"Modem. First steps."
Part II.
Glossary of terms and abbreviations
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BBS - Bulletin Board System - in the closest translation - "Electronic Bulletin Board". An electronic communication station that allows users to exchange files and messages via modems.
CBCS - Computer Based Communication System - Computer communication system.
DL - Download - file transfer from BBS to the user.
FIDO - a global (worldwide) amateur computer network. The FIDO network has a huge number of bbs on all continents. Soviet stations were first registered in FIDO in 1990.
File area - a file area grouped by a specific theme. (Approximate equivalent - IS-DOS directory).
Hot keys - a frequently used term in English literature, defining one of the interaction options with the user when using a menu - selecting a command from the menu does not require pressing the Enter key after pressing the key that defines the command.
Folder(s) - literally translated from English as "folder" - a concept similar to the term "area" in some types of BBS (not Maximus-based).
Mailer - a complex program responsible for sending electronic mail to the appropriate addresses and routes, usually operating automatically without operator intervention.
Maximus - a software package implementing the BBS communication protocol with users calling it.
Message area - a message area, a section that stores messages usually related to a specific topic.
MSG - Message - message, email.
Nodelist - a complete list of all FIDO stations. Contains the phone numbers of all FIDO stations, names of SysOps, and other important information. Updated and distributed across all FIDO stations weekly.
SysOp - System Operator - an operator working on BBS and responsible for its operation.
UL - Upload - file transfer from the user to BBS.
What is BBS?
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In fact, it is a computer equipped with special hardware and software to operate over regular telephone lines using modems - devices for connecting computers to each other. By installing a modem on your computer and dialing the BBS phone number, you can communicate with BBS using commands entered via the keyboard. What commands? The description of these commands and the rules for their use is the subject of today's article.
When working with BBS, you can participate in correspondence via electronic mail with almost the entire world, receive various files with the latest software, or conversely - send programs written by you to your friend, or make them available to anyone interested.
You can also find and read electronic magazines published both in Russia and abroad, and much, much more...
What is electronic mail?
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Electronic mail is very similar to regular mail, but with one main difference - it reaches the recipient anywhere on the planet much faster.
This is due to the absence of the physical carrier of information (paper) and a high degree of automation in the mail transfer process, achieved through programs - mailers.
Electronic mail is transmitted over a data transmission network, which standardizes many different technical and organizational nuances.
There are many different computer information transmission networks in the world, each with its own features. Information exchange between them is also possible - for this, there are special stations (so-called gateways) that facilitate data exchange between networks operating under different standards.
The modern network is a very complex organism, and sometimes your letter sent to a colleague or friend must take a very complicated path, passing through many stations, satellite and cable communication channels before reaching the recipient... But you may not even find out about it!
The operation of such systems is organized using complex software. One such package is called Maximus. I KNOW FOR SURE that in St. Petersburg it is used on at least one bbs - Eldorado.
What do you need to work with bbs?
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First of all, as funny as it sounds, you will need a PHONE! I was at LOGROS today, and there a very smart person, apparently, asked me: "Do you need a phone for your modem?" Yeah. It happens... So, for him personally and for others like him, I repeat: A phone for the modem IS NECESSARY!
Secondly, you will need the modem itself. We will return to the question of modem selection in the third issue.
And finally, you will need a program to work with the modem - a communication package. If you ALREADY HAVE Vicomm, urgently look for the terminal "Macro-Modem" version 2.1 or higher. Most likely, this program will remain the most powerful for Vicomm. If you have Hayes, things are much worse here (for now). To date, no software has been written for it except for the "bare terminal." But! As soon as Omegi group gets Hayes, we will immediately start writing a terminal for it. And most likely, it will be no worse than for Vicomm, especially since we already have experience in creating such things.
How to call BBS?
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As mentioned above, no one from Omegi has worked on Hayes... Therefore, today we will talk about how to call bbs from Vicomm. We hope that people with Hayes will write in "Zx-News" and share this secret with us and you, dear readers.
There should be a button on the modem case! If you don't see it, then you don't have a Vicomm! This button is used for "taking over the line," i.e., to the modem.
Connect the modem according to the instructions to the line and to the computer. If you don't have instructions, take a look at the section "How to connect Vicomm" in this issue.
The first thing to do after loading the terminal program is to dial the bbs number. You can find the numbers of all working bbs in St. Petersburg in the "Zx BBS" section. Be careful when calling the station. First, make sure from the table that the bbs is operating at this time, and that it supports this type of modem (in our case - Vicomm). Otherwise, you may disturb people, as this phone might be used for other purposes when the bbs is not operating.
Wait for the long beeps to start (I think you will figure out what the short ones mean...), press the button on the modem, and confidently hang up the receiver - you will not disconnect from the bbs!
Now wait for the bbs to pick up the receiver and answer...
If you are using "Macro-Modem," then at the moment of receiving any signals from the bbs, the strip in the middle window displaying RUS/LAT and CAPS/LOCK will flash.
The first thing Maximus will send you: "Press y in 5(10) sec...", or "Quickly press Y..." or something like that (it varies on different bbs). This needs to be done so that the bbs can determine whether it's a Hayes calling, or Vicomm, or just a wrong number...
As soon as you press "Y," the bbs will say "I will load now," which basically means: "Connection established."
After a couple more seconds of effort, it will give you a greeting consisting of the station name, the types of modems it supports, and other similar information that varies on different bbs.
To be continued...
Contents of the publication: ZX-News #01
- Экспертиза
Introduction to the game HERO QUEST-1, developed by GREMLIN GRAPHICS LIMITED in 1991. The game involves gathering magical items to stop the forces of chaos. Includes character descriptions and gameplay instructions.
- Expertise
Review of the game Seymour at the Movies by Code Masters, following the Dizzy series. The protagonist takes on the role of a Hollywood director. Released in ZX-News #01, 1995.
- Дебют
Gameplay of an elf navigating mazes, using magic and spells to solve puzzles. Descriptions of spells like LIGHTING, FIRE BALL, and REVIVAL are provided. Strategies for collecting insects and using magical items to progress are discussed.
- Дебют
Overview of a Polish logical game from 1990 called LOGO. Description of gameplay mechanics and strategies to complete levels. Includes list of level codes for easier progress.
- Задание
Challenge to find Oscar in SEYMOUR AT THE MOVIE and count screens in SPOOKED labyrinth.
- Фантазия
A computer novella based on the game 'Last Ninja 2' blends combat and puzzles. The protagonist, samurai Uira, embarks on a mission to retrieve a stolen power sphere. The story follows his adventures through various obstacles and enemies.
- Hit Parade
Analysis of popular programs among Spectrum users in Lugansk. Highlights include ELITE and adventure games. Shift towards smart games and interest in musical demonstration software.
- Система
Discussion of two system programs, ADM 7.08 for disassembling programs and ADS 2.00p for floppy disk management. ADM is useful for program modification and analysis. ADS optimizes disk drive operations and repairs disk sectors.
- Exchange of Experience
An in-depth guide on creating the YES DEMO for ZX Spectrum, covering everything from basic auxiliary procedures to loaders. Key techniques include screen planning, sprite handling, and sound integration. The demo combines assembly and BASIC programming for effective demonstration.
- Electronics
Description of a device for playing 'twitch' games with a scheme illustration.
- Advertisement
Introduction of the ZX-News magazine by ACTION group with an apology for errors and a proposal for a ZX-SPECTRUM club in Lugansk.
- Macro-Modem v2.1
Introduction of Macro-Modem v2.1, a terminal program for Vicomm. Features include file handling, macro support, and Scorpion enhancements. Operates autonomously during file exchanges.
- Enlight '96
Coverage of Enlight '96 event participants and results, discussing highlights of the demoparty in music and graphics competitions. Speculation on the future of demoscene technologies and artistic achievements. Insights into organizational challenges and notable performances.
- FIDO
The article discusses FIDO's role and terminology in modem communications and BBS usage.
- Авторы
Details about contributors to ZX-NEWS #02, distribution methods, and contact information for submissions.
- Competition!
ZX-News extends the competition for three issues, encouraging participants to submit a save from UFO-2. The winner is determined by the fastest game time. The prize is 20 floppy disks of GMD-130 or TDK.
- Advertisements
The article details paid advertisements in ZX-News, including pricing, contact methods, and examples of current ads.
- От редакции
Editorial reflections on reader feedback, magazine improvements, and changes in columns.
- Letters
Discussion of Enlight demoparty feedback through two contrasting letters. Observations on platform preferences: Amiga, ZX Spectrum, and IBM. Challenges in organizing large events highlighted.
- Hit Parade
A ranking of top games and demos based on weekly demand. The focus is on popular titles like 'UFO-2' and 'Vibration'. Reflects evolving interests of ZX Spectrum enthusiasts.
