From: Derek.Bischoff%f1.n3641.z1@psybbs.durham.nc.us (Derek Bischoff) Subject: Re: BBS package Date: 19 Sep 1993 04:39:00 GMT
: > The first is the BBS program in form of a users shell with
: > integrated news and mail users agent. Such a program should
: > utilize native UNIX news and mail transport agents and not try
: > to implement a propietary data format.
DCA> : The only problem I see with that is it defeats the purpose of the
DCA> BBS.
DCA> : If a person chooses to run a BBS for UNIX, it's usually because they
DCA> don't : want the people to get a shell, and also for ease of use. Many
DCA> people are : accustomed to a 'BBS' type interface, and not to a UNIX
DCA> shell.
DCA> : A BBS allows the SysAdmin to give people an easy interface where
DCA> they don't : have to be bothered with accounts, and other functions.
DCA> You've missed the point. The above does not say SHELL PROMPT. It says
DCA> USER'S SHELL. Two different things. The shell could be a menu program
DCA> where the user never sees the shell prompt.
Well, actually Mark, I don't think he did.
yasee, Unix, as an Operating system, when you consider all the
built-in functions (news, mail, write or chat) It has the basic
makings to provide excelent BBS services. It makes sense
to provide a menu (bbs like) shell interface for the user to
protect him from the unix shell prompt, then use the built
in functions of mail, etc to do the work of the bbs.
I believe one of the greatest obstacles of doing that are the following:
One, for most bbs's it is a simple matter to remove a user from
the list of users for bbs management.
Two, Most bbs's use a singular user for the bbs for the following:
this way you can have NEW users, and this way you can have just
one user, one set of permissions to regulate and keep sheltered
from other users. (should you have any)
It is difficult for someone to get an id, create an entry in the
/etc/passwd file, allow him limited access, promote, etc, etc, etc
in the current OS. If you have one login for the bbs, and it
is public knowlege, you could build up users from that list. Loyal
and current users who would like their own id could be accomodated for.
enough for now
... Sincerely, Derek