

            Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Synchronet Version 1
            =========================================================


            
Q: Does Synchronet run under OS/2?

A: Yes. If your computer is going to be solely used for a BBS and you plan
   to run 5 or more nodes, we strongly suggest you use DESQview instead.
   OS/2 is a stable, protected operating system, but as a result, it is a 
   slower DOS multitasker. Look for a native 32-bit version of Synchronet 
   for OS/2 in 4th quarter 1993.

   If you do decide to run Synchronet for DOS under OS/2, then be sure to
   download OS2FIX.ZIP from Vertrauen (Synchronet Home Base). It is a fix for
   an OS/2 DOS compatibility bug that causes many external programs to not
   run correctly.

   Synchronet Version 1c (release scheduled for August '93), supports the
   OS/2 and windows time slice API calls to improve agregate system
   performance.


Q: Does Synchronet support Internet/Usenet?

A: Yes, but not directly. Synchronet supports Fido, QWK, and UTI message
   formats. There are several shareware and public domain import/export
   utilities to convert between Fido and UUCP (internet format). There are
   also utilities available to convert between QWK and UUCP, but it is
   suggested you use a Fido/UUCP conversion for performance reasons.

   If you have a BBS in your area that already carries Usenet conferences,
   you can network with the system using Fido, QWK, or UTI network technologies
   (all internally supported in Synchronet) without the need of any additional
   utilities.

   After the release of Synchronet Version 2 (4th quarter '93), we will begin
   development of a direct UUCP import/export utility. Whether this will be
   an option or come free with Synchronet has yet to be decided.


Q: How many nodes can I run on my computer?

A: The answer to this question depends on the speed of the computer, amount of
   installed RAM, DOS multitasker used, and number of available IRQs.

   Assuming you are using DESQview (the fastest available DOS multitasker),
   and a software disk cache, the following chart can be used as a guide line
   for minimum processor requirements:

   CPU	   Nodes
   386-16  1
   386-25  2
   386-33  3
   386-40  4
   486-25  5
   486-33  6
   486-50  8
   486-66  10

   You will need roughly 500k of available expanded memory for each node. 
   When running multiple nodes, a disk cache is required. Around 1 to 2 MB 
   should be used in most situations. Here is another table of estimated 
   total system memory required in megabytes (assuming a 1MB disk cache 
   is used):

   Nodes   MB of RAM
   2	   3
   3	   4
   4	   4
   5	   5
   6	   5
   7	   6
   8	   6
   9	   7
   10	   7

   Windows or OS/2 may be used as a DOS multitasker, but they are slower. If
   you have a fast machine (486) and don't plan on running more than 2 or 3
   nodes, Windows or OS/2 may meet your needs just fine.

   A native 32-bit version of Synchronet for OS/2 is under development and it
   is likely that you will be able to run a larger number of nodes using the
   same hardware since the overhead associated with multitasking DOS will
   be eliminated. A suggested maximum for this OS/2 version has yet to be
   determined.


Q: Can I run regular DOS programs as doors under Synchronet?

A: Yes. If the program using standard DOS output, Synchronet can run the
   program directly by using the Synchronet external program option:
   "Intercept I/O Interrupts".

   If the program uses the PC BIOS for output or performs direct screen writes
   (most commercial applications write directly to the screen), you will need
   to use a PC terminal emulation software. Some examples of proprietary PC
   terminal emulation programs are PC Anywhere, Carbon Copy, Close-Up, and
   Co-Session. These require that the remote user be using their proprietary
   terminal program to run DOS programs. While these programs are fast and
   reliable, the fact that they require a proprietary terminal program limits
   their usefulness on a BBS. The only PC terminal emulation software that
   uses non-proprietary ANSI escape sequences is Doorway. This program allows
   users of your BBS to run TEXT DOS programs that use direct screen writes
   or BIOS for output by converting the screen information into ANSI codes.
   All the popular terminal programs support ANSI, so a proprietary terminal
   program is not required. A demonstration version of DOORWAY can be
   downloaded from Vertrauen (Synchronet Home Base) as DRWY*.ZIP.


Q: Does Synchronet require a Front-end mailer for FidoNet?

A: Yes. You need a Front-end mailer (such as FrontDoor, D'bridge, etc)
   and an EchoMail program that support Fido FTSC-1 msg format. (such as
   Gecho, Squish, TosScan, FreeMail, etc.).

   Synchronet comes with example batch files and documentation to explain
   configuration using FrontDoor and TosScan.


Q: How does Synchronet store messages?

A: Synchronet uses a proprietary message format for the online storage of
   messages (E-mail and public posts). Synchronet can import QWK, Fido, and
   UTI format messages, but they are only temporarily stored in those formats
   until imported, and then the imported messages are deleted.

   Version 2 of Synchronet (scheduled for release in 4th quarter '93) will
   introduce a much improved message storage format over the version 1 format.
   Each message area will have all the messages stored in a single file for
   disk space and speed optimization. Header and index files will also be
   used, but the total number of files for a message base will be
   signifcantly reduced. The maximum number of messages per area will also
   be increased to a near infinite number (no longer determined by the amount
   of free memory). The message base files will be self-packing, fast, small,
   and extensible for future networking and storage needs. We have looked at
   many other message storage formats (Squish, Hudson, JAM, etc) and have
   concluded that all were limited too severely for the future needs of BBS
   operators. When the design of the Version 2 Synchronet message base format
   has been finalized, we will release a technical specification for
   developers interested in implementing direct Synchronet support.


Q: How do upgrades work?

A: When upgrading your node license for the same version of Synchronet, the
   price is the cost difference plus 10 percent. Example: going from the 2
   node license ($99) to the 4 node license ($149) costs $55 plus shipping and
   handling.

   All version and revision upgrades are free for a period of 90 days after
   purchase. Minor version and revision upgrades are free for download, and
   major versions are offered at a discounted price to owners of the previous
   version that do not fall in the 90 day free upgrade period. The
   determination between major and minor version upgrades is made soley by
   Digital Dynamics based on the amount of internal changes and enhancements
   made since the last release.


Q: What upgrades will I get free?

A: Version 1c will be released in August of '93. It will be a free upgrade to
   all registered version 1b owners and a $40 upgrade for registered version
   1a owners.

   Version 2 will be released in 4th quarter of '93. It will be a free upgrade
   to all registered owners that purchased Synchronet within 90 days of the
   release date. The upgrade price for owners of version 1a or 1b that do not
   meet the 90 day free upgrade period has yet to be determined.


Q: Does Synchronet come with a RIP drawing program?

A: No. Synchronet comes with 16 stock RIP menus that your users will
   automatically see and use when calling with RIPterm or another RIPscrip
   compatible terminal program. If you wish to create your own RIP menus or
   RIP screens, you will need to obtain a RIP editing program. Telegrafix
   (the developers of the RIPscrip protocol) have two commercial RIP drawing
   programs available, RIPaint at around $200 and RIPdraw at around $50. You
   can contact Telegrafix at 714-379-2131 for more information.

   There are also public domain and shareware versions of RIP drawing 
   programs beginning to appear. Check the BBS Related FREE downloads area 
   on Vertrauen (Synchronet Home Base) for a few samples.

   Digital Dynamics also has an in-house commercial artist available for
   custom RIP art for your BBS. If interested, download SBBSRIP*.ZIP for
   examples of his skill and talent. The base rate is $39.95 for up to a 4
   kilobyte file. Each additional kilobyte is $5. The more complex the image,
   the bigger the file size. RIP Icons can also be created, price determined
   on a per-job basis. Please call 714-529-6328 for more information.


Q: Does Synchronet support WWIVnet technology networks.

A: No. But you can be a member of a WWIVnet type network by networking with
   a WWIV/QWK or WWIV/Fido gateway. Vertrauen (Synchronet Home Base) carries
   a message group full of sub-boards from a WWIVnet based network called
   "MAGnet". One of the MAGnet nodes (running WWIV BBS software) is running a
   WWIV/QWK gateway which opens the system into the world of standards and
   allows Synchronet (and other QWK compatible BBS packages) to exchange
   messages with it.

   If and when the WWIVnet software is technically documented and the reliance
   on the WWIV BBS specific configuration and data files is eliminated,
   Digital Dynamics will strongly consider implementing direct support for it.
   At the moment, WWIVnet requires that the use of WWIV BBS software and WWIV
   networking software - a proprietary networking technology.


Q: Can I configure the menus?

A: Yes, but in a limited way. Synchronet Version 1 allows you to edit the 
   menus with an ASCII or ANSI editor to change the look or remove any 
   excess unused commands. You may also hide certain parts of the menu from 
   users based on security level or flags. Using Alternate Command Sets, you 
   can change which command keys perform which functions. But you cannot add 
   menus or move a command from one menu to another. This kind of flexibility 
   will be available in the programmable command shells of Synchronet Version 
   2.   You will be able to bury functions under a complex menu structure, 
   place all commands you need on one menu, control access to functions based 
   on all available security and personal user data or remove functions from 
   the system completely. Synchronet will come with a set of stock command 
   shells, offering advanced and beginner command shells, a RIP command shell,
   and command shells to emulate the structure of other popular BBS programs.
   Using the Synchronet command shell language, you will be able to customize
   or create your own command shells to make the BBS look and act the way you
   want. The best thing is that your users will be able to CHOSE which command
   shell they are most comfortable with.

/* End of SBBS.FAQ */
