


       ķ ķ    ķ    ķ ķ  
      ķ   ½               
    Ľ Ľ Ľ     Ľ Ľ  Ľ Ľ  
    WILDCAT! v3.01 Bulletin Board Software  



              M A I N   M E N U
       ͸       ͸
    [M]...........Message Menu    [F].............Files Menu  
    [C]..Comments to the SysOp    [B]..........Bulletin Menu  
    [P].........Page the SysOp    [I].Initial Welcome Screen  
    [Q].....Questionnaire Menu    [V]..........Verify a User  
    [Y]..........Your Settings    [S]......System Statistics  
    [U]...........Userlog List    [L]..Live Programs [Doors]  
    [N].............Newsletter    [G].......Goodbye & LogOff  
    [H].............Help Level    [?]...........Command Help  
    [J]......Join a Conference    [W].....Who Else is Online  
    [T]..Talk with Other Users                                
       ;       ;



              M S G S   M E N U
       ͸       ͸
    [Q]..Quit to the Main Menu    [J]......Join a Conference  
    [R]........Read Message(s)    [S]........Scan Message(s)  
    [E]....Enter a New Message    [K].........Kill a Message  
    [G].......Goodbye & LogOff    [H].............Help Level  
    [?]...........Command Help    [F].............Files Menu  
    [T]..TomCat! QWK Mail DOOR    [U]..Update Conf Scan/Read  
       ;       ;



              F I L E   M E N U
       ͸       ͸
    [Q]......Quit to Main Menu    [I]..Information on a File  
    [L]...List Available Files    [D].....Download a File(s)  
    [U].......Upload a File(s)    [N]....New Files Since [N]  
    [T]............Text Search    [S]..Stats on Up/Downloads  
    [F].....File Transfer Info    [G].......Goodbye & LogOff  
    [H].............Help Level    [?]...........Command Help  
    [M]...........Message Menu    [V].View a Compressed File  
    [R].......Read a Text File    [J]......Join a Conference  
    [E]......Edit Marked Files                                
       ;       ;




  
          Dedicated to those that only have time to call the very best!
  

                              Written by Joe Martin
                         Preliminary - Revised 11/04/91

                               WILDCAT! USER GUIDE

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS




          INTRODUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   1

          ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   2

          WHAT IS A BULLETIN BOARD SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   2

          OVERVIEW  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   3

          MAIN MENU SCREEN  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   4

               [M]essage Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5     
               [F]iles Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5     
               [C]omments to the SysOp  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5     
               [B]ulletin Menu  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5     
                    [R]elist  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5     
                    [N]ew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5     
               [P]age the SysOp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   6     
               [I]nitial Welcome Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   6     
               [Q]uestionnaire Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   6     
               [V]erify a User  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   6     
               [Y]our Settings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7     
                    Password  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7     
                    Computer type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7     
                    Phone number  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7    
                    Birth date  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7    
                    Screen length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7    
                    Color menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7    
                    Erase prompt  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7    
                    Hot keys  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7    
                    Quote on reply  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   8    
                    Msg clear screen  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   8    
                    Default editor  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   8    
                         Line editor  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   8    
                         Full screen editor . . . . . . . . . . . . .   9    
                         Select each time . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   9    
                    File display mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   9    
                         Single line  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   9    
                         Double line  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   9    
                         Full listing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   9    
                    Alias name  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   9 
                    Default protocol  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   9    
                    Calling from  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10    
                    Alias name  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10     










                                        i

                               WILDCAT! USER GUIDE

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

  


          MAIN MENU OPTIONS - continued

                    Chat status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10 
               [S]ystem Statistics  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10      
               [U]serlog List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10     
               [D]oors - Live Programs  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10     
               [N]ewsletter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11     
               [G]oodbye & LogOff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11     
               [H]elp Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11     
                    [N]ovice  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11     
                    [R]egular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12    
                    [E]xpert  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12
               [?] Command Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12     
               [W]ho Else is Online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12     
               [T]alk with Other Nodes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13     
               [J]oin a Conference  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13     
                    Echomail  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13    
                    Netmail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13    
                    Local . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13

          CHATMODE INFORMATION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14

          CHATMODE OPERATION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14

               [#,#]  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16     
               [R]espond  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16     
               [G]roup  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16     
               [U]navailable  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16     
               /QUIT  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  19     
               /HELP or /?  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  19     
               /USERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  19     
               /DAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  19     
               /TIMEON  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  19

          FILE MENU SCREEN  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  20

               [Q]uit to Main Menu  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  21     
               [I]nformation on a File  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  21     
               [L]ist Available Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  21     
                    (1..32) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  21    
                    [#, #-#]  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  21    
                    [A]ll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  21    
                    [L]ist  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  22 










                                       ii

                               WILDCAT! USER GUIDE

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS




          FILE MENU OPTIONS - continued

                    [S|D|F] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  22    
                    [C]ont  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  22     
                    [N]onstop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  22    
                    [M]ark  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  23    
                         [A]ll  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  23    
                         [E]dit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  23    
                    [D]wnld . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  24    
                    [V]iew  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  25    
                    [I]nfo  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  25    
                    [S]top  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  25    
               [D]ownload a File(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  25     
               [U]pload a File(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  26     
               [N]ew Files Since [N]  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  26     
               [T]ext Search  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  27     
                    [N]ame  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  27    
                    [K]eyword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  27    
                    [D]escription . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  28    
                    [U]ploaded by . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  28    
               [S]tats on Up/Downloads  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  28     
               [F]ile Transfer Info . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  29     
               [G]oodbye & LogOff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  29     
               [H]elp Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  29     
               [?] Command Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  29     
               [M]essage Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  29     
               [V]iew an ARC File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  29     
               [R]ead a Text File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  30     
               [J]oin a Conference  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  30     
               [E]dit Marked List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  30

          DISPLAY MODE INFORMATION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  31

               [F]ull/Detail  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  31     
               [D]ouble Line  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  31     
               [S]ingle Line  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  31


          MESSAGE MENU SCREEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  32

               [Q]uit to the Main Menu  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  33     
               [J]oin a Conference  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  33 
               [R]ead Message(s)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  33      










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                               WILDCAT! USER GUIDE

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS




          MESSAGE MENU OPTIONS - continued

                    [1..2520] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  33    
                    [N]ew mail  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  33     
                         [C]urrent  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  33    
                         [A]ll  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  33    
                         [S]elected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  34    
                    [S]earch  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  34    
                         [F]rom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  34    
                         [T]o . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  34    
                         S[u]bject  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  34    
                         Msg [B]ody . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  34    
                         [N]umber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  34    
                         [D]irection  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  35    
                         [C]onference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  35    
                              [C]urrent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  35    
                              [A]ll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  35    
                              [S]elected  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  35    
                    [U]nread personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  35    
                    Read mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  36    
                         (SELECTED) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  36    
                         (ALL)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  36    
                         (MARK) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  36    
                         (THREAD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  36    
                         (726 +)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  36    
                    [1-2520]  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  36    
                    [E]dit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  36    
                    [F]orward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  36    
                    [H]elp  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  37    
                    [K]ill  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  37    
                    [N]onstop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  37     
                    [Q]uit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  37
                    [T]hread  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  37
                    [M]ark  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  37
                    [R]eply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  37    
                    [D]ownload  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  38   
               [S]can Message(s)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  38     
                    [F]rom  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  38    
                    [T]o  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  38    
                    S[u]bject . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  38    
                    Msg [B]ody  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  39    
                    [N]umber  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  39    
                    [D]irection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  39     










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                               WILDCAT! USER GUIDE

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS




          MESSAGE MENU OPTIONS - continued

                    [C]onference  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  39    
                         [C]urrent  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  39 
                         [A]ll  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  39     
                         [S]elected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  39    
                    [S]tart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  40    
                    [M]ark  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  40    
               [E]nter a New Message  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  40     
                    [A]bort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  41    
                    [C]ontinue  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  41    
                    [I]nsert  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  42    
                    [L]ist  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  42    
                    [E]dit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  42    
                    Ca[r]bon  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  43    
                    [Q]uote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  43    
                    [F]ull screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  43    
                    [D]elete  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  43    
                    [S]ave  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  43    
                    At[t]ach  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  44    
               [K]ill a Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  44     
               [G]oodbye & LogOff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  44     
               [H]elp Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  44     
               [?] Command Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  44     
               [F]ile Menu  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  44     
               [T]omcat! QWK Mail Door  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  45     
               [U]pdate Conf Scan/Read  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  45     
                    [#-#] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  46    
                    [D]eselect  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  46    
                    [S]elect all  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  46

          MESSAGE INFORMATION LAYOUT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  47

          MESSAGE FORMAT  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  47
               From . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  47     
               To . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  47     
               Subject  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  47     
               Read . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  48     
               Conf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  48     
               Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  48     
               Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  48     
               Reference  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  48      
               Private  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  49      










                                        v

                               WILDCAT! USER GUIDE

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS




          RETURN RECEIPTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  50

          FULL SCREEN VISUAL EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  51

          TOMCAT! QWK MAIL DOOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  52

          ECHOMAIL/NETMAIL EXPLANATION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  53

          FILE TRANSFER PROTOCOLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  57

               XMODEM FILE TRANSFER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  57     
               1K-XMODEM  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  57     
               YMODEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  57     
               YMODEM/G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  58     
               1K-XMODEM/G  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  59     
               ZMODEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  59     
               KERMIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  59     
               ASCII DATA CAPTURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  60 

          NEWUSER TIPS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  61

          CURSOR POSITIONING  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  61

          STOPPING THE DISPLAY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  61

          FAST LOGIN SUPPORT  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  61

          READ NEW PERSONAL MAIL  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  61

          NEW FILES DISPLAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  61

          CONCLUSION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  62





















                                       vi


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE
     INTRODUCTION



          INTRODUCTION

          With the plummeting prices of PC's and modems these days, more and
          more people are finding out there's a whole new world out there
          that only their modem can bring them.  They're finding out they
          can communicate with people all over the nation without ever
          having to leave the comfortable surroundings of their home.  With
          the increased usage, comes demands of better, faster and more
          efficient systems to call.  They want the information and they
          want it now.

          Quite a number of companies have risen to the challenge of
          producing high quality, user friendly bulletin board software, but
          only one has truly met this challenge and has risen head and
          shoulders above the rest.  These are the folks at Mustang
          Software.

          Having had a hand in helping develop this software by being one of
          the members of the WILDCAT! Alpha team, it has provided me a lot
          of insight as to what the developers were up against and what they
          had to go through to ultimately bring us this very easy and
          flexible piece of BBS software.

          Since the release of WILDCAT! v3.00 BBS software, a lot of changes
          and enhancements have taken place that even the experienced
          callers wanted to know how to take advantage of.  Since I had
          first hand experience using the product, I figured it was time for
          me to do what I could to bring this power and ease of use to the
          masses.

          This users guide was put together out of the sheer enjoyment of
          WILDCAT! BBSing.  The long hours it took to create, is my way of
          thanking those folks that have helped me out along the way.  The
          BBS community on a whole, is one of incredible talent and a true
          willingness to offer a helping hand.  To those of you that
          understand what I mean, I tip my hat to you.

          To all the newcomers that are just now learning the ropes, I hope
          this manual offers you a solid reference and a good springboard to
          many, many hours of BBSing pleasure with very few busy signals.


          Warmest Regards,


          Joe Martin - SysOp
          The Power Station BBS
          (707) 552-0462  9 Nodes
          FidoNet - (1:161/123)





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     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS



          ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

          A heartfelt thanks go to the folks at Mustang Software for
          creating an exceptional product in WILDCAT! v3.0.  For without
          them, there would have never been so many late nights, lost hours
          of sleep, dangerously high phone bills and last but not least,
          this users manual.  Thanks guys..


          WHAT IS A BULLETIN BOARD SYSTEM

          Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) are systems that people can call with
          their modems to pickup and send E-Mail and transfer files between
          the two different systems.  These machines are often standalone
          PC's, running 24 hours a day, and are made available free of
          charge by computer enthusiasts.  

          BBS's can often be used to check the latest football scores, or
          possibly find out what the stock market is doing.  Many of the
          larger systems have the ability to "chat" with the other callers
          that are online.  Another common feature found on BBS's is online
          games or more commonly referred to as doors.  Doors are programs
          that are executed outside of the normal BBS program and can offer
          a wide variety of gaming and leisure time activities.

          Some of the larger systems have multiple lines and incredibly
          large hard drives with literally thousands of files that can be
          transferred to your PC.  Usually with systems this large, you will
          find high speed modems to help move those large files fast and
          efficiently.  

          Electronic Mail, or commonly referred to as E-Mail, is becoming
          more and more popular as it offers the ability to communicate with
          others around the world.  A multitude of networks have sprung up
          across the nation linking these BBS's together and offer the users
          the ability to share ideas and help resolve problems.  This gives
          the caller limitless sources of information and perspectives on
          just about anything from cooking to sailing.

          Each system that you logon to will have it's own special
          personality.  These personalities often reflect what the System
          Operator has intended the BBS to be used for.  Some systems are
          set up primarily as chat boards offering a common meeting ground
          for people to meet and converse 'live'.  Other boards will cater
          to a more select group of people like musicians, software
          programmers.  While others will try and be more general and cater
          to just about any type of computer user that logs on.

          





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     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE
     OVERVIEW



          OVERVIEW

          WILDCAT! bulletin board systems are divided up into 3 distinct
          menu driven categories.  These being the MAIN, FILE and the
          MESSAGE Menus.  Each menu section offers options to the caller
          that's associated with it's specific category, plus offer the
          caller the ability to traverse from one menu to another without
          having to return to the MAIN menu.  In addition, there are global
          options that facilitate easy maneuverability throughout the
          system.  These options are [J]oin a Conference, [H]elp Level, [?]
          Command Help and [G]oodbye & Log-Off. 


          MAIN MENU

          This is the first menu you come to after successfully logging on
          to the system.  From here you have your choice of jumping to one
          of the other menus or selecting one of the available options. 
          Options available from this menu are typically "system" related. 
          Meaning system statistics, listing of the callers on the board or
          possibly modifying your user information. 


          FILE MENU

          This menu is used to perform some sort of file manipulation.  This
          could be displaying a list of available files on the system,
          transferring a file(s) to or from your system, or possibly
          displaying extended information about a specific file.  In
          addition, you could view the contents of a compressed file and
          possibly even read it while online prior to downloading to be
          certain this is a file you will use.


          MESSAGE MENU

          This menu is used to facilitate sending and receiving electronic
          mail.  Various types of different message bases exist in specific
          conferences to better categorize its topic line.  From any one of
          the available conferences, you can send or receive mail, create a
          QWK mail packet for offline viewing.  Additionally, you could scan
          messages for a specific subject line, keyword or phrase or
          possibly by a users name.  The message bases are indexed for
          extremely fast scanning and retrieving of information.  A full
          screen editor is available with full quoting capabilities for easy
          replying or editing of messages.








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     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     MAIN MENU SCREEN





       ҷ ķ  ķ   ҷ ķ ķ     
        Ķ                 
                  Ľ   Ľ   
       T H E   P O W E R   S T A T I O N  

         ͸     ͸     
       [M]..........Message Menu    [F].............Files Menu   
       [C].Comments to the SysOp    [B]..........Bulletin Menu   
       [P]........Page the SysOp    [I].Initial Welcome Screen   
       [Q]....Questionnaire Menu    [V]..........Verify a User   
       [Y].........Your Settings    [S]......System Statistics   
       [U]..........Userlog List    [D]..Doors [Live Programs]   
       [N]............Newsletter    [G].......Goodbye & LogOff   
       [H]............Help Level    [?]...........Command Help   
       [J].....Join a Conference    [W].....Who Else is Online   
       [T].Talk with Other Users                                 
         ;     ;

     You've Been on 1 Minutes with 60 Minutes Remaining For This Call

     CONFERENCE: "General Message Area"
     MAIN MENU : [M F C B P I Q V Y S U D N G H ? J W T]:? [ ]






























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     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     MAIN MENU OPTIONS



          [M]............MESSAGE MENU

               This option takes you directly to the MESSAGE menu.  The
               MESSAGE menu allows you to read/reply to your messages both
               public and private.


          [F]...............FILE MENU

               Takes you directly to the FILE menu where file uploads and
               downloads are available.


          [C]...COMMENTS TO THE SYSOP

               This choice enables you to enter a private message to the
               system operator.  WILDCAT! makes these comments an integral
               part of the message base for easy reply by the SysOp, if
               desired.  If the BBS has Echomail, you need to be very
               careful not to save the comment in one of those conferences. 
               Instead, [C]omments to the SysOp should be saved in one of
               the local conferences.


          [B]...........BULLETIN MENU

               The Bulletin menu could be considered a sub-menu of sorts, in
               that it presents you with the options of reading one or more
               bulletins by selecting a bulletin number, re-listing the
               bulletins that are available for display, or simply returning
               to the MAIN menu. If any bulletins have been updated since
               your last logon, you will be presented a with a listing of
               those bulletins by number similar to below.

          Bulletins updated: 1, 2
          Enter bulletin # [1..699], [R]elist menu, [N]ew, [ENTER] to Quit: 


               [R]elist -
                    Selecting this option will redisplay the bulletin menu.

               [N]ew -
                    This will display in numerical order, only those
                    bulletins that have been updated since your last call to
                    the BBS.  If more than one bulletin has been updated,
                    you will be prompted as shown below.

                    End of bulletin #1. Continue reading NEW Bulletins? [Y]






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     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE
     MAIN MENU OPTIONS



          [B]...........BULLETIN MENU - continued

               You can then continue reading the newly updated bulletins, or
               enter [N]o to return to the MAIN menu.  Depending on the
               system configuration, bulletins may vary depending on which
               conference you are currently in.

                          
          [P]..........PAGE THE SYSOP

               This selection is used to [P]age the System Operator.  The
               response of the local system may vary depending on whether
               the current time is within the SysOp's paging hours, whether
               the override toggle is on, and whether the page bell is
               turned on or off.  If the conditions allow, the BBS will then
               send a series of beeps to notify the SysOp that someone is
               online would like to chat with him/her.

               Pages are only made if the time falls within the SysOps
               defined paging hours.  Please try and be courteous and not
               over use this function.  You won't make friends paging the
               SysOp at 3 am.


          [I]..INITIAL WELCOME SCREEN

               This option re-displays the information you saw when you
               initially logged on to the BBS.  This is useful for reviewing
               some information that you might have previously overlooked,
               thus saving you from having to logoff and log back on again.


          [Q]...........QUESTIONNAIRE

               You are presented with a menu screen containing numbered
               listings of questionnaires made available by the SysOp.
               Select the desired questionnaire to answer.  Depending on
               system configuration, it's possible for questionnaires to
               vary depending on what conference you're currently in.


          [V]...........VERIFY A USER

               This option allows you to enter in a complete user name to
               check and see when was the last time they called the BBS.  If
               the name you entered was not found, you are prompted if you
               would like to continue the search using the information
               supplied.  If you continue, the system will start displaying
               user names with the search based upon the users last names. 
               Searches for user names is not case sensitive.




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     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     MAIN MENU OPTIONS



          [Y]...........YOUR SETTINGS

               You are allowed to make changes to certain information in
               your user record with this option.  When [Y] is selected, a
               complete screen of your modifiable settings is displayed.

               Below is a list of modifiable settings.

               [ 1] Password -
                    Password used to logon to the system.  Your password can
                    be up to 14 characters long.

               [ 2] Computer type -
                    This field is used to identify the type of computer you
                    are using to connect to the BBS.

               [ 3] Phone number -
                    Your VOICE phone number.  Normally, this is only used by
                    the Sysop in unusual circumstances and is always held in
                    the strictest of confidence.

               [ 4] Birth date -
                    Your birth date in MM/DD/YY format.

               [ 5] Screen length -
                    This will determine the number of lines displayed before
                    displaying a -Pause- prompt.  This is used to prevent
                    information from scrolling off the screen.  Normally
                    this value is set to 23.  A value of 0 is used to turn
                    off the automatic screen pauses.

               [ 6] Color menus -
                    Ability to toggle on or off the fancy color menus.

               [ 7] Erase prompt -
                    This causes various command prompts to be erased prior
                    to displaying any more information, allowing for very
                    smooth screen operation.

               [ 8] Hot keys -
                    With this feature turned on, you need only tap the
                    letter that corresponds to the option.  Pressing [ENTER]
                    is not required.











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     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     MAIN MENU OPTIONS



          [Y]...........YOUR SETTINGS - continued

               [ 9] Quote on reply -
                    When replying to a message with this option toggled on,
                    the original message is placed at the beginning of the
                    reply and allows you to respond to specific sections of
                    that message using normal editing features.

               [10] Msg Clear Screen -
                    Allows the ability to clear the screen prior to
                    displaying the next message.

               [11] Default editor -
                    This option is used to select which type of editor you
                    wish to use as a default when entering and replying to
                    messages.  When selecting this option, the caller is
                    presented with the following prompt:

               Current editor setting: No default

               [L]ine editor        :  use a standard line-by-line editor. 
               [F]ull screen editor :  use an ANSI driven editor.
               [S]elect each time   :  decide on editor before each use.

               [H]elp with selection.

               Default editor mode? [ ]


                    Each type of editor has it's own set of requirements and
                    thus must be chosen carefully.  Below is an brief
                    explanation of each type.

                    [L]ine editor -
                         This is a common type of message editor requiring
                         the caller to enter in information one line at a
                         time.  The primary disadvantage to this is
                         editing.  For editing changes to be made, you must
                         enter in the word to be corrected followed by the
                         correct spelling.  This can be time consuming at
                         best.  Only the Delete key and Backspace keys are
                         active.  Use of the cursor keys will cause
                         unpredictable and undesirable results.











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     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     MAIN MENU OPTIONS



          [Y]...........YOUR SETTINGS - continued

                    [F]ull screen editor -
                         The full-screen editor supports several cursor
                         movement commands generated by different
                         communication programs.  Cursor positioning using
                         ANSI terminal emulation as well as standard ESCape
                         commands are interpreted properly.  If you find
                         that your communication program is not operating
                         properly when in the full-screen editor, you may
                         need to activate ANSI terminal emulation mode.

                    [S]elect each time -
                         Allow the option to be able to choose which editor
                         you would like to use prior to editing or replying
                         to a message.

               [12] File display mode -
                    Changing the default file display mode alters the way
                    files are listed on the screen.  This selection is only
                    a default, you have the option of overriding it every
                    time files are listed by appending a S, D, or F to the
                    file list command.  When changing your default, the
                    following sub-prompt is displayed:

               Current file list method is: Double line

               [S]ingle line  : displays name and short desc only.
               [D]ouble line  : displays name, date, size, DL time.
               [F]ull listing : displays all information on the file.

               New file display method? : [ ]


                    Remember, whichever method you choose here, it's just a
                    default, and may be overridden each time files are
                    listed.

               [13] Help level -
                    Three different types of help levels exist in WILDCAT!
                    [N]ovice, [R]egular and [E]xpert.   Refer to the MAIN
                    menu [H]elp level for additional information.

               [14] Default protocol -
                    This option selects which file transfer protocol will be
                    used when downloading or uploading files to the BBS. 








                                  Page  9


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     MAIN MENU OPTIONS



          [Y]...........YOUR SETTINGS - continued

               [15] Calling from -
                    The location from which you are calling from in City,
                    State format. i.e. - Vallejo, CA.

               [16] Alias name -
                    This field is used for a name which you would like to be
                    known as other than your real name.  This is a secret
                    type identity.  Please note, this field is only
                    displayed if you are presently IN an alias type
                    conference.

               [17] Chat status -
                    Chat status is used for enabling/disabling the ability
                    to be interrupted by other callers for a quick chat
                    between nodes.


          [S].......SYSTEM STATISTICS

               This menu choice displays statistical information about the
               system.  It may be a simple summary of the number of callers
               and the date the system began, or may go into extreme detail
               with percentages of callers at each baud rate and include
               graphs of system time usage, frequently downloaded files and
               so on.


          [U]............USERLOG LIST

               You are presented with a complete list of users on the
               system, displayed in alphabetical order, along with the date
               they last called, their calling point of origin and PC type. 
               If you are currently in a ALIAS type conference, instead of
               displaying regular user names, only the ALIAS names will be
               displayed.  The usual screen pauses are in effect while using
               this option.


          [D]...DOORS - LIVE PROGRAMS

               The door feature in WILDCAT! allows you to run other programs
               made available by the SysOp through a menu choice.  Doors can
               be almost any type of online program ranging from database
               type programs to multi-player games.








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     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     MAIN MENU OPTIONS



          [N]..............NEWSLETTER

               This menu choice displays information supplied by the SysOp 
               and can be a variety of different types of information.
               Regardless of what the information is, whenever this
               information is updated, upon login, you will automatically be
               notified and asked if you would like to view it.


          [G].......GOODBYE & LOG-OFF

               Terminates the current connection and disconnects.  If your
               current Help level is set to the NOVICE mode, choosing this
               option gives you a way to "back out" of the command. 
               Selecting this command brings up a friendly question, "Are
               you sure you want to logoff?".  If you respond with a "Y",
               then normal logoff procedures are begun.  Otherwise, WILDCAT!
               will assume the command has been entered in error, and will
               return to current menu.

               If your current help level settings are set to REGULAR or
               EXPERT, this extra prompt will no longer be displayed. 
               WILDCAT! assumes that you know the commands well enough to
               deliberately wish to logoff.  This command is available in
               ALL major menus and performs exactly the same in each of
               them.


          [H]..............HELP LEVEL

               WILDCAT! supports three different levels of menu prompts. 
               Selecting this option presents the following sub-prompt:

               Current help level is set at: NOVICE

               [N]ovice  : Complete menus, full command line.
               [R]egular : No menus, command line only.
               [E]xpert  : No menus or command line.

               Help level desired [N R E] ? ? [N]

               Below is a explanation of the above options.

               [N]ovice -
                    The first and default value for new users is the Novice
                    level.  At this level, the user is presented with full,
                    dynamic monochrome or color menus, and a command line 







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     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     MAIN MENU OPTIONS



          [H]..............HELP LEVEL - continued

               [N]ovice - continued
                    prompt containing the name of current menu area (MAIN,
                    MESSAGE, FILE) and the first character for a particular
                    option in the current menu.  The characters presented
                    agree with the letter designator selected for that
                    option.

               [R]egular -
                    This is the second level.  At this level, only the
                    current conference number/description, time and command
                    line option letter designator's are displayed.  No menus
                    are displayed at this level.  Shown below is a sample
                    display prompt.

                    Conf: "[0] - Main Message Area", time on 1, with 59 left 
                    MAIN MENU: [M F C B P I Q V Y S U O G H ? J W T] ? [ ]

               [E]xpert -
                    The final and highest level is the Expert level.  At
                    this level, only the current conference number and
                    description along with the menu name is displayed. 
                    Shown below is a sample display prompt.

                    General Message Area (0), MAIN MENU: ? [ ]

                    Selecting this level requires a reasonable understanding
                    of all the options.  It's primarily designed for speed. 
                    If at any time you forget what a certain option letter
                    is, pressing [?] at any of the menus will present you
                    with a HELP screen showing all the possible options.

                    The HELP LEVEL command is available in ALL major menus
                    and the usage is exactly the same in each of them.


          [?]............COMMAND HELP

               Displays a Help screen that breaks down all the available
               commands from the MAIN menu.


          [W]......WHO ELSE IS ONLINE

               Selecting this choice in a multi-line system, presents you
               with a list of callers who are presently logged on, their
               respective node numbers and their current status.  If a node
               is up, but has no one logged on at the moment, it is reported
               as "Waiting for Calls".




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     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     MAIN MENU OPTIONS



          [T].TALK WITH OTHER NODE(s)

               If a multi-node system is in operation, this choice will
               allow you to enter into PRIVATE or public GROUP chat with
               callers on the other nodes.  For a indepth explanation on how
               to use this feature, refer to page 14.


          [J].......JOIN A CONFERENCE

               This command is used to leave the current conference and move
               to another.  A conference is simply a section of the BBS with
               a single message base different from any other conference. 
               A certain conference may or may not allow file transfers
               depending on the configuration.  If allowed, file transfers
               may draw files from any area you have access to, even if it's
               from another conference.

               Basically, there are three types of conferences, Echomail,
               Netmail and Local.  For a indepth explanation of differences
               and operation, refer to page 53.

               Echomail -
                    Refers to messages with a defined topic, shared with
                    other BBS's across the nation.  All messages are
                    considered public.

               Netmail -
                    This conference type is used to send private mail to a
                    specific user on a certain BBS in one of the existing
                    networks.  There is a cost involved with this option and
                    requires a previously established account balance before
                    you will be able to enter a message.

               Local -
                    Messages saved in this type of conference, will stay on
                    the BBS and won't be transmitted anywhere.  This is
                    normally used for saving general messages pertaining to
                    the callers and local activities on the BBS.  Private
                    messages are supported in this type of conference.

               When the Join Conference command is selected, the following
               sub-prompt appears:

                    Join Conference [0-200], [L]ist, [H]elp [  ]

               You may enter the conference number you want to join from the
               available numbers in the brackets, or may list the conference
               numbers and names by pressing [L]ist.





                                  Page 13


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     CHATMODE OPERATION



          CHATMODE INFORMATION

          Most people have had a opportunity to chat with the SysOp on
          various different BBS's from time to time.  This is usually
          accomplished in what's called REAL TIME mode.  This means that
          both the SysOp and the caller see exactly what each other is
          typing WHEN they are typing it.

          However, when you want several people talking together (more than
          2) there are inherent problems that must be overcome.

                    1) Who's doing the typing?
                    2) Who's that person trying to talk to?

          If you remember REAL TIME mode, all an observer would see is that
          someone (anyone) is typing something and have absolutely no idea
          who it's coming from.  The BBS has addressed this very specific
          problem, but this requires a little understanding as to what it
          does, along with why.


          CHATMODE OPERATION

          Upon initial login and immediately following the new messages
          notification, you will be informed if there are any callers in
          group chat mode.  Prompts similar to the ones below will be
          displayed:

                    No one is in Group Chat at this moment.
                                  - or -
                         1 caller is in Group Chat.

          This tells you that either there is no one presently in chat mode,
          or someone is presently in chat mode waiting for another caller
          (any caller) to join in.  If there are several people already
          engaging in chat mode, you then have the option to join in on the
          conversation by continuing on to the MAIN menu and selecting the
          [T]alk to Other Nodes option.
















                                  Page 14


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE 
     CHATMODE OPERATION



          CHATMODE INFORMATION - continued

          Now if someone on another node uses the [T]alk to Other Nodes
          option and [P]ages you, you will be presented with a message
          similar to the one below:

          -- ATTENTION -- Frank Thomas from Las Vegas, NV is PAGING YOU
          Use the MAIN MENU command [T]alk to other Nodes to [R]espond.

          This informs you that Frank Thomas from Las Vegas wants to chat
          with you. At this point you would then continue on to the MAIN
          menu and select one of the two options below.

                         [W].............Who Else is Online
                         [T]..........Talk with other Nodes

          From the MAIN menu, selecting [W]ho Else is Online, will present
          the caller with a complete list of all the callers on the board at
          the PRESENT time.  This is very important, as people logon and off
          on a regular basis, so who was on 2 minutes ago may no longer be
          there now.  Below is a sample display.

           #   Baud    Name                  From           Status
          --- ------ ------------------ -------------- -------------------
           1   2400  Frank Thomas       Las Vegas, NV  Transferring a File
           2   1200  Mike Hart          Vallejo, CA
           3   OPEN  Waiting For Calls
           4  14400  Joe Martin         Vallejo, CA    In a Group Chat


          Below is an explanation of the above information:

               #      =  The actual NODE that caller has logged to, i.e.,
                              1 = NODE 1 (Phone Line 1)
                              2 = NODE 2 (Phone Line 2)  etc, etc...

               Baud   =  The current baud rate this caller is connected at.
                         This can be anything from 300 to 14400 or LOCAL if
                         has logged onto this node locally.

               Name   =  Callers name used on the BBS.

               From   =  City and State the call is originating from.

               Status =  Shows what the caller is currently doing.  If the
                         area is blank, chances are that he/she is at one
                         of the menus.  Normally this will show if the
                         caller is Transferring a File, Entering a Message,
                         in a Door etc. 





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     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     CHATMODE OPERATION



          CHATMODE INFORMATION - continued

          By selecting [T]alk to Other Nodes, you will be presented with a
          screen briefly describing how to [P]age another node, [R]espond to
          another callers page, or join a [G]roup chat.  Below are a list of
          the available options.

          [#,#] -
               Type in the node number you wish to page.  If you wish to
               only talk to node 4, enter 4 and then press [ENTER].  Unlike
               other BBS's, this allows you to have multiple people in
               PRIVATE chat.  If you're initiating the chat, just type in
               the nodes you want in the chat, separated by commas.  The BBS
               will then page the other node(s) and tell you when they have
               arrived.  Keep in mind, it may take the other node(s) a
               minute or two to get the [P]age and [R]espond to the chat
               request.

          [R]espond -
               If you've been paged, you'll see [R]espond to Page as an
               option at the chat menu.  This option will take you directly
               into PRIVATE chat with the person that [P]aged you.  If you
               are [P]aged and don't use this option, you will not be able
               to chat with the node that paged you.

          [G]roup -
               If you want to enter an open "Free for All" chat where others
               can join at will, then choose [G]roup chat.

          [U]navailable -
               This will change your current chat mode status on the board
               to that of UNAVAILABLE.  This is used to prevent someone from
               interrupting your activities on the BBS wishing to chat.

          [ENTER] -
               Returns you back to the MAIN menu.


          After selecting [#,#] (by entering the node(s)) this puts you
          immediately into PRIVATE chat mode.  You must then wait for the
          other caller(s) to [R]espond to your [P]age before you can begin
          the actual "conversation".












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     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     CHATMODE OPERATION



          CHATMODE INFORMATION - continued

          Only the callers that desire to be in PRIVATE chat mode will be
          able to talk to each other.  There can be others in GROUP chat
          mode, but they will not even "see" you, because you're considered
          PRIVATE.

          Selecting [G]roup chat mode will place you into a "Free for All"
          type mode of operation.  Basically, there is no limit to the
          number callers that can participate in GROUP chat, so whatever you
          type, all the other callers currently in chat mode will see your
          entries.

          There is also a drawback to GROUP chat mode in that no one gets
          [P]aged to notify them that you are waiting to chat.  They would
          have to want to chat first.  Then of course, they would look to
          see who's online with the above options and go from there.  When
          selecting GROUP chat mode, you are taking your chances on spending
          some idle time just waiting for someone to join you.  Usually this
          type of mode is used at prescribed times so people will know to
          look for you.

          If you sit idle for more that 4 mins in CHAT Mode, the system will
          inform you that it will log you off if you don't press any keys
          within the next 60 seconds.

             NOTE:  This is where the reading becomes very important for
                    PROPER operation.  Please read this very carefully!

          As was stated earlier, this is not considered REAL TIME mode.  You
          will be required to enter a COMPLETE sentence (or a FULL line of
          text) before anything gets sent to the other caller(s) in chat
          mode.  If you enter a short sentence without exceeding the current
          line length, you will need to press [ENTER] before the information
          will be sent to them.

          If you send out more than one line, the exceeded line length text
          will be automatically sent, but if your next line response is less
          than a full line, you will need to press [ENTER] to send the
          remaining text.

          One of the most important considerations of using chat mode is to
          be patient!  You MUST wait for the other caller(s) to input their
          sentence and press [ENTER] or until the sentence runs on more than
          one line.  If the person you're chatting with is a slow typist, it
          could take a few moments before you receive any response from
          them.  The system will generally send out their response within 3
          seconds of its completion.  It's very important to TAKE YOUR TIME!






                                  Page 17


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     CHATMODE OPERATION



          CHATMODE INFORMATION - continued

          The reason the board "waits" for the caller to input his/her
          sentence is simple.  When he/she presses [ENTER] (or the sentence
          exceeds the line length), the callers name will be attached to the
          response letting the other callers know who it came from.  This
          takes a little getting used to, but in time, I think you will find
          that it makes a lot of sense.

          Another problem to address is who is PRESENTLY in chat mode.  When
          a caller enters or exits chat mode, all the other callers are
          notified by the system stating the date and time along with the
          callers name.  Upon selecting [G]roup chat, below is a sample of
          what you might see:

               You are entering GROUP chat.  Anyone can join in!

                    Type "/QUIT" to Exit, "/HELP" for Help

          At this point, you are now in chat mode and the other callers in
          chat mode are notified with a message similar to the one below:

               0 - 07-30-89 12:44 : Frank Thomas Entered Group chat.

          Also, if you had selected COLOR screens prior to entering chat
          mode, the callers names will alternate [WHITE] and [YELLOW] to
          help distinguish between them.

          You will NOT be able to see what the past conversations were prior
          to your arrival, but you will see everything DURING your stay in
          chat mode.

               Simulated BBS chat mode discussion:
               -------------------------------------------------------
               2 - Mike           : Hi Joe, how are you?
               4 - Joe            : Welcome to GROUP CHAT mode Mike.
               2 - Mike           : Why thanx, I think this will work!
               0 - 07-30-89 12:44 : Frank Thomas Entered Group Chat.
               2 - Mike           : Hello Frank!
               1 - Frank          : Hi Mike.  This looks like fun.
               2 - Mike           : It sure can be!
               2 - Mike           : What do you think about that Joe?
               4 - Joe            : You're right.  This is great!
               2 - Mike           : Gotta run, you guy's take care.
               0 - 07-30-89 12:47 : Joe Martin has exited chat.

          The number preceding the callers name indicates what NODE the
          caller is attached to and a "0" indicates a statement generated by
          the system.





                                  Page 18


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     CHATMODE OPERATION



          CHATMODE INFORMATION - continued

          The available options while in chat mode are:

          /QUIT -
               Exit chat mode and inform all the other callers that you have
               departed.

          /HELP or /? -
               Displays HELP information on how to use chat mode.

          /USERS -
               Displays a list of the users in chat mode.  Similar to [W]ho
               Else is Online option.

          /DAY -
               Displays the current date and time.

          /TIMEON -
               Displays your current time on, and minutes remaining.


          Since there is a delay from when the caller reads the last line
          entered and then starts to enter a reply, the best thing to do
          until all the callers get "used to" the way the other callers type
          and reply to the discussion, is to keep all the statements and
          replies very short.  This will help everyone get a "feel" for how
          each other types and then you can progressively increase the size
          of your responses.

          Remember also, that there may be several people trying to reply at
          the same time and the phrases might be a little out of turn, but
          with a little patience, you will be able to figure it all out.





















                                  Page 19


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     FILE MENU SCREEN





       ķ     ķ   ҷ ķ ķ     
                            
            Ľ     Ľ   Ľ   
       T H E   P O W E R   S T A T I O N  

         ͸     ͸     
       [Q].....Quit to Main Menu    [I]..Information on a File   
       [L]..List Available Files    [D].....Download a File(s)   
       [U]......Upload a File(s)    [N]....New Files Since [N]   
       [T]...........Text Search    [S]..Stats on Up/Downloads   
       [F]....File Transfer Info    [G].......Goodbye & LogOff   
       [H]............Help Level    [?]...........Command Help   
       [M]..........Message Menu    [V].View a Compressed File   
       [R]......Read a Text File    [J]......Join a Conference   
       [E].....Edit Marked Files                                 
         ;     ;

     You've Been on 2 Minutes with 58 Minutes Remaining For This Call

     CONFERENCE: "General Message Area"
     FILE MENU : [Q I L D U N T S F G H ? M V R J E]:? [ ]































                                   Page 20


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     FILE MENU OPTIONS



          [Q].......QUIT TO MAIN MENU

               Exits the FILE menu and returns to MAIN menu.


          [I]...INFORMATION ON A FILE

               This menu choice prompts you for the filename you're
               interested in.  After checking for a valid file, you are
               shown information in the [F]ull/Detailed file description
               mode.  See page 31 for additional information on display
               modes.


          [L]....LIST AVAILABLE FILES

               This is the menu choice used to view the files available for
               download from the current conference.  Each conference
               contains specific file area listings, and they may vary from
               conference to conference.  Any file available in any
               conference may be downloaded from any conference, but will
               only be listed in conferences to which it's assigned.

               In other words, if the SysOp has elected to categorize
               specific files to go with certain conferences, only those
               files assigned to their currently [J]oined conference will be
               displayed.  Other files not listed in this conference can be
               downloaded, just not [L]isted.  Selecting this option will
               display the following sub-prompt:

                    Areas (1..32) [#, #-#], [A]ll, [L]ist, [S|D|F], [H]elp


               Below is a brief description of each available option.

               (1..32) -
                    File areas available for [L]isting based upon your
                    security level and currently [J]oined conference.

               [#, #-#] -
                    File area(s) you wish to display.  You can list several
                    areas by separating your choices with spaces, or with a
                    dash to read all areas between two numbers inclusively. 
                    For example, to see areas 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10 you
                    can enter the command [2 4-8 10].

               [A]ll -
                    Use the [A]ll choice to list files in all available file
                    areas for the currently [J]oined conference.





                                  Page 21


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     FILE MENU OPTIONS



          [L]....LIST AVAILABLE FILES - continued

               [L]ist -
                    Displays a list of available file areas assigned to the
                    currently [J]oined conference.

               [S|D|F] -
                    When listing files you may view the files in a [S]ingle
                    line format, a [D]ouble line format, or [F]ull/Detailed
                    file information.  Each user can set a default method by
                    modifying their user record in the MAIN menu option,
                    [Y]our Settings.  If no method is specified on this
                    command line, the default is used.  If the user has not
                    yet set a default, the [D]ouble line mode is used.

                    To override your default settings, simply append the
                    letter S, D, or F to your choice.  An example asking for
                    [F]ull/Detailed display might be 2 4-8 10F.  This
                    example requests files in the same areas as above, but
                    specifies full file information display.  For additional
                    information on display modes, refer to page 31.


                    After files have been listed to the screen, you have a
                    number of options available.  The following sub-prompt
                    is displayed:

                    -Pause- [C]ont, [H]elp, [N]onstop, [M]ark, [D]wnld,
                            [I]nfo, [V]iew, [S]top?


                    Below is a brief description of each available option.

                    [C]ont -
                         This is the default response, and results in a
                         continuation of the file listing.

                    [N]onstop -
                         This choice continues the file listings, but does
                         not pause between screens, nor offer the
                         opportunity to [M]ark files any longer.













                                  Page 22


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     FILE MENU OPTIONS



          [L]....LIST AVAILABLE FILES - continued

               [M]ark -
                    This choice allows you to create a queue of files for
                    downloading by selecting the corresponding file number
                    instead of the entire filename.  Marked filenames are
                    stored in a temporary buffer, and may be viewed and/or
                    modified as your listing continues.  Choosing [M]ark
                    presents the following sub-prompt:

                    Mark File Command [#, #-#], [A]ll, [E]dit/View, [H]elp?

                    Files may be marked individually or in groups by number. 
                    Each screen full of files is numbered from 1 to the
                    maximum number which will fit on a single screen
                    display.  To [M]ark files numbered 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and
                    10 you can enter the command 2 4-8 10.  Below is a brief
                    description of the available options.

                    [A]ll -
                         This will [M]ark all the files displayed on the
                         screen for download.  If the number of daily
                         downloads set by the SysOp is exceeded, only those
                         selected prior to the maximum will be marked for
                         download.  In other words, if the maximum
                         downloads per day is set to 5 and you select 7
                         with the [A]ll command, only the first 5 will be
                         allowed and you will be notified for the remainder
                         of the selected files that you have exceeded your
                         maximum daily limit.

                    [E]dit -
                         Selecting this option presents a display of the
                         number and size of files marked as follows:

                         Item  File Name        File Size   D/L Time
                         ----  ------------     ---------   --------
                         [ 1]  ALLFILES.TXT        23,993   00:02:44
                         [ 2]  WILDCAT1.EXE       237,229   00:23:19
                         [ 3]  WILDCAT2.EXE       244,122   00:24:44
                         [ 4]  TOMCAT.ZIP          78,375   00:08:11

                         Total Files Queued     D/L Bytes   Est time
                         ------------------     ---------   --------
                                 4                583,719   00:58:58

                         Edit marked files command:

                         [R]emove item, [C]lear List, [Q]uit edit? [ ]





                                  Page 23


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     FILE MENU OPTIONS



          [L]....LIST AVAILABLE FILES - continued

                    [E]dit - continued
                         After viewing the files queued, you can delete
                         individual files with the [R]emove item command or
                         remove ALL the queued files with the [C]lear List
                         command.

               [D]wnld -
                    Allows you to begin downloading files.  If you haven't
                    selected any files using the [M]ark command, you're
                    asked for the 1st file name and any additional file
                    names until you have reached the maximum allowed, or
                    until you enter a blank name.  If you have [M]arked
                    files in the download queue, you are presented with the
                    following sub-prompt:

                    You have these MARKED files queued ready for download:

                    Item  File Name        File Size   D/L Time
                    ----  ------------     ---------   --------
                    [ 1]  ALLFILES.TXT        23,993   00:02:44
                    [ 2]  WILDCAT1.EXE       237,229   00:23:19
                    [ 3]  WILDCAT2.EXE       244,122   00:24:44
                    [ 4]  TOMCAT.ZIP          78,375   00:08:11

                    Total Files Queued     D/L Bytes   Est time
                    ------------------     ---------   --------
                            4                583,719   00:58:58

                    What would you like to do:

                    [D]ownload - Download all marked files.
                    [E]dit     - Edit/View marked files.
                    [A]dd      - Add more files (by name) to the DL list.  
                    [G]oodbye  - Download all marked files, then Log-Off.  
                    [S]TOP     - Return to the Menu Prompt.

                    Command? [D]

                    From here you can select one of the above options and
                    continue.  After selecting [D]ownload files, you will be
                    prompted whether or not to remain online after the
                    transfer is complete or to have the system automatically
                    log you off the BBS after the transfer is finished.









                                  Page 24


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     FILE MENU OPTIONS



          [L]....LIST AVAILABLE FILES - continued

                    Should you have difficulties transferring any of the
                    [M]arked files in the queue, the files not transferred
                    will remain in the queue for easy re-transmittal.

                    When the file transfer(s) are complete, you will be
                    returned to the same location in listing files you
                    started from.  This allows you to continue listing more
                    files for additional downloading.

               [V]iew -
                    This option is used to look into the contents of an
                    archived or compressed file such as a .ZIP or .LZH file.
                    Various utility programs perform this function in
                    different ways.  In it's simplest form, it will display
                    a list of all the files contained within this archive. 
                    A more advanced function would be, in addition to
                    listing the files, the ability to read the contents of
                    one of the text files.  In addition, be able to select
                    several files contained within the original archive and
                    download only those selected files.  This function will
                    vary from BBS to BBS depending on what's installed.

               [I]nfo -
                    Once prompted for a file number, you are shown
                    information in the [F]ull/Detailed file information mode
                    for the filename selected.  See page 31 for additional
                    information on display modes.

               [S]top -
                    Stops the file listing display and returns to the menu.


          [D]......DOWNLOAD A FILE(s)

               This option allows transferring files from the BBS system to
               your computer.  There are a number of different methods of
               transferring files which are fully explained in the chapter
               on Transfer Protocols.

               Following a request for download, if you haven't previously
               [M]arked files for download, you will be prompted for the
               name of the file (or files) to download.  You can enter up to
               the maximum allowable per day as defined by the SysOp.  If
               you haven't defined a default transfer protocol, you will be
               prompted to enter which one to use followed by a choice
               whether or not to be automatically logged off after the
               transfer is complete.





                                  Page 25


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     FILE MENU OPTIONS



          [D]......DOWNLOAD A FILE(s) - continued

               When the BBS indicates it's "Ready to Send", you should begin
               your own local transfer procedures using the same protocol
               selected when the download was started.

               WILDCAT! will allow you to download up to 99 files using
               internal batch protocols such as Ymodem and Zmodem and
               selected external protocols like MobyZmodem and PUMA.  Even
               non-batch protocols like Xmodem, Xmodem/CRC you can queue up
               to 99 files for repetitive auto-download.  This is, of
               course, subject to the limitation imposed by the SysOp for
               your security level.


          [U]........UPLOAD A FILE(s)

               This option allows sending a file from your system to the
               BBS.  Batch file transfers may be done using some protocols. 
               Prior to every upload, you are asked to establish which file
               area will be the destination for the uploaded file(s).  Only
               one file area can be selected, even for batch uploads.  If
               you are unsure of the area you want, use the [L]ist areas
               command for details of the available areas.  Some systems may
               only allow uploads to a single area where they will be
               screened by the SysOp prior to being made generally
               available.

               After the upload(s) is complete, the BBS may then proceed to
               uncompress the file(s) and scan them for viruses.  This is
               done while you are online and is for the protection of the
               other callers that might download this file(s).


          [N].....NEW FILES SINCE [N]

               Displays a sub-prompt requesting the date to use as a basis
               for the search.  The default date is the last time you used
               this particular option, not your last logon.  A new user's
               search date is always set to [01/01/80].  You can logon for
               weeks, even months, and providing the [N] option is not
               selected during a particular logon, the default date will not
               be changed.  In addition to the automatic default date
               discussed above, you may manually enter any date from which
               to start a new files search, allowing a display of all files
               added since the specified date.

               This option is most commonly used to check for new files
               uploaded since the last time you were on the BBS, or more
               specifically, since the last time you used this function. 




                                  Page 26


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     FILE MENU OPTIONS



          [T].............TEXT SEARCH

               The Text search function allows you to locate files using a
               user-specified set of search criteria.  Selecting this option
               presents the sub-prompt:

               Search criteria:

               [N]ame          : *.*
               [K]eyword       : All
               [D]escription   : All
               [U]ploaded by   : All

               [L]isting method: Double line

               Search command [N K D L U], [H]elp, [Q]uit, [S]tart [ ]


               Defaults parameters shown above will produce a complete list
               of all the files on the BBS.  You can specify more than one
               search parameter to further narrow down your search.

               Below is a explanation of the above commands.

               [N]ame -
                    The name search criteria lets you locate files with a
                    file mask using the standard DOS wildcard characters of
                    * & ?.  You can edit the field to search only for files
                    with the ZIP extension (*.ZIP) or only those beginning
                    with the word WILD (WILD*.*).  This criterion performs
                    an incredibly fast search since the file names are
                    indexed.

               [K]eyword -
                    The Keyword search criteria lets you locate files based
                    any one of the five keywords connected with each file. 
                    The keywords connected with each file are used to help
                    identify common factors when doing searches.

                    The key (no pun intended) to a successful keyword search
                    is brevity.  If you are looking for programs for
                    Microsoft Windows version 3.0, don't enter the entire
                    phrase, shorten it to WIN.  The reason is that key
                    searches will produce a match for every key word that
                    matches or is LONGER.









                                  Page 27


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     FILE MENU OPTIONS



          [T].............TEXT SEARCH - continued

                    For example, if a group of files contains the following
                    keywords:

                          VICTOR    WAN    WIN      WINDOWS
                          VITAMIN   WAR    WINDOW   WONDER

                    Then the word WIN will select and match WIN WINDOW and
                    WINDOWS while the word WINDOWS will only match the
                    single entry.  Keep your keywords short, and try several
                    related ideas for the best search.  Keyword searches are
                    very fast since they are indexed.

               [D]escription -
                    The description search criteria lets you locate files by
                    searching the entire description of the file, including
                    the extended message description.  Utilizing this search
                    method adds significant time to the search process!  If
                    used, it should be limited to a specific file area, or
                    combined with a limited filename mask.

               [U]ploaded by -
                    This parameter will allow you to search for files that
                    a specific caller has uploaded.  Selecting this choice
                    presents the sub-prompt:

                         Users FIRST & LAST name? [              ]

                    and then allows you to enter a callers name or any
                    portion of it.

               After entering and accepting your criteria you may also
               select the type of listing you want prior to beginning the
               search with the [L]isting method command.  For additional
               information on the different display modes, refer to page 33.


          [S]...STATS ON UP/DOWNLOADS

               Statistics presents you with a complete summary of file
               information for both the system as well as your own file
               database activity and limits.  It includes number and size of
               uploads & downloads for today and since your first call, as
               well as your limits for your established security level.









                                  Page 28


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     FILE MENU OPTIONS



          [F]......FILE TRANSFER INFO

               Presents extensive information on various file transfer
               protocols available, including Xmodem, Ymodem, Zmodem, ASCII,
               and others.  It can give you help on what protocols are
               fastest, and which should be used in different situations. 
               For additional information on file transfer protocols, refer
               to page 57.


          [G].......GOODBYE & LOG-OFF

               This option is used to log off of the bulletin board system
               and disconnects the connection.  For an indepth explanation,
               refer to page 11, [G]oodbye & Log-Off option.


          [H]..............HELP LEVEL

               WILDCAT! supports three different levels of menu prompts.
               [N]ovice, [R]egular and [E]xpert modes.  For an indepth
               explanation, refer to page 11, [H]elp level option.


          [?]............COMMAND HELP

               Displays a Help screen that breaks down all the available
               commands from the FILE menu.


          [M]............MESSAGE MENU

               Presents the MESSAGE menu, without traversing through the
               MAIN menu.


          [V]........VIEW AN ARC FILE

               This option is used to look into the contents of an archived
               or compressed file such as a .ZIP or .LZH file.  Various
               utility programs perform this function in different ways.  In
               it's simplest form, it will display a list of all the files
               contained within this archive.  A more advanced function
               would be in addition to listing the files, the ability to
               read the contents of one of the text files.  In addition, be
               able to select several files contained within the original
               archive and download only those files needed.  This function
               will vary from BBS to BBS depending on what the SysOp has
               installed. 





                                  Page 29


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     FILE MENU OPTIONS



          [R]........READ A TEXT FILE

               A sub-prompt requests the name of any ASCII file listed in
               the file database.  The selected text file is displayed with
               appropriate screen pauses.  Files which are obviously not in
               ASCII format such as .COM, .EXE, .ARC, .ZIP etc. are accepted
               at the sub-prompt, but a warning is issued that the file may
               be unreadable when displayed.


          [J].......JOIN A CONFERENCE

               This command is used to leave the current conference and move
               to another.  For a indepth explanation, refer to page 13,
               [J]oin Conference option.


          [E]........EDIT MARKED LIST

               This option is used to edit the list of files previously
               [M]arked for download.  You can add, delete and clear the
               entire list of files selected.  Information about transfer
               time for each file, along with totals on Kbytes and transfer
               time are displayed.  This list is only maintained for the
               current logon.  If after [M]arking files for download, you
               decide not to download them and logoff, the list will be
               automatically cleared.

               Selecting [E]dit presents a display of the number and size of
               files marked as follows:

                    Item  File Name        File Size   D/L Time
                    ----  ------------     ---------   --------
                    [ 1]  ALLFILES.TXT        23,993   00:03:24
                    [ 2]  WILDCAT1.EXE       237,229   00:12:19
                    [ 3]  WILDCAT2.EXE       244,122   00:13:44
                    [ 4]  TOMCAT.ZIP          78,375   00:09:11

                    Total Files Queued     D/L Bytes   Est time
                    ------------------     ---------   --------
                            4                583,719   00:58:01

                    Edit marked files command:

                    [R]emove item, [C]lear List, [Q]uit edit? [ ]

               After viewing the files queued, you can delete individual
               ones with the [R]emove item command or remove ALL the queued
               files with the [C]lear List command.





                                  Page 30


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                           
     FILE DISPLAY MODES



     DISPLAY MODE INFORMATION

     The numbers in the [ #] (brackets) to the left of the filename, are used
     with the [M]ark function to mark files for downloading.  The *Info*
     flag, if displayed, indicates it there is detailed file information
     displayed in the [D]etail mode.  Shown on files #1 and #2 is the letter
     P to indicate it requires a password before it can be downloaded.

     Shown below is sample [F]ull/Detail, [D]ouble and [S]ingle Line modes of
     displaying files.


     **** DETAIL FILE LISTING ****
     ------------------------- Detail File Information ---------------------- 
     Name: IDEATREE.ZIP       File date    : 07/21/91 12:57  Downloads : 15   
     Size: 137,010            Last accessed: 08/17/91 11:57  Cost      : 0    
     From: WILLIAM HOLLAND    Dwnld Time   : 00:01:31        OffLine   : NO   
     Area: Business Related Software                         Free Flag : NO   
     Keys: TREE IDEAS TASKS ORGANIZE LOGIC
     Desc: IDEATREE v1.00 - Organizes Ideas and Tasks Logically
     -------------------------- Detailed Description ------------------------
     IDEA TREE is a powerful and unique thinking tool.  Unlike "outline"
     software, IDEA TREE takes a general concept, or "parent" idea, and
     allows you to visually separate the concept into its components, or
     "children". Each of these components can then be broken down further. 
     In effect, each child can be a parent to children of its own, allowing
     for an immense amount of detail which is limited only by your computer's
     memory.


     **** DOUBLE LINE DISPLAY MODE ****
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
     Scanning file area - PC Modem/Terminal Programs

     [ 1] H44FIX.ZIP     6,676  04/28/91 P Bug fix for HOST44.ZIP if you use  
          DwnLds: 13   DL Time  00:00:04 | Telix version 3.15          *Info*

     [ 2] HOST44.ZIP   130,775  01/12/91 P HOST3 v4.40 - The Most Advanced    
          DwnLds: 18   DL Time  00:01:27 | Host/BBS System for Telix   *Info*


     **** SINGLE LINE DISPLAY MODE ****
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
     Scanning file area - PC Modem/Terminal Programs

     [ 1] H44FIX.ZIP    PBug fix for HOST44.ZIP if you use Telix version 3.15 
     [ 2] HOST44.ZIP    PHOST3 v4.40 - The Most Advanced Host/BBS System
     [ 3] HOTKEYZ7.ZIP  HOTKEY-Z v1.70 - ZMODEM via Hot-Key w/ProComm Plus  
     [ 4] INVLINK.ZIP   INVLINK v1.00 - TSR Communications Program
     [ 5] LEAVEMSG.ZIP  LEAVEMSG v1.00 - Allows Sending Receiving Msgs




                                   Page 31


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     MESSAGE MENU SCREEN




       ҷ  ķ    ҷ ķ ķ     
        ķ  ķ            
         Ľ Ľ Ľ     Ľ   Ľ   
       T H E   P O W E R   S T A T I O N  

         ͸     ͸     
       [Q]..Quit to the Main Menu    [J].....Join a Conference   
       [R]........Read Message(s)    [S].......Scan Message(s)   
       [E]....Enter a New Message    [K]........Kill a Message   
       [G].......Goodbye & LogOff    [H]............Help Level   
       [?]...........Command Help    [F]............Files Menu   
       [T]..TomCat! QWK Mail DOOR    [U].Update Conf Scan/Read   
         ;     ;

     You've Been on 3 Minutes with 57 Minutes Remaining For This Call

     CONFERENCE: "General Message Area"
     MSGS MENU : [Q J R S E K G H ? F T U]:? [ ]



































                                   Page 32


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     MESSAGE MENU OPTIONS



          [Q]...QUIT TO THE MAIN MENU

               Exits the MESSAGE menu and returns to the MAIN menu.


          [J].......JOIN A CONFERENCE

               This command is used to leave the current conference and move
               to another.  For an indepth explanation, refer to page 14,
               [J]oin Conference option.


          [R]...........READ MESSAGES

               This command allows you to select which messages you want to
               read.  Reading can be done using a number of command line
               options.

               The READ sub-prompt appears as follows:

               Starting from [1-2520], [H]elp, [N]ew mail, [S]earch,
                             [U]nread personal, or [ENTER] to quit?


               Each option is explained below:

               [1..2520] -
                    Allows you to enter a beginning message number from the
                    message range available.  Entering a number begins
                    reading at that message and continues in a direction
                    specified by the [D]irection selection.

               [N]ew mail -
                    Selecting this option displays the following sub-prompt:

               Read mail in [C]urrent, [A]ll, or [S]elected conferences? [S]


                    Below is a description of available options:

                    [C]urrent -
                         Displays all previously unread messages in the
                         currently joined conference.

                    [A]ll -
                         Displays all previously unread messages in all of
                         the conferences available based upon your security
                         level.






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          [R]...........READ MESSAGES - continued

               [S]elected -
                    Similar to [A]ll option, except this will display all
                    unread messages based upon conferences selected by the
                    [U]pdate Conferences Scan/Read function found on the
                    MESSAGE Menu.

               [S]earch -
                    Selecting this option displays the following sub-prompt:

                    [F]rom       : <ALL>
                    [T]o         : <ALL>
                    S[u]bject    : <ALL>
                    Msg [B]ody   : <ALL>
                    [N]umber     : <ALL>
                    [D]irection  : Forward
                    [C]onference : Selected

         Search command [F T U N D B C], [H]elp, [S]tart, [ENTER] to Quit?


                    Below is a description of available options:

                    [F]rom -
                         Select a user name addressed [F]rom:

                    [T]o -
                         Select a user name addressed [T]o:

                    S[u]bject -
                         Searches on a specific Subject line string.

                    Msg [B]ody -
                         Select keywords in the message body to search for.
                         Example:  Entering '386' will cause a search for
                         all occurrences of that string in all messages
                         based upon overall search criteria.

                    [N]umber -
                         Selects the starting message number to begin the
                         search.












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          [R]...........READ MESSAGES - continued

                    [D]irection -
                         This is a toggle between forward and reverse
                         search direction.  Forward is searching by
                         incrementing the message count by one, and reverse
                         just the opposite.

                    [C]onference -
                         Selecting this option displays the following sub-
                         prompt:

                         Scan [C]urrent, [S]elected, [A]ll conferences? [ ]

                         [C]urrent -
                              Displays all previously unread messages in
                              the  currently selected conference.

                         [A]ll -
                              Displays all previously unread messages in
                              all of the conferences available based upon
                              your security level.

                         [S]elected -
                              Similar to [A]ll option except this will
                              display all unread messages based upon
                              conferences selected by the [U]pdate
                              Conferences Scan/Read function found on the
                              MESSAGE menu.

               [U]nread personal -
                    Reads all messages that are addressed TO you, and have
                    not been read previously.  This command would be used to
                    read only mail addressed to you that is new, and is
                    frequently used to pickup your personal mail.


               After you've specified the type of [R]ead mode, the BBS will
               then proceed to display the first message.  

               If at anytime you would like to change the [D]irection of
               message reading, either [F]orward or [R]everse, placing a
               plus (+) or minus (-) at the Read prompt will toggle the read
               mode direction.  Additionally, to redisplay the current
               message, pressing [A] or any non-valid option letter will
               perform this function.  Below is a sample prompt displayed
               between messages.

               Read mode : (SELECTED) (726 +)
               Msg Read [1-2520], [E]dit, [F]wd, [H]elp, [K]ill, [N]onstop, 
               [M]arked, [Q]uit, [R]eply, [D]ownload, [T]hread, [ENTER] 



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          [R]...........READ MESSAGES - continued

               When reading messages, there is a line located directly above
               the 'Msg Read' prompt.  This line contains information on how
               the messages are being displayed, from what conferences and
               what direction.  Below is a sample prompt with a list of
               possible Read modes and it's description.

               Read mode : (UNREAD) (SELECTED) (726 +)

               (SELECTED) -   Reading messages from [S]elected conferences.

               (UNREAD)   -   Indicates you are reading previously [U]nread
                              personal mail.

               (ALL)      -   Displaying messages in [A]ll conferences.

               'blank'    -   If no READ mode is displayed, messages are
                              being displayed from the current conference.

               (MARK)     -   Reading messages that have been previously
                              [M]arked when using the scan option.

               (THREAD)   -   Displays messages with a common subject line.

               (726 +)    -   Currently displaying message number 726 and
                              reading in a forward direction.


               After you are presented with the above prompt, you can
               continue reading the messages by pressing [ENTER] or select
               one of the available commands.  Shown below is description of
               those commands.

               [1-2520] -
                    Available message numbers in this conference.  You can
                    jump to a specific message by entering in the new
                    message number and pressing [ENTER].

               [E]dit -
                    If this option is displayed, you will be able to place
                    the current message in edit mode and make any necessary
                    revisions.

               [F]orward -
                    This function allows the ability to [F]orward a copy of
                    the current message to another caller.  After selecting
                    this option, enter in the callers full name and a
                    duplicate of the current message will be [F]orwarded to
                    that person(s). 




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          [R]...........READ MESSAGES - continued

               [H]elp -
                    Displays online help for the available commands.

               [K]ill -
                    Once the message has been received, the BBS could prompt
                    you to [K]ill all your [R]eceived mail.  Selecting this
                    option will in fact do this.  All messages that have
                    been [K]illed are not physically removed from the system
                    until the SysOp purges them from the message databases.

               [N]onstop -
                    This will display the remaining messages in [N]onstop
                    mode.  This means there will no longer be any screen
                    pauses until the last message has been displayed. 
                    However, pressing the SPACE BAR will interrupt the
                    displaying of messages and exit the Read mode.

               [Q]uit -
                    This option, when selected, will stop the reading of
                    messages and return you to the MESSAGE menu.

               [T]hread -
                    This option is only displayed if there is a common
                    'subject' line or thread associated with the currently
                    displayed message.  The Reference field displays the
                    message number to which this message is a reply.  When
                    you select this option, you can read the messages in
                    this thread in either a forward or reverse direction by
                    placing a (-) reverse or a (+) for forward reading after
                    the [T]hread command.  Example: T- or T+.

               [M]ark -
                    This option will only be displayed if messages were
                    previously [M]arked using the scan function.  When
                    chosen, this will display only those marked messages.

               [R]eply -
                    You would select this option if you would like to
                    [R]eply to the current message.  After selecting this,
                    you would be prompted for certain information such as,
                    Full screen editor, Subject, Private toggle and possibly
                    Return Receipt, after which, you will be placed in edit
                    mode.  Return Receipt is available if you wish to have
                    the BBS send you a special message notifying you of the
                    date and time the message was received.  If you had the
                    [Q]uoting feature enabled, the previous message would be
                    quoted and you will be placed at the end of the message
                    to start your reply.




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          [R]...........READ MESSAGES - continued

               [D]ownload -
                    This option only shows up if there has been a file
                    attached to this message.  Once selected, you will then
                    be able to start normal download procedures after
                    choosing the file transfer protocol.


          [S]...........SCAN MESSAGES

               This command allows you to Scan messages.  Scanning operates
               much like reading except that the entire text of the message
               is not displayed.  A scan presents the following sub-prompt:

               [F]rom       : <ALL>
               [T]o         : <ALL>
               S[u]bject    : <ALL>
               Msg [B]ody   : <ALL>
               [N]umber     : <ALL>
               [D]irection  : Forward
               [C]onference : Selected

     Search command [F T U N D B C], [H]elp, [S]tart, [ENTER] to Quit? [ ]


               When defining the search criteria, you can been very specific
               about what your looking for, or very general.  The smaller
               the text string used for any of the below fields, will allow
               greater possibilities of matches.  For example, if you want
               to find all the messages left by someone, but you can't
               remember how to spell their name.  By entering 'JO' (less the
               quotes), the BBS could find matches on JOE, JOSEPH, JOSE and
               so on.  An added benefit by keeping the search string short
               is speed.  The shorter the string, the faster the entire
               search process.

               Below is an explanation of the available search fields.

               [F]rom -
                    Select a user name addressed [F]rom:

               [T]o -
                    Select a user name addressed [T]o:

               S[u]bject -
                    Searches on a specific Subject line string.







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          [S]...........SCAN MESSAGES - continued

               Msg [B]ody -
                    Select keywords in the message body to search for.
                    Example: entering '386' will cause a search for all
                    occurrences of that string in all messages based upon
                    overall search criteria.

               [N]umber -
                    Selects the starting message number to begin the search.

               [D]irection -
                    This is a toggle between forward and reverse search
                    direction.  Forward is searching by incrementing the
                    message count by one, and reverse just the opposite.

               [C]onference -
                    Selecting this option displays the following sub-prompt:

                    Scan [C]urrent, [S]elected, [A]ll conference(s)? [ ]

                    [C]urrent -
                         Limits the scan to the currently [J]oined
                         conference.

                    [A]ll -
                         Searches all of the conferences available based
                         upon your security level.

                    [S]elected -
                         Similar to [A]ll option except this will search
                         only those conferences selected by the [U]pdate
                         Conferences Scan/Read function found on the
                         MESSAGE menu.




















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          [S]...........SCAN MESSAGES - continued

               [S]tart -
                    Begins the search based upon the above settings.  Shown
                    below is a sample format of messages found in a scan.

          Conference 000 - General Message Area

          [ 1] Msg:23 Fm:ORION HILL    To:ALL           Sb:TIPC Users Group 
          [ 2] Msg:26 Fm:SEAN THOMAS   To:ALL           Sb:UL of A-BBSS.LZH 
          [ 3] Msg:41 Fm:WARREN CRAIG  To:SEAN THOMAS   Sb:Mac Advantages... 
          [ 4] Msg:55 Fm:LEE ETHERIDGE To:ALL           Sb:**StarFire**    
          [ 5] Msg:70 Fm:CHRIS DICELY  To:WARREN CRAIG  Sb:Mac Advantages... 
          [ 6] Msg:89 Fm:ISRAEL CLEWS  To:WARREN CRAIG  Sb:format

          -Pause- [C]ontinue, [M]ark, [N]onstop, [S]top? [ ]


               After messages have been found, you can mark them using the
               [M]ark function.  This allows tagging specific messages based
               upon the MARKED number, and not the actual message number.

               [M]ark -
                    Marking messages from the message base allows for fast
                    and easy reading of messages from the currently joined
                    conference.  After marking the messages you want to
                    read, selecting [R]ead Message(s) from the MESSAGE menu
                    will display an option to read those [M]arked Messages. 
                    This will cause only those messages chosen to be viewed.

                    Each screen full of message headers is numbered from 1
                    to the maximum number which will fit on a single screen
                    display.  Choosing the number to the far left of the
                    actual message number,  ie - [ 2] for message number 26
                    in the above example, will flag that message as being
                    marked.  Specified numbers can be entered, as can ranges
                    of numbers.  To mark messages numbered 26, 55, 70, 89,
                    simply enter [2, 4-6] at the prompt.  All listed
                    messages can be marked for reading with the [A]ll
                    command.


          [E].....ENTER A NEW MESSAGE

               Selecting this option allows you to enter a message to a
               specific user on the board either locally, or in one of the
               Echomail/Netmail conferences.  Upon selecting this option,
               you are presented with the following sub-prompt:

     Enter conference, [L]ist, or [ENTER] = "000 - General Message Area" ? 




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          [E].....ENTER A NEW MESSAGE - continued

               Pressing [ENTER] will place this message in the current
               conference, in this case, conference 0, or you can select a
               specific conference to save it in.  Selecting [L]ist will
               display all the available conferences.

               Once a conference number has been selected, you are then
               prompted to enter in the name of the person you wish to
               address this to.  WILDCAT! then checks to see if that user is
               in the database, and if not found, asks you whether or not to
               continue with the message or re-enter the users name.  If you
               are entering a new message to someone in one of the Echomail
               conferences, it's common for the BBS to inform you that this
               person doesn't exist.  In reality they do, just not in "this"
               systems user database.

               If the conference you're saving this message in supports
               Return Receipts, you'll be asked if you wish to have the BBS
               send a special message notifying you of the date and time the
               message was read.  However, if this message is addressed to
               'ALL', you won't have the option of a Return Receipt. 
               Normally, you wouldn't use this feature in a Echomail
               conference.

               You must then enter the subject of the message.  If this
               field is left blank, WILDCAT! will abort the process and
               return you to the menu.  Depending on your settings in your
               user record, you could then be prompted to use either the
               full screen editor or the line editor.  You would now proceed
               to enter in the actual contents of the message.

               Upon finalizing entry of a message, either by pressing
               [ESCAPE] or pressing consecutive [ENTER]'s, the following
               sub-prompt appears:

     Edit Message [A]bort, [C]ontinue,  [I]nsert, [L]ist, [E]dit, Ca[r]bon 
                  [Q]uote, [F]ull Scrn, [D]elete, [S]ave, [H]elp? At[t]ach


               Below is a breakdown of each of the options.

               [A]bort -
                    This will not update the message and will cancel all
                    changes made during the editing session.

               [C]ontinue -
                    You will be able to continue editing the message.  The
                    cursor will be positioned at the last line you entered
                    and return you to SINGLE LINE editing mode.




                                  Page 41


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          [E].....ENTER A NEW MESSAGE - continued

               [I]nsert -
                    Allows insertion of new lines in the text.  You are
                    prompted for the line number where new lines should be
                    inserted.  You are then asked to enter your text, and
                    then your new line(s) are added at the chosen number. 
                    Any number of new lines will be inserted as word-wrap
                    creates more new lines as needed.

               [L]ist -
                    This will redisplay the message with normal screen
                    pauses in effect (if needed), and present you with the
                    'Edit Message' prompt.

               [E]dit -
                    Selecting this option will place you back in edit mode,
                    but in the SINGLE LINE mode of editing.  Below is a
                    explanation on how to use this mode to edit a specific
                    line.

                    The old and new text is separated by a ";".  The
                    terminology used is OLDSTRING for the text to be
                    replaced and NEWSTRING for the new text.  After asking
                    for the line number to be edited, WILDCAT! needs to know
                    what needs to be changed.  The syntax for this procedure
                    is:

                                   OLDSTRING;NEWSTRING
                       (note the semicolon between the two words).

                    This command is translated as "Take the first occurrence
                    of the characters OLDSTRING and delete them, then insert
                    the characters NEWSTRING in the same location.  For
                    example, if the message line reads:

                    "this is a message to shw how to use th Edit command."

                    Obviously we need to change two errors, the word "th"
                    for "the" and "shw" for "show".  First lets fix "shw" by
                    using the command "shw;show" which scans for the word
                    "shw" and replaces it with "show".  Now the harder
                    correction. Notice that the first occurrence of the
                    incorrect text "th" is actually a part of correct text
                    "this" in the 1st word. Therefore we can't simply use
                    the command "th;the" or the new message will read:

                                   "theis is a message...".






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          [E].....ENTER A NEW MESSAGE - continued

                    The proper method is to broaden the OLDSTRING search to
                    include additional unique text such as:

                                   "use th;use the"

                    Notice that we can replace any number of letters even
                    with a shorter or longer NEWSTRING.

                    After an edit the caller is presented with the corrected
                    line and allowed to make more corrections, if needed. 
                    A blank [C/R] terminates the Edit mode.

               Ca[r]bon -
                    You will be prompted for the user name(s) of whom you
                    want to receive copies of the message being edited. 
                    This is very useful if you would like to send this
                    message to more than one person.  Each person that
                    receives this message will have a "cc: User Name"
                    appended to the end of this message.

               [Q]uote -
                    Allows you to quote all or part of the message being
                    replied to.  You are asked for the start line to quote
                    and then you need to enter the last line to quote.  You
                    then need to [C]ontinue your message and you will be
                    positioned at the end of the quoted lines.  The [Q]uoted
                    lines will appear with the minus-greater-than "->" on
                    the far left side.  Press [ENTER], and then you can
                    continue with your reply to the message.

               [F]ull Screen -
                    This will take you back to the full screen editor and
                    will put you in edit mode placing the cursor at the end
                    of the message.  For an indepth explanation, refer to
                    the page 51.

               [D]elete -
                    You will be prompted for the line number(s) to delete. 
                    The editor will then redisplay the line(s) you want to
                    delete and will ask for confirmation before actually
                    deleting them.

               [S]ave -
                    After the message has been proofread and edited, the
                    save command will update the message base with the
                    message and appropriate carbon copies, if requested.






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          [E].....ENTER A NEW MESSAGE - continued

               At[t]ach -
                    This function allows you to attach a file to the current
                    message.  This allows the reader the ability to download
                    the file.  This file is not maintained in the normal
                    file database, but rather stored separately with the
                    messages.  This file will stay "attached" to the message
                    until it has been [K]illed.


          [K]..........KILL A MESSAGE

               This is a routine for erasing old messages directly from the
               MESSAGE Menu.  It requires that (1), the message to be
               deleted is either TO or FROM the user who is attempting to
               erase same, and (2), that the message number is already
               known.  Messages may also be deleted interactively while
               reading them in the message conference.  Messages [K]illed
               will not be physically removed from the system until the
               SysOp "purges" them from the databases.


          [G].......GOODBYE & LOG-OFF

               This option is used to logoff of the bulletin board system
               and disconnects the connection.  For an indepth explanation,
               refer to page 11, [G]oodbye & Log-Off option.


          [H]..............HELP LEVEL

               WILDCAT! supports three different levels of menu prompts.
               [N]ovice, [R]egular and [E]xpert modes.  For an indepth
               explanation, refer to page 11, [H]elp level option.


          [?]............COMMAND HELP

               Displays a Help screen that breaks down all the available
               commands from the MESSAGE menu.


          [F]...............FILE MENU

               Presents the FILE menu directly, where activities such as
               uploading and downloading take place.







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          [T]...TOMCAT! QWK MAIL DOOR

               This option when selected runs an a special program to create
               QWK compatible downloadable mail packets from the BBS.  For
               additional information on this feature, refer to page 55.


          [U]...UPDATE CONF SCAN/READ

               This option is used to specify which conferences are to be
               checked when mail is [R]ead or [S]canned using the [S]elected
               Conferences option.  Since WILDCAT! has the ability to have
               100's of different conferences, you don't usually want to
               spend time searching for or reading messages in conferences
               you're not interested in.  So this option is used to [S]elect
               which conferences to scan in.  You also have the ability to
               manually override these settings by choosing [A]ll
               Conferences when prompted.  When the Update Conference
               command is selected, a screen appears listing the conferences
               available to your security level similar to the following:

                0) * General Message Area       1) * Games Comments/Info   
                2) * DOS Commands & Info        3) * Classifieds Buy & Sell 
                4) * Technical Information      5) * Printer Tech Info    
                6)   SysOp to SysOp Area        7) * BBS Advertisements
                8) * Commercial Software Info   9) * Uploaded File Reviews 
               10)   Comments to the SysOp     11) * NetMail BBS/BBS Direct

               -Pause- [#-#], [D]eselect all, [H]elp, [S]elect all, [Q]uit?


               The above display indicates that you have access to 12
               conferences, and that you scan and read from 10 of them
               (marked with the *) when the [S]elected conferences command
               is used.

               You may modify your default conferences by entering the
               number of the conference to change.  Entering a conference
               number toggles the status from selected (*) to not selected
               (no *).  You may also deselect or select ALL available
               conferences with the [D]eselect all or [S]elect all commands.













                                  Page 45


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
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          [U]...UPDATE CONF SCAN/READ - continued

               [#-#] -
                    You can select a specific conference number, or a range
                    of conferences to update for Scan/Read.  For a range of
                    conferences, type the number of the conference you would
                    like to start with and then type the dash - and then
                    enter the number of the conference to end with.  This
                    method will select all conferences between the two
                    numbers inclusively.  ie. [2-5] will select conferences
                    2, 3, 4 and 5.  An "*" will appear next to all the
                    conferences that have been selected.

               [D]eselect all -
                    This selection will deselect all conferences.  You will
                    notice that the "*" next to the previously selected
                    conferences will disappear.

               [S]elect all -
                    This selection will select all conferences.  You will
                    notice that the "*" will appear next to all the
                    conference numbers selected.
































                                  Page 46


     WILDCAT! USERS GUIDE
     MESSAGE INFORMATION LAYOUT



          MESSAGE FORMAT

          When messages are displayed to the caller, quite a bit of
          information about the message is displayed.  Below is our sample
          message that will be referenced for explanation purposes.

          ================================================================
          From    : JOE MARTIN (Staff)          Number    : 1129 of 1181
          To      : GREG GORIN                  Date      : 10/11/91 00:00
          Subject : Hatching files              Reference : NONE
          Read    : [N/A]                       Private   : NO
          Conf    : 018 - WILDCAT! Conference

          -> I need a file hatcher for Wildcat 3.0 does anyone know of a
          -> hatcher that works?

          Try Wildcat File Forward, it does both, imports and exports
          files...

          --- WM v2.00 WM 91-0002
          * Origin: The Power Station BBS  8 Nodes!  (1:161/123)

          Read mode : (1129 +)
          Msg Read [431-1181], [F]orward, [H]elp, [N]onstop, [P]rint,
          [Q]uit, [R]eply, [ENTER = prev]?
          ================================================================

          Shown below is a breakdown of the available fields in the message
          including information stored in the message body.


          From : JOE MARTIN (Staff)
               This is the person the message was left by.  In this case,
               Joe Martin.  If the system is setup to support them, you will
               see the persons title displayed in parentheses to the right
               of their name.

          To : GREG GORIN
               This is the person that Joe Martin is addressing the message
               to.

          Subject : Hatching files
               This is the subject line of the message and is used for
               several reasons.  First off, to identify what the message
               body is about, and secondly, it's used as a starting point
               for proper message 'threads'.  For more on message threads,
               see the "Reference :" field.







                                  Page 47


     WILDCAT! USERS GUIDE
     MESSAGE INFORMATION LAYOUT



          MESSAGE FORMAT - continued

          Read    : [N/A]
               This displays the date and time the message was read. 
               Obviously messages to ALL cannot be received nor can most
               messages in Echomail type conferences.  It is used by
               WILDCAT! to speed up the search for [U]nread personal mail at
               logon.  Possible entries displayed would be:

               10/10/91 01:34 -
                    Date and time this message was read.

               [N/A] -
                    The 'To :' username was not found in the user database.
                    Possibly because this is a Echomail conference or this
                    message was addressed to ALL.  Therefore, it's not
                    applicable.

               NO -
                    This message has not been read by the person it was
                    addressed to.

               (REPLIES) -
                    This is displayed after the date and time the message
                    was read, and that replies exist.

          Conf : 018 - WILDCAT! Conference -
               This is the actual conference the message was stored in and
               does not necessarily indicate the currently [J]oined
               Conference.  '018' indicates conference number 18, followed
               by a dash and the actual conference description.

          Number : 1129 of 1181 -
               This indicates this is message number 1129, and the highest
               available message number for this conference is 1181.  This
               does not necessarily mean there is 1,181 messages in this
               conference.  

          Date : 10/11/91 00:00 -
               This is the date and time the message was created.

          Reference : NONE -
               This field tracks the message number to which the current
               message is a direct reply.  For example, if while reading
               message 20, a reply is requested creating message 30, message
               30 has the number 20 in the Reference field.  If a reply is
               then made to message 30 creating message 40, message 40
               places the number 30 in its Reference field and number 20 in
               its Thread field (it gets it from message 30's Thread field).
               Please note, the Thread field is internal to the message and
               is not displayed.



                                  Page 48


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE
     MESSAGE INFORMATION LAYOUT

          

          MESSAGE FORMAT - continued

          Private : NO -
               This is a toggle to display whether this is a private or
               public message.


          Once the above information has been displayed, if this message had
          been previously [F]orwarded, WILDCAT! will display something
          similar to:

          NOTE: This message was originally addressed to GREG GORIN
                and was forwarded to you by JOE MARTIN
                           --------------------

          Otherwise, the actual body of the message comes next.  This can
          contain several things.  

          The example message had its first two lines starting off with the
          '->' characters.  This indicates this was part of a previous
          message that had been quoted for easy reference when replying. 
          These characters can be a wide variety of combinations created by
          various different editors, but the '->' indicates this message was
          quoted by the editor in WILDCAT! 

          Next is the actual reply, followed by what is referred to as the
          'tear line'.  This is only inserted in the message if this message
          was exported from the message base by a mail processor and added
          to a Echo type conference.  You won't find this in one of the
          local type conferences.  

                         --- WM v2.00 WM 91-0002

          The breakdown of the information is as follows.  The dashes
          indicates this is the tear line and the remainder is the actual
          mail processor with version and serial numbers that extracted the
          message.  In this case, WILDMAIL! v2.00, serial number WM 91-0002.

          Following the tear line is the 'Origin' line.  This is used in
          conjunction with the tear line.  This is the system that this
          message originated from.  Again, this is only displayed if this is
          a Echomail type message.

               * Origin: The Power Station BBS  8 Nodes! (1:161/123)

          This indicates this message came from The Power Station BBS with
          the address of 1:161/123.  This is the actual node address of the
          BBS within the FidoNet network.






                                  Page 49


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE
     MESSAGE INFORMATION LAYOUT

          

          MESSAGE FORMAT - continued

          Another possible item that could be added to the message body
          would be the SEENBY: field.  If shown, this will indicate what
          node addresses have already received, or have 'seen' this message. 
          Normally, this information is hidden and is for the SysOp's use
          and will only be displayed in a Echomail type conference.

          After displaying the contents of the message, if chosen by the
          SysOp, it's possible for the BBS to display a prompt to [K]ill
          your received mail if it's no longer needed.  This merely a
          reminder to clean up after yourself.  If you no longer have use
          for this message, be sure and [K]ill it to make room for
          additional messages.

          The remaining information displayed is the [R]ead prompt.  For
          additional information on the options associated with this prompt,
          refer to page 33.          


          RETURN RECEIPTS

          If you have elected to receive a Return Receipt on messages sent
          to someone, WILDCAT! will create a special message addressed to
          you.  Upon initial logon, you will be prompted similar to below:

          You have personal mail waiting, do you want to list it? [Y]

          Conference 000 - General Messages
          #: 3383 From: WILDCAT! MAIL ROOM        Subj: Return receipt

          Below is a sample message.

          =============================================================
          From    : WILDCAT! MAIL ROOM       Number    : 3383 of 3383
          To      : JOE MARTIN               Date      : 10/15/91 20:39
          Subject : Return receipt           Reference : NONE
          Read    : 10/15/91 20:47           Private   : YES
          Conf    : 000 - General Messages 

          Your message to FRANK THOMAS, regarding: Hi There...
          was received on 10/15/91 at 20:39.
                    ----------------------------------------

          =============================================================

          Note that this message is flagged as Private and is addressed to
          you from the WILDCAT! MAIL ROOM.  After you have received this
          message, you should then [K]ill it if it's no longer needed.





                                  Page 50


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     FULL SCREEN EDITOR



          FULL SCREEN VISUAL EDITOR

          The full-screen editor supports several cursor movement commands
          generated by different communication programs.  Cursor positioning
          using ANSI terminal emulation as well as standard Escape commands
          are interpreted properly.  If you find that your communication
          program is not operating properly when in the full-screen editor,
          you may need to activate ANSI terminal emulation mode.

          Some programs support both ANSI and Escape codes and do not
          require  ANSI to be activated.  If you still have problems with
          cursor positioning, make use of the Ctrl keys listed below to move
          the cursor.  Note that Ctrl key movement and keys such as
          PgUp/PgDn cannot be used if your communication program used Ctrl
          key commands for its own operation or macros. If your comm program
          supports a pass-through mode such as Doorway Mode, you may find it
          better suited for full-screen editor operation.

          The following is a list of current commands supported by the full
          screen editor:


               CTRL KEY  or  KEY COMBINATION  =   EFFECT
               --------      ---------------      ---------------------
                  ^A         CTRL-Left Arrow      Cursor word left
                  ^B                              Reformat paragraph
                  ^C         Page Down            Page down
                  ^D         Right Arrow          Cursor right
                  ^E         Up Arrow             Cursor up
                  ^F         CTRL-Right Arrow     Cursor word right
                  ^G         Del                  Delete character
                  ^I         TAB                 
                  ^J                              Join lines
                  ^L                              Re-draw screen
                  ^M         Enter                New line
                  ^N                              Split line
                  ^P         End                  Cursor to end of line    
                  ^R         Page Up              Page up
                  ^S         Left Arrow           Cursor left
                  ^T                              Delete word right
                  ^V         Ins                  Toggle insert mode
                  ^W         Home                 Cursor to beg of line    
                  ^X         Down Arrow           Cursor down
                  ^Y                              Delete the line










                                  Page 51


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     TOMCAT! QWK MAIL DOOR



          TOMCAT! QWK MAIL DOOR

          TomCat! allows you to download BBS messages to read offline with
          a reader program such as Qmail, EZ-Reader or SLMR.  You download
          a .QWK mail packet consisting of messages, bulletins, new file
          listings, and the bulletin board's own "hello" and "goodbye"
          screens.

          It takes far less time to download a hundred or so messages than
          it does to read them on line.  Use your favorite text editor or
          word processor while replying to messages at your convenience. The
          offline reader simulates an on-line BBS session, allowing you to
          read and reply to messages, without tying up the phone line or
          incurring expensive toll charges.  Later, you can call back and
          upload your replies, where they are inserted automatically into
          the BBS message base.  It takes only a few seconds.

          And you can use your communications program's automated scripts to
          call bulletin boards in the middle of the night, download mail and
          upload replies -- all without the frustration of redialing a busy
          system during prime time.

          Online help is available from TomCat!'s main menu, but here are a
          few quick tips to get you going.  TomCat! is easy to learn,
          particularly if you have used other .QWK mail doors.  New users
          will find the configuration menu easy to understand, and advanced
          users will like the powerful options available.

          Most of your default settings are taken directly from WILDCAT!'s
          user file -- color, hotkeys, and default transfer protocol.  From
          the [C]onfigure TomCat! menu, you can select which conferences to
          download, reset your high message pointers to reread old mail or
          skip messages globally or within specific conferences, and reset
          your new file/bulletin scan date.  Default download options and
          packet types (.QWK, uncompressed or compressed text file) can all
          be saved in your TomCat! user record.

          You can also configure TomCat! offline.  Add, reset or drop
          conferences using the features of your mail reader -- TomCat! will
          look for messages addressed to QMAIL, QWIKMAIL, MARKMAIL or
          TOMCAT, to add, drop or reset a conference.  You can even request
          a return receipt -- messages uploaded through the door with a
          topic line beginning with RRR will generate a return receipt in
          WILDCAT!'s message database to inform you when the addressee reads
          or downloads your message.









                                  Page 52


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     ECHOMAIL/NETMAIL CONCEPTS



          ECHOMAIL/NETMAIL EXPLANATION

          You may not have heard the term "Store and Forward Electronic Mail
          Network" before, but you may well have used one without knowing
          it. Examples of common store and forward networks are FidoNet,
          PCRelayNet and UseNet.

          Store and Forward networks are "distributed" in nature, meaning
          messages can be shared with other systems.  Not all BBS's are part
          of a store and forward network; those that are not part of one
          allow only local electronic mail, meaning that messages entered on
          the system never physically leave that system.  The recipient must
          dial into the BBS to receive their mail.  Networking BBS message
          areas nationally or even globally to reach a wider audience has
          become very popular in the BBS community.

          As the name suggest, store and forward mail networks store, then
          later forward electronic mail to its destination at a physically
          different location.  This contrasts with real-time networks, where
          messages are delivered to their destination immediately upon
          entry. Store and forward networks have one key technical advantage
          - they don't require constant computing power to handle the mail.
          Realtime networks are always using at least a portion of the host
          system's computing power to continually process mail as a
          background task.  On PC based systems, this difference can be
          important, because background processing is not always a
          reasonable proposition.

          On store and forward systems, mail is processed as a batch when
          necessary.  Mail is processed only when actually required, or on
          a regularly scheduled basis.  The networks you're likely to
          encounter in your modem travels, FidoNet (and other FidoNet
          technology based networks such as RBBS-Net) and PC RelayNet both
          use this same basic procedure to process and deliver electronic
          mail.

          Because FidoNet is so common and well established, we'll use it as
          a basis for our explanation of the process in a bit more detail.

          Within FidoNet, there are two basic types of network mail:
          NetMail, and EchoMail.  NetMail is person to person electronic
          mail, sent from one FidoNet system to another.  EchoMail is a term
          which describes "shared" message areas.  With EchoMail, a message
          entered on one FidoNet BBS is delivered to dozens or even hundreds
          of other FidoNet BBS's which carry the same message area. 
          EchoMail is delivered on a subscription type arrangement, so not
          all FidoNet systems carry all areas.  In fact with hundreds of
          different EchoMail areas, most systems carry just a small fraction
          of total (if any; EchoMail is optional).





                                  Page 53


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     ECHOMAIL/NETMAIL CONCEPTS



          ECHOMAIL/NETMAIL EXPLANATION - continued

          Other networks generally have analogous functions as well.  For
          example UseNet, a UNIX based network, has both electronic mail
          (system to system) and "newsgroups" (shared message areas).

          In the case of FidoNet, NetMail and EchoMail is delivered via the
          same physical mechanism and process, it's just the handling of the
          messages themselves that varies.  Let's first follow a NetMail
          message from source to destination to get an idea of the process.

          As a BBS user, you sign on to a FidoNet BBS near you, in Denver
          for example.  You wish to send a message to a friend in Seattle
          who uses a FidoNet BBS there.  On most FidoNet systems, it's
          possible to arrange with the system operator to have NetMail
          privileges, usually for a modest fee to cover the costs of message
          delivery.  The only other thing you as a user need to know is the
          FidoNet address of the system you're sending mail to.  This
          address, called a node number or node address, is a unique
          identifier that designates a specific FidoNet member system.  Your
          friend calls the Seattle Software Exchange BBS whose FidoNet
          address is 343/8.  The "343" is a net number, and means that the
          BBS is in Seattle.  Most major metropolitan areas have a net
          number used by all systems there. The "8" is the node number
          portion, and when paired with the net number forms a unique
          address that specifically designates Seattle Software Exchange.

          From the FidoNet BBS you call in Denver, you access the special
          NetMail message area, and begin entering a message just as you
          normally would to someone on the BBS.  When the system prompts you
          for the node address, you enter 343/8.  Most BBS software confirms
          your selection by displaying the name and location of the BBS
          which corresponds to the address you entered.  After entering the
          usual information (subject of the message and so on), you enter
          the text of the message as you normally would, then save the
          message.

          It's this part of the process that makes up the "store" portion of
          "store and forward electronic mail".  You aren't immediately
          kicked off the system so it can send your message, and it's very
          unlikely that some sort of background task is running to deliver
          the message while you stay online.  The message is stored until,
          at a later time, the system will process it further.

          Many FidoNet systems exit automatically after you hang-up to
          process any FidoNet messages you entered.  Other BBS software is
          configured to come offline at scheduled times to perform this
          processing.  In all cases, the basic steps are the same.






                                  Page 54


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     ECHOMAIL/NETMAIL CONCEPTS



          ECHOMAIL/NETMAIL EXPLANATION - continued

          The BBS software itself becomes inactive, releasing the machine
          for the processing of mail.  Special utilities are run to perform
          a process called "scanning".  The BBS message base is examined for
          newly entered messages, which are copied out from the message base
          and stored in a special format for further processing.  When
          scanning is complete, a "packer" is run which takes these interim
          processed messages and processes them further, delivering them as-
          is or possibly re-packaging or archiving them for delivery first. 
          The packages are called appropriately enough, "packets" and are
          analogous to the mail bag filled with individual envelopes.

          Next, a special software utility called a "mailer" takes the
          outbound packages, dials the telephone and delivers them to their
          destination. In our example, the FidoNet system here in Denver
          would place a call to Seattle Software Exchange automatically.  A
          telephone directory called a "nodelist" is maintained by the
          FidoNet system, and 343/8, the system in Seattle, is listed there
          with the telephone number (206) 637-2398.  A call is placed by the
          mailer. On the Seattle side of the connection, a mailer answers
          the phone. Both mailers "handshake" and begin transferring the
          mail.  For a simple one message transfer, the entire transaction
          takes less than a minute at 2400 bps.  The calling mailer then
          hangs up, and the process on the Denver side of the connection is
          complete.  It's this delivery process that makes up the "forward"
          portion of the "store and forward electronic mail".

          With most FidoNet systems, local calls are placed any time of the
          day or night because there is no cost incurred in doing so.  Long
          distance calls like the one to Seattle, are normally scheduled to
          occur at night after the long distance rates have gone down and
          costs are at their most economical level.

          Once the message is received on the Seattle side, it is sometimes
          held for later processing after more messages are received, or it
          might be processed immediately.  The basic flow, however, is again
          the same.  An "unpacker" is run which takes the message out of its
          packaging for additional handling during the "tossing" process. 
          Here, the new messages that have been received are merged into or
          tossed into the message base, where the BBS callers can access
          them. Anytime after this, your friend in Seattle can dial into the
          Seattle Software Exchange and read the message you've sent.  He
          could also reply to the message, which would start the process
          over again in reverse.









                                  Page 55


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     ECHOMAIL/NETMAIL CONCEPTS



          ECHOMAIL/NETMAIL EXPLANATION - continued

          As involved as the entire process sounds, it's actually very
          simple, entirely automated, and usually takes about one day to get
          the messages from point to point.  Our example was detailing the
          flow of a NetMail message, but EchoMail messages are handled in
          nearly an identical manner.

          However, because EchoMail is shared among other systems, there's
          more to the process.  Obviously with hundreds of participating 
          systems, it's not realistic for each system to dial hundreds of
          BBS each day and every night.  For this reason, distribution
          "topologies" have been developed that dictate the flow of
          EchoMail.  There's even a national "backbone" of systems that
          handle most of the EchoMail traffic between large geographical
          regions.  In each region of the country, there are smaller
          distribution channels that act like mini backbones.  In this
          manner, each participating system calls just a handful of
          (sometimes just one or two) other systems, then each of them calls
          a few more, and them a few more, and so on in bucket brigade
          fashion.  Even with multiple processing layers, a message entered
          in an EchoMail area on one BBS can reach all of the other
          participating systems within a few days in most cases.



          SYSOP NOTE:

          The above was a article written by Alan D. Applegate of Boardwatch
          Magazine dated July, 1991.  This is a magazine devoted to BBS
          system operators and users which contains a wealth of information
          concerning BBS and modeming in general.  If you would like more
          information concerning this magazine, dial their voice line at
          1-800-933-6038 and talk to them about subscribing.  If you care to
          write to them, their address is 5970 South Vivian Street,
          Littleton, CO, 90127.


















                                  Page 56


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     FILE TRANSFER PROTOCOLS



          FILE TRANSFER PROTOCOLS

          The file area allows movement of files between the host BBS system
          and the caller's computer.  Downloading is the process of moving
          files from the BBS to the caller, and uploading is moving files
          from the caller to the BBS.

          Data transfer can be done in a number of ways in on the BBS.  New
          error checking protocols are being added on a regular basis, and
          the following is a summary of many of those available.


          XMODEM FILE TRANSFER

          The BBS supports two variations of the XMODEM protocol,originally
          developed by Ward Christensen, called XMODEM and XMODEM/CRC
          respectively.  XMODEM offers the advantage of error checking on a
          block by block basis to assure that the data sent contains no
          errors. It does this by adding a checksum byte to the end of each
          128 byte block of data; the receiver calculates its own checksum
          and compares it to the one received.  If an error is detected in
          the transmission, XMODEM will request that WILDCAT! retransmit the
          block of data.  In addition to the above checksum comparison,
          XMODEM/CRC adds another level of error detection using a complex
          CYCLICAL REDUNDANCY CHECK algorithm.

          XMODEM and XMODEM/CRC are slow transfer protocols when compared to
          many others available.  They should only be used when your
          software supports no other protocol.  XMODEM/CRC is preferable to
          XMODEM due to its greatly improved error checking.


          1K-XMODEM

          This protocol performs exactly like regular XMODEM/CRC, but
          increases the block size to 1024 bytes, hence the name 1K.  It is
          slightly faster (on fairly clean phone lines) than regular XMODEM
          due to a smaller number of blocks being sent, and therefore fewer
          block checks being made.


          YMODEM

          YMODEM is a protocol devised by Chuck Forsberg of Omen Technology
          which adds a number of enhancements to protocol based transfer. 
          Block sizes are variable at 128/1024, but 1K is the usual size. 








                                  Page 57


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     FILE TRANSFER PROTOCOLS



          FILE TRANSFER PROTOCOLS - continued

          YMODEM - continued

          Error checking makes use of CRC-16, accurate to 99.99%.  By
          definition, all YMODEM transfers are capable of sending multiple
          files at one request, with the file size and date included in the
          "header block" sent prior to each file.  YMODEM supports multiple
          file transfer (both down AND up) of up to 50 files with WILDCAT!.

          CAUTION:  A number of communication programs incorrectly use the
                    term YMODEM but actually send using 1K-XMODEM.  This
                    practice is not proper and will result in a failure when
                    used with a true YMODEM transfer as used by WILDCAT!.

          Use of YMODEM, if supported by a caller's software, is recommended
          over XMODEM and 1K-XMODEM for speed, reliability, and features.


          YMODEM/G

          This variation of YMODEM is available only to callers making a
          "reliable" connection using a modem supporting MNP (Microcom
          Networking Protocol) or the U.S. Robotics ARQ hardware error
          checking or the most recently introduced correction method,
          V.42/V.42bis. If a MNP connection is detected, WILDCAT! will add
          this protocol choice (as well as 1K-XMODEM/G) to the available
          options.

          MNP is a hardware based system in which the modems perform the
          actual error checking and correction, if needed.  The software
          such as WILDCAT! and Qmodem simply send the information blindly
          from one system to the other using the protocol for block sorting
          information only.  For this reason, these two protocol choices
          ONLY appear if a MNP connection is detected at logon.

          YMODEM/G is among the fastest protocols with the exception of the
          newer versions of ZMODEM discussed below.  If you have a modem
          that supports MNP or ARQ, YMODEM/G should be your usual choice on
          the BBS. Connections using two U.S. Robotics HST modems, with
          ports locked at 19200 or 38400 at both ends, results in throughput
          in excess of 1725 characters per second (equivalent of over 14,400
          bps)!  YMODEM/G also supports multiple file transfer (both down
          AND up) of up to 50 files at on time.










                                  Page 58


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                    
     FILE TRANSFER PROTOCOLS



          FILE TRANSFER PROTOCOLS - continued

          1K-XMODEM/G

          This version of 1K-XMODEM makes use of MNP hardware error
          correction to do away with the block-by-block checking in the
          normal version. The result is a very fast single file transfer
          protocol for use if YMODEM/G is not readily available.


          ZMODEM

          This is another protocol developed by Chuck Forsberg.  It is a
          "streaming protocol", one which sends variable sized blocks of
          data with CRC-32 error checking for an accuracy of 99.9999%, but
          does not wait for an acknowledgment from the receiving computer. 
          The sending system assumes data received is OK unless a repeat
          request is sent for a specific block.  This streaming activity
          tends to make ZMODEM one of the fastest protocols available (but
          slightly slower than Ymodem/G or 1K-Xmodem/G).  ZMODEM also
          supports multiple file transfer capability, and should be
          considered in situations where MNP is not available, or another
          batch transfer protocol cannot be used. Zmodem also has the unique
          capability to resume file transfers that have been aborted for
          some reason and thus only partially completed. This is called
          crash recovery.


          KERMIT

          This protocol's main claim is not speed, but rather its ability to
          interact with many types of computers from mainframes to micros. 
          It can cope with systems limited to seven-bit characters even when
          the data to be transmitted is in eight-bit form.  All characters
          to be sent are translated into standard printable characters and
          reconstructed on the receiving end.

          While not terribly efficient, it is sometimes an absolute
          necessity for data transfer involving different types of systems
          and terminal types.  It is not normally recommended for PC to PC
          transfers. 













                                  Page 59


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE                                     
     FILE TRANSFER PROTOCOLS



          FILE TRANSFER PROTOCOLS - continued

          ASCII DATA CAPTURE

          ASCII transfer is simply the sending of information as characters,
          and is limited to 7 bit information.  The transfer of files in
          ASCII mode can be done if your system is capable of any type of
          data capture.  ASCII transfer is limited, and some sort of error
          checking protocol is required if you intend to transfer files with
          extensions of EXE, OBJ, COM, ARC or ZIP, as well as tokenized
          BASIC programs and files containing the IBM PC special ASCII
          characters (ones with ASCII values above 128).  These files cannot
          be transferred in ASCII mode since ASCII transfer is only 7 bit
          and these types of files require the full 8 bit transfer of the
          data, with no translation of the contents of the file.
 






































                                  Page 60


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE
     NEW USER TIPS



          CURSOR POSITIONING

          WILDCAT! supports cursor key movement on the command line for easy
          editing of information entered by the caller.  For example, if
          choose to perform a [N]ew Files listing, the system will then
          display the date and time of the last [N]ew file search, you can
          use your cursor keys to position in the prompt the number you wish
          to change.  This allows you to edit only a single digit instead of
          re-entering the entire date.  This is supported in all the prompts
          if the caller has ANSI detected by the BBS.


          STOPPING THE DISPLAY

          To interrupt any information that's in the process of being
          displayed to the screen, press the SPACE BAR.  


          FAST LOGIN SUPPORT

          This allows you to logon to the BBS and be taken directly to the
          MAIN menu bypassing all the initial display screens.  To use this
          feature, place a asterisk at the beginning of your first name. 
          Additionally, you can put your entire logon information on the
          first line saving you from having to answer all three separate
          questions (First Name, Last Name and Password).

          Example: ' *Joe Martin password '   If fast login support is
          available for your security level, you will be taken directly to
          the MAIN menu, otherwise you will be logged on normally with all
          the usual screens being displayed.


          READ NEW PERSONAL MAIL

          To read new mail that is addressed to you, go to the Message menu
          and select [R]ead Messages followed by [U]nread personal mail. 
          After selecting which conference(s) to scan through, you will be
          presented with all your new mail in succession without having to
          remember what each individual message number was.


          NEW FILES DISPLAY

          To list all the new files uploaded to the board since the last
          time you called (checked for new files), from the FILE menu,
          select [N].....New Files Since [N] option.  After verifying the
          'since date', choose which file areas to scan through, normally
          you would select [A]ll and press [ENTER].  The BBS will list all
          the new files and you can then use the [M]ark files feature for
          fast and simple downloads. 



                                  Page 61


     WILDCAT! USER GUIDE
     CONCLUSION



          CONCLUSION

          As you can see, WILDCAT! BBS software is an extremely full
          featured, flexible and easy to use system.  The more you use
          bulletin boards that run this software, the easier it is to use. 
          Mustang Software has now redefined the minimum requirements for
          BBS software by which other software companies will be judged.

          You know, when I started this project of creating a user guide for
          WILDCAT! v3.00, I had no idea it would turn into such a big
          project with over 70+ pages of documentation.  I look back on this
          and think, had I known it then, I would of thought twice about
          undertaking it!  But as usual, we all live and learn.  

          I hope this information will be a good reference for you, I know
          writing this manual has taught me a lot more about the features of
          this software, and I have been using it for over 4 years!  I plan
          on keeping this up to date with the new revisions that will be
          coming out, so offer your feedback, it will be well received.

          At the time of this writing, the TomCat! QWK Mail Door, is an
          external program that must be added by the SysOp.  After the 1st
          of the year, it will be completely integrated into the BBS
          software and no longer be a option.  Consequently, there will be
          a slight change in operation.  I have intentionally been "light"
          with information about how it presently runs and have full
          intention of updating this documentation once the dust settles and
          the bugs are worked out of the integration.

          I would like to point out, this manual was not written by the
          authors of WILDCAT! BBS software, Mustang Software.  If you have
          any questions or suggestions on improving it, please refer all
          your comments to Joe Martin on The Power Station BBS by dialing
          (707) 552-0462, or VOICE at (510) 687-1122 during normal business
          hours.  Thank you.  Now, where's that beer of mine?

          "Live long and prosper".

















                                  Page 62