Xref: utzoo comp.sys.atari.8bit:4739 comp.sys.atari.st:37389 comp.sys.apple2:14859 alt.bbs:5101 Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!ncar!gatech!rutgers!maverick.ksu.ksu.edu!unlinfo.unl.edu!hoss!greg From: greg@hoss.unl.edu (Lig Lury Jr.) Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.8bit,comp.sys.atari.st,comp.sys.apple2,alt.bbs Subject: Re: BBS Programs Message-ID: <1991Apr19.234501.7190@unlinfo.unl.edu> Date: 19 Apr 91 23:45:01 GMT References: <1991Apr14.220221.2283@abode.wciu.edu> Sender: news@unlinfo.unl.edu Organization: University of Nebraska - Lincoln Lines: 45 Nntp-Posting-Host: hoss.unl.edu Organisation: GBBS/ACOS Sysop Support root@prk.UUCP (Phillip Keen) writes: >I am looking into getting a dedicated machine, and I named my options, >because my options are the cheapest around town here. I am most likely going >to go with the Atari 8-bit because I like how well BBS Express Pro supports >ANSI graphics. See, all three types of systems (Atari 8-bit, Atari ST and >Apple ][x cost right around the same amount here in town with Apple ][x being >the most expensive, the Atari ST being the next higher priced, and the >Atari 8-bit being the lowest). However, I suffer the consequences with the >Atari 8-bit systems, and that is I would have to be buying ALL used equipment. >If I were at least able to purchase Apple ][x or Atari ST systems, I would >be able to purchase it all new. So, I don't know which route I should go. >See, I am happy with most everything I see in operation, so it makes decisions >hard on me. This is why I brought the conversation to such a huge network >community, to kind of help me decide which route to go. There are several choices though for the Apple // series. Proline gets lots of raves it seems. GBBS "Pro" is nice, and you're not restricted to using AppleSoft BASIC. (It's nice to get away from line numbers once in awhile.) Its language (ACOS) is similar to BASIC, but is more structured. METAL though is a rather new Apple BBS language, has lots of the features of the ACOS language, but adds a lot more. I'm still catching up with the documentation that came with the disks, and that by no means is the entire manual. The packaged program Future Visions is nice, comes ready for networking, and is easily editable by any text editor from Freewriter to ProTERM to AppleWorks, and even editable ONLINE (as is ACOS). Its only problem right now is that it is so new that it lacks some drivers, namely printer drivers and support for some modems, like my DataLink 2400 internal. It has a lot going for it though, including some of the features others have mentioned that Proline has. (Sorry guys, didn't know it would run on a non-GS.) I believe you can also use ANSI with it, and several other emulations. >---- >uunet!nuchat!xcluud!prk!root | PRK Consulting +1 713 941 5467 [data] | >prkeen@nuchat.sccsi.com | Phillip Keen | >prkeen@xcluud.sccsi.com | 2705 Martin | >root@prk | Pasadena, TX 77502-5724 | -- /// ____ \\\ "It says, `Golgafrincham Ark Fleet, Ship B, Hold 7, Telephone | |/ / \ \| | Sanitizer, Second Class,' and a serial number." "A telephone \\_(\____/)_// sanitizer? A dead telephone sanitizer?" "Best greg \_\\\/ hoss.unl.edu kind." "But what's he doing here?" "Not a lot."