sbbs-template

Synchronet Installation
=======================

Upgrading from Unregistered to Registered Synchronet
----------------------------------------------------
If you are currently using an unregistered version of Synchronet, and do not
wish to lose your current operating configuration (e.g. menus, sub-boards,
file areas, etc.), after receiving your registered version, insert the floppy
disk labled "Registration Key Disk" into your floppy drive, and copy the file
SBBS.KEY from the disk to your SBBS\EXEC directory.

You may also use the Synchronet installation program to accomplish this same
task. To do so, carefully follow the instructions given in the section titled
"Initial Synchronet Installation" and change the neccessary options to install
ONLY the Registration Key.

Upgrading Node Licenses
-----------------------
If you are upgrading to a higher node license, you should follow the
instructions given in the section titled "Upgrading from Unregistered to
Registered Synchronet".

Upgrading to a Newer Version of Synchronet
------------------------------------------
Because of the many variances when changing to a different version or revision
of Synchronet, this topic is not covered here. When upgrading your copy of
Synchronet to a newer version or revision, you should ALWAYS consult the
upgrade documentation included with the upgrade (usually in the form of an
UPGRADE.DOC file on the diskette).

Initial Synchronet Installation
-------------------------------
Synchronet is distributed on two distribution disks (labeled "1 of 2" and
"2 of 2") and one key disk. Unregistered versions of Synchronet will not have a
key disk.

If you downloaded Synchronet, you should uncompress the file(s) that you
downloaded into a temporary directory on your hard drive, or on a blank floppy
disk. The file SBBSxxxx is the equivalent of distribution disk one, and the
file SUTLxxxx is the equivalent of distribution disk two.

Insert distribution disk one into your floppy drive, log into your floppy drive
(e.g. at the DOS prompt type A: and press ENTER), and type INSTALL and press
ENTER.

You should now be at the Synchronet Installation menu, from this menu you can
select the items that you want (or don't want) installed, as well as a few
other options.

If you are installing an unregistered copy of Synchronet, you should set the
"Install Registration Key" option to NO, otherwise this option should be set to

YES.

Now, move the select bar over the option "Install Distribution Disk 1", and
press ENTER. You will see a list of installable programs, which are as follows:

Main Executables These are the main programs required for
Synchronet to operate, these must be installed
for proper operation.

Default Configuration These are the default configuration files for
Synchronet, these must be installed for proper
operation.

Text and Menus These are the default text and menu screens
for Synchronet, these must be installed for
proper operation.

Documentation These are Synchronet documentation files, it is
not required to install this, but it is
recommended.

All   Selecting this will toggle all of the above
    options to YES, this should be done if this
    is your first time installing Synchronet.

None   Selecting this will toggle all of the above
    options to NO. Do this if you are simply
    installing a registration key for a currently
    running copy of Synchronet (e.g. going from an
    unregistered to a registered copy, or changing
    node licenses).

Once you are finished selecting (or deselecting) items from this menu, press
ESC. Now move the select bar to Installation Disk 2 and press ENTER. You will
see another list of installable programs, which are as follows:

Utilities These are several utilities which are included
    to enhance the operation of Synchronet. It is
    not required that you install them, but it is
    recommended.

Online External Prog's These are several pre-installed online games
    and utilities. It is not neccessary to install
    these, but doing so will help give you an idea
    of how to install future Synchronet add-ons.

External Program SDK This is the Synchronet Development Kit, it
    contains C source code which can be used to
    help programmers create doors and add-ons to
    work more effectively with Synchronet. It is
    not neccessary to install this.

All   Selecting this will toggle all of the above
    options to YES, although none of these options
    are required to run Synchronet, it may be a
    good idea to select this if it's your first
    time installing Synchronet.

Once you are finished selecting (or deselecting) items from this menu, press
ESC. Check the Source Path option to insure that it is set to the drive and
directory you are installing Synchronet FROM, as well as the Target Path to
insure that it is set to the drive and directory where Synchronet is to be
installed TO.

When you are sure you have set all of the options to fit your needs, move the
select bar to Start Installation, and press ENTER. The install program will
copy and uncompress all of the files you have selected, and once it has
finished, you will be brought to the SCFG (Synchronet Configuration program)
so that you may adjust your BBS settings as you require.

Getting Started
===============

Copying Utilities:
-----------------
Synchronet has a specific sub-directory for executable programs (EXEC).
You need to copy all utilities that the BBS will run into this directory
(this does not mean Doors or Online Games). For example, you need to copy
PKZIP.EXE and PKUNZIP.EXE into your EXEC directory. If you plan on supporting
other archive/compression programs on your BBS, you should copy these programs
into the EXEC directory as well. Any file transfer protocol programs need to
be copied into your EXEC directory. Synchronet comes with an unregisterd copy
of DSZ. If you have a registered version, copy it into the EXEC directory as
well.