File Transfer Section

The File Transfer Section is where you browse, search, download, upload, and manage files on the BBS. It is part of the Classic shell (not a separate loadable module), so the exact keys and menus depend on which shell your BBS uses — in Classic, press T from the Main prompt to enter it and Q to return.

This page describes what each feature does. Key bindings given are Classic's; other shells may differ.

The file area uses a two-level hierarchy — exactly like message groups and sub-boards, but for files:

• A library is a broad category (e.g. Shareware, Graphics, Utilities).
• A directory is a specific collection within a library (e.g. Shareware/Windows, Shareware/Business).

Your current library and directory are shown in the File Transfer prompt: (1) Main (1) Uploads. In Classic, the navigation keys for moving between libraries and directories mirror the group/sub-board keys on the Main prompt — see Classic shell — Go to/navigation for the full list.

Most file commands accept wildcards in the Filespec [*.*]: prompt:

• * matches any number of characters (including none)
• ? matches exactly one character
• Entering just <CR> is equivalent to *.* — matches all files

Examples:

• FONT?.ZIP matches FONT1.ZIP or FONT2.ZIP but not FONTMAN.ZIP
• FONT*.ZIP matches FONTMAN.ZIP or FONT1.ZIP but not LANMAN.ZIP
• FONTMAN.Z* matches FONTMAN.ZIP or FONTMAN.ZOO but not FONTMAN.png
• FONTMAN (no extension) matches FONTMAN.ZIP, FONTMAN.png, etc.

Lists files in your current directory (Classic: L). Wildcards accepted.

Like the file listing but shows extended details per file: uploader name, download time, credit cost, times downloaded, upload/download dates, and any extended description (Classic: E). Wildcards accepted.

Lists files uploaded since your last logon (Classic: N). You're prompted whether to scan the current directory, all directories in the current library, or all libraries across the BBS.

The new file scan date resets each logoff. To change it temporarily, use the file scan configuration.

Searches for a filename (wildcards accepted) across the current directory, library, or all libraries (Classic: S).

Searches file descriptions for a text string — partial words work; wildcards do not (Classic: F). You're prompted for the search scope and whether to include extended descriptions.

Prompts for a filename (wildcards accepted; Classic: D). Matching files are listed one by one; after each you get download options: choose a transfer protocol (Zmodem, Ymodem, Xmodem, etc.), add to the batch download queue, skip to the next match, or quit.

If no match is found in the current directory the search automatically expands to all libraries.

Downloads a file sent to you personally by another user (Classic: /D), if the sysop allows user-to-user transfers. Files are listed one by one with the same download options.

Uploads a file to the current directory (Classic: U). After entering the filename you go through the standard upload procedures.

Uploads a file destined for a specific user (Classic: /U). After the filename you're prompted for the recipient's name, user number, or partial name; you may add additional recipients before confirming. Then follow the standard upload procedures.

Uploads directly to the sysop's private file area (Classic: Z), if the sysop allows it. Then follow the standard upload procedures.

After specifying the upload command and filename, you may be asked:

1. Whether the file is part of a multi-file set (e.g. disk 1 of 3) — <CR> or N if not.
2. A content rating prompt (site-dependent).
3. A one-line description for the file listing.
4. An optional extended description (use the built-in line editor or your configured external editor; /S to save).
5. Upload options: choose a protocol (Z, Y, X, etc.) or B to add to the batch upload queue; Q to abort.

Remove or edit the description of any file you uploaded (Classic: R). You cannot remove files uploaded by others.

The batch queues let you collect multiple files for a single transfer session. When a download or upload command offers the batch option, selecting it adds the file to the appropriate queue instead of transferring immediately. In Classic, press B from the File Transfer prompt to open the Batch / Bidirectional menu.

The Temp Directory is a scratch area for extracting files from archives and building custom download bundles. In Classic, press T from the File Transfer prompt to open it.

In Classic, I from the File Transfer prompt opens the Information menu.

In Classic, & from the File Transfer prompt opens the File Transfer Configuration menu.

• Batch Download Quick File Flagging — when enabled, file listing commands show one page at a time with a letter next to each file; type the letter(s) of files you want and press <CR> to add them to the batch download queue. This setting can be made permanent in User Settings.
• New File Scan Date/Time — manually set how far back the new-file scan looks. Resets to your last logoff date at the end of your session.

• User Documentation
• Classic shell — File Transfer prompt, menu layout, and navigation keys
• User Settings — default download protocol, batch file flagging default
• Control-key commands — Ctrl-S/Q/C work during file listings