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             1995 PCBoard / Online Communications Conference 
                                                             
                           Session Descriptions              
            

 
PCBoard For OS/2

 
 Topic: Introduction to PCBoard for OS/2
 
    This is part one of a two part presentation on how to harness the power of
    PCBoard using the OS/2 environment.  This session will discuss the
    benefits and differences of using the OS/2 version of PCBoard versus the
    DOS version.  Furthermore, it will cover the basics of setting up a system
    configuration using the OS/2 version, including setting up the new PCBoard
    Control Panel.

 
 Topic: PCBoard for OS/2 : Advanced Topics

    In this session, we build upon the information presented in the
    introduction to PCBoard for OS/2.  Topics of advanced customization will
    be discussed such as configuring your DOS applications to run efficiently
    under the OS/2 version of PCBoard.  This session will also go into more of
    the OS/2 specific capabilities of PCBoard for OS/2 that may be used to
    maintain a more efficient system.


PCBFido


 Topic: Connecting To FidoNet

    FidoNet is one of the most active message networks in the world next to
    USENET.  With the release of v15.22, not only is FidoNet easier to use but
    the built-in Fido capabilities in PCBoard have been significantly
    enhanced.  In this session the focus will be on showing how to connect
    with FidoNet and take advantage of the powerful features available. Topics
    such as Fido events and area fixing will be discussed along with many
    other features.
 

 Topic: Advanced PCBFido--Acting As a Hub

    The first session on this track covered basic FidoNet concepts, in this
    session we will expound on those concepts by discussing elements of
    PCBFido that relate to acting as a hub.  You will learn more about the
    significance of the Fido user records, PassThru areas, and many other
    topics which are relevant to effective system management.


Using PCBoard


 Topic: Introduction to PCBoard Commands

    Whether you are trying to navigate the system or trying to show callers
    how to make the most of the system, it is important to understand the
    SysOp and user commands available.  Using these commands, you can
    effectively select the messages to read or files to download or much
    more.  In this session you will obtain valuable knowledge of commands
    which allow you to maximize the power of PCBoard.

 
 Topic: Advanced PCBoard Commands

    What command do you use to read only messages from JOHN SMITH that were
    written after July 1st of 1995?  Are you aware that PCBoard has the
    power to do this type of search?  In this session, you will learn more
    about the advanced commands in PCBoard and how they can be used to
    simplify processes.


System Manager

 
 Topic: System Manager - I

    As the SysOp it is important to know how to effectively manage user
    records on the system.  Management of the user files is facilitated with
    the System Manager utility which is included in PCBoard. In this
    session, you will learn the basics about user record management and also
    how to customize the color scheme used by the PCBoard utilities
    (PCBFiler, PCBSetup, etc.)


 Topic: System Manager - II

    System Manager has a multitude of options for manipulating conference
    registrations and security levels.  The focus of this session is to not
    only teach you what System Manager can do in these areas, but also when
    it is appropriate to use each function.


PCBoard Setup & Configuration

 
 Topic: The Structure of the System

    Before you can successfully operate a Bulletin Board System, it is
    necessary to understand how one is structured.  The focus of this session
    will be the default installation of PCBoard.  We will discuss why the file
    directories are structured the way they are, and structuring techniques
    that can be applied to better manage your system structure as it grows.
 

 Topic: Security & Maintenance

    As a Sysop there are many areas of focus, but few are as important as
    system security and file maintenance.  This session will focus on how to
    ensure system security and also how to successfully maintain a current
    system that will attract callers.


 Topic: Optimizing A Multitasking Setup

    PCBoard's flexibility and design, allow it to operate effectively in
    several multitasking environments including OS/2, DESQview, and Windows.
    The CDC staff will share several techniques that can be used to optimize
    your setup in all of these environments.


 Topic: Door Installation

    When a door is added to a system, it becomes a part of the service you
    provide.  As the system expands, modifications have to be made to the door
    setup even if it is just copying and modifying a few batch files.  In this
    session, you will learn some valuable techniques to aid in the
    installation of door programs with system expansion in mind.  This
    knowledge will prepare you to utilize a multitude of third-party door
    programs compatible with PCBoard.


 Topic: Troubleshooting PCBoard

    One of the most valuable skills that a SysOp must possess is that of being
    an effective troubleshooter.  How often do you encounter a problem where
    simply rebooting the system is the solution?  In this session our
    technical support staff will share some of the techniques they use to
    troubleshoot and solve common problems that arise in PCBoard setups.
    Knowing these techniques will prepare you to solve not only common
    problems, but also those specific to your system.


Customizing PCBoard


 Topic: Introduction To Customizing

    If PCBoard had to be described in one word it would be, "customizable."
    From reconfiguring keys used to access commands, to using PCBoard's
    built-in programming language, to completely configurable prompts, there
    is no doubt that PCBoard can be fully customized.  This session begins a
    series of sessions that focus on customizing your system. If you are a
    SysOp who is interested in utilizing the customization features available
    in PCBoard, don't miss this series!


 Topic: Creating Sub-Menus

    For many users, limiting the choices on a menu makes it easier for them
    to navigate the system.  With PCBoard you CHOOSE whether to add sub-menus
    to the system.  In fact, you can have both sub-menus, and the traditional
    "flat-menu model" which has been used by PCBoard systems for years.  The
    focus of this session is how to create and implement sub-menus into your
    system.  Having a greater understanding of the menu option types and their
    uses will be beneficial when tayloring the system to the needs of your
    callers.


 Topic: Adding A GUI Interface

    One of the most popular additions to any online system is a graphical user
    interface.  Over the past couple of years, Clark Development has produced
    a free add-on called RIPkit that can be added to your system so your
    callers can operate in a GUI environment.  This session briefly discusses
    the RIPkit and goes into more detail of how you can customize the RIPkit
    for your system and your callers.


 Topic: Imagine The Possibilities with PPL

    One of the most dynamic and exciting add-ons available for PCBoard
    customization is the PCBoard Programming Language.  This session will
    focus on where PPEs can be installed to customize your system.  Whether
    you simply install PPEs written by others, or write your own PPEs the
    information covered in this session will be invaluable.


Internet


 Topic: Making PCBoard Telnetable

    The Internet is hot!  Users want to be able to access your system in a
    cost effective and convenient way.  With PCBoard the most popular way to
    put your system on the net is to make it telnetable.  The flexibility
    built into PCBoard provides several ways to connect to the net. This
    session discusses two of the most popular methods:  1) VModem under OS/2,
    and using a terminal server.  If you run a BBS and you are looking for
    more exposure, you cannot afford to miss this session!
 

 Topic: Internet Access From PCBoard

    PCBoard does more than act as a great destination for the Internet.  It
    also acts as an effective platform to put your callers on the net.  This
    is accomplished through the outstanding third-party following with
    PCBoard. In this session, you will learn more about your options with
    regards to getting your users connected to the net.


 Topic: Getting A USENET Feed Using PCBoard's UUCP

    One of the high-traffic areas of the net is known as USENET. In v15.2
    PCBoard included all of the utilities required to get USENET newsgroups
    from a provider and post them on your system.  Getting connected to a
    provider entails setting up a SYSTEMS file and a chat script.  In this
    session CDC staff will provide valuable information on getting a news feed
    into your system.


 Topic: PCBoard's UUCP Unleashed

    Once you get PCBoard's UUCP installed on your system, there are several
    powerful features which can utilized.  For example, the new version of
    PCBoard (15.22) has the capability of separating inbound list-server
    messages for easy reading by your callers.  Furthermore, effective usage
    of inbound and outbound aliasing aids in sending and receiving e-mail by
    ensuring messages get routed to the proper location. Learn about these
    techniques and many others in this informative session.


Programming Applications


 Topic: PCBoard Programming Language Compiler - I

    This is the first session in a series of discussions on the PPL compiler.
    This session will focus on the basics of the PCBoard Programming Language.
    Our staff will teach you about the structure of the language and how to
    design simple programs.  The techniques learned will prepare you to
    understand the topics discussed in the advanced session.
 
 
 Topic: PCBoard Programming Language Compiler - II
 
    PCBoard's award-winning program language is every bit as powerful as it's
    big brother, PCBoard.  In this second session on PPL, learn about advanced
    topics such as user defined procedures/functions and how to apply them to
    your code.
 
 
 Topic: PCBoard Programming Language Compiler - III
 
    In this last session of the PPL series, you will learn how to take the
    principles developed in the first two sessions and develop a full-blown
    application to install on your system.
 
 
 Topic: PCBToolkit - I
 
    If you are planning to write a door application for PCBoard, the Toolkit
    provides an excellent platform for doing so because it is based on the
    PCBoard source code.  Door programs written with the PCBToolkit are 100%
    compatible with PCBoard.  The work involved in comm routines and getting
    information from the PCBoard data files is automated. In this session our
    programmers will discuss the advantages and disadvantages to using the
    PCBToolkit over PPL, and how to write simple doors using it.
 
 
 Topic: PCBToolkit - II
 
    This session provides an advanced look at the DOOR Developer's PCBToolkit.
    This session will focus on more complex programs and the CDC programmers
    will discuss the latest enhancements to the soon-to-be-released PCBToolkit.
 

File Maintenance

 
 Topic: PCBFiler - I

    Many Bulletin Board Systems now have thousands and thousands of files
    available for download.  With such large quantities of files, management
    and maintenance becomes critical.  This session will focus on the
    principles of file management including how to move or copy a file to
    another directory, and much more.


 Topic: PCBFiler - II

    Building upon the information presented in the first session of PCBFiler
    we will discuss PCBFiler's rich feature-set.  For example, how filters can
    be used to make your job as the SysOp easier.  Also topics such as
    updating file descriptions stored within files.  This will be an
    informative session on one of the more important features of PCBoard.
 

 Topic: PCBFiler - III

    PCBFiler has some extremely powerful functions available to help automate
    file maintenance.  For example, the rules file can be used to
    automatically move files based on words within the description.
    Furthermore, duplicate file reports that find not only duplicate files but
    also SIMILAR files can be generated by PCBFiler.  Become a more efficient
    SysOp by attending this advanced session on PCBFiler features.


Credit Accounting


 Topic: Credit Accounting - I

    Pay-to-play is the rage in online communications.  This should be no
    surprise since on-line services such as Compuserve have been doing this
    for years.  PCBoard has built-in, flexible credit accounting capabilities.
    In this session, you will learn more about how to configure and plan a setup
    that works best for you and your users.


 Topic: Credit Accounting - II

    Working with the principles taught in the previous credit accounting
    session, you will learn more about ways you can customize PCBoard to
    charge credits for certain activities.  For example, each time a user runs
    a certain door, they can be charged a set amount of credits.  More of the
    advanced areas where users can be charged is covered in this session.


PCBMail



 Topic: PCBMail - I

    How does PCBMail fit into my BBS?  If you are running a BBS in a corporate
    environment or an environment where local logins are prevalent, the
    question you should be asking is "How did I get along without PCBMail?"
    By harnessing the graphical user interface in conjunction with PCBoard's
    flexible message and conference structure, PCBMail is a real boon.  This
    session discusses the basics of using and configuring PCBMail.

 Topic: PCBMail - II

    PCBMail has several advanced features to utilize such as mailing lists,
    automatically loading a corresponding PCBoard node, and much more. You
    will learn how to take advantage of these features and many more in this
    advanced session of PCBMail.

