This directory contains software for use on FidoNet.  A full explaination
of this network is available in FIDOINFO.TXT.

     Generally, there are several programs and utilities used for an automated
network interface suitable for a public BBS or private point system.  They
are a:

    Mailer:  A communications package which controls the modem hardware,
             and is also capable of engaging the proper initialization
             and transfer handshakes that have been well-defined into
             what is known as a "mail session."  There are several different
             types of mailer packages available.  BinkelyTerm, the one provided
             is currently quite for it's versatilty and power.

    Reader:  A "Fido intelligent" simple word-processor used to read/write
             messages for transmission to and from the network.

    Packer:  A utility capable of processing all drafted out-going mail to
             archived packets suitable for mail handling.  This utility also
             will perform the reverse process of processing received packets,
             suitable for viewing with the Reader.  Messages in each area are
             numbered sequentially once unpacked.

    FOSSIL:  An aconym for Fido-Opus-SeaDog Interface Layer.  To maintain
             a wide compatibility with many different types of hardware, this
             is a type of resident driver used by all Fido compatible software
             for access to communication ports, screens and keyboards.

     There are many other utilities which can make the operation of a node or
point smoother.  These functions include a database utility allowing efficient
reading and access of the world-wide nodelist.  There are also utilities which
maintain continuity in message numbering as old ones are deleted, a special
"Video FOSSIL" which provides very rapid screen access by the many different
packages which can be put to use at a node or point.

     Some of the many different utilities which can be used are available in
pd2:<msdos2.fido>.  DO NOT ATTEMPT A CONNECTION TO A NODE WITH THIS
SOFTWARE WITHOUT FIRST OBTAINING A MATRIX ADDRESS FROM A SYSOP OF A NODE.

BBIG_240.ZIP  BinkleyTerm v2.40.  An intellegent and widely used Mailer
              package suitable for use with more BBS software and point
              systems.  (This or a similar mailer is MANDATORY).

OCOM_530.ZIP  OpusComm v5.30.  A FOSSIL driver in .EXE file format which
              provides modem support for IBM PC serial ports COM1: and
              COM2:  Good where a low amount of resident memory is available.

X00V120B.ZIP  X00 v1.20.  A FOSSIL driver in .SYS file format (executed within
              CONFIG.SYS) which provides further modem support for IBM PC
              serial ports COM3: and COM4: as well as COM1: and COM2:

              (One of these or a similar FOSSIL is MANDATORY).

VIBM_110.ZIP  A VFOSSIL v1.10.   A video FOSSIL driver beneficial on even the
              slowest systems.  (This or similar VFOSSIL is OPTIONAL).

XLAX_232.ZIP  A nodelist processor which transforms the distributed nodelist
              (which is in text form) to a standardized data structure
              usable by a Mailer.  This list comprises the physical
              structure used by the mailer for the handling of packets in
              a full BBS system.  It is not necessary for a point system,
              but can be used as a reference.  (OPTIONAL for points, this
              or a similiar package is MANDATORY for a full operating BBS).

QM_100P.ZIP   QMail v1.00 (patched version).  A message packer.
              (This or similar packer is MANDATORY).

READIT_6.ZIP  A compiled (processed) nodelist reader and editor.
              (OPTIONAL).

FIDO.TXT      A text file of a very basic explanation of FidoNet.

POINT.TXT     A text file of instructions for simple set-up of a point
              system.

AREAFIX.TXT   A text file user's guide to a utility called "AreaFix."
              EchoMail is an popular aspect of FidoNet.  To help make
              Sysops (node operators) and other net administrator's life
              alot easier, an automatic means of turning on and off
              Echo feeds has recently been established.  It is gaining
              in popularity, and it is quite likely that your local node
              will make this service available to you.  This file contains
              instructions for it's use.

SOFTWARE.TXT  This file.

     Finally, there is documentation for each utility providing full
explanation for their use.