------------------------------------------------
ORBITER ONLINE Internet and Entertainment System
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Volusia County's largest and fastest growing
privately owned online service!
This document was last updated on October 13th, 2001
I. ABOUT US
============
Our Beginnings...
-----------------
ORBITER ONLINE is a public access electronic bulletin board system and
internet service provider. We are not a business - we are a privately
owned system run by the owners for the public's enjoyment. Access to
the pretty much all functions are available to all users free of charge
at this time.
This system, conceived, created and maintained by it's owner (Anthony
Malena), is the culmination of innumerable hours of work, blood, sweat,
tears, misery, joy, anguish, triumph... you name it. We've gone
through it... and continue to go through it. This is a work of
passion, a labor of love, our greatest hobby, the life's blood of
our existance you could say.
Begun as a seven line system with a very slow internet connection, we
have grown by leaps and bounds over the years. Our original motif
was that of "STARSHIP SIRIUS", with a complete menuing system based
on "Star Trek", including Holodecks (Games), Transporters (Internet),
Ten Forward (Teleconference, which is still referred to as the same),
and many other such references. As we grew, however, it was necessary
to take on a more "professional" attitude and look-n-feel, so the
system was revamped and renamed to Orbiter Online, with an easier-to-
understand menuing system for the "newer, greener" user. We are still
a "Starship" in a sense (the USS Orbiter, registry NX-40911, experimental
class Stealth Class ship) but the interface is simpler for everyone to
use now.
We still get some complaints from our "die-hard" users that the
"Starship" interface was nicer, and I agree... but to continue to
grow and gain new users, without losing possible leads because we
looked "kiddish", it was necessary to make the change. We hope you
like the style our menus and interface now utilizes.
Recently (2000-2001) Orbiter (and my family) moved to an adjacent city,
and the result was that Orbiter Online was down for a few months. In that
same period, the Internet continued to grow and change. As a result, we
removed our dialup lines and are now a TELNET- and WEB-based system only.
We may or may not add dialup lines in the future again, dependent
entirely on need and/or cost effectiveness.
We are -always- open to suggestions and comments. Please feel free
to send email to "Starfleet" at any time, or call our voice line and
leave a message there!
Payments versus Donations
-------------------------
No profits are made from this system. In fact, we have invested
quite a sum of money in this system, both in hardware and software,
not to mention constant upgrades (from $10 to $1000 at a time). All
monies previously donated via memberships were put right back into the
system (monthly operating costs, new addon software and hardware,
paying off already-received items, etc.) and will always be handled
in the same manner.
If we were here to make a profit, not only would we NOT offer free
public access in any way, we would also have a much more
stringent set of rules and regulations than we currently have. We
want this "ship" to be as friendly as possible. That's what makes
us as successful as we are! We've been serving YOU since 1994!
LEARN A LITTLE!
---------------
If you are unfamiliar with online services, or new to such services,
feel free to either write to us at the address given later in this
text, or send a message to "Starfleet" on the BBS itself. Also read
the help texts found on the system.
II. WHY WE EXIST
=================
We offer membership to those who want it for the following reasons:
. To offer a place where people from all walks of life
can come together and discuss any topic freely and
without prejudice.
. To give the community a unique place in which to spend
their spare time, and to allow users with similar (or
not-so-similar..) interests to have a common ground on
which to communicate.
. To educate and allow the community access to the world
of the Internet.
. To give computer users a place where they have a say
in what happens, and to make that place as friendly as
possible to them.
. To give the fans of sci-fi (whether they are a junkie
or a part-time science fiction lover) a place to
exchange and gather information about their favorite
sci-fi subjects.
. To have fun while also gaining more support for the system.
. Hey, where are you going to find live Internet, networked
teleconferences and game server for multiplayer games,
as well as a local MUD, authentic BBS Door Games, and so
much more, for FREE? NOWHERE except on ORBITER ONLINE!!
If you ever have any questions, comments or concerns, you can always
reach us any one of two ways:
1. Email "Starfleet" (or SYSOP)
3. Send us MAIL (address is listed in section four)
III. WHAT WE OFFER
===================
Free Access
-----------
ORBITER ONLINE is currently a COMPLETELY FREE service to the public.
MESSAGE FORUMS_______Discuss various topics with local
residents; even ask for a new topic
that fits your interests!
ONLINE GAMES_________Play a variety of online games - there
are many to choose from, and we are
always adding more!
TELECONFERENCE_______Hold live discussions with users online!
Even hold private conversations with
groups that you pick, or chat one on
one! With our client/server software,
you can even sketch out ideas with
hi-resolution graphics live!
ACCOUNTING___________Edit your personal account information,
your public "registry" and the online
"language" you use.
DATABANKS____________Access some of our publicly-available
files from our file libraries.
BULLETINS____________Be kept well informed by our friendly
staff as to the happening and updates
that are always happening online. Also
see our advertisements and graffiti!
TEXT FILES___________We have an EXTENSIVE selection of text
files available for online viewing.
Everything from Game Information, to
Internet Sites, to United States
Governement Documents... too many to
try to simply "sum up" here.
MORE ONLINE GAMES____Donating members have access to some of
the most coveted online games available
to any BBS. Games such as TradeWars Pro,
Crossroads of the Elements and Kyrandia
(and many more) will both challenge you and
keep you coming back for more! We are also
Volusia County's first MUD site, with the
inclusion of MajorMUD and Swords Of Chaos
on our system! Many more games are available,
such as Tournament LORD and Blademasters.
GAME NETWORKING______Now you can play your favorite games live
against other users! Games such as Doom
and Doom II, Heretic, Hexen, Descent,
Warcraft, Warpath, Flight Simulator,
Quake, Duke Nukem 3D, WarCraft II,
Starcraft, Diablo, Age Of Empires,
Spectre VR and many more! Some games
support up to EIGHT or more players;
the only limit is within the game itself.
DATABANKS____________We offer a variety of files for our users
to download. Many of the files our users
find on the Internet are copied here as
well for all to share. Files for DOS,
Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Macintosh, OS/2
and Amiga! Also check out the vast
selection of files on our CD-ROMs!
GLOBAL COMMANDS______As a donating member, you have access to
commands which allow you to PAGE other
users, send "quicknotes" to people (even
if they are not online), change your
password "on the fly", change the "online
language" you are using, even add color
and special effects to your text! Global
chat and much more are also available!
COMPETITIONS_________On occasion we run special "competitions"
in certain games in which we offer prizes
of various types. These competitions are
only available to donating members.
MORE_________________We are always exploring new addons for the
system. Be a part of our constant upgrading
and expansion!
IV. MEMBERSHIP LEVELS, PRICING AND ADVERTISING RATES
=====================================================
Membership
----------
There are currently no "membership" options for Orbiter Online.
All services are currently given FREE to those who are given access.
Donations
---------
We gladly accept donations for the continued operation of Orbiter,
but do not encourage them. If you choose to send a donation for
any reason, feel free to send it to the address below.
+--------------------------------------+
| ANTHONY MALENA |
| POST OFFICE BOX 293 |
| DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA 32115-0293 |
+--------------------------------------+
Advertising Options
-------------------
Businesses or individuals may also advertise on Orbiter Online to the
many people who link each month.
Pricing is as follows -
LOGON AND LOGOFF ADVERTISEMENT SPACES:
Discounts for longer term advertisements are shown.
Description Location 1 Month 3 6
----------------- -------- ------- ----- -----
BASIC 1/4 screen LOGOFF $10 $25 $40
advertisement LOGON $20 $50 $90
DOUBLE-sized LOGOFF $20 $50 $90
advertisement LOGON $30 $75 $120
DOUBLE-sized with LOGOFF $30 $75 $120
weekly updates LOGON $40 $100 $180
FULL screen LOGOFF $40 $100 $180
advertisement LOGON $50 $125 $225
FULL screen with LOGOFF $50 $125 $225
weekly updates LOGON $60 $150 $250
All logon/logoff advertisements include a FREE LIFETIME ad on
our Advertisers page, located on our Bulletin menu, regardless
of the length of your ad commitment.
MENU SCREEN ADVERTISEMENTS:
Shown on specific menus of our system to ANSI/TEXT callers (95%
of our BBS connections are ANSI/TEXT-based).
Main Menu: $40 per month ($100 for blocks of 3 months)
---------
The "main menu" is seen by every paid and free member of the
system and is the number one way to have your advertisement
seen by everyone constantly.
Main Sub-Menus: $20 per month ($50 for blocks of 3 months)
--------------
This includes - Main Games, Accounting, Internet, Forums,
Databanks and Teleconference menus. Each one is used
to access each set of functions online.
Other Menus: $10 per month ($25 for blocks of 3 months)
-----------
This includes - Basic Games, Advanced Games, Networked Games,
Bulletins and Email menus.
PERMANENT ADVERTISEMENTS ON MODULE MENUS:
We also offer you the ability to advertisement on the Entry Menu
to any one of our many modules, especially our ever-popular
GAME modules. For the estimated value of that module, we will
put your advertisement on it's menu (including up to TWO FREE
UPDATES EACH MONTH) for LIFE. Included are some modules we
are planning on adding in the near future.
Currently available:
--------------------
$1249 Game Connection / Quake Server / GameGod
$ 800 Teleconference (big coverage)
$1025 MajorMUD w/addons
$ 649 Tradewars 2002 Pro w/T-Warped
$ 325 Swords Of Chaos
$ 300 Lords Of Cyberspace
$ 300 Tournament L.O.R.D. (TWO menus = 2 ads = 1 price)
$ 300 Lunatix
$ 299 Mutants!
$ 250 Crossroads of the Elements
$ 150 Mage Connection (Magic: The Gathering)
$ 149 Blademasters
$ 149 WebBlaster Pro
$ 125 Global Destruction
$ 50 Blox (Tetris)
$ 50 Yahtzee
Contact us if you wish to pursue advertising on our system.
We will do the leg work, and will even develop the initial ad if
you wish. All 'single ads' are one-quarter screen size unless
otherwise noted (double-sized or full screen) and are full-color!
V. REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES
==============================
General Guidelines
------------------
First and foremost, I, Anthony Malena, have final say in all disputes
on Orbiter Online as the sole owner of this PRIVATELY-OWNED yet
PUBLICLY-ACCESSIBLE SERVICE. When you are online, you are literally
visiting my home and are expected to behave as such.
Orbiter Online has been created for the use of the general public.
Free access is given to any one (local or worldwide) who applies for
it within the guidelines I have set forth. We do not have bias
against race, creed, religion, beliefs, sex, age, height, weight,
eye color, sexual preference, length of hair, size of bodily parts,
smell of breath or misuse of grammar, despite the fact that since you
*are* visiting our HOME via our private computer system we -can- hold
any of these biases. We -do- have bias against anyone who is here
only to cause trouble, so if you fall into that category, discontinue
use of this system immediately.
The simplest rule: DO NOT MAKE OTHER USERS LIVES MISERABLE
How? PAGING them constantly, especially after they have asked you
not to. Attempting to BREAK INTO their account. Sending them MAIL
after they have asked you not to. Sending them mail that is FILTHY,
GROTESQUE, SICK, PERVERSE, INTIMIDATING, THREATENING or otherwise
generally accepted as "undesirable". Uploading files that you know
have a VIRUS in them in an attempt to destroy personal property.
Sending pages of text into public CHAT or TELECONFERENCE areas.
In other words, creating an atmosphere that is generally accepted as
"uncomfortable". If you need clarification, feel free to email me.
As well, we ask that each person have only one account. If you are
found to have more than one account without special permission of
the operators of this system (this includes having replaced an old
account with a new one), or using someone else's account, both accounts
are subject to suspension or deletion.
Each account is for use by a single individual. There are no "family"
accounts or "shared" accounts AT THIS TIME. If more than one person
is found using an account, that account may be suspended pending
clarification of who is the actual owner of the account.
As a FREE, VALIDATED user of this system, you have access to MANY of
the online options. For more information on what is available to you,
read the Membership texts on the Access Upgrade menu (this text is a
part of the membership texts).
Information on how to become a member is found on the Membership
submenu under the Access Upgrades Validation menu.
When you have general questions about services onboard, you can do one
of two things:
1. Talk to the "Op" of that service, which is usually designated
as the Op of that area's FORUM, or possibly on the logon
screen of that area. Worst case, goto step 2...
2. Email "Starfleet" (or SYSOP if you prefer - the same person).
As a norm, we check email daily, unless we happen to be out of town
(which is rare).
As many younger users have already found out, we are not shy about
calling MOMMY and DADDY to report problems, though this has only been
done in the extreme cases. In some instances, the police are involved
(again, this involved people doing things to purposely attempt to
HURT the system physically or consistent harassment of the operators
or other users of the system).
We're not here to police everyone... BUT --- if evidence or suspicions
arise as to the misuse of the system, don't fool yourself into thinking
it will not be investigated.
So please... be nice! We're here to have a good time, to provide some
online fun and functionality, and to give you as much as you want that
is within our power. This is our "greatest hobby" so to speak, and we
are here for the long haul. Don't get excluded from the exciting things
coming up over time by purposely causing problems. ;-)
If your intentions onboard Orbiter Online include things with use the
terms PIRATE, PHREAK, ELITE, VIRUS or other activities of a questionable
nature, please don't bother accessing our system anymore.
If you do not know what the above terms mean, it's simple.....
- Don't copy software that is supposed to be bought and transport
it through this system.
- Don't use this system as a means of transporting any information
of an illegal or "possibly" illegal nature. We are connected to
the entire WORLD through our Internet connection, and we will not
have that connection misused.
- Do not upload software which is infected with any VIRUS routines.
"DON'T COPY THAT FLOPPY" <-- a good rule to live by if you don't
know for sure...
The "look and feel" of this system, as well as all unique modules,
commands, layouts, terms, phrases and the like, are the property of
Anthony Malena. Do not copy any of it without prior permission of
him and/or the Owner(s) of this system.
Electronic mail (private) is not read by anyone except the recipient,
although (by law) the Sysop of this system has access to your email
IF NECESSARY for the purpose of protecting this system or if evidence
of wrong doing is suspected. Consult the Communications Act for
more details on this.
Be aware that when you send mail over the Internet, it is being
transported through many computer systems across the nation and even
the world, and we are not responsible if at any point in transit it
is intercepted by an individual or agency other than the intended
recipient. Email sent out from here is just like snail-mail sent
through the Postal Service - if someone carrying that mail for you
from point A to point B decides to read it, THEY are liable, not us.
Your email is -secure- inside our system.
Users who have access to the Internet must accept responsibility
for their actions on any site in the world that they connect to. If
you do not know what you are doing, ask someone online, or contact
us for help!
We are always happy to try and help any user (new or otherwise) that
is having trouble with the biggest and most complicated network of
computers in the world... the Internet.
*****************************************************************
You -will- be held responsible for the content of this document.
Guidelines MAY CHANGE from time to time. Please be sure to READ
this text on occasion (either online or download it from the
Access Upgrades menu). If you are not sure HOW to obtain new
copies of this, simple email or call us!
*****************************************************************
Specific Rules Of Conduct
-------------------------
* DO NOT attempt to gain access to areas of the system that are not
accessible to you at your access level.
Attempts to enter areas for the purposeful reason of bypassing
our donation system will be handled appropriately. This is
called STEALING.
* DO NOT create multiple accounts.
Multiple accounts are NOT acceptable. If you are found with
multiple accounts, you are subject to immediate suspension
from this system indefinitely. Any exceptions to this rule
will be detailed by the Operators of this system (such as
"MajorMUD" accounts) in an appropriate public posting place.
If you wish to create a NEW username, simply contact us to
let us know ahead of time to alleviate any possible
misunderstandings.
* DO NOT use another person's account.
As the guidelines that everyone is required to "sign" as you first
logon say, each person get's one account, and only one person may
use that account. If a family member or another person in your
household wants to use Orbiter, they must create their OWN account.
* DO NOT abuse other users onboard the system at any time.
If you continue to bother another user onboard this system
after they have asked you not to, you are subject to immediate
suspension for an undetermined amount of time.
If someone is bugging you consistently, ask them politely to
stop. If they continue, feel free to either EMAIL us.
Remember that you have access to certain GLOBAL COMMANDS that
can prevent unwanted users from annoying you.
Type /HELP for more information.
Hobby Versus Life
-----------------
Orbiter Online is not affiliated with any business, local or otherwise.
It is privately owned, operated and maintained. All software, hardware
and other affiliated items have been purchased by the core staff. No
pirated software is used in our system, nor is it allowed in our
Databanks at any time.
We strongly discourage the use of such terms as "pirate", "elite",
"phreak" and the hundreds of other references to such activities.
Don't even begin to think that we do not have our BandScan utility
searching for the use of these terms on the system.
USENET
------
USENET is a collection of "forums" where people from ALL OVER THE WORLD
join to discuss various topics. There is no real "control" over the
flow of material found in USENET; it is a voluntarily run system
of messages that has been misused in the past and will most likely be
misused in the future. The content of the USENET forums is almost
impossible to control, and therefore we cannot guarantee what you may
find there from day to day. We are making every effort not to allow
those forums of a questionable nature (no sex forums, no pornography
forums, no elite/pirate forums, and no forums that the "majority" would
find offensive). If you have a question about one of the forums we
carry, PLEASE contact us immediately... likewise, if there is a
forum you would like to SEE us carry, contact us as well. We want to
have all the topics that YOU want to see available.
Just How Old Are You?
---------------------
PARENTS - Be responsible for your children. Misuse of this system by
those under the age of 19 will be dealt with by normal means. No
special rules are used for those minors using this system. Be
responsible for your child's activities. Better yet, participate WITH
your child! The online experience is not limited to those under 19...
in fact, most online offerings are aimed at the person OVER 19. It is
a sad fact that most people assume that a "Bulletin Board System" is
only for kids. Get your whole family into the system... and learn
something new!
As for those of you that are of the "younger" generation... do not be
fooled into thinking we won't call the head of your household if we
have problems. Our attitude is that we will not have any problems
with those using our system, and if we DO, the problem will be solved
QUICKLY and DECISIVELY. Unfortunately this has gained us a bit of
notoriety in the past since the offending users spread the word about
how "bad" we are and how we "oppress" them and how we "read their
email and watch what they do". Despite the fact that this is not
true, it continues to spread none the less.
Your Rights
-----------
How many "rights" do you have when visiting someone's home?
You are literally in our home, in our living space, visiting with us
and other users, when you are online with Orbiter. You have the same
rights here as you would standing in my living room.
We personally have access to -all- information in this system. No other
person has access to this information except any present or future
staff members of Orbiter, and (with the exception of the appropriate
legal agencies with proper cause and legal documentation) will never
-have- access to the information you provide at signup or any other
information given in confidence to me.
Read the "Communications Act" for more information.
Please do not inform me of your "rights". City, state, federal or
universal Rights, Ammendments or other such nonsense do not pertain to
this, a privately owned system. When you are onboard Orbiter, you are
literally in our living room, and in our living room -our- rules
apply. Have the same courtesy that you would expect in -your- living
room. :) Common courtesy, that's all we ask for.
Just be "common folk". Attitudes are suspended when onboard the system
(one way or the other). Thanks for your understanding!
Language Abuse Onboard
----------------------
Our software has some of the most advanced profanity checking modules
available for bulletin board systems today. Even then, users who
believe themselves to be "superior" mentally (?) like to bypass the
sensors by miswording their abusive language in a way that the sensors
do not detect. Those who feel it necessary to use profanities and other
unwelcome language can feel free to find another online home.
A Virus By Any Other Name...
----------------------------
If you upload a virus to this system, an investigation will ensue to
determine whether it was done purposely or not. When it is fairly
obvious to us that a virus has appeared in our Databanks purposely,
a report is made with the local Police Department immediately. This
has already been done with former membes of the board, and will be done
again if such activities are noticed again.
Legally, uploading a virus purposely is a willfull attempt to destroy
private property - carrying hefty penalties. You are trying to DO HARM
to OUR EQUIPMENT if you do this.
Be careful... and do not worry about being "falsely" accused. We have
the best possible virus scanning utilities available and can easily
determine how and where the virus came into any uploaded file(s). No
virus-infected files will ever leave here knowingly... we practice safe
computing. :)
Disclaimer
----------
All members and non-members of Orbiter Online (formerly Starship Sirius)
understand that the system is an perpetual process of upgrades,
changes and modifications.
Services may vary at times as we add more or take out older modules
onboard. This is always done for the good of the system as a whole.
We cannot guarantee that one function will always be available, or
that we will never take something offline temporarily for repairs
(since this is necessary once in a while), but we are always dedicated
to keeping everything running perfectly and adding to our already vast
array of offerings. Don't look for things that we remove... look for
things that we are adding, since that is our goal - to continue to add
the newest and greatest functions available for you, our member, to use!
We do not issue membership access without payment, nor with the
"promise" that the "check is in the mail". Please understand this
and accept it.
VI. SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS
==========================
(as of July 2000, the system is going under major changes -
this document will be updated accordingly as time permits)
PRIMARY SYSTEM SERVER:
----------------------
AMD K5-based system
Tekram PCI Caching Controller w/4MB 70ns RAM
Kingston PCI Network Adaptor
16MB 60ns RAM
2GB hard drive (main server files)
412MB hard drive (daily backups)
Quad-speed CD-ROM drive
GAME SERVER:
------------
486 DX4-based system
Kingston ISA Network Adaptor
16MB 70ns RAM
1.08GB hard drive (server and backups)
NT SERVER 'MUD'
---------------
AMD K5-based system
Kingston PCI Network Adaptor
64MB 60ns RAM
2GB hard drive
Quad-speed CD-ROM drive
NT SERVER 'DOORS'
-----------------
Pentium-based system
Kingston PCI Network Adaptor
40MB 70ns RAM
2GB hard drive
32-speed CD-ROM drive
OTHER:
------
14" SVGA .28 pitch monitor - shared for all servers
101 Key Extended Keyboard - shared for all servers
Microsoft-compatible trackball - shared for all servers
Sharing switch (monitor/keyboard) for all servers
(4) UPS power backup systems (all servers, routers and modems)
(2) 16-Port BocaBoard I/O (16550 shared UARTs)
(20) Motorola ModemSURFR 28.8 v.34 modems
(1) Livingston ISDN Office Router
OTHER ITEMS
-----------
Our system is also specially configured to be 99% self-surviving
in the case of a system "crash" or other catastrophe. This means
that if the Staff are not available, and the system goes "down"
for some reason, it will bring itself back up safely. Pretty
much a physical malady or a baseline MS-DOS error would be
required to cause the system to actually "hang" indefinitely.
This can happen frequently when running a "beta" version of a new
module, but we try to keep beta testing on the system to a bare
minimum.
All non-game modules are run on the main server, along with four
"special" game modules that cannot be run on a separate computer.
All other games (non-Door) are on the game server, accessed via the
LAN (TCP/IP) and the Quake server (SPX) on it's own machine as well.
The development computer is also on the network allowing live access
to all computers and files at any time.
The communication hardware is addressed in the following groupings,
currently via non-intelligent hardware:
- 20 modem channels (no longer in use as of 2001)
- 16 TCP/IP channels
- 2 reserved TCP channels
We currently employ a broadband connection to the Internet.
All hardware, software and other associated items of the system
were assembled, tested, installed, configured and are operated by
Anthony Malena (aka "Starfleet" or "Sysop").
* END OF DOCUMENT *