• Atari 8-Bit Computers: Frequently Asked Questions (23/30)

    From Michael Current@21:1/5 to Marc G. Frank on Tue Nov 26 21:54:38 2019
    [continued from previous message]

    - Requires R: or T: handler as appropriate
    - Available: http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/archive.html#atari
    - v1.2 Kermit/1030 release by John Howard Palevich (Jack Palevich), 1984
    (aliases: KERMIT1030 or KBIN.HEX)
    - Requires T: handler
    - v1.3 Atari/850 Kermit release by Jim Dahlberg, 1984
    - Requires R: handler

    TERM1030, by Matthew S. Arrington, 1984-1985
    - XMODEM upload/download
    - Version 2.0 (1984?) requires T: handler
    - Distributed with TERM1030.AUT, a version of Steinbrecher's 835/850
    Handler as slightly modified to automatically load and run a file
    named ".RUN" from disk after the driver is loaded.
    - Version 3.0 (1985) requires T: handler
    - Distributed with "Antic's T-handler for: TERM1030" (THANDLER.OBJ) which
    is a version of Steinbrecher's 835/850 Handler modified to work as
    AUTORUN.SYS on a DOS 2 disk with MEM.SAV created, in combination with
    TERM1030.BAS on that disk.
    - Ver. 4.2R by Rich Schmitt, 5/1/85
    - Requires R: handler; R.BIN or 'RHANDLER2' recommended.

    DiskLink, by Ken Fowkes, 1984 (alias: Disk 'o Link)
    - Supports file transfers between two Atari computers running this
    program in 2 modes: ASCII text and modified XMODEM protocol.
    - Thanks to nonstandard XMODEM implementation, allows two users to type back
    and forth (in a somewhat halting fashion) DURING file transfer.
    - Integrated T: handler supports both 850-based and 835/1030 modems

    VT-10-Squared (VT10^2 or VT10SQ), by Alexander M. Stevens and David L. Bailey
    - DEC VT100 terminal emulation, 80-column screen (software handler)
    - Version 0.6, 1984? (VT100.OBJ)
    - Both 850-based and 835/1030 modems supported via integrated handler
    derived from R.BIN.
    - Instructions include a program to remove the integrated R.BIN to create
    VT10SQ.OBJ, either with an integrated MPP R: handler (distributed as the
    separate file MYHAND.OBJ), or without integrated R: handler to be used
    with the A.I.D. RHAND.OBJ R: handler for the R-Verter.
    - Version 0.7, 1985?
    - VT10SQ.XMO with integrated R.BIN, or VT10NH.XMO without R: handler
    - Adds some VT-100 features and corrects some bugs in order to facilitate
    operation with UNIX and the vi editor.
    - Adds a capability to transmit even or odd parity.
    - Version 0.7 modified for XL by K. Knutson
    - Earlier releases require 400/800 OS or OS translator
    - VT100 Terminal Emulator, modified and revised version by Alec Benson, 1986
    (VT100.OBJ or VT100NR.OBJ)
    - Added VT52 emulation
    - OmniTerm version modified by CDY Consulting for OmniView

    AMODEM 7, by Trent Dudley, 1985-1987
    - Rewritten from AMODEM 4.2 and AMODEM Plus releases
    - Requires R: or T: handler
    - AMODEM 7.0 (5/85) features joystick input, SHIFT-CTRL key macros,
    adjustable delay rate, XMODEM transfers. Exclusive R: handlers:
    - AMOD70.AUT loads the 850 R: handler
    - AMODMPP.OBJ R: handler for MPP modems. Derived from the DeMar handler.
    - AMODEM 7.1, 8/12/85
    Exclusive modem device handlers:
    - R850.ATR (executable, not a disk image) loads the 850 R: handler
    - MPP.ATR (executable, not a disk image) R: handler for MPP modems. A
    modified version of the MPP Rev. 1.0 MINI R: handler which is compatible
    with XL/XE computers. (alias: AMD7HND.MPP)
    - T1030.ATR (executable, not a disk image) loads the 1030 T: handler
    - RBIN.ATR (executable, not a disk image) version of R.BIN combined R:
    handler for 850-based and 835/1030 modems
    - AMODEM 7.2, 12/1/85
    Exclusive modem device handlers:
    - MPPHANDL.A72 R: handler for MPP modems (essentially identical to MPP.ATR)
    - AUTO1030.72 loads the 1030 T: handler
    - AMODEM 7.3 XE, requires BASIC XL or BASIC XE, 12/85
    - AMODEM 7.2R, for the R-Time 8 cartridge, 2-Feb-86
    Exclusive modem device handler:
    - MPPHANDL.AM7 R: handler for MPP modems (essentially identical to MPP.ATR) - AMODEM 7.4, 15-Mar-87, features XMODEM/CRC and YMODEM file transfers,
    word wrapping, an edit window, improved autodial scanning and macros;
    support for: SpartaDOS, R-Time 8, BASIC XE.
    - Distributed with modem device handlers:
    BOOT850.COM, MPPHNDLR.COM, BOOT1030.COM, THANDLER.COM, RHANDLER.COM
    - AMODEM 7.50, 14-Jun-87 (final release)
    - Distributed with modem device handlers:
    BOOT850.COM, MPPHNDLR.COM, BOOT1030.COM, THANDLER.COM, RHANDLER.COM

    Express!, by Keith Ledbetter, 1985-1986
    - Strengths: auto-dialer and reliable XMODEM transfers
    - Version 3: XMODEM/CRC, ability to download .BIN files on CompuServe using
    XMODEM, VIDTEX mode for CompuServe cursor positioning, R-Time 8 support
    - Each version includes an integrated modem handler
    - Original version: 1030 Express! (September 1985)
    - Integrated T: handler
    - 850 Express! 3.0 release date: 9/24/86 (earlier releases include 1.1)
    - Integrated R: handler
    - 1030 Express! 3.0 release date: 11/1/86 (earlier releases include 2.0, 2.1)
    - Integrated T: handler
    - MPP Express! 3.0 release date: 12/1/86 (earlier releases include 1.1)
    - Integrated R: handler is Chilcott MPP handler
    - Also the basis for SX Express! from Atari (1988) and for the Express!
    cartridge from Orion Micro Systems (1990)

    VTERM V10.4.86, by Joe Hitchens, 1986
    - DEC VT52 terminal emulation, 80-column pannable (40-column visible) screen,
    capture, Upload/download (text only)
    - Requires R: handler

    OmniCom, by CDY Consulting (David Young), 08/15/1987 (shareware release)
    - VT10SQ was used as an early model.
    - 80-column screen (software handler), VT100 emulation, XMODEM, Kermit,
    ASCII send, capture mode, screen dump
    - Requires R: handler. Distributed with the ATARISRS.232 variation of R.BIN
    as extracted from VT-10-Squared.
    - While 1986-1987 commercial versions required a CDY Consulting Omniview
    chip, the 08/15/87 shareware release runs on standard Atari hardware

    Kermit-65, by John R. Dunning, 1987-1990
    - Kermit file transfers, VT100 or VT52 terminal emulation (or none),
    Atari standard screen, 80-column pannable (40-column visible) like VTERM,
    or 80-column graphics like VT10SQ
    - Port of Kermit-65 for Commodore 64
    - Two versions of each release:
    - K65.COM or KERMIT.COM: Integrated 850 R: autoloader
    - K65NR.COM or KERMITNR.COM : Requires R: handler
    - Releases: 3.1 8/6/1987, 3.3 10/20/1987, 3.5 4/1990, 3.6 4/1990, 3.7 5/1990

    DeTerm, by Jim Dillow, 1987-1988
    - XMODEM file transfer, full Telenet PC Pursuit support, Breakout game
    playable while uploading, downloading or waiting for a connection
    - Several versions: DeTerm XM301 (DTXM) / DeTerm MPP (DTMPP) / DeTerm SX212
    (DTSX) each have a built-in modem handler; DeTerm 850 (DT850) is to be
    appended to an 850 R: autoloader; DeTerm (plain) requires R: handler

    PC-Term, by Rick Hunter, 1988
    - Designed especially for Telenet PC Pursuit
    - XMODEM, XMODEM/CRC, YMODEM, or C-MODEM (C-MODEM protocol by Jerry Horanoff
    of Carina Software Systems) file transfers
    - Dialer, capture, print-screen
    - 850-based or SX212 modem required (integrated SX212 handler by Jim Dillow)
    - Version 3.1, 10/14/88

    BobTerm 1.2x, 1990-1993, shareware by Bob Puff
    - XMODEM, XMODEM/CRC, XMODEM-1k, CIS Fast XMODEM (BobTerm exclusive for use
    only on CIS), YMODEM, FMODEM (YMODEM but with 4KiB block size) file
    transfers
    - VT52 terminal emulation (odd or even parities) with CompuServe VIDTEX cursor
    positioning
    - Floating buffer size (depending on machine and DOS), chat window with
    recall, online/real-time clock, R-Time 8 support, dialing system
    - Modular design: distributed with an XEP80 driver and with a command
    processor module for SpartaDOS 3.2 or SpartaDOS X
    - Integrated 850 R: autoloader; also supports and distributed with separate R:
    handlers for most possible modem options, most written by Bob Puff
    - Version 1.21 final full release, 4/27/1990: http://www.nleaudio.com/css/
    - Version 1.22 05/1990 executable, final version update for real hardware:
    http://preview.tinyurl.com/navwxj3
    http://preview.tinyurl.com/o52parp
    - Version 1.23 03/1993 executable, updated version for use with emulators
    (not for use with more modern Atari emulators or with real hardware):
    http://www.mixinc.net/atari/download_a8/datacom/bobt123.lzh or
    http://members.chello.nl/becotel/atari/software.html
    - Earlier releases: v.1.02 4/1989, v.1.10 6/1989, v.1.20 4/1990

    VT850, by Curtis Laser, 1991
    - VT100 terminal emulation, with select VT102 features and VT200 series
    keyboard support. Capture file function.
    - Supports the XEP80 (joystick port 1) and the CX85 (joystick port 2)
    - Display is either 39 columns in GR.0 with custom character set, or
    80/132 columns (authentic VT100 horizontal scrolling for >80 columns) on the
    XEP80
    - Requires R: handler
    - Release versions: B0, B1

    ANSITerm, by Robert Sinclair, 1991-1992
    - IBM terminal emulation program with VT100 mode
    - ATARI, ASCII, or ANSI modes
    - XMODEM send/receive, dump, capture, dialer
    - Requires R: handler.
    Distributed with handlers for: 850, P:R: Connection, SX212
    - Version 1.0 released 24-JUN-92

    FlickerTerm 80, by Clay Halliwell, 1993-1995
    - High speed ANSI terminal emulator
    - ASCII, IBM PC, or VT100 modes
    - 80-column screen uses two alternating Graphics 0 screens
    - Print-screen, Joystick/CX85 Keypad, macros
    - Requires R: handler
    - Releases: v0.37 07/07/94; v0.381 11/04/94; v.0.51 6/27/1995

    Ice-T, by Itay Chamiel, 1994-2013
    - Complete VT102 and ANSI-BBS emulation, including boldface/blink support
    - Supports up to 19,200 baud, with no data loss
    - 80-column screen (GR.8 software handler)
    - XMODEM/CRC, XMODEM-1k, YMODEM, YMODEM-g, ZMODEM download protocols
    - ASCII upload, 16KiB capture buffer, 16KiB scrollback buffer
    - Auto-dialer, with a directory of up to 20 numbers
    - Text file viewer, Fine scroll, Print screen
    - Requires R: handler
    - Ice-T 800 v1.1, October 1994:
    - Reduced features, but only requires 48KiB 400/800
    - Ice-T XE 2.72, February, 1997
    - Full feature set, requires an XL/XE with at least 128KiB RAM
    - Ice-T XE 2.73, April 14, 2012
    - Available: http://atariage.com/forums/topic/196599-ice-t-xe-273-released/ - Ice-T XE 2.74, September 24, 2013
    - Available: http://atariage.com/forums/topic/217052-ice-t-xe-274-released/ - Ice-T XE 2.75, October 1, 2013
    - Available: http://atariage.com/forums/topic/217245-ice-t-xe-275-released/ - Ice-T XE 2.76, October 10, 2013
    - Available: http://atariage.com/forums/topic/217539-ice-t-xe-276-released/

    Term-80 / Term80, by Tom Hunt, 1995-1996
    - (Not to be confused with the unrelated Term 80 by Mark Gamber, 12/1/88)
    - Designed for calling IBM ANSI bulletin boards at the highest speeds
    supported by the MIO and Black Box. Default 14,400 baud.
    - Hyperspeed R: handler by Len Spencer recommended for MIO users
    - Requires one of:
    1- Modem connected to a Black Box or MIO
    2- Either a hard drive (connected to a Black Box or MIO) or a RAMdisk
    (modem connected to a P:R: Connection, 850, or similar interface)
    3- Both a (hard drive or RAMdisk) AND modem connected to a Black Box or MIO - Requires SpartaDOS (3.2d or 3.2g/gx)
    - 80-column screen (GR.8 software handler)
    - Dialer, YMODEM receive/send
    - Modular design, distributed with modules for:
    XMODEM/CRC and XMODEM-1k receive, capture, change baud rate
    - Releases: 8.15.95 Version 1.4 was 1st general release; 8.19.95 Version 1.5;
    8.25.95 Version 1.6
    - 5.24.96 Version 1.9 BETA was distributed to testers with several modules for
    use with Internet email and lynx servers via a dial-up telnet service.
    (Direct access to a telnet server is (was) sometimes provided as part of a
    dial-up SLIP/PPP account from an Internet service provider.)
    - Available: http://atariage.com/forums/topic/180427-term80/#entry2257913

    ------------------------------

    Subject: 8.16) What programs can I use to host a BBS on the Atari?

    Contributors to this section include: Winston Smith, Steven Sturza, Chad Hendrickson, Don Fanning, Matt Singer, Pete Davis, Jeff Williams, Rod Roark

    "A BBS, plain and simple, is some hobbyist setting up their own computer to answer incoming calls from other hobby computers. The visiting person
    leaves messages on this computer for other visitors, plays games while visiting, sends and receives files, and all that." -- Greg Goodwin, 2005

    The 8-bit Atari was popular for hosting a dial-up Bulletin Board System (BBS). This section attempts to list all BBS programs for the Atari.

    For most programs listed, a link is provided to the corresponding section at http://www.bbsdocumentary.com/software/ which is a comprehensive collection
    of BBS information, screenshots, and downloads collected by Jason Scott.

    o AMIS (Atari Message & Information System)
    AMIS was the first BBS program for the 8-bit Atari, created by lead programmer Tom Giese with other members of the Michigan Atari Computer Enthusiasts
    (MACE). Development and testing started in late 1981, and the MACE A.M.I.S. became the first 24 hours per day Atari BBS in February 1982 (original hardware: 48KiB Atari 800, Hayes Smartmodem, 850 interface, four floppy disk drives, 822 printer). Written in BASIC. http://www.bbsdocumentary.com/software/ATARI/EIGHTBIT/AMIS/
    The AMIS BASIC source code proved a popular starting point for a number of popular AMIS variations, including:
    * Fast AMIS, by Stan Subeck & Susie Subeck
    According to Antic v3n9Jan85:
    - Built-in modem commands for a Hayes Smartmodem.
    - Requires some modification to run with an MPP, Signalman Mark 7 or
    Mark 12 modem.
    - Requires a different method of auto-answer than other BBS programs,
    and demands a different setting of the modem's internal DIP
    switches.
    - Message files compact automatically.
    http://www.bbsdocumentary.com/software/ATARI/EIGHTBIT/FASTAMIS/
    * Carnival BBS, by ???????
    - "essentially AMIS with an overlay to allow for private messages and
    passwords." --Antic v3n9Jan85
    - "demands a large amount of disk space and requires every bit of
    memory your system has." --Antic v3n9Jan85
    http://www.bbsdocumentary.com/software/ATARI/EIGHTBIT/CARNIVAL/
    http://www.atarimagazines.com/v3n4/communications.html
    http://www.atarimagazines.com/v3n9/communications.html
    * Reed Audio BBS, by Todd Gordanier, 1986
    - A modified version of Carnival BBS that added multiple forum
    support & support for the Atari 1030 modem by way of a hardware
    ring detector (relay). (Wikipedia)
    * Comet AMIS, by Matt Pritchard and Tom Johnson
    http://bbslist.textfiles.com/704/oldschool.html
    - Home was Comet AMIS of Algonic, MI
    - Originally MPP AMIS by Matt Pritchard, for MPP modems only
    (John DeMar of New York State wrote the MPP drivers), then
    modified to be used with other types of standard modems.
    - Some heavy involvement of Trent Condellone in certain features
    - The final version featured many automated tasks, usage logs,
    passwords, private mail, multiple message bases and support for hard
    drives and MYDOS, and was on the cutting edge of AMIS/Atari 8-bit
    BBS technology. (Wikipedia)
    * AMIS XM301, by Mike Olin and Mike Mitchell (Catspaw Software Systems)
    - Written in BASIC XE (Wikipedia)
    * TODAMIS 1.0, by Trent Dudley, 1986
    - for 1030/XM301

    o ADCM BBS
    - Version 1.00 (C) 1985 ADCM Systems
    - (C) ADCM Systems Version 1.35 - January 15th, 1986
    - For use with the Pocket Modem by BOT Engineering
    - jacobus writes (11/2010):
    "Features a command driven interface, private mail, public message board,
    upload and downloads. Handles up to 255 users up to 500 baud."
    "The author is Julius Oklamcak"
    - Info & download: http://www.atariage.com/forums/topic/172034-adcm-bbs/

    o ARMUDIC, by Frank Huband http://www.bbsdocumentary.com/software/ATARI/EIGHTBIT/ARMUDIC/
    From the Downtown Washington Atari Users Group of Washington, D.C.
    Greg Leslie writes "It was written (in BASIC with machine language
    subroutines) by Frank Huband, and the name came from the numbers used to dial the original BBS (276-8342).

    o ATABBS - Atari Bulletin Board System
    Rod Roark writes (3/12/03):
    This is really straining my memory -- don't recall exactly
    when I wrote the thing (maybe '80 or '81), but as far as I
    know ATABBS was the world's first BBS for the Atari 400/800.

    I ran it out of my condo in Atlanta on a 48KiB 400 with a
    90KiB floppy drive and a 300 bit/s Hayes Smartmodem. The
    48KiB memory module was a third party add-on, not Atari's.

    It was written in Atari BASIC with a few bytes of machine
    language thrown in.

    o AtariLink BBS -- program by Paul Sungenis and Darren M. Benfer,
    Version 1.43 (c) 1987-1988 Paul L.A. Sungenis
    From his blog at http://atari8programming.blogspot.com/ on 3/20/06:
    In 1985-1986 I wrote and eventually released the AtariLink BBS software. This came out of necessity, since most Atari BBS programs at the time (especially FoReM and its bastard children) didn't fully support the 1030 modem that I
    used (or the XM301 that followed afterward). I eventually adapted the program to work with Atari's 1200 bit/s SX212 modem when that was released, and in the process threw the program open to just about every modem out there. AtariLink floated in the wild, passed from BBS to BBS for a while, before an Atari magazine (I forget which one) distributed the software as its disk of the month.
    - Requires Atari BASIC; BASIC XE supported
    - Recommended SpartaDOS 2.3b/e or SpartaDOS X due to memory requirements.
    - Expandable with Door programs

    o ATKeep -- An Atari 8-bit version of CITADEL BBS, by Brent Barrett http://www.bbsdocumentary.com/software/ATARI/EIGHTBIT/ATKEEP/
    ATKeep is a Citadel-like BBS system for eight-bit Ataris. ATKeep runs under SpartaDOS and requires BASIC XE and 128KiB of RAM. Originally "MBBBS (Message Base Bulletin Board System) 1.0, March 24th, 1986" MBBBS was changed to Atari Keep, or, ATKeep for short, around version the time version 4.0 was released (June 15, 1986).

    ATKeep 7.0 finally took the aide and cosysop commands out of a menu section
    and put them into extended commands, where they belonged. It also added a SYSOP level command set. Users were no longer "users" "aides" or "cosysops," they had become level "A" (SYSOP) through level "Z" (READ ONLY). The system had become extremely complex. Public, hidden OR password protected PRIVATE rooms. Each room now had its own access level (thus keeping people of lower level from getting in EVEN if they knew the room name). Each room was
    assigned a RWRT (or Read WRiTe status), which determined who could enter messages in it, and whether or not public or private messages, or both were to be allowed.

    Before version 7.0, ATKeep only worked with the Atari 1030 or XM301 modems. ATKeep 7.0 was rewritten to accommodate the 850 or PRC interface allowing use of any Hayes compatible modem.

    ATKeep version 7.50 was released (1987), was version 8 released?

    o BBCS -- Bulletin Board Construction Set, by Scott Brause/Antic, 1985 http://www.bbsdocumentary.com/software/ATARI/EIGHTBIT/ABBCS/
    A machine language program, developed as the Jersey Atari Computer Group
    (JACG) BBS system.

    BBCS was known for its great flexibility. The sysop was offered easy customization by the use of menus. Many BBSes before it required that you had to actually change the BASIC code in order to customize your BBS.

    Unfortunately, it also suffered from a reputation for stability problems.

    o BBS Express! -- 1986-1989, Keith Ledbetter/Orion Micro Systems http://www.bbsdocumentary.com/software/ATARI/EIGHTBIT/BBSEXPRESS/
    Written in compiled Action!. 835/1030/XM301 and 850 versions.

    o BBS Express! Professional ("Pro!")--6.0b 1999, Lance Ringquist/Video 61 http://www.bbsdocumentary.com/software/ATARI/EIGHTBIT/BBSEXPRESSPRO/
    Verion 1.0 released 5/8/1988 by Keith Ledbetter and Chris King from Orion
    Micro Systems. bf2k+ wrote (May 2010) that version 2.1a was the last version compiled by Keith Ledbetter before he sold it.

    Version 5.0 Copyright 1995 by K-Products (Bob Klaas) credited to:
    Stephen J. Carden, Keith Ledbetter, and Chris King

    Currently owned by Lance Ringquist/Video 61: http://www.atarisales.com/

    Written in 100% machine language.
    Requires XL/XE, SpartaDOS 3.2+, hard drive highly recommended, or at least a large RAMdisk. R-Time 8 is fully supported.

    SpartaDOS Pro Ver 3.3c 19-Dec-97 (S)hareware 1994 by FTe
    - SpartaDOS 3.3, originally derived from a disassembly of ICD SpartaDOS 3.2c,
    was developed by Stephen J. Carden with Ken Ames specifically to be an
    optimal environment for running BBS Express! Pro.
    - SpartaDOS 3.3c was released on cartridge by Video 61 in early 1998.

    o Carina BBS (Carina I), Carina Software Systems (Jerry Horanoff), 1986 http://www.bbsdocumentary.com/software/ATARI/EIGHTBIT/CARINA/
    - Highly modular, modifiable code written in Atari BASIC
    - Features Programmable Modem Operating Environment (MOE)
    - Supports XMODEM file transfers

    o Carina BBS version II (Carina II)
    (c)1988 Carina Software Systems (Jerry Horanoff)
    v2.5 upgrade (4/24/91) (c)1990 by Shadow Software (David Hunt)
    v2.6 (6/15/93) by Shadow Software (David Hunt)
    v2.7 (c)1995 by Shadow Software (David Hunt) http://www.bbsdocumentary.com/software/ATARI/EIGHTBIT/CARINA/
    - Requirements: Atari XL/XE computer, at least 500KiB of storage capacity
    (combination of disk drives and/or RAMdisk), a modem, and SpartaDOS 2.3 or
    greater.
    - Recommended: 192KiB RAMdisk or greater, R-Time 8
    - Explicitly supported: MIO interface and a hard drive
    - A complete re-write of Carina BBS
    - Highly modular, modifiable code written in Atari BASIC
    - Programmable Modem Operating Environment II (MOE II)
    - VT-52 graphics support
    - Features proprietary C-Modem file transfer protocol, also supports:
    XModem, XModem CRC, YModem (1K X-Modem CRC), YModem Batch, ASCII, others

    o Commonwealth XL BBS -- (c)1985, 1986 by Smokey Layton http://atariage.com/forums/topic/226543-commonwealth-xl-bbs/
    - Expected to run under MYDOS 3 or higher.
    - Requires disk drive (including RAMdisk) with 180KiB capacity or higher
    - Written in BASIC; BASIC XL supported
    - Has a control structure that is modeled after AMIS BBS programs

    o ECABBS -- Efficient Chips Atari Bulletin Board System
    by Matthew Jones, V2.0, 1983 http://www.page6.org/pd_lib/utilities/pd_ecabbs.htm
    - Originally a commercial release, then released to the public domain
    - Requires R: handler
    - Written in Atari BASIC

    o FoReM BBS -- Friends of Rick E. Moose BBS.
    Developed/sold by Matthew R. Singer. http://www.bbsdocumentary.com/software/ATARI/EIGHTBIT/FOREM/

    Versions that operate with the Atari 850, the ATR 8000 CP/M interface, and other configurations. Written in Atari BASIC.

    Matt Singer writes:
    FoReM BBS derived from an early AMIS. When multiple message areas were
    added the name was extended to FoReM 26M. Then, When OSS released BASIC
    XL the program was rehacked and called FoReM XL... Bill Dorsey wrote most
    of the Assembler routines (where is he now?).

    o FoReM MPP BBS -- developed by Matt Singer, sold by MPP
    FoReM BBS version for the MPP direct-connect modems.

    o FoReM 26M BBS -- developed/sold by Matt Singer.
    FoReM BBS updated to support multiple message area.

    o FoReM XL BBS -- developed/sold by Matt Singer.
    FoReM 26M updated to take advantage of BASIC XL from OSS.

    o FoReM XE BBS -- developed by Matt Singer
    This version of FOREM BBS requires the commercial BASIC XE cartridge in order to run. It is in the public domain and can import and export messages from
    the Atari PRO! BBS EXPRESS-NET (7-bit text only, control ATASCII graphics are reserved for message data-structure bytes).

    o FoReM XE Professional BBS / FoReM XEP BBS -- by Len Spencer http://www.bbsdocumentary.com/software/ATARI/EIGHTBIT/FOREMXE/
    A re-write of FoReM XE BBS, last version was 5.4, Jan 5 1993.
    FXEP requires an XL/XE computer with at least 128KiB of memory, the BASIC XE cartridge from OSS/ICD, SpartaDOS 3.2 (this program will NOT work with any other version), and at least 500KiB of storage.

    FXEP is available at: http://www.lenardspencer.com/Lenspencer/fxep.html

    o Madrona Marsh BBS -- written by Matt Arrington http://www.bbsdocumentary.com/software/ATARI/EIGHTBIT/MARSH/
    "very structured and very customizable at the same time" - Brian A. Diaz

    o MBBBS (Message Base Bulletin Board System)
    -- early name for ATKeep, see above

    o Nite Lite BBS -- Paul S. Swanson http://www.bbsdocumentary.com/software/ATARI/EIGHTBIT/NITELITE/
    - First online: November 3, 1983. Ran completely in RAM.
    - Second version shifted the message base to a disk drive.
    - Third version added XMODEM uploads/downloads, support for a second disk
    drive, menus were shifted to disk, ran the first online text adventure
    - Fourth version shifted more of the system to disk, ran on the ATR8000
    and double density disk drives.
    - Version 5.0, Copyright 1985
    - Integrated support for Nite Lite Systems V:Handler (RAMdisk)
    - Supports C-GUL protocol for graphics and sound using the C-GUL
    terminal program

    o OASIS (the commercial version) / OASIS Jr. (the public domain version) http://www.bbsdocumentary.com/software/ATARI/EIGHTBIT/OASISIV/ http://www.bbsdocumentary.com/software/ATARI/EIGHTBIT/OASISJR/
    The original OASIS BBS System was written by Rich Renner and Ralph Walden with tech support and input from Leo Newman. It was first published by OASIS BBS Systems (Renner/Walden/Newman) in 1986, and distributed by Leo Newman. Later, the rights were transferred to Glenda Stocks/Z INNOVATORS, then later (1991)
    to Jeff Williams ("Alf").

    All machine language. OASIS is very crash-resistant and comes with a "dial out" screen so that the Sysop can use the BBS as a terminal program to call
    and fetch files without having to bring the BBS down and reload a terminal program. OASIS supports "Door programs" which it refers to as "OASIS PAL modules". An excellent message system, and a complex file system. It
    consists of "file libraries" with suites of "file types". There is quite a
    bit of overhead involved in performing a download (which may be a good thing, as it discourages file hogs). OASIS IV performs networking. SpartaDOS 3.2x recommended, but any DOS supported. R-Time 8 clock cartridge supported.

    Glenda Stocks writes at http://world.std.com/~snet/glenda.htm :
    I purchased the source code rights to OASIS and began marketing the BBS software to Atari 8-bit enthusiasts around the world. I felt that I had the superior BBS software because I had programmed in the ability to run external programs, including online games and user surveys. I also had added color prompts for IBM clone users who called Atari boards running my OASIS software. Sometime in 1991...I sold the rights to OASIS to a man in Canada..

    Jeff Williams ("Alf") writes: (12/6/02)
    OASIS was around prior to either PRO or BBS Express! IIRC. I don't know when exactly it showed up, version 3.09 was the first one I remember seeing. What made it nifty was it was very fast, being all assembler, and having some different features that things like Forem & Carina didn't have. Compared to something like Forem MPP at the time, it was kind of amazing.

    Ralph Walden sold it to Glenda Stocks, who chopped it up into modules and sold it as ver 4.7. PRO was out by then, and was a much more complete offering
    imo. Glenda wrote some modules for 4.7, but it never really went anywhere because the architecture was so cramped with her changes.

    Eventually she gave up and sold me the source. I looked it over and realized it was a mess and nothing was going to happen with it. I worked on a version
    5 for a while, but never made much progress.

    o Puff BBS -- by Robert (Bob) Puff http://www.bbsdocumentary.com/software/ATARI/EIGHTBIT/PUFFBBS/
    "came with a hardware component to both provide ring detect for the Atari
    (none existed in the modem) and to serve as a hardware key/dongle associated with the software."

    o SMART BBS -- by Marco Benton http://www.bbsdocumentary.com/software/ATARI/EIGHTBIT/SMARTBBS/
    This program is written entirely in BASIC. It expects to be running under a SpartaDOS environment. This BBS program uses a "modem clock string" rather than an R-Time 8 cartridge in order to retrieve the current time. It also comes with an Atari BASIC game door called "Sabotage".

    o TART-BOARD -- by Bob Alleger
    Early Atari BBS.

    o TCPIP Express -- by ILS - Integrated Logic Systems - Stephen J. Carden http://www.realdos.net/prodtcpip.html
    This upgrade is to the BBS Express Professional. This version is designed to function on the Internet and Multiplexer, though neither is required.
    Targeted at the serious, big-system Internet SysOp. Will ONLY run on
    SpartaDOS 3.2x or greater or RealDOS. TDLINE must be installed, and the
    R-Time 8 is fully supported. Written in 100% machine language.

    o XeBBS+ -- by Jonathan Taylor http://www.bbsdocumentary.com/software/ATARI/EIGHTBIT/XEBBS/
    for the Atari 130XE / Expanded 800XL, required BASIC XE,
    designed to work with the SupraDrive hard disk.
    "used the Automatic Modem Processor (AMP) code from FoReM XE, but was
    otherwise written from scratch." - Jonathan Taylor

    o 835 & 1030 Modem Bulletin Board
    -- by Gardner Computing (earlier) / Duplicating Technologies (DT)(later)
    Auto answer, XMODEM upload/download, sold with ring detector.
    Ads: ROM #9 Dec84/Jan85 p. 37; Antic v4n10 Feb 86 p. 44

    ------------------------------

    Subject: 9.1) What file formats for entire disks/tapes/cartridges are there?

    It is now common, especially when working on modern computers, to work with Atari software as files or "images" containing the data from an entire disk, data cassette, or cartridge as duplicated from the native media for the Atari.

    Here is a list of file formats, arranged by their associated filename extensions. These are all filename extensions used to name files containing entire 8-bit Atari floppy disk images, cassette tape images, or cartridge images.

    .ATP -Atari Protected Disk Image Format. An open disk format suitable for
    storing copy protected disks (similar to the APE .PRO format).
    Version 1.6, 2004-4-11, by the ATP Working Group:
    http://www.ataripreservation.org/websites/freddy.offenga/ATP16.htm

    .ATR -Image format invented by Nick Kennedy, for his SIO2PC project.
    Very similar to .XFD but with an added 16 byte header.
    This is the most common image format, used with most 8-bit Atari
    emulators running on other computer platforms.
    SIO2PC is at http://pages.suddenlink.net/wa5bdu/sio2pc.htm

    .ATX -Image format invented by Jorge Cwik (ijor), for VAPI project. Goal of
    Vapi is the preservation of Atari software in its original unmodified
    form, including custom format or copy protection. .ATX is a superset of
    .ATR for single density; does not support other Atari disk densities.
    .ATX is comparable to .IPF or .SCP (SuperCard Pro) file formats.
    http://vapi.fxatari.com/
    http://www.whizzosoftware.com/sio2arduino/vapi.html
    http://atariage.com/forums/topic/252191-vapi-library-source-code/

    .BIN -(1) Same as .ROM, see below; or (2) a binary file as described in a
    separate section of this FAQ list regarding filename extensions.

    .CAR -Cartridge ROM image format invented for the Atari800 emulator. Format
    includes information about cartridge type. Contains the 'CART'
    signature at the beginning of the file. See:
    http://sourceforge.net/p/atari800/source/ci/master/tree/DOC/cart.txt

    .CAS -Cassette image format invented by Ernest R. Schreurs, for his
    Digital Cassette Image system (includes CAS2SIO, WAV2CAS, and CAS2WAV

    [continued in next message]

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Michael Current@21:1/5 to Marc G. Frank on Thu Mar 19 10:20:42 2020
    [continued from previous message]

    (article name: "Touch Tablet Cursor" ; original filename: KOALA.BAS)
    - Kriss Kross by Simon Trew, 1992
    - Supports Multi-Mouse Touch Tablet Driver by Simon Trew
    - Macro Edit / EDMAC (character set/screen editor) by John Oakley
    - Multi-Mouse Touch Tablet Driver by Simon Trew for New Atari User #42 1990
    - Musorqa by Ron Torborg for ANALOG #34, Sept. 1985
    - Othello by Simon Trew, 1991
    - Supports Multi-Mouse Touch Tablet Driver by Simon Trew
    - Pixel Artist Deluxe version 1.3 by Art Horan, 1988
    - PLATOTerm by Thomas Cherryhomes, 2018
    - The Print Shop (Broderbund)
    - The Print Shop Companion (Broderbund)
    - QUICK Ed Character Editor by PPP
    - RAMbrandt by Bard Ermentrout
    - Rubber Stamp (XLEnt)
    - Smart Art II by Sean Puckett, 1984?
    - includes SMARTTAB.BAS patch for Touch Tablet/Koala support
    - includes TTCALIB.BAS Touch Tablet Calibration utility
    - Typesetter (XLEnt)
    - Xirius Defect by Martin Simecek, 2013
    - Xirius Defect XXL by Martin Simecek, Jason Kendall, Zdenek Eisenhammer, 2014 - See also AtariMania lists of games & utilities using the Atari Touch Tablet:
    http://preview.tinyurl.com/pst2j96
    http://preview.tinyurl.com/q3hvhss

    The following programs use the KoalaPad or the Animation Station:
    - Alphabet Construction Set (Playground Software) by Futurehouse
    - Animal Crackers (Playground Software) by Futurehouse
    - Blazing Paddles (Baudville)
    - The Brundles by KE-Soft, 1993 (hold SPACE at boot for configuration)
    - Click! (Chris Martin, 2008)
    - Computer Crayons (Playground Software) by Futurehouse
    - Desktop Performance Studio (Virtuoso)
    - DesignLab (Suncom version of Blazing Paddles;
    Distributed with the Suncom Animation Station)
    - Diamond GOS by Reeve Software
    - Diamond Develop by Reeve Software, requires Diamond GOS
    - Diamond News Station by Reeve Software, requires Diamond GOS
    - Diamond Paint by Reeve Software, requires Diamond GOS
    - Diamond Write by Reeve Software, requires Diamond GOS
    - DigiPaint 1.0 by Volker Eloesser
    - Hardwaretester/Peripheral Test 2.0 by Florian Dingler, 2008
    - Hong Kong, Kemal Ezcan for Zong 5/93
    - Koala Cursor Demonstration Program by Karl E. Wiegers for Antic, Jan. 1985
    (article name: "Touch Tablet Cursor" ; original filename: KOALA.BAS)
    - KoalaPainter (cartridge)
    (Illustrator product by Island Graphics, KoalaPad version)
    - Shipped with many KoalaPad units for Atari computers
    - Koala Sketch by Charles F. Johnson
    - Little Red Riding Hood (Playground Software) by Futurehouse
    - Macro Edit / EDMAC (character set/screen editor) by John Oakley
    - Micro Illustrator (disk) by Steven Dompier for Koala, (c)1983 Island
    Graphics (Illustrator product by Island Graphics, KoalaPad version)
    - Shipped with many KoalaPad units for Atari computers
    - News Station (Reeve Software)
    - Pixel Artist Deluxe version 1.3 by Art Horan, 1988
    - Planetary Defense (Charles Bachand and Tom Hudson for ANALOG #17 March 1984) - Planetary Defense 2012 (Charles Bachand, Tom Hudson)
    - PLATOTerm by Thomas Cherryhomes, 2018
    - The Print Shop (Broderbund)
    - The Print Shop Companion (Broderbund)
    - RAMbrandt by Bard Ermentrout
    - Reader Rabbit (The Learning Company)
    - Rubber Stamp (XLEnt)
    - Smart Art II by Sean Puckett, 1984?
    - includes SMARTTAB patch for Touch Tablet/Koala support
    - includes TTCALIB.BAS Touch Tablet Calibration utility
    - Trails!
    - Typesetter (XLEnt)
    - Word Search (original author unknown)
    - upgrade, screen output and Touch Tablet support by Warren Lieuallen 10/86 - See also AtariMania lists of programs using the KoalaPad/Animation Station:
    http://preview.tinyurl.com/orbbub4
    http://preview.tinyurl.com/osa6bx7

    Note that the Atari Touch Tablet, the KoalaPad Touch Tablet, and the Suncom Animation Station are read by the computer in the same way that the computer receives data from paddle controllers, making software designed for paddles at least somewhat usable with these graphics tablets as well.

    ------------------------------

    Subject: 8.11) What games support online action via modem?

    - Commbat, by Robert Schilling for Adventure International, 1981
    - Computer Battleship, by John Babson and Bill Cleis
    - JellyBeans, by Chris Martin, 2004
    - MIDI Maze, by Michael Park for Xanth F/X (prototype for Atari, 1989)
    - Supports XM301, SX212, or R1:(850)
    - Modem Chess, by Gary Heitz, 1986
    - Tele-Chess, by Thomas McNamee and Pete Goodeve for Antic, May 1983

    ------------------------------

    Subject: 8.12) What programs support Atari computer networking?

    This section started by Andreas Koch.

    There are two different hardware add-ons which provide a "computer-
    network" (two or more Ataris linked together). Thus, there is software
    that supports either one or the other hardware (namely GameLink or GameLink-II). The following software supports the networking hardware:

    - GameLink (by DataQue, 1990):
    - Computer Battleship, by John Babson and Bill Cleis,
    as patched by Rick Detlefsen for GameLink
    - Tic-Tac-Two (a tic-tac-toe clone) by DataQue, 1990

    - GameLink-II (by DataQue, 1993) / Multilink (by Bewesoft):
    - Maze of Agdagon (full version, 2-8 players) by The AGDA Group, 1993
    - Multi-Dash (2-8 players, XL/XE only) by Bewesoft;
    - Multi-Race (2-16 players, XL/XE only) by Bewesoft;
    - Multi-Worms (2-8 or 2-16? players, XL/XE only) by Bewesoft;
    - "Starter-kit" module to use in your own networking-games by Bewesoft
    (free use of this module is granted by Bewesoft/Jiri Bernasek);
    - Speed-Up by Radek Sterba
    - Speed-Up Gold by Radek Sterba

    ------------------------------

    Subject: 8.13) What programs use Keyboard Controllers?

    This should be a complete list of released programs designed to use the
    Atari Keyboard Controllers, Video Touch Pad, or Kid's Controller (which are
    all mutually compatible with each other).

    - Keypad Controller, by Thomas D. Newton for APX, 1982
    - Keypad Controller, Rev. 2, by Thomas D. Newton for APX, 1982
    - Rev. 2 contains an option for using the program with two-player games
    - Preschool Games, by Bob Polaro for APX, 1981
    - See also AtariMania lists of programs using keyboard controllers:
    http://preview.tinyurl.com/o4yw6hd
    http://preview.tinyurl.com/p7vmxdv

    ------------------------------

    Subject: 8.14) What programs use Driving Controllers?

    Programs that use the Atari CX20 Driving Controller:
    - Megaoids by Peter J. Meyer and Lance Ringquist for Video 61, 2016
    - Tempest Elite by Peter J. Meyer for Video 61, 2017
    - Tile Smashers by Peter J. Meyer for Video 61, 2017

    ------------------------------

    Subject: 8.15) What noncommercial telecommunications programs are there?

    This section lists widely-used or notable noncommercial telecommunications programs for the Atari. These programs could be used for accessing dial-up online service providers, or for connecting to a dial-up bulletin board
    system (BBS) hosted by another home computer. Such activities were very popular on the Atari computer, especially from the mid 1980s to the mid 1990s.

    AMISTERM, by Craig Chamberlain and Jim Steinbrecher, 3/17/82
    - Early recommendation for accessing an AMIS BBS
    - Upload/download (text only)
    - Requires R: handler

    JTERM, by Frank C. Jones, 1982-1984
    - Originally based on a short BASIC program by Henrique Veludo published in
    Compute! #9, Feb81
    - Developed in cooperation with ARMUDIC BBS author Frank Huband
    - Upload/download (text only)
    - Requires R: handler
    - Version 3.1, June 19, 1982
    - Version 3.2, July 10, 1982, published in Compute! #32, Jan83
    - Version 3.8 published in Compute! #56, Jan85
    - Added support for 1200 bps modems

    ATERM, by Marshall Abrams, 10/1982
    - Simple terminal simulator (no specific terminal emulation)
    - Upload/download (text only)
    - Requires R: handler

    AMODEM, by Jim Steinbrecher, 1982-1984
    - Designed for accessing RCP/M and Atari bulletin board systems, and as a
    replacement for AMISTERM.
    - XMODEM file transfers (standard protocol by Ward Christensen)
    - Early releases: the major versions <2.0, 3.0, 4.0> were released by the
    author, while the "sub-versions <3.1, 3.2, 4.1...> were mostly prepared as
    personal modifications by others. 4.0 was released in 10/82.
    - Atari MODEM Ver. 4.2
    - AMODEM4.BAS:VER 4.2; 11-24-82 (AMODEM42.BAS)
    - Requires R: handler
    - Atari MODEM-835/850 Ver. 4.2
    - AMODEM42.835:VER 4.2;01-15-84 (AMOD1030.BAS)
    - Requires T: handler; distributed with the author's 835/850 Handler
    (alias AUTO1030.OBJ)
    - Unofficial release "SUPERTERM 835/1030 MODEM" distributed with slightly
    modified version of the Steinbrecher 835/850 Handler (SUPRTERM.AUT)
    - "AMODEM Plus" -- various versions released by others based on AMODEM 4.2

    TSCOPE / MSCOPE / RSCOPE, by Joe Miller, 1983-1986
    - "This (limited-feature) telecom program was designed to be used with the
    CompuServe Information Service."
    - Supported some CompuServe VIDTEX terminal program functions, including:
    - UPL and DOW commands for file transfers using the CIS 'A' Protocol
    - Online color graphics
    - TSCOPE original release, 25 Dec 83
    - Integrated T: handler supports both 850-based and 835/1030 modems
    - Does not work with the P:R: Connection interface
    - MSCOPE, 18 May 85
    - Features of TSCOPE, but integrated modem driver is for MPP modems
    - RSCOPE, 15 Apr 86
    - Features of TSCOPE without integrated modem driver, requires R: handler

    Kermit for the Atari Home Computer, 1983-1984
    - Kermit upload/download file transfers, DEC VT52 terminal emulation
    - v1.1 by John Howard Palevich (Jack Palevich) (1984/01/09)
    - Official port of the Columbia University Kermit Project software
    - Released as Action! source code, compiles into one of two versions:
    - For the Atari 850 and the DC-Hayes Smartmodem, with auto-dial support
    - For the Atari 1030 modem
    - Requires R: or T: handler as appropriate
    - Available: http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/archive.html#atari
    - v1.2 Kermit/1030 release by John Howard Palevich (Jack Palevich), 1984
    (aliases: KERMIT1030 or KBIN.HEX)
    - Requires T: handler
    - v1.3 Atari/850 Kermit release by Jim Dahlberg, 1984
    - Requires R: handler

    TERM1030, by Matthew S. Arrington, 1984-1985
    - XMODEM upload/download
    - Version 2.0 (1984?) requires T: handler
    - Distributed with TERM1030.AUT, a version of Steinbrecher's 835/850
    Handler as slightly modified to automatically load and run a file
    named ".RUN" from disk after the driver is loaded.
    - Version 3.0 (1985) requires T: handler
    - Distributed with "Antic's T-handler for: TERM1030" (THANDLER.OBJ) which
    is a version of Steinbrecher's 835/850 Handler modified to work as
    AUTORUN.SYS on a DOS 2 disk with MEM.SAV created, in combination with
    TERM1030.BAS on that disk.
    - Ver. 4.2R by Rich Schmitt, 5/1/85
    - Requires R: handler; R.BIN or 'RHANDLER2' recommended.

    DiskLink, by Ken Fowkes, 1984 (alias: Disk 'o Link)
    - Supports file transfers between two Atari computers running this
    program in 2 modes: ASCII text and modified XMODEM protocol.
    - Thanks to nonstandard XMODEM implementation, allows two users to type back
    and forth (in a somewhat halting fashion) DURING file transfer.
    - Integrated T: handler supports both 850-based and 835/1030 modems

    VT-10-Squared (VT10^2 or VT10SQ), by Alexander M. Stevens and David L. Bailey
    - DEC VT100 terminal emulation, 80-column screen (software handler)
    - Version 0.6, 1984? (VT100.OBJ)
    - Both 850-based and 835/1030 modems supported via integrated handler
    derived from R.BIN.
    - Instructions include a program to remove the integrated R.BIN to create
    VT10SQ.OBJ, either with an integrated MPP R: handler (distributed as the
    separate file MYHAND.OBJ), or without integrated R: handler to be used
    with the A.I.D. RHAND.OBJ R: handler for the R-Verter.
    - Version 0.7, 1985?
    - VT10SQ.XMO with integrated R.BIN, or VT10NH.XMO without R: handler
    - Adds some VT-100 features and corrects some bugs in order to facilitate
    operation with UNIX and the vi editor.
    - Adds a capability to transmit even or odd parity.
    - Version 0.7 modified for XL by K. Knutson
    - Earlier releases require 400/800 OS or OS translator
    - VT100 Terminal Emulator, modified and revised version by Alec Benson, 1986
    (VT100.OBJ or VT100NR.OBJ)
    - Added VT52 emulation
    - OmniTerm version modified by CDY Consulting for OmniView

    AMODEM 7, by Trent Dudley, 1985-1987
    - Rewritten from AMODEM 4.2 and AMODEM Plus releases
    - Requires R: or T: handler
    - AMODEM 7.0 (5/85) features joystick input, SHIFT-CTRL key macros,
    adjustable delay rate, XMODEM transfers. Exclusive R: handlers:
    - AMOD70.AUT loads the 850 R: handler
    - AMODMPP.OBJ R: handler for MPP modems. Derived from the DeMar handler.
    - AMODEM 7.1, 8/12/85
    Exclusive modem device handlers:
    - R850.ATR (executable, not a disk image) loads the 850 R: handler
    - MPP.ATR (executable, not a disk image) R: handler for MPP modems. A
    modified version of the MPP Rev. 1.0 MINI R: handler which is compatible
    with XL/XE computers. (alias: AMD7HND.MPP)
    - T1030.ATR (executable, not a disk image) loads the 1030 T: handler
    - RBIN.ATR (executable, not a disk image) version of R.BIN combined R:
    handler for 850-based and 835/1030 modems
    - AMODEM 7.2, 12/1/85
    Exclusive modem device handlers:
    - MPPHANDL.A72 R: handler for MPP modems (essentially identical to MPP.ATR)
    - AUTO1030.72 loads the 1030 T: handler
    - AMODEM 7.3 XE, requires BASIC XL or BASIC XE, 12/85
    - AMODEM 7.2R, for the R-Time 8 cartridge, 2-Feb-86
    Exclusive modem device handler:
    - MPPHANDL.AM7 R: handler for MPP modems (essentially identical to MPP.ATR) - AMODEM 7.4, 15-Mar-87, features XMODEM/CRC and YMODEM file transfers,
    word wrapping, an edit window, improved autodial scanning and macros;
    support for: SpartaDOS, R-Time 8, BASIC XE.
    - Distributed with modem device handlers:
    BOOT850.COM, MPPHNDLR.COM, BOOT1030.COM, THANDLER.COM, RHANDLER.COM
    - AMODEM 7.50, 14-Jun-87 (final release)
    - Distributed with modem device handlers:
    BOOT850.COM, MPPHNDLR.COM, BOOT1030.COM, THANDLER.COM, RHANDLER.COM

    Express!, by Keith Ledbetter, 1985-1986
    - Strengths: auto-dialer and reliable XMODEM transfers
    - Version 3: XMODEM/CRC, ability to download .BIN files on CompuServe using
    XMODEM, VIDTEX mode for CompuServe cursor positioning, R-Time 8 support
    - Each version includes an integrated modem handler
    - Original version: 1030 Express! (September 1985)
    - Integrated T: handler
    - 850 Express! 3.0 release date: 9/24/86 (earlier releases include 1.1)
    - Integrated R: handler
    - 1030 Express! 3.0 release date: 11/1/86 (earlier releases include 2.0, 2.1)
    - Integrated T: handler
    - MPP Express! 3.0 release date: 12/1/86 (earlier releases include 1.1)
    - Integrated R: handler is Chilcott MPP handler
    - Also the basis for SX Express! from Atari (1988) and for the Express!
    cartridge from Orion Micro Systems (1990)

    VTERM V10.4.86, by Joe Hitchens, 1986
    - DEC VT52 terminal emulation, 80-column pannable (40-column visible) screen,
    capture, Upload/download (text only)
    - Requires R: handler

    OmniCom, by CDY Consulting (David Young), 08/15/1987 (shareware release)
    - VT10SQ was used as an early model.
    - 80-column screen (software handler), VT100 emulation, XMODEM, Kermit,
    ASCII send, capture mode, screen dump
    - Requires R: handler. Distributed with the ATARISRS.232 variation of R.BIN
    as extracted from VT-10-Squared.
    - While 1986-1987 commercial versions required a CDY Consulting Omniview
    chip, the 08/15/87 shareware release runs on standard Atari hardware

    Kermit-65, by John R. Dunning, 1987-1990
    - Kermit file transfers, VT100 or VT52 terminal emulation (or none),
    Atari standard screen, 80-column pannable (40-column visible) like VTERM,
    or 80-column graphics like VT10SQ
    - Port of Kermit-65 for Commodore 64
    - Two versions of each release:
    - K65.COM or KERMIT.COM: Integrated 850 R: autoloader
    - K65NR.COM or KERMITNR.COM : Requires R: handler
    - Releases: 3.1 8/6/1987, 3.3 10/20/1987, 3.5 4/1990, 3.6 4/1990, 3.7 5/1990

    DeTerm, by Jim Dillow, 1987-1988
    - XMODEM file transfer, full Telenet PC Pursuit support, Breakout game
    playable while uploading, downloading or waiting for a connection
    - Several versions: DeTerm XM301 (DTXM) / DeTerm MPP (DTMPP) / DeTerm SX212
    (DTSX) each have a built-in modem handler; DeTerm 850 (DT850) is to be
    appended to an 850 R: autoloader; DeTerm (plain) requires R: handler

    PC-Term, by Rick Hunter, 1988
    - Designed especially for Telenet PC Pursuit
    - XMODEM, XMODEM/CRC, YMODEM, or C-MODEM (C-MODEM protocol by Jerry Horanoff
    of Carina Software Systems) file transfers
    - Dialer, capture, print-screen
    - 850-based or SX212 modem required (integrated SX212 handler by Jim Dillow)
    - Version 3.1, 10/14/88

    BobTerm 1.2x, 1990-1993, shareware by Bob Puff
    - XMODEM, XMODEM/CRC, XMODEM-1k, CIS Fast XMODEM (BobTerm exclusive for use
    only on CIS), YMODEM, FMODEM (YMODEM but with 4KiB block size) file transfers
    - VT52 terminal emulation (odd or even parities) with CompuServe VIDTEX cursor
    positioning
    - Floating buffer size (depending on machine and DOS), chat window with
    recall, online/real-time clock, R-Time 8 support, dialing system
    - Modular design: distributed with an XEP80 driver and with a command
    processor module for SpartaDOS 3.2 or SpartaDOS X
    - Integrated 850 R: autoloader; also supports and distributed with separate R:
    handlers for most possible modem options, most written by Bob Puff
    - Version 1.21 final full release, 4/27/1990: http://www.nleaudio.com/css/
    - Version 1.22 05/1990 executable, final version update for real hardware:
    http://preview.tinyurl.com/navwxj3
    http://preview.tinyurl.com/o52parp
    - Version 1.23 03/1993 executable, updated version for use with emulators
    (not for use with more modern Atari emulators or with real hardware):
    http://www.mixinc.net/atari/download_a8/datacom/bobt123.lzh or
    http://members.chello.nl/becotel/atari/software.html
    - Earlier releases: v.1.02 4/1989, v.1.10 6/1989, v.1.20 4/1990

    VT850, by Curtis Laser, 1991
    - VT100 terminal emulation, with select VT102 features and VT200 series
    keyboard support. Capture file function.
    - Supports the XEP80 (joystick port 1) and the CX85 (joystick port 2)
    - Display is either 39 columns in GR.0 with custom character set, or
    80/132 columns (authentic VT100 horizontal scrolling for >80 columns) on the
    XEP80
    - Requires R: handler
    - Release versions: B0, B1

    ANSITerm, by Robert Sinclair, 1991-1992
    - IBM terminal emulation program with VT100 mode
    - ATARI, ASCII, or ANSI modes
    - XMODEM send/receive, dump, capture, dialer
    - Requires R: handler.
    Distributed with handlers for: 850, P:R: Connection, SX212
    - Version 1.0 released 24-JUN-92

    FlickerTerm 80, by Clay Halliwell, 1993-1995
    - High speed ANSI terminal emulator
    - ASCII, IBM PC, or VT100 modes
    - 80-column screen uses two alternating Graphics 0 screens
    - Print-screen, Joystick/CX85 Keypad, macros
    - Requires R: handler
    - Releases: v0.37 07/07/94; v0.381 11/04/94; v.0.51 6/27/1995

    Ice-T, by Itay Chamiel, 1994-2013
    - Complete VT102 and ANSI-BBS emulation, including boldface/blink support
    - Supports up to 19,200 baud, with no data loss
    - 80-column screen (GR.8 software handler)
    - XMODEM/CRC, XMODEM-1k, YMODEM, YMODEM-g, ZMODEM download protocols
    - ASCII upload, 16KiB capture buffer, 16KiB scrollback buffer
    - Auto-dialer, with a directory of up to 20 numbers
    - Text file viewer, Fine scroll, Print screen
    - Requires R: handler
    - Ice-T 800 v1.1, October 1994:
    - Reduced features, but only requires 48KiB 400/800
    - Ice-T XE 2.72, February, 1997
    - Full feature set, requires an XL/XE with at least 128KiB RAM
    - Ice-T XE 2.73, April 14, 2012
    - Available: http://atariage.com/forums/topic/196599-ice-t-xe-273-released/ - Ice-T XE 2.74, September 24, 2013
    - Available: http://atariage.com/forums/topic/217052-ice-t-xe-274-released/ - Ice-T XE 2.75, October 1, 2013
    - Available: http://atariage.com/forums/topic/217245-ice-t-xe-275-released/ - Ice-T XE 2.76, October 10, 2013
    - Available: http://atariage.com/forums/topic/217539-ice-t-xe-276-released/

    Term-80 / Term80, by Tom Hunt, 1995-1996
    - (Not to be confused with the unrelated Term 80 by Mark Gamber, 12/1/88)
    - Designed for calling IBM ANSI bulletin boards at the highest speeds
    supported by the MIO and Black Box. Default 14,400 baud.
    - Hyperspeed R: handler by Len Spencer recommended for MIO users
    - Requires one of:
    1- Modem connected to a Black Box or MIO
    2- Either a hard drive (connected to a Black Box or MIO) or a RAMdisk
    (modem connected to a P:R: Connection, 850, or similar interface)
    3- Both a (hard drive or RAMdisk) AND modem connected to a Black Box or MIO - Requires SpartaDOS (3.2d or 3.2g/gx)
    - 80-column screen (GR.8 software handler)
    - Dialer, YMODEM receive/send
    - Modular design, distributed with modules for:
    XMODEM/CRC and XMODEM-1k receive, capture, change baud rate
    - Releases: 8.15.95 Version 1.4 was 1st general release; 8.19.95 Version 1.5;
    8.25.95 Version 1.6
    - 5.24.96 Version 1.9 BETA was distributed to testers with several modules for
    use with Internet email and lynx servers via a dial-up telnet service.
    (Direct access to a telnet server is (was) sometimes provided as part of a
    dial-up SLIP/PPP account from an Internet service provider.)
    - Available: http://atariage.com/forums/topic/180427-term80/#entry2257913

    ------------------------------

    Subject: 8.16) What programs can I use to host a BBS on the Atari?

    Contributors to this section include: Winston Smith, Steven Sturza, Chad Hendrickson, Don Fanning, Matt Singer, Pete Davis, Jeff Williams, Rod Roark

    "A BBS, plain and simple, is some hobbyist setting up their own computer to answer incoming calls from other hobby computers. The visiting person
    leaves messages on this computer for other visitors, plays games while visiting, sends and receives files, and all that." -- Greg Goodwin, 2005

    The 8-bit Atari was popular for hosting a dial-up Bulletin Board System (BBS). This section attempts to list all BBS programs for the Atari.

    For most programs listed, a link is provided to the corresponding section at http://www.bbsdocumentary.com/software/ which is a comprehensive collection
    of BBS information, screenshots, and downloads collected by Jason Scott.

    o AMIS (Atari Message & Information System)
    AMIS was the first BBS program for the 8-bit Atari, created by lead programmer Tom Giese with other members of the Michigan Atari Computer Enthusiasts
    (MACE). Development and testing started in late 1981, and the MACE A.M.I.S. became the first 24 hours per day Atari BBS in February 1982 (original hardware: 48KiB Atari 800, Hayes Smartmodem, 850 interface, four floppy disk drives, 822 printer). Written in BASIC. http://www.bbsdocumentary.com/software/ATARI/EIGHTBIT/AMIS/
    The AMIS BASIC source code proved a popular starting point for a number of popular AMIS variations, including:
    * Fast AMIS, by Stan Subeck & Susie Subeck
    According to Antic v3n9Jan85:
    - Built-in modem commands for a Hayes Smartmodem.
    - Requires some modification to run with an MPP, Signalman Mark 7 or
    Mark 12 modem.
    - Requires a different method of auto-answer than other BBS programs,
    and demands a different setting of the modem's internal DIP
    switches.
    - Message files compact automatically.
    http://www.bbsdocumentary.com/software/ATARI/EIGHTBIT/FASTAMIS/
    * Carnival BBS, by ???????
    - "essentially AMIS with an overlay to allow for private messages and
    passwords." --Antic v3n9Jan85
    - "demands a large amount of disk space and requires every bit of
    memory your system has." --Antic v3n9Jan85
    http://www.bbsdocumentary.com/software/ATARI/EIGHTBIT/CARNIVAL/
    http://www.atarimagazines.com/v3n4/communications.html
    http://www.atarimagazines.com/v3n9/communications.html
    * Reed Audio BBS, by Todd Gordanier, 1986
    - A modified version of Carnival BBS that added multiple forum
    support & support for the Atari 1030 modem by way of a hardware
    ring detector (relay). (Wikipedia)
    * Comet AMIS, by Matt Pritchard and Tom Johnson
    http://bbslist.textfiles.com/704/oldschool.html
    - Home was Comet AMIS of Algonic, MI
    - Originally MPP AMIS by Matt Pritchard, for MPP modems only
    (John DeMar of New York State wrote the MPP drivers), then
    modified to be used with other types of standard modems.
    - Some heavy involvement of Trent Condellone in certain features
    - The final version featured many automated tasks, usage logs,
    passwords, private mail, multiple message bases and support for hard
    drives and MYDOS, and was on the cutting edge of AMIS/Atari 8-bit
    BBS technology. (Wikipedia)
    * AMIS XM301, by Mike Olin and Mike Mitchell (Catspaw Software Systems)
    - Written in BASIC XE (Wikipedia)
    * TODAMIS 1.0, by Trent Dudley, 1986
    - for 1030/XM301

    o ADCM BBS
    - Version 1.00 (C) 1985 ADCM Systems
    - (C) ADCM Systems Version 1.35 - January 15th, 1986
    - For use with the Pocket Modem by BOT Engineering
    - jacobus writes (11/2010):
    "Features a command driven interface, private mail, public message board,
    upload and downloads. Handles up to 255 users up to 500 baud."
    "The author is Julius Oklamcak"
    - Info & download: http://www.atariage.com/forums/topic/172034-adcm-bbs/

    o ARMUDIC, by Frank Huband http://www.bbsdocumentary.com/software/ATARI/EIGHTBIT/ARMUDIC/
    From the Downtown Washington Atari Users Group of Washington, D.C.
    Greg Leslie writes "It was written (in BASIC with machine language
    subroutines) by Frank Huband, and the name came from the numbers used to dial the original BBS (276-8342).

    o ATABBS - Atari Bulletin Board System
    Rod Roark writes (3/12/03):
    This is really straining my memory -- don't recall exactly
    when I wrote the thing (maybe '80 or '81), but as far as I
    know ATABBS was the world's first BBS for the Atari 400/800.

    I ran it out of my condo in Atlanta on a 48KiB 400 with a
    90KiB floppy drive and a 300 bit/s Hayes Smartmodem. The
    48KiB memory module was a third party add-on, not Atari's.

    It was written in Atari BASIC with a few bytes of machine
    language thrown in.

    o AtariLink BBS -- program by Paul Sungenis and Darren M. Benfer,
    Version 1.43 (c) 1987-1988 Paul L.A. Sungenis
    From his blog at http://atari8programming.blogspot.com/ on 3/20/06:
    In 1985-1986 I wrote and eventually released the AtariLink BBS software. This came out of necessity, since most Atari BBS programs at the time (especially FoReM and its bastard children) didn't fully support the 1030 modem that I
    used (or the XM301 that followed afterward). I eventually adapted the program to work with Atari's 1200 bit/s SX212 modem when that was released, and in the process threw the program open to just about every modem out there. AtariLink floated in the wild, passed from BBS to BBS for a while, before an Atari magazine (I forget which one) distributed the software as its disk of the month.
    - Requires Atari BASIC; BASIC XE supported
    - Recommended SpartaDOS 2.3b/e or SpartaDOS X due to memory requirements.
    - Expandable with Door programs

    o ATKeep -- An Atari 8-bit version of CITADEL BBS, by Brent Barrett http://www.bbsdocumentary.com/software/ATARI/EIGHTBIT/ATKEEP/
    ATKeep is a Citadel-like BBS system for eight-bit Ataris. ATKeep runs under SpartaDOS and requires BASIC XE and 128KiB of RAM. Originally "MBBBS (Message Base Bulletin Board System) 1.0, March 24th, 1986" MBBBS was changed to Atari Keep, or, ATKeep for short, around version the time version 4.0 was released (June 15, 1986).

    ATKeep 7.0 finally took the aide and cosysop commands out of a menu section
    and put them into extended commands, where they belonged. It also added a SYSOP level command set. Users were no longer "users" "aides" or "cosysops," they had become level "A" (SYSOP) through level "Z" (READ ONLY). The system had become extremely complex. Public, hidden OR password protected PRIVATE rooms. Each room now had its own access level (thus keeping people of lower level from getting in EVEN if they knew the room name). Each room was
    assigned a RWRT (or Read WRiTe status), which determined who could enter messages in it, and whether or not public or private messages, or both were to be allowed.

    Before version 7.0, ATKeep only worked with the Atari 1030 or XM301 modems. ATKeep 7.0 was rewritten to accommodate the 850 or PRC interface allowing use of any Hayes compatible modem.

    ATKeep version 7.50 was released (1987), was version 8 released?

    o BBCS -- Bulletin Board Construction Set, by Scott Brause/Antic, 1985 http://www.bbsdocumentary.com/software/ATARI/EIGHTBIT/ABBCS/
    A machine language program, developed as the Jersey Atari Computer Group
    (JACG) BBS system.

    BBCS was known for its great flexibility. The sysop was offered easy customization by the use of menus. Many BBSes before it required that you had to actually change the BASIC code in order to customize your BBS.

    Unfortunately, it also suffered from a reputation for stability problems.

    o BBS Express! -- 1986-1989, Keith Ledbetter/Orion Micro Systems http://www.bbsdocumentary.com/software/ATARI/EIGHTBIT/BBSEXPRESS/
    Written in compiled Action!. 835/1030/XM301 and 850 versions.

    o BBS Express! Professional ("Pro!")--6.0b 1999, Lance Ringquist/Video 61 http://www.bbsdocumentary.com/software/ATARI/EIGHTBIT/BBSEXPRESSPRO/
    Version 1.0 released 5/8/1988 by Keith Ledbetter and Chris King from Orion Micro Systems. bf2k+ wrote (May 2010) that version 2.1a was the last version compiled by Keith Ledbetter before he sold it.

    Version 5.0 Copyright 1995 by K-Products (Bob Klaas) credited to:
    Stephen J. Carden, Keith Ledbetter, and Chris King

    Currently owned by Lance Ringquist/Video 61: http://www.atarisales.com/

    Written in 100% machine language.
    Requires XL/XE, SpartaDOS 3.2+, hard drive highly recommended, or at least a large RAMdisk. R-Time 8 is fully supported.

    SpartaDOS Pro Ver 3.3c 19-Dec-97 (S)hareware 1994 by FTe
    - SpartaDOS 3.3, originally derived from a disassembly of ICD SpartaDOS 3.2c,
    was developed by Stephen J. Carden with Ken Ames specifically to be an
    optimal environment for running BBS Express! Pro.
    - SpartaDOS 3.3c was released on cartridge by Video 61 in early 1998.

    o Carina BBS (Carina I), Carina Software Systems (Jerry Horanoff), 1986 http://www.bbsdocumentary.com/software/ATARI/EIGHTBIT/CARINA/
    - Highly modular, modifiable code written in Atari BASIC
    - Features Programmable Modem Operating Environment (MOE)
    - Supports XMODEM file transfers

    o Carina BBS version II (Carina II)
    (c)1988 Carina Software Systems (Jerry Horanoff)
    v2.5 upgrade (4/24/91) (c)1990 by Shadow Software (David Hunt)
    v2.6 (6/15/93) by Shadow Software (David Hunt)
    v2.7 (c)1995 by Shadow Software (David Hunt) http://www.bbsdocumentary.com/software/ATARI/EIGHTBIT/CARINA/
    - Requirements: Atari XL/XE computer, at least 500KiB of storage capacity
    (combination of disk drives and/or RAMdisk), a modem, and SpartaDOS 2.3 or
    greater.
    - Recommended: 192KiB RAMdisk or greater, R-Time 8
    - Explicitly supported: MIO interface and a hard drive
    - A complete re-write of Carina BBS
    - Highly modular, modifiable code written in Atari BASIC
    - Programmable Modem Operating Environment II (MOE II)
    - VT-52 graphics support
    - Features proprietary C-Modem file transfer protocol, also supports:

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