
		TNSDrive BBS freeware package for Unix
		**************************************

TNSDrive is a system enabling a front-user end to different information
resources under UNIX operation system. It can be considered as BBS (Bulletin
Board System) from the traditional point of view, but it is based on
original design principles of BBS-like systems. Those principles ensure
TNSDrive's usage while solving a very wide range of problems.

Operation of TNSDrive is based on joint work of its 5 parts:
- interpreter of file system elements as menu ones;
- hypertext interpreter, that is responsible for displaying or execution
of somewhat commands contained in text;
- wide set of internal functions and variables;
- any external programs and applications;
- users' database.

TNSDrive has quite flexible subsystem of restricting users' access to
resources placed on BBS; configuration of TNSDrive can be easily changed
right in the process of work; users' database is easily maintained -
though all options can be set individually for each user.
TNSDrive has a number of supplemental programs and utilities.

Main "places of interest":
- DUMP and ANSI terminals, RIP graphics with full mouse control;
- input/output system was optimised to organise a user-command pool;
- menu system consists of modules represented with file-system elements,
  built-in functions and variables;
- password-protected menus;
- time check while running external applications;
- up to 256 users on-line;
- unlimited number of users in user database;
- original structure of user database, personal directory and options
  file for each user;
- different categories of users, commercial (charged) user introduced;
- short user names (callsigns) support;
- language localisation support (up to 16 simultaneously);
- USENET conferences are accessible at local spool or through NNTP;
- message bases compatible with FTN 1.MSG and Squish;
- e-mail according to RFC822;
- file bases with CD-ROM support;
- build-in FTP client with Zmodem transfer;
- information bulletins;
- talk, CB chat (on-line conference), so on with main UNIX system users;
- active and passive users' activity monitoring;
- full-screen user-maintenance and on-line user assist utilities;
- can be employed as restricted shell with menu system.

We appreciate suggestions and ideas; most new TNSDrive features come from
user feedback.

The original distribution is available via anonymous ftp to ftp.nsk.su,
in /pub/TNSDrive directory.

Problems, bugs, questions, desirable enhancements, etc., should be sent to
the email address tnsdrive@turbo.nsk.su.

Copyright (c) 1994-1997 Rinet Corp., Novosibirsk, Russia.
