                                
                              README.1ST
                      Virtual Advanced 2.10 Official
                 Copyright (C) Roland De Graaf 1995-1997

   This document gives installation advice, and should be read
   entirely before running INSTALL.EXE to install the software.

   Topics Covered:
   
   1. Installing a New BBS
   2. Installing on System with Existing VA or VBBS Installation
   3. Official 24-Hour Support Sites
   4. VISK Virtual Internet Survival Kit add-on
   5. Virtual Advanced Minimum Hardware Requirements
   
   1. Installing a New BBS - QUICK START FOR NEW USERS
   
   Having extracted the contents of the original Virtual Advanced ZIP
   file into a temporary directory on your hard drive, run the INSTALL.EXE
   and follow the on-screen instructions.  Once installed, you can start 
   your system up for the first time by typing in:

   BBS 1

   and pressing ENTER.  The system should run first-time under the default
   settings, although you may wish to run VCONFIG.EXE and select
   Channel Cofiguration, and configure your modem(s) first.

   You can run VCONFIG.EXE at any time to change the many settings that
   define the program's operation -- and the character and flavor of
   your bulletin board system as well.
   
   2. Installing on System with Existing VA or VBBS Installation

   Virtual Advanced Version 2.xx requires a new unlocking key
   before it can be installed on top of an pre-existing VA 1.XX or 
   VBBS Installation. See ORDER.FRM for instructions on obtaining a 
   new unlocking key. Previously registered sysops are entitled to
   purchase upgrade unlocking keys at a substantially-reduced cost.
   
   If you want to preview the software before you upgrade, then
   it is highly recommended that you install as a NEW INSTALLATION
   on a different drive and/or directory.

   Files INSTALL.EXE will copy for EXISTING INSTALLATIONS:

     All *.EXE files
     All *.DOC files
     CONTENTS.LST
     DEFAULT.S
     DEFAULT.STR

   If you are upgrading from Virtual Advanced Ver 2.00, you may perform
   the upgrade manually by copying only what you need.
   
   3. Official 24-Hour Support Sites

   Virtual ComTech BBS: 
   
       616-399-4818 
       616-399-8791 

   Virtual ComTech Web Site:

       http://virtualc.com

   Updates, fixes, scripts, utilities, and other types of support
   files may be download from the BBS and the Web Site.
   
   4. VISK Virtual Internet Survival Kit add-on

   Live Internet Connectivity for your Virtual Advanced BBS is just 
   a download away! This add-on for your system is available for download 
   from the Virtual ComTech BBS and the Web Site as listed above.

   Note: For this particular version of Virtual Advanced (Ver 2.10),
         the minimum required VISK version is 1.20; the minimum 
         recommended VISK version is 1.30. VISK 1.30 or higher is
         required to use the new IRC function.

   VISK takes a modular approach to connecting various aspects of your 
   BBS to the Internet. You decide which modules you wish to use, giving
   you total control over your both "sides" of your site -- your BBS side,
   and your Internet side.

   5. Virtual Advanced Minimum Hardware Requirements
      
        Single-Line BBS:

         -286 or higher processor
         -1 meg RAM
         -40 meg Hard Drive
         -COM Port/Modem

        Multi-Line BBS:

         -386 or higher processor
         -4 meg RAM or more
         -40 meg Hard Drive
         -Multiple COM Ports/Modems

