
.TOPIC:
Interfacing with InterNet
                                        VBBS 6.12 Documentation--12-B-1

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        CHAPTER 12  ANNEX B    INTERFACING WITH INTERNET              
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        What is the "Internet"
        
        The Internet is a conglomeration of several networks connected
        to each other through the UUCP and NNTP Protocols.  The internet
        started in the late 1960's as a cold-war command network sponcered
        by the US government.  This network has grown into the estimated
        30 million user network that exists today.  Using several types of
        computers and connections, Information flows uninhibited through
        cyberspace quickly and efficently.

        Most of the systems in the Internet are large mainframes belonging
        to universities and computer companies.  Recently, however, a new
        "wave" of smaller workstations and PCs have been flooding into the
        Internet as a source of inexpensive information.  Through access
        services such as Netcom, PsiNet, and many others, a feed may be
        obtained for a fee.  Even better, a local university may be able
        to give you a feed if you ask VERY nicely.

        VBBS's Place in the Internet
        
        VBBS Stands for "The Virtual BBS", and the Internet embodies the 
        concept of virtuality.  Users will enjoy lightning fast E-Mail
        and access to over 4900 discussion topics grouped as "USENET".
        With an Internet E-Mail connection, your users can send E-Mail to
        over 5 million different computers in the network.  Every major
        university has an address, as do many companies. If you've seen
        an address like 'user@huricane.berkeley.edu', then you can
        send mail to it.  With an additional USENet newsfeed, a plethora
        of discussion topics are available.

        Configuration Options
        
        At the time of this writing, there are three(3) options available
        for those who wish to join the internet.  All three require an
        implementationof the WAFFLE/DOS BBS System.

        Name            Author                  Waffle Version
        --------        -----------             -------------------
        VUUCP 5.52      Roland De Graaf         WAFFLE 1.64
        VUUCP 5.53      Roland De Graaf         WAFFLE 1.65
        VUUAccess       Unknown                 WAFFLE ?.??
        VUUCP/2C        Scott Call              WAFFLE 1.65

        Recently, there have been complaints about small BBSs and
        their software not meeting the Internet Standards (see RFC822.TXT
        and RFC1049.TXT) so be careful which interface you choose.  the
        VUUCP 5.5x version do not properly handle headers and the like.
        I have no personal experience with the program VUUAccess, and make
        no assumptions, but still recomend my program, VUUCP/2.
                                        VBBS 6.12 Documentation--12-B-2

        VUUCP/2 Provides full support for:
             Proper headers including an Organization: line
             Proper gateways to and from any VBBS supported network
             Proper follow-ups and 'In-Reply-To' lines
             Meets all RFC 822 standards for message sending/retreval

        Where to find the needed files
        
        VUUCP 5.5x  ---->  The "Registered SysOp's" section of @1 VNet
        VUUAccess   ---->  The "VBBS Utilities" Section of @1 VNet
        VUUCP/2c    ---->  The "VBBS Utilities" Section of @1 VNet
                           The "VBBS Enhancements by SysOp" section:
                                        @1510007 VNET (510) 831-3634 [GSA]
                           Send E-Mail to VUUCP2-REQ@pil.UUCP to get a 
                                UUENCODED version of VUUCP/2

        WAFFLE     -----> Hiding somewhere on @1 VNet, and most BBS's
                          With CD ROM sections.
                                        VBBS 6.12 Documentation--12-C-1

