Installing Syncterm / NetRunner

[Enoch]

UPDATE: I found an installer for Syncterm @ https://snapcraft.io along with tons of Linux app installers.
UPDATE: I looked at the directories in /sbbs folder and used list view setting and there are bucket loads of C Source codes in the directories. Is that supposed to be there if download is not meant for compiling? Still no executable file that I could see though.

Hi,
I need to install Syncterm from the command line as well as Netrunner. May as well ask for both in same message.
How do I do this?
Cheers,
Enoch

NOTE: Netrunner as in BBS client, NOT operating system

[LeoNigro]

The Synaptic Package manager is typically the thing to check first.
It has a launch icon in the dock. It's the little icon fourth from the left that looks like it contains a box with disks and CDs.
You search for the package you want. I just did and neither of the packages seem to exist.

I do notice that there are a few bbs clients that do exist if you search for "bbs".
fqterm, qterm and pcmanx-gtk2(which arguably looks the best on COS as it suggests it is gnome GUI based. A little buggy but it worked fine.)
There's a listing of Amiga BBSs here.
https://8bitboyz.com/bbs-listing/bbs_category/amiga/
I don't know of the Commodore ones are PETSCII and if it is supported.
I must admit BBS clients are a use case that I missed.
It would have been cool to set it up with a lot of working Commodore and Amiga BBSs.
I'll think of including such software in an update, as Commodore OS is really intended as an ever improving desktop experience.
FIXTODO

Next step is a browser search engine request for "netrunner debian bbs"
Eliminating netrunner as an operating system links, I've arrived at https://mysticbbs.com/downloads.html
You want to pick Linux (64-bit)

I see you want to do this entirely from the command line......okay. Without testing, I'll have a shot.

Make a folder for the download
mkdir ~/Downloads/netrunner

Go there.
cd ~/Downloads/netrunner

Download the file. (Could have downloaded it via the browser and moved it) You will need the Linux 64-bit version.
wget -N nr21_l64.zip "https://mysticbbs.com/downloads/nr21_l64.zip"

Unzip the file.
unzip nr21_l64.zip

Set executable permission.
sudo chmod +x netrunner

Run it. (Edited: must have ./ at the beginning.)
./netrunner

Now for this learning exercise you can work out how to do the same with https://syncterm.bbsdev.net/
You probably have to download it via the browser as it detects the OS for the download.

[Enoch]

UPDATE: I got Putty working. I had to add the port number from end of URL to port box. Worked a treat!

Hi Leo,
Thanks for all the info. I gave the terminal a try but not much luck. It seems to just be better to download all software from different sites.
How do I create directories without using terminal?
Can you also consider a BBS system (not meaning BBS Client but actual BBS Server, both telnet and SSH). I tried Putty but couldn't get it to connect to BBS's.
Maybe also including website design software as well as brainwave entrainment using both monaural beats along with isochronic tones. Binaural beats are useless. Are any of these available?

Cheers,
Enoch

The Synaptic Package manager is typically the thing to check first.
It has a launch icon in the dock. It's the little icon fourth from the left that looks like it contains a box with disks and CDs.
You search for the package you want. I just did and neither of the packages seem to exist.

I do notice that there are a few bbs clients that do exist if you search for "bbs".
fqterm, qterm and pcmanx-gtk2(which arguably looks the best on COS as it suggests it is gnome GUI based. A little buggy but it worked fine.)
There's a listing of Amiga BBSs here.
https://8bitboyz.com/bbs-listing/bbs_category/amiga/
I don't know of the Commodore ones are PETSCII and if it is supported.
I must admit BBS clients are a use case that I missed.
It would have been cool to set it up with a lot of working Commodore and Amiga BBSs.
I'll think of including such software in an update, as Commodore OS is really intended as an ever improving desktop experience.
FIXTODO

Next step is a browser search engine request for "netrunner debian bbs"
Eliminating netrunner as an operating system links, I've arrived at https://mysticbbs.com/downloads.html
You want to pick Linux (64-bit)

I see you want to do this entirely from the command line......okay. Without testing, I'll have a shot.

Make a folder for the download
mkdir ~/Downloads/netrunner

Go there.
cd ~/Downloads/netrunner

Download the file. (Could have downloaded it via the browser and moved it) You will need the Linux 64-bit version.
wget -N nr21_l64.zip "https://mysticbbs.com/downloads/nr21_l64.zip"

Unzip the file.
unzip nr21_l64.zip

Set executable permission.
sudo chmod +x netrunner

Run it.
netrunner

Now for this learning exercise you can work out how to do the same with https://syncterm.bbsdev.net/
You probably have to download it via the browser as it detects the OS for the download.

[LeoNigro]

You can create folders from the file explorer.
You can open a file explorer at various locations via the "Places" menu in the top panel.
You can either write click on a blank area of the file explorer or use it's "File" menu and select "Create Folder".

I got Putty working.
Oh, that's a blast from the past. I used to use that a lot, like at least back in 90s.

Maybe also including website design software as well as brainwave entrainment using both monaural beats along with isochronic tones.consider a BBS system (not meaning BBS Client but actual BBS Server, both telnet and SSH)

You're full of great ideas. Keep'em coming.

The brainwave stuff is probably a little too esoteric to include, but I should definitely take a look at website design software.
In fact I can't believe I missed it. I've become so used to using HTML editors without WYSIWYG, it didn't occur to me.
I actually used to quite enjoy using Frontpage back in the 90s, when HTML was a lot simpler, and I really haven't found anything as easy and straightforward to use since. Even Visual Studio is really clunky by comparison, like MS went backwards.
I've found a list of great linux alternatives I'll have to research.
FIXTODO

I'm not sure it would be appropriate to preinstall BBS server software, in the same way I would be reluctant to preinstall a web server or a database server. As they can take up processing resources and expose your computer to the internet, I think those things are best left for the user to download, configure and control.

I would take a good look at the Synaptic package manager for things you might be interested in.
I've also hidden a graphical "Software Installer" in the Systems Tool menu.
I found it super clunky in COS3 as compared to COS2 and I just wasn't happy with the way it functioned so I diminished its discoverability.
It may or may not work well. I lost patience with it.

[Enoch]

NOTE: You can get a DOS program called MindProber. It is eerily accurate about you just by answering some questions. I used it a lot back around time of Win3.1 It also allows its output to be printed out. When I was working as a tutor at an employment training scheme I used it for the other staff. My boss looked at hers and told me to delete her profile so the students could not see her true self.
I found both DOS and Commodore 64 versions here: https://tinyurl.com/mr2n2zbm

Hi,
I used File explorer successfully. I should have known that as I used it often in Windows OS.
Here's another idea. Magic 8 Ball software. A fun software toy to play with.
I used Synaptic to find IRC software but there are so many in there. I need something easy to set up and get running without a ton of configurations.
I used mIRC on and off many years ago. I bought a license for it but not used it recently.
You may add a links page full of interesting links to sites that can be fun to play with. Can't think of any just yet though. Maybe add links into Bookmarks within Firefox Browser under their own folder within bookmarks.
I placed SyncTERM into its own folder. I extracted the files but do not currently know how to install it?? Same with NetRunner, in its own folder. Both of these folders are in my newly created BBS folder.
You may want to add Healing Solfeggio Frequencies: https://tinyurl.com/2w5mjsmd
Regarding Isochronic tones I found this on Google:
Widely regarded as the most effective tone-based method, isochronic beats produce very strong cortical responses in the brain. Many people who do not respond well to binaural beats often respond very well to isochronic tones. Isochronic tones are most effective using headphones.
I used Win software sometime back called Brain Sound Studio and can testify that Isochronic tones are extremely effective.
https://github.com/adolfintel/sine?tab=readme-ov-file
On another note, Putty has a rather small BBS window when connected to a BBS. Is there a setting I have overlooked that uses a lot more visible space? And does either Netrunner or SyncTERM have a larger visible window when connected to BBS?
Another one you may be interested in, is WhatsApp (there is a Linux version)
Cheers,
Enoch

You can create folders from the file explorer.
You can open a file explorer at various locations via the "Places" menu in the top panel.
You can either write click on a blank area of the file explorer or use it's "File" menu and select "Create Folder".

I got Putty working.
Oh, that's a blast from the past. I used to use that a lot, like at least back in 90s.

Maybe also including website design software as well as brainwave entrainment using both monaural beats along with isochronic tones.consider a BBS system (not meaning BBS Client but actual BBS Server, both telnet and SSH)

You're full of great ideas. Keep'em coming.

The brainwave stuff is probably a little too esoteric to include, but I should definitely take a look at website design software.
In fact I can't believe I missed it. I've become so used to using HTML editors without WYSIWYG, it didn't occur to me.
I actually used to quite enjoy using Frontpage back in the 90s, when HTML was a lot simpler, and I really haven't found anything as easy and straightforward to use since. Even Visual Studio is really clunky by comparison, like MS went backwards.
I've found a list of great linux alternatives I'll have to research.
FIXTODO

I'm not sure it would be appropriate to preinstall BBS server software, in the same way I would be reluctant to preinstall a web server or a database server. As they can take up processing resources and expose your computer to the internet, I think those things are best left for the user to download, configure and control.

I would take a good look at the Synaptic package manager for things you might be interested in.
I've also hidden a graphical "Software Installer" in the Systems Tool menu.
I found it super clunky in COS3 as compared to COS2 and I just wasn't happy with the way it functioned so I diminished its discoverability.
It may or may not work well. I lost patience with it.

[LeoNigro]

There is no need to find an installation program for an app like in Microsoft Windows.
You have actually downloaded the program ready to run via a command (assuming you set the program file to be executable following the instructions I gave you).

However when you are downloading Linux software from websites, they may not have used a packaging mechanism to distribute it, and therefore they don't do any integration with the desktop, like creating an icon. If possible, when indicated, download 64-bit .DEB files, as those are appropriate for the Debian package manager, that Commodore OS uses. From a file manager, you would only need to right click on the deb file and select to install the program.

Installing an app via the Synaptic package manager is the preferred method and pretty easy and typically does not require configuration.
Simply right click on the app listing, click "Mark for Installation" and when you're ready to install click the "Apply" button.
You can also completely remove installed software via the same process.

I also told you about the more hidden Software Installer at the bottom of the System menu (you might have to scroll the menu down).
That works like your typical app store. (Although I found it really clunky it probably works well enough)

Not using a package manager package means that creating an icon to launch the app you downloaded is up to the user.
You can create a Launcher icon on the desktop or within the menu or even both.
The Launcher icon contains the command to issue (including the directory) to execute a program. You can even browse to the executable file, although, unlike windows they do not have the ".exe" file extension. Whether the file is executable or not is determined by the OS file permissions.
(Note: You can't see launchers on a desktop running the animated wallpaper. It's a tradeoff)

You can right click on the desktop and select "Create Launcher" and then enter all the details.
Or... you can modify the Main Menu (I added shortcut Control + ALT + M)
or you can navigate from the top Menu panel.
System --> Preferences --> Look and Feel --> Main Menu Editor
And then navigate the menu hierarchy to put an icon wherever you wish.
The Main Menu Editor is a little buggy and crashes out sometimes but it does work.

I've not tried Putty on Commodore OS, but I do know that other BBS client programs in Synaptic which I've already mentioned work and resize.
I tried PCmanx-gtk2.
Programs with filenames containing "GTK" in them configure well within the COS desktop theme, but those with "Qt" and "K", typically don't.
They are programs for a different linux Desktop that work through a compatibility layer.

[Enoch]

Hi,

I followed your instructions setting up NetRunner. I used chmod and it worked as it should. I clicked on the netrunner file but then nothing happened. Have I not done something in the correct way?
I also attempted to chmod the Syncterm app as well but cannot find which file to use it with. It is under /Commodore/sbbs folder. All files seem to be there. I used sudo snap install syncterm-linux to download but yesterday I used install program but app failed to show up in the Applications tree. I looked everywhere for it. I am starting to use CLI more as it reminded me of MSDOS in 90's.

On another note: when using terminal and using cd command, sometimes attempting to change to a directory I know is there (with file manager) I would get the error message "file or directory not found" but if I went to home directory then Commodore dir then say, BBS dir I could at that point cd the dir wanted. It has happened several times today.

Actually I found 'Software Installer' in System Tools, under Applications menu.

I set the Netrunner file in /Commodore/Netrunner/netrunner to be executable, but that did not work either. Click or double click but it just sits there.

Thanks for info about creating icons.

I will go have a look in Synaptic soon for PCmanx-gtk2.
NOTE: Found it and is installed. Brilliant. But it needs ability to import BBS lists. Still a nice app though.
Cheers,

Enoch

There is no need to find an installation program for an app like in Microsoft Windows.
You have actually downloaded the program ready to run via a command (assuming you set the program file to be executable following the instructions I gave you).

However when you are downloading Linux software from websites, they may not have used a packaging mechanism to distribute it, and therefore they don't do any integration with the desktop, like creating an icon. If possible, when indicated, download 64-bit .DEB files, as those are appropriate for the Debian package manager, that Commodore OS uses. From a file manager, you would only need to right click on the deb file and select to install the program.

Installing an app via the Synaptic package manager is the preferred method and pretty easy and typically does not require configuration.
Simply right click on the app listing, click "Mark for Installation" and when you're ready to install click the "Apply" button.
You can also completely remove installed software via the same process.

I also told you about the more hidden Software Installer at the bottom of the System menu (you might have to scroll the menu down).
That works like your typical app store. (Although I found it really clunky it probably works well enough)

Not using a package manager package means that creating an icon to launch the app you downloaded is up to the user.
You can create a Launcher icon on the desktop or within the menu or even both.
The Launcher icon contains the command to issue (including the directory) to execute a program. You can even browse to the executable file, although, unlike windows they do not have the ".exe" file extension. Whether the file is executable or not is determined by the OS file permissions.
(Note: You can't see launchers on a desktop running the animated wallpaper. It's a tradeoff)

You can right click on the desktop and select "Create Launcher" and then enter all the details.
Or... you can modify the Main Menu (I added shortcut Control + ALT + M)
or you can navigate from the top Menu panel.
System --> Preferences --> Look and Feel --> Main Menu Editor
And then navigate the menu hierarchy to put an icon wherever you wish.
The Main Menu Editor is a little buggy and crashes out sometimes but it does work.

I've not tried Putty on Commodore OS, but I do know that other BBS client programs in Synaptic which I've already mentioned work and resize.
I tried PCmanx-gtk2.
Programs with filenames containing "GTK" in them configure well within the COS desktop theme, but those with "Qt" and "K", typically don't.
They are programs for a different linux Desktop that work through a compatibility layer.

[Enoch]

I used your instructions for setting up Netrunner and it did not work:
............................................................................................
Commodore@Commodore ~
READY.
cd Netrunner

Commodore@Commodore ~/Netrunner
READY.
sudo chmod +x netrunner

Commodore@Commodore ~/Netrunner
READY.
netrunner
netrunner: command not found

Commodore@Commodore ~/Netrunner
READY.
............................................................................................
Any other ideas?
Enoch

The Synaptic Package manager is typically the thing to check first.
It has a launch icon in the dock. It's the little icon fourth from the left that looks like it contains a box with disks and CDs.
You search for the package you want. I just did and neither of the packages seem to exist.

I do notice that there are a few bbs clients that do exist if you search for "bbs".
fqterm, qterm and pcmanx-gtk2(which arguably looks the best on COS as it suggests it is gnome GUI based. A little buggy but it worked fine.)
There's a listing of Amiga BBSs here.
https://8bitboyz.com/bbs-listing/bbs_category/amiga/
I don't know of the Commodore ones are PETSCII and if it is supported.
I must admit BBS clients are a use case that I missed.
It would have been cool to set it up with a lot of working Commodore and Amiga BBSs.
I'll think of including such software in an update, as Commodore OS is really intended as an ever improving desktop experience.
FIXTODO

Next step is a browser search engine request for "netrunner debian bbs"
Eliminating netrunner as an operating system links, I've arrived at https://mysticbbs.com/downloads.html
You want to pick Linux (64-bit)

I see you want to do this entirely from the command line......okay. Without testing, I'll have a shot.

Make a folder for the download
mkdir ~/Downloads/netrunner

Go there.
cd ~/Downloads/netrunner

Download the file. (Could have downloaded it via the browser and moved it) You will need the Linux 64-bit version.
wget -N nr21_l64.zip "https://mysticbbs.com/downloads/nr21_l64.zip"

Unzip the file.
unzip nr21_l64.zip

Set executable permission.
sudo chmod +x netrunner

Run it.
netrunner

Now for this learning exercise you can work out how to do the same with https://syncterm.bbsdev.net/
You probably have to download it via the browser as it detects the OS for the download.

[LeoNigro]

Ah, I fell for one of the quirks of bash.
To execute the file you need to preface with the current folder (i.e with ./) so it would be:
./netrunner

Sorry I gave you the wrong syntax. I grew up in DOS land.
One of the other quirks are that files are case sensitive.

Also, there is no need to respond to someone quoting them in entirety.
The unsaid netiquette is to use quotes if they are useful, like if the topic refers to something from pages before, or there are multiple people conversing about different things, or if there is a specific part you're addressing.
If you want to alert me to a post including @LeoNigro will suffice.
I read pretty much everything anyway.

[Enoch]

Almost there. Thanks. I get the following:
...............................................................
Commodore@Commodore ~/BBS/NetRunner
READY.
./netrunner
Unable to initialize video
...............................................................
I've used checkbox in permissions to make file executable, but file is NOT executable.
......
(To execute the file you need to preface with the current folder (i.e with ./) so it would be:
./netrunner

Sorry I gave you the wrong syntax. I grew up in DOS land.
One of the other quirks are that files are case sensitive._