FirstClass FAQ

[sane@netaxs.com (Wonko The Sane)]

FirstClass BBS FAQ
Mark Setzer
 
Q#1: What's a FAQ?
Q#2: What's a FirstClass BBS system, and what can it do for me?
Q#3: What's a GUI?
Q#4: What's FirstClass Client?
Q#5: Great! Where do I get a copy!
Q#6: That stinks! Is there hope?
Q#7: What's CLUI?
Q#8: Couldn't I just connect with ProTERM?
Q#9: What if I got used to the CLUI?
Q#10: How will I get help from the SysOp?
 
 
==================
Q#1: What's a FAQ?
==================
 
   FAQ (said like "fack") stands for "Frequently Asked Questions" and
are widely distributed on many topics. This one, in particular, will
go over some of the most commonly asked questions on SoftArc's
FirstClass BBS system.
 
 
===============================================================
Q#2: What's a FirstClass BBS System, and what can it do for me?
===============================================================
 
   FirstClass is a BBS software package distributed by a company
known as SoftArc, Inc. It is like most other BBS packages, like
METAL/FV or GBBS, with a twist. FirstClass BBSes provide the end user
of having a GUI front-end. [For more on GUI, see below.]
   This can have several major advantages. First, it makes
connections simple and straightforward. A point-and-click interface
is almost always easier to use than a text-based one.
   Second, the system has an embedded feature known as _multitasking_
(word for the day). Multitasking is a complex system to make things
easier on the user. The straight definition of the word means "many
tasks". Basically, multitasking allows you to carry out many
functions at the same time, with little or no speed differential.
True multitasking could be said to be the ability to be able to
download a file, while unpacking an archive and viewing a picture,
and searching a massive database. (Try doing THAT on America Online.)
It is obviously a great strain on a CPU, and is hard to achieve.
   Thirdly, and finally, the system provides an interesting feature
known as the Settings file. This file (usually very large) allows the
user to log on to, not only a BBS, but an _environment_. Settings
files can have associated sounds, pictures, movies... they really
make it worth it to visit a FC BBS. (For example, a local FC BBS of
mine, Gateway Proteus, has a settings file that plays a sound clip of
a woman saying, "Welcome... to Gateway... Proteus." when you log on!)
 
 
==================
Q#3: What's a GUI?
==================
 
   "GUI" (say "gooey") stands for Graphical User Interface. It's a
generic term, branded to most newer and complex applications of
today.
   Basically, what GUI implies is an environment where one can select
a variety of tasks to perform (from a system of menus at the top of
the screen), or associate a picture (icon) with an actual file, disk,
or directory, through use of a pointing device such as a Graphics
tablet or mouse. Items are selected through a point-and-click system.
(Whew!)
   Okay, maybe that wasn't so basic. But many people have seen a GUI
interface before and not known it. If you've seen a Macintosh, you've
seen a GUI in a program known as The Finder. That same program can
also be seen on the Apple IIGS under the System Software. The program
PROTerm provides a GUI interface as well. On the PC side, Microsoft
Windows provides a [mutated] GUI interface as well.
   Needless to say, GUI is a developing standard. It is widely seen
and used, and makes a HUGE difference on ease-of-use in the end user.
SoftArc [was smart enough to] implement it in their FirstClass BBS
system.
 
 
==============================
Q#4: What's FirstClass Client?
==============================
 
   FirstClass Client is yet another program provided by SoftArc, Inc.
It implements all of the advantages of the GUI technology into one,
completely automating package. It allows users to connect to a
FirstClass server and use basic E-Mail, Conferencing, and Networking
functions. There are associated icons, resources, and setup files.
There are online databases, graphics viewable while online, and
massive file sections (on some) capable of supporting mass amounts of
data. (One site has over 23 GIGABYTES of data!)
 
 
==================================
Q#5: Great! Where do I get a copy?
==================================
 
   The FirstClass Client application is widely available, easily
found on online services such as America Online, CompuServe and
Prodigy. The software, even having several plusses to its credit,
also has some pretty negative minuses -- its interplatform
tranportability (look this one up in Webster).
   In short, it's a nightmare if you don't have the correct computer.
As of now, I know only of a Mac version and a Windows version. This
is a BIG negative if you have a non-supported computer (such as an
Apple II, like I have), because SoftArc (I talked to them yesterday)
has absolutely no plans of porting their software to any other
platforms.
 
 
======================================================================
 
Q#6: That stinks! Is there still hope for the computers not
supported?
======================================================================
 
 
 
   Well, yes in two aspects. If someone out there is willing to port
the code over to another computer (the Apple IIGS would be the
computer of choice, I'd think), AND convince SoftArc to release the
source to you, fine. Good. That's settled.
   But if that doesn't work, or you're like the thousands of others
who has a computer other than a IIGS (or you have one and aren't
exactly willing to get nested in a law suit), you can use an option
of the FC BBS system known as Command Line User Interface.
 
 
=================
Q#7: What's CLUI?
=================
 
   CLUI (say "Clooey") stands for "Command Line User Interface". It
is an _option_ which the sysop of a FC BBS _may_ provide. If the
sysop chooses to provide it, you will be able to access most of the
FC BBS's features from ANY computer with a modem. The providing of a
CLUI makes the interface totally universal -- you don't need FC
Client to call up a CLUI-equipped BBS.
   CLUI provides a very simplified interface -- you type in one-word
commands to access most of the basic features (nothing GUI, of
course!) Using this interface, it's impossible to use windows, hear
sounds or see pictures online, or use the multitasking feature.
   As of now, though, it's the only option for connecting to FC BBSes
with an Apple II.
 
 
==========================================
Q#8: Couldn't I just connect with PROTerm?
==========================================
 
   If the SysOp of that particular BBS chooses to activate the CLUI,
it wouldn't be any more of a pain in the butt to connect with PROTerm
than with, say, Spectrum, but realize this: The CLUI to which you're
connecting is simple TTY. It's not going to care if you're running an
ANSI emulator, or PROTerm Special. It won't support them, and most
SysOps will just assume you're connected to their board as a guest
and are planning on downloading the client software.
 
 
=====================================
Q#9: What if I just got used to CLUI?
=====================================
 
   Well, nothing's impossible, but most people find that they're not
getting as much out of the BBS as they might've with the Client
software, or they're finding other BBSes provide just as much and
more. It's simply not worthwhile (most of the time) to connect to a
FC BBS without a Mac or PC.