ES>related items).  I really see no need for 3rd party comm routines
ES>unless you need more than com1-com4, and then i just use inp and out.
 
RR> changing the BIOS comm address table (i.e. make COM1 actually referenc
RR> COM7 and then operate on COM7 using OPEN "COM1:...") will work under
RR> multi-tasking environments (like Desqview) without interfering with
 
What I was trying to say is if you are already using com1-com4 then
PB won't work if you need COM5-COM8.  The 3rd party libraries will let
you do this, but I usually just use inp and out.  
 
RR> other windows.  My question is, is this how the typical multi-line BBS
RR> operates?  I'm using PowerBASIC to write a door, and unfortunately do
RR> not have any experience running a BBS, which is making it a lot harder
RR> What about multi-port boards?  I've never worked with one, and could u
RR> any information anyone can share about them.
 
Sorry don't know much about the multi-port boards like digicomm or
whatever its called.  I don't own one and haven't looked real heavily
into it.  If you have never written a door before I'd say don't worry
about it and just learn how to use what you have already.  What you
need to do is if you have a 2nd system put it close to the 1st system,
the link them via null modem cable (crossing RX and TX and GND straight
thru is good enough for a basic null modem cable).  This will allow you
to learn how to access the serial port without tying up phone lines. 
Its a different way of thinking when you write comm code so it takes
some getting used to.  I usually just run a term program on 2nd system
and have my code on 1st system just so I can see what is going on on
both screens.          Eric
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