Q - To quit reading messages. You will be returned to
                     the message base main options prompt.
      
                 N - Next Subject. Any other comments associated with
                     the current subject are skipped.
      
                 R - Read the next comment or subject.
      
                 D - Delete the message you just read. If you press D
                     after reading a subject message, you will delete
                     not only the subject, but all its comments as well.
      
                 A - Add a comment to the current subject string.
      
      Special Interest Groups
      
          Special Interest Groups (or SIG's for short), are created by
      the Sysop in response to requests by users. They are generally
      devoted to fairly narrow subjects, although many exist as 'private
      playgrounds' for small groups of users, rather than them being
      subject oriented. Most of the SIG's are in the section J menu.
      Some of the larger SIG's are reached directly from the Top Menu.
      Most of the SIG's are owned an run by users other than the Sysop.
      
          SIG's may consist of simply a message base, or they may have
      their own menu with many options and be, in effect, like a mini-BBS.
      
      Stories
      
          Story bases are a special type of message base in which the
      messages are organized into a single long string. The messages
      are referred to as 'chapters'.  The intention of a story base
      is to allow the users to actually write a book, by adding chapters
      to the storyline. The options and usage for story bases are
      similar to regular message bases. The owner of a story base may
      enforce a certain etiquette by, for example, deleting any chapter
      which does not fit in the storyline.
      
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 23
      
      Bulletins
      
          Bulletin bases are a special type of message base in which the
      messages are not organized at all. The have the ability to display
      their unread messages at logon, or on entry to particular parts
      of the BBS. Their intended use is to make announcements.
      
      Voting
      
          Ballot bases are used to submit questions to the user community
      and gather opinions. Messages take the form of a question which
      can by up to three lines long (beware - there is not wordwrap when
      you are entering a ballot question. Please try to hit your enter
      key prior to reaching the end of the line!)
      
          At the time a question is entered, the posting users must also
      enter three responses. A fourth response of 'none of the above' is
      always added automatically.
      
          Users may then vote on these questions by reading the question
      and selecting one of the four responses. The answers will be tallied
      by the system, and are available for display by reading the 
      questions. Here are the options available in a ballot base:
      
          Press:  D - To display the poll results for all questions.
      
                  V - To vote on any new questions. You will only be
                      allowed to vote once on each question.
      
                  A - Add a question to the ballot.
      
                  R - Remove a question from the ballot. Only the user
                      who added the question, the ballot owner, and the
                      sysop can remove a question.
      
                  C - Change the title of a ballot. Only the owner of 
                      the ballot and the sysop can change the title.
      
                  Q - Quit the ballot area.
      
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 24
      
      Chapter 7 - Teleconference
      --------------------------
      
      Basic Teleconference Usage
      
          Teleconference (or TCON for short) is a City Of Night facility
      which enables 2 or more persons to engage in a free-flowing, live
      conversation using their computers. Each person in tcon may type
      the comment they wish to make with few interruptions, and with the
      ability to backspace and change the comment before it is sent to
      the other users. Each comment is sent out as an entire sentence
      to the other users in the conference, with the senders handle
      appended to the front of the sentence. Word-wrap is used to make
      sure that long comments are readable without having words broken
      between lines. A single comment may be up to 240 characters long
      (3 normal screen lines). The teleconference main menu is in 
      section T (press T from the Top Menu). All validated users are
      invited to take part.
      
          The main Tcon menu presents the following options:
      
          Press:  L - To list the available tcon 'rooms'. See the
                      next section for a discussion of tcon rooms.
      
                  W - Change the welcome message associated with your
                      personal tcon room.
      
                  A - Allocate a public or private tcon room (only
                      available to sysop and co-sysops).
      
                  R - Remove a public or private tcon room (only
                      available to sysop and co-sysops).
      
                  B - Broadcast a one-line comment to another user.
                      Useful for inviting them to come to a tcon
                      room with you.
      
                  C - Set up your 'custom action'. See the next section
                      for a discussion of actions.
      
                  D - Display the global action list. See the next
                      section for a discussion of actions.
      
                  S - Set the color of your typing. This will affect
                      the display color of your comments while in tcon,
                      both to you and the others reading your comments.
      
                  I - Display the rooms which are currently being used.
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 25
      
      
                  # - Enter teleconference room number #. (Don't press
                      the # key, press the number of the room you want.)
      
                  Q - Quit the teleconference.
      
          To take part in a teleconference discussion, you should first
      press I to display the rooms in use. If you see a room with other
      users in it, then enter the number of that room and you will then
      be placed in the teleconference with those users. The entry and
      exit of each user to a given room is announced to the other users
      in the room. To exit from a room, type /q at the start of a line.
      You should immediately see the comments made by other users in the
      room. To join in the conversation, merely type your comment and
      press .
      
      The Teleconference Rooms
      
          There are three types of teleconference rooms. The options
      and capabilities are similar in each type, but the access and
      defaults are different.  Your conversation is bounded by the
      room you are in, people in other rooms do not receive your
      comments.
      
          Public Rooms - Created and owned by the Sysop. Anyone can
                  use these rooms at any time. Everyone is invited.
                  These rooms are permanent.
      
          Private Rooms - Created and owned by the Sysop. These rooms
                  are intended for specific groups, and access can be
                  restricted by the Sysop. These rooms are permanent.
      
          User Rooms - Each user is allocated a teleconference room that
                  they can use as they see fit. User rooms are private;
                  access is by invitation only. User rooms are not
                  permanent: they are created when the owner logs on,
                  and they disappear when the owner logs off. Any users
                  who are in a user room when the owner logs off will 
                  be pushed out to the tcon main menu.
      
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 26
      
      Teleconference Commands
      
          There are many commands available inside the teleconference
      rooms. You may access the list of commands by typing /? at the
      start of a line. All tcon commands are invoked with a / at the
      start of a line. Here is a description of the command. Note
      that some commands might not be applicable to all the types of
      rooms, and some commands may require special access. The list
      shows the commands in upper case, but lower case is also accepted.
      
          Press:   /?          - List the available commands.
      
                   /Q          - Quit the teleconference conversation.
      
                   /W          - Display a list of who is connected to 
                                 the BBS, and what they are doing. 
      
                   /S          - Show information about the room you
                                 are in, and list the users who are in the
                                 room with you.
      
                   /A msg      - Send a one-time action message directed
                                 to all users in the room. You must
                                 specify the text of the action message
                                 after the 'A'.
      
                   /A,x msg    - Send a one-time action message directed
                                 to the user on port x. 
      
      
                   /C msg      - Set up your custom action message.
      
                   /C ?        - Display (to you only) your custom action
                                 message.
      
                   /L          - List all the users who are invited to
                                 the room you are in.
      
                   /D          - Toggle your do-not-disturb flag on and
                                 off.
      
                   /G ?        - Display the global action list.
      
                   /G act      - Send global action 'act' directed to all
                                 users in the room.
      
                   /G,x act    - Send global action 'act' directed to
                                 the user on port x.
      
                   /B,x msg    - Send a private one-line comment to the
                                 user on port x. This is known on City
                                 as a broadcast, but on some other systems
                                 its called a whisper.
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 27
      
      
                   /Z,x        - Zap. Bump the user on port x off the
                                 system completely. The users modem line
                                 is hung up, but the account is not
                                 closed.
      
                   /F,x        - Display information about the user on
                                 port x. This consists of the users
                                 'public query' information.
      
                   /N handle   - Change your teleconference handle. The
                                 tcon handle is the name which is
                                 displayed in front of your comments
                                 to the other users in the conference.
                                 This handle defaults to your regular
                                 system username, but you may change it
                                 to anything you wish. Using tcon handles
                                 to impersonate the sysop is not allowed.
      
                   /CL ?       - Display the list of available colors for
                                 your tcon display printing.
      
                   /CL x       - Set your tcon printing color to color
                                 number x.
      
                   /SQ,x       - Squelch the user on port x. After you
                                 use this command, any comments made by
                                 that user will not be displayed to you.
                                 This is useful if you find a particular
                                 user bothersome of offensive.
      
                   /SQ         - Turn off your squelch facility.
      
                   /I,ALL      - Invite all users of the BBS into the
                                 current room.
      
                   /I,x        - Invite the user on port x.
      
                   /I,name     - Invite the user named 'name'.
      
                   /U,ALL      - Uninvite all users from the current
                                 room.
      
                   /U,x        - Uninvite the user on port x.
      
                   /U,name     - Uninvite the user named 'name'.
      
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 28
      
                   /AC f name  - Update your accept list. See the chapter
                                 on chat modes for a description of your
                                 accept list. 'Name' is the username
                                 to add or delete from the list. 'F' can
                                 be one of: lst - display the list
                                            add - add 'name' to list
                                            del - delete 'name' from list.
      
                   /RJ f name  - Update your reject list. See the chapter
                                 on chat modes for a description of your
                                 reject list. 'Name' is the username
                                 to add or delete from the list. 'F' can
                                 be one of: lst - display the list
                                            add - add 'name' to list
                                            del - delete 'name' from list.
      
      Actions
      
          Actions are special sayings that a teleconference user can
      send out to the other users in the conference. There are three
      type of actions:
      
          One-Time Actions - These are created by the /A command. You
               must type in the test you want sent, by placing it after
               the 'A' in the /A command. 
      
          Your Custom Action - If there is a saying that you like to use
               often, then instead of using the /A command, you can have
               it stored in your custom action area using the /C command.
               Just type the text you want after the 'C' in the /C
               command.
      
          Global Actions - There is a large file of common sayings that
               people like to make. Some are humorous, some mildly
               derogatory. These actions are all referred to by names.
               You can display the names and content of the global actions
               using /G ? and send one out using either /G name or 
               /G,x name. User suggestions for new global actions are
               sometimes added to the lists.
      
          Actions are differentiated from normal comments in two ways:
      
          Handle Display Color - The tcon handle color is normally
               displayed as magenta for female users, cyan for male users,
               and green for users who have not set their sex in the
               query information.  Actions are displayed in yellow.
      
          Pronoun Substitution - Since the saying can be used in a
               variety of ways, and referring to many different people,
               City supports a substitution of special symbols within
               the action text, with the correct pronoun for the 
               situation. 
      
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 29
      
               Within the text of the action message, the special 
               symbols #1 through #8 are replaced as follows:
      
               #1 - The sender's tcon handle
               
               #2 - The target user's tcon handle. If no specific
                    user was mentioned (the action was directed at
                    all the users in the room), then the value
                    "Everyone" is used.
      
               #3 - A second-person pronoun which refers to the sender,
                    "He", "She", or "It".
      
               #4 - A possessive pronoun which refers to the sender,
                    "His", "Her", or "It's".
      
               #5 - A third-person pronoun which refers to the sender,
                    "Him", "Her", or "It".
      
               #6 - A second-person pronoun which refers to the target,
                    "He", "She", "It", or "Everyone".
      
               #7 - A possessive pronoun which refers to the sender,
                    "His", "Her", "It's", or "Their".
      
               #8 - A third-person pronoun which refers to the sender,
                    "Him", "Her", "It", or "Them".
      
      Invitation Lists
      
          The non-public teleconference rooms each have associated with
      them an invitation list. Up to 25 users may be on an invitation
      list at any time. The list determines which users will be granted
      access to the non-public rooms. A user will always be granted access
      to their own User Room, without having to be on the list.
      
          The lists are maintained by the room owners from within the
      teleconference, using the commands:
      
          /L        - Show who is on the list. Any user may use this
                      command to display the invite list.
      
          /U...     - Uninvite (remove) a user from the list 
      
          /I...     - Invite (add) a user to the list.
      
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 30
      
      Chapter 8 - Chat Modes
      ----------------------
      
      Private Chat
      
          City Of Night has a live, one-on-one chat mode which is unusual
      in most BBS systems. This mode connects 2 or more users in a very
      intimate way; as you type each character, it is immediately
      displayed on the terminals of any other users in your chatroom.
      Even mistakes, and your backspacing over them, will be displayed.
      This results in a very 'live' communication. Only one person can
      type at a time, so you must be polite with each other, just like
      in a real conversation. 
      
          This mode is primarily designed for two people to chat. The
      system will allow more than two persons into a chatroom, but they
      must cooperate or the conversation will be unreadable, just like
      in a large group talking together!
      
          You use option C from the Top Menu to select a chat mode.
      The following options will be available:
      
          Press:   O - For one-on-one private chat.
      
                   M - For multi-user public chat. This is described
                       in the next section.
      
      The user you want to chat with will be interrupted by the system and
      asked if they want to chat with you. You will both have to wait
      until the user replies. However, after 30 seconds, if the user
      has not replied you will receive a message that the user has not
      responded. If the user responds 'yes', then you will both be placed
      into the next available chatroom. You have no choice as to which
      room you are placed in, but it does not matter since they are all
      the same. As each person speaks, the system will provide a header
      indicating the name if the person speaking, but the messages
      are not broken into lines like in tcon. The flow is natural, with
      only the addition of wordwrap.
      
          There are some commands that you can execute from within chat
      mode. They are recognized anywhere in they line, but must each
      be followed immediately with a  key:
      
      Press:   /Q          - To exit from chat mode
      
               /?          - To review the list of commands
      
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 31
      
      
               /W          - To display the list of users connected to
                             the BBS, and what they are doing
      
               /D          - To toggle your do-not-disturb flag on
                             and off
      
               /B,x msg    - To broadcast a private comment to the
                             user on port x.
      
               /S,x        - To invite the user on port x into your
                             private chat room. This is the only way
                             three or more users can get into a private
                             chat room together.
      
               /K,x        - To push the user on port x out of a chatroom.
      
               /Z,x        - Zap (bump user on port x off the system.)
      
               Control-C   - Quick exit from chat mode.
      
          All users who enter and exit a chatroom are announced to any
      users who remain in the room. To reduce the likelihood of
      impersonation, certain characters are filtered out in chat mode,
      including the ">" symbol.
      
      Public Chat
      
          Public chat mode (option M in the chat menu) is very similar
      to private chat, except that anyone can enter it at any time. 
      There is only a single public chat room in the system. 
      
      Broadcast Messages
      
          Broadcast (called whisper on some other systems) is a method
      of sending a one-line private comment to another user on the system.
      The user must be logged on; if the user disconnects they message
      will not be delivered. Broadcast messages will pop out on your
      screen asynchronously, as soon as the sender issues them. They
      are always accompanied by a header indicating who they are from.
       
          You may send broadcast messages from many places in the system,
      including:
      
          - Option B from the Top Menu
      
          - Using /B in Teleconference
      
          - Using /B in Chat Mode
      
          - Using /Q then option B in message edit.
      
          Be careful when typing your broadcast messages, particularly
          in teleconference. If you forget the /, then the system will
          not recognize your typing as a broadcast, and your private
          message will be displayed for everyone to see!
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 32
      
      Accept/Reject Lists
      
          Each user is allowed to maintain two lists of other users, which
      can control the level to which they are willing to be disturbed and
      by whom. They control whether or not you will be interrupted by
      broadcasts and chat requests:
      
          Your Accept List - This list of up to 24 users specifies who
              you ALWAYS want to hear from, even if your do-not-disturb
              flag is set on. Put your closest friends on this list.
      
          Your Reject List - This list of up to 24 users specifies who
              you NEVER want to hear from, even if your do-not-disturb
              flag is set off. Put people on this list if you are not
              interested in hearing from them. Note: If you are being
              harassed by another user, report this to the Sysop.
      
          These lists can be updated in Section Y, or more easily
          in teleconference.
      
          There are other controls which you can use to prevent
          interruptions:
      
              /SQ          - To squelch out a particular user in 
                             a teleconference.
      
              Inform flag  - Used to turn of system messages which would
                             otherwise inform you of who is connecting
                             to the BBS.
      
      
      
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 33
      
      Chapter 9 - Account Information
      -------------------------------
      
      Section Y - Private Account Data
      
          Option Y from the Top Menu will take you to a menu of options
      related to private information about your account. The information
      you enter here will not be accessible to any other user except the
      Sysop. The items on this menu change from time to time, however here
      is a discussion of some of the more important items:
      
          Your Password  - Use this option to change your password. You
                           should never let anyone know your password. Use
                           a password that is impossible to guess, and not
                           a word or phrase that your friends might know
                           you for. Refer to the section on Security for
                           more information about keeping your account
                           safe. Note: if someone guesses your password,
                           they can access your private files and mail,
                           and you might be blamed for anything bad they
                           do. So please keep your password safe.
      
          Your Username  - City allows you to change your Username anytime
                           you want. (This is not generally allowed on
                           other systems.) We ask only that you not use
                           any profanity in your Username. Also, the name
                           must be made up only of the letters A through
                           Z, digits 0 through 9, and the dash "-". It 
                           must start with a letter. You should NOT use
                           your real name.
      
                           Be sure you remember any changes you make to
                           your username or password; you cannot log onto
                           City without them!  If you forget your username
                           or password, please do not establish another
                           account. Logon as guest and notify the Sysop.
      
          Inform Flag    - This flag determines if other users will be
                           informed when you connect to City.
      
          NoInform Flag  - This flag determines if you will be informed
                           by the system when other users connect.
      
          Real Info      - You must always keep the Sysop informed of
                           your address and phone number.
      
      Section A - Public Query Data
      
          Option A from the Top Menu takes you to a menu of options
      related to your Public Query Data. The Sysop does not require
      that you enter any data here; it is totally optional.
      
          The data here includes such items as your location, your sex,
      your favorite hobby, your profession. These are things that other
      users ask to get to know you better. You can insert your own data
      or query the user database about other user's data.
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 34
      
      Chapter 10 - Games
      ------------------
      
      Credits
      
          City of Night keeps track of the number of Credits that each
      user has been awarded or earned. These are, in effect, a form of
      'play money' for use on the system.  
      
          You get credits by:      -  Being paid a salary. Each time you
                                      connect for the first time in a day,
                                      you are paid a certain amount. The
                                      amount depends on how long you have
                                      been a member of City.
      
                                   -  By uploading files to the library.
                                      The number of credits you are paid
                                      depends on the size of the file.
      
                                   -  By winning at games. Some of the
                                      games allow you to win credits.
      
          You lose credits by:     -  Downloading files, unless file
                                      downloads happen to be free.
      
                                   -  By playing games. Some of the games
                                      have an entrance fee.
      
      The Games Menu
      
          City has a few games. The collection of games changes from time
      to time. We are also looking for users to help write new games.
      Some of the games cost credits to play. A few will also allow you
      to win credits.
      
      Labyrinth
      
          The Labyrinth is a complex game that is still under construction
      by several users here at City. You are welcome to try it out, but
      please don't report any bugs to the Sysop.
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 35
      
      Chapter 12 - File Transfers
      ---------------------------
      
      Section F - File Libraries 
      
          City of Night maintains file libraries for the exchange of 
      software between users. Most of the libraries are available by
      selecting option F in the Top Menu. Some of the libraries are
      also available in the Special Interest Groups. There are about 50
      libraries, which allows us to organize our selection of files by 
      many subjects. 
      
          In the Files Menu, the following options are available:
      
          Press: L  -  To list the libraries which are available.
      
                 I  -  To display the latest information about file
                       transfers.
      
                 N  -  To search all the libraries for New files,
                       uploaded since you last connected to City.
      
                 R  -  Reset the New Files flag in all libraries.
                       Use this option is you have been away from
                       City for a while, and don't want the New
                       Files display to list every file in the system.
      
                 S  -  Show the disk space available for uploads.
      
                 #  -  Select a library. (Don't type the # key, instead
                       type the number of the library you want).
      
          You should first type L to list the available libraries, then
      enter the number of the library that interests you. Once you enter
      a library, the following options will be available:
      
          Press: L  -  To list all files in this library.
      
                 S  -  To search the library. You can enter any string
                       of characters, like "pk" to search for PKUNZIP.
                       The search facility checks all the filenames
                       and descriptions of files. Do not enter DOS
                       wild-card specifications, like  PK*.*; these
                       are not recognized.
      
                 N  -  List new files, uploaded since you last connected
                       to City.
      
                 I  -  Information about a file, including how big the
                       file is, its description, who uploaded it, and
                       when.
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 36
      
                 R  - Read a file. This can be used to view text files
                      without having to download them. You can optionally
                      have page breaks inserted. If you use this function
                      with a non-text file, you might get surprising
                      results.
      
                 U  - Upload a file to the library using Xmodem protocol.
      
                 D  - Download a file from the library using Xmodem
                      protocol.
      
                 E  - Erase a file from the library. You must be the
                      owner of the library, or the user who uploaded
                      the file.
      
                 C  - Copy a file to another library. You must be the
                      owner of both libraries to perform this function.
      
                 M  - Mark a file. This toggles the downloadable flag
                      on and off. Available only to the Sysop.
      
                 T  - Change the title of the library. Only the owner
                      and the Sysop can perform this function.
      
                 A  - Add an existing file. Only the sysop can perform
                      this function, which can be used to move files
                      around from the system console.
      
                 Q  - Exit from the library.
      
      Rules Regarding Files
      
          Users must not upload adult picture files to the City Of Night.
      There is one library available for adult text files; please do not
      put adult materials into any other library.
      
          All files are downloaded at your own risk. The Sysop does not
      perform virus scans on files, or check them for correct operation.
      We would like to hear about any trouble you have with a file, so we
      can correct the problem, delete the file, and/or warn other users,
      but we will not accept any responsibility for damage done to your
      computer system.
      
          All files uploaded to City must be shareware or freeware. We
      take copyright laws very seriously, and anyone who uploads pirate
      software will be banned immediately. If you are in doubt about the
      status of a file, contact the Sysop.
      
          Don't upload any MAC files. This is primarily an IBM system.
      We certainly support communication with MAC computers for access
      to most BBS functions, but we are not about to waste any library
      space on MAC files. 
      
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 37
      
          Don't upload any SOUND files (.WAV, .MID, etc.) These files
      take up way to much space.
      
          Please check the various libraries before you upload a new
      file, to make sure we don't already have it. Sometimes, the name
      of the file might not be exactly the same, so pay attention to
      file sizes and descriptions.
      
          Do not upload any chain-letter or make-$ files.
      
          Use PKZIP or other compression utilities to reduce the size
      of large binary files, especially .EXE and .BMP files. GIF files
      are already compressed. You can leave text files uncompressed, since
      they typically don't take up that much space, and people like to
      read them online.
      
      Xmodem Protocol
      
          City of Night supports only Xmodem protocol for file transfers.
      Please do not ask about other protocols.
      
          To use Xmodem, you will need a terminal emulation program (comm
      program) which supports Xmodem transfers. Almost all programs will
      work.  The success of a file transfer depends on many factors,
      including having compatible software and a noise-free phone line.
      Here are the general procedures; they may vary somewhat for your
      particular comm program. Example keystrokes are for PROCOMM:
      
          - Press option F at the Top Menu
      
          - Press L to view the list of libraries. Note the number
            of the library you are interested in.
      
          - Enter the number of the library, to get to the library
            prompt.
      
          - Press L to list the available files. Note the name of the
            file you are interested in.
      
          - Press D to download a file.
      
          - Press 1, 2, or 3, to select the version of Xmodem you want
            to use. Checksum mode (1) is the most commonly supported.
            CRC (2) has much better error checking, but sometimes there
            are incompatibilities between comm programs and City. 1K (3)
            is a faster version of (2). You should use the highest number
            that your comm program will support. If in doubt, use (2).
            If that fails, try (1).
      
          - Enter the filename you want to download.
      
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 38
      
          - If all is well, the system will issue a message to the effect
            that its ready to transfer the file.  This is your signal to
            go into your own comm program start the transfer on your end.
            In PROCOMM, you do this by pressing the Page-Down key, then 1,
            then entering the filename you want.  Note that this must be
            accomplished within about 1 minute, since City will timeout
            waiting for the transfer to start.
      
          - Uploading is performed in a similar fashion; you press U on
            City to select upload, enter the protocol and filename, then
            initiate upload in your comm program (the Page-Up key in
            PROCOMM).
      
      Ascii Protocol
      
          City allows you to 'read a file' directly from the library.
      This is, in effect, an ASCII Download. If you turn on ascii capture
      or 'logging' on your comm program, then initiate a file read without
      page breaks, you can download a text file quickly. There is no error
      correction in this mode.
      
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 39
      
      Chapter 13 - Intersystem Connections
      ------------------------------------
      
      Pipes
      
          The City Of Night Software supports 'pipes', which are direct
      connections between user ports for game playing and other uses. They
      are available in Section G (press G from the Top Menu). At the 
      current time, only two users at a time are allowed in a pipe. 
      
          Users who wish to use a pipe should first use chat or broadcast
      to arrange a time, then they should simply both go into section G
      and select the same pipe. You exit a pipe by sending a break signal.
      (Not all comm programs are capable of sending a break signal;
      PROCOMM does it when you press alt-F7. If you are unable to send a
      break signal, then there well be no way for you to exit the pipe
      except to hangup the phone connection. This is perfectly allowable
      as far as City is concerned.)
      
          You will need your own game or other software running on your
      own computer to make use of a pipe connection. The Sysop is not
      able to help you in setting this up; you are on your own. Try asking
      other users, there are many software packages which work effectively
      with the City's pipe facility. 
      
      Aux Ports
      
          Aux ports are connections going out from the City's computer
      to other computers or devices. The exact nature of these other
      devices changes from time to time. Currently, several aux ports
      are connected to our Internet Server Host, and one is connected
      to the Packet Radio TNC. You will generally not be concerned with
      the details of the aux ports; when they are connected to interesting
      devices, then options for them will appear on the menus, usually
      in section N (Network Connections).
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 40
      
      Chapter 14 - Internet Access
      ----------------------------
      
      What Is Internet
      
          The Internet is a world-wide network of computer systems, at
      universities, colleges, government institutions, libraries, and
      businesses. By connecting to the Internet, you can access
      information at these various computer sites. This information
      is so large in scale, and so varied in character, that it is
      impossible to describe it here. There are many books about the
      Internet; one good one "Zen and the Internet" is available for
      online reading in section N.  Some of the important features
      of the Internet are:
      
          -  Electronic Mail, reaching about 150 million persons all
             over the world. Internet mail addresses look like:
      
                  username@myhost.mydomain.com
      
          -  Online access to many books, research papers, government
             documents including laws and studies.
      
          -  A huge distributed database of software, which includes
             virtually every shareware and freeware program available
             anywhere in the world.
      
          -  The World-Wide-Web, a comparatively new sub-system, which
             allows multi-media (pictures, sound, movies, fancy text)
             to be transmitted quickly. WWW browsers are available for
             Windows and other systems, and make the entire Internet
             look like a clickable Windows-style application. You can
             visit and search computers all over the world just by
             clicking on their icons.
      
          -  Internet Relay Chat (IRC) which looks and acts similar to
             City's Teleconference, but operates world-wide and often
             has 50,000 users in 2,000 rooms.
      
          -  Worlds Chat, a virtual reality chat system which allows you
             to see the people you are talking to (or at least the
             digital representation they want you to see.)
      
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 41
      
      Signing Up For Internet
      
          City of Night runs an Internet Server, CityNight.COM for the
      purpose of supplying access to Internet for the users of City. This
      is a non-profit service, but you must pay for it to help meet our
      costs. Payment is accepted by CHECK only (no cash or money orders).
      You much mail in your check along with the filled out application
      form in section N. Your Internet access will be switched on as soon
      as your check is received.
      
          All ports from City to the Internet are 2400 baud. This is a
      limitation imposed by the speed of our server machine and its link
      to the network. This may seem slow to users who have used high-speed
      links, but its perfectly usable for all Internet functions. 
      
      Full Shell Access
      
          City's 'full shell access' costs $10 a month (or $60 a year if
      you sign up for a whole year; that's only $5 a month, the cheapest
      Internet you will find anywhere.) With a shell account, you can do
      practically anything you want on the Internet including sending
      and receiving unlimited mail, FTP, web access using Netscape, IRC,
      Worlds Chat, and Usenet News.  In addition, you will have a complete
      UNIX shell development environment available to you, with all the
      editors, compilers, and tools you'd expect. There is no per-hour
      usage charge; once you have subscribed, you may have access as many
      hours a day as you want.  You may build your own Web pages, and run
      server background processes (so long as they don't impact the system
      as a whole.)
      
      Mail-Only Access
      
          For users who need only Internet Mail services, we will supply
      unlimited mail for $15 a year. This also includes Usenet News.
      
      World-Wide-Web Page
      
          You can establish your place on the Internet's World Wide Web
      using City's Web Page service. For $25 a year, we will build your 
      pages (using text and pictures that you supply), and serve those
      pages on the Web.
      
      About City's Internet Connection
      
          City runs a separate 386DX40 computer with 20 megs of RAM for
      access to the Internet. The system runs Linux Slackware, with many
      enhancements.  Our Internet connection is via a dedicated phone
      line that runs 24 hours at 38,400 baud. This is slower than most
      commercial providers, but is adequate for the small number of users
      on City.
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 42
      
      Chapter 15 - Direct Command Mode
      --------------------------------
      
      The BBS's Architecture
      
          The City's software is unique among all BBS's in its use of the
      Macro Language. This language was developed by the writers of the
      software to facilitate quick and easy changes to our menus, but its
      abilities have fare outgrown the original intent.  The core of the
      BBS program is written in Borland Turbo C. This includes all serial
      interrupt handlers, database access routines, and many other
      important functions. One of the biggest functions is the Macro
      Interpreter, which accepts text files containing commands in the
      Macro Language, and performs the specified actions. Most of the
      menus in City are driven by these macro programs, being interpreted
      by the core software. This allows users of City to do a little of
      their own programming if they desire! You can create your own menus,
      games, almost anything.
      
      Using Direct Commands
      
          Most of the macro commands can not only be executed in text
      files, but also one-at-a-time at a command prompt. You may access
      this prompt in section D (Press D from the Top Menu). At this 
      prompt, there will be no menus, so be prepared to learn a few
      commands.
      
          The City's macro language is a mixture of the following:
      
          -  DOS commands, like DIR, MD, COPY, SCRATCH
      
          -  Unix commands, like DF, W, DU
      
          -  Mainframe Wylbur commands, like:  GOTO, COLLECT, MODIFY
      
          -  BASIC commands, like LET, PRINT, INPUT
      
          -  Commands you have never heard of, and which are particularly
             suited for use in a BBS, like MSGBASE, STATUS, GETNAME
      
          Its a peculiar, but very powerful mix. 
      
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 43
      
      Macros
      
          Macros are small programs written in the City's macro language.
      There are many macros already in existence, which perform the
      myriad of functions needed by City Of Night. You can look at
      existing macros in Section D, by:
      
          -  Type DIR to list all the files, or you can use a DOS-style
             wildcard to limit the display:  DIR  PSYS*.*
      
          -  Press control-c at any time to interrupt the display.
      
          -  See a filename you'd like to view? type:   read filename
      
          Reading and studying existing macros is a very good way
          to learn about the language, so you can begin writing your
          own macros.
      
      Creating Your Own Macros
      
          You can easily create your own macros. Regular users are
      authorized to save as many files as they like in the direct command
      area, so long as the filenames start with:  Uxxxx  where the xxxx
      is your account number.  Here is a simple procedure for creating
      a macro, saving it, then running it:
      
          -  Go into direct mode by selecting option D from the Top Menu.
             You will get a prompt that looks like this:   Command> 
      
          -  Type:  erase      This will clear out any data from your
             macro editing work area.
      
          -  Type:  collect    This will put you into the 'collect' mode,
             which allows you to enter data into the macro editing work
             area. A prompt like this will appear:   001>   indicating
             that you are about to type line number 1.
      
          -  Type:  print "Hello, World!"     Type it completely as shown,
             with the double quotes in the right places. Hit your 
             key. You will get a prompt like:   002>   indicating that
             the system is now waiting for line number 2.
      
          -  Don't type any more lines. Just press the  key again
             to exit collect mode. (Blank lines are not allowed in a
             macro.) You will now be back to the Command> prompt.
      
          -  If you are not sure what your account number is, type: status
             and look in the display. The number under Acct# next to your
             username is your account number. Make a note of it.
      
      City Of Night Users' Handbook                                Page 44
      
      
          -  Type:   save Uxxxxyyy     where xxxx is your account number
             and yyy is any three letters you like. Example: save U1234ZZZ
             The system should inform you that one line was saved.
      
          -  Type:   run Uxxxxyyy      using the same filename you just
             saved. You should receive the response:   Hello, World!
             You have just written, saved, and tested your first City
             macro language program.
      
      Command Language Reference
      
          The complete documentation for the macro language is available
      for download in the text files library. It is also available in
      Section I (press I in the Top Menu).