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## [1.0] - Synchronet Installation Instructions

### Finding the Latest version of Synchronet

    You can find the latest released public distribution of Synchronet at
    http://www.synchro.net.

### Versions and Supported Platforms

    Synchronet is currently available in three separate major versions:

-     Version 2.3 for DOS and OS/2
      Supports serial/modem and local logins
      Native 16-bit and 32-bit console mode executables
      Single node per instance (up to 250 total)
      Version-specific features are noted with: (v2 Only)

-     Version 3 for Windows
      Supports TCP/IP logins only
      Native 32-bit DLLs and GUI front-end application
      Up to 250 nodes per instance
      Version-specific features are noted with: (v3+ Only)

-     Version 3 for Linux and Unix-like OSes
      See sbbsunix.txt for details

    All configuration and data files are compatible between version 2.3 and 3.x so
    you can combine instances of different versions to create a single "hybrid" BBS.

### 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 an existing Synchronet
    installation to a newer version or revision, you should ALWAYS consult the
    upgrade documentation included with the distribution (usually in the form of an
    UPGRADE.TXT file). Upgrade-only distributions are usually made available
    in a more compact archive form (e.g. sbup300c.zip).

### Windows Installation

    After downloading the Synchronet distribution file (e.g. sbbs300c.zip), you will
    need to extract the archive file that you downloaded into a temporary directory
    on your hard drive. You will need WinZip or an equivalent archive program to
    uncompress and extract the installation files.

    Once you've extracted the installation files, go to the directory you extracted
    the compressed files to and run SETUP to start the installation.

    The default installation directory is recommended for most users. If you choose
    to change the installation directory, it is critical that you DO NOT use a path
    with long filenames or spaces as Synchronet still relies on some 16-bit DOS
    utilities which require DOS-compatible 8.3 file and directory names to function.
    It is recommended you use a directory named SBBS off of the root directory on one
    of your hard drives (e.g. C:\SBBS).

    You should now be at the Setup Type Installation menu. Choosing a Custom setup
    from this menu, will allow you to select the items that you want (or don't want)
    installed. If you are upgrading an existing installation of Synchronet (v2.3 or
    v3.0), it is advised that you choose Custom Setup and disable the following
    installation components:

-     Configuration Files

-     Text and Menu Files

-     External Programs

    After completing your selection and the installation is completed you will
    find a new Icon on your Desktop and in your StartUp Folder in your Start
    Menu. If you do not want Synchronet to start automatically during boot, you
    may safely delete the Synchronet shortcut from your StartUp Folder.

##
[1.1] - Getting Started

### Getting Started with Synchronet v3 for Windows

    Upon Executing Synchronet the screen will look something like the one below.

    After starting Synchronet for the first time there will be several pop-up
    windows that are running programs and events required before the system
    can be used.

    The last window that opens will start the Synchronet Configuration
    Program (SCFG). To run SCFG again later you can load it from the
    Synchronet Control Panel (SBBSCTRL) by selecting BBS and then
    Configure from the menu bar.

    Before putting the system online you should configure your BBS with SCFG
    to set your system options and settings according to your preferences. It
    is recommended you spend some time reading and becoming familiar with
    your configuration and the many options available.

    After completing configuration you should then follow the proper steps
    to add a sysop account. Once you create the account you should become
    familiar with the Synchronet User Editor and set the security settings for
    the account(s) you have created.

    Once you have completed the initial setup of your system and sysop
    account, you have a basic functioning Synchronet BBS System. Please
    refer to the rest of the documentation to finish the setup of your new
    BBS System.

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## [1.2] - How to Get Help

    There are a number of avenues that can be used to find help on Synchronet.

    This list is but a small one of the available resources:

    Synchronet Homepage     : http://www.synchro.net

    Support BBS (Vertrauen) : telnet://vert.synchro.net

    Echomail support:
      FidoNet (zone 1)      : SYNC_SYSOPS - Synchronet BBS Software Discussion

    For detailed instructions on how and where to get Synchronet technical support,
    see support.html.

## [1.3] - About this manual

    This manual is an ongoing work in progress. As Synchronet is constantly evolving,
    so is this manual.  This manual aims to give you comprehensive information about
    installing, configuring, updating, and maintaining your Synchronet system. There
    are additional helpful documents that you may find in your Synchronet docs
    directory.

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Copyright © 2006 by Rob Swindell
Synchronet BBS Software (Synchronet) Version 3 is comprised of several documentation,
library, executable, and source code files, all of which are covered by the
GNU General Public License with the exception of the following portions covered by
the GNU Lesser General Public License: SMBLIB and XSDK.
Synchronet Version 2 (for DOS and OS/2) and its source code was released to the
Public Domain by Digital Dynamics in 1997 and remains Public Domain software today.
Synchronet Version 3 is not Public Domain software.

http://www.synchro.net

For the complete Copyright Information please read the Copyright Document .