Getting Started

Documentation status: Draft
Verification: Phase 1 pages require verification against named Mystic releases and platforms.

This section is the entry point for new and returning Mystic BBS SysOps. It is intentionally organized as a progression: understand the software, install it, create administrative access, learn the directory layout, configure it, start it, and establish a backup process before adding more services.

Phase 1 Learning Path

1. What Is Mystic BBS?

Start with What Is Mystic BBS? for an overview of Mystic, MIS, MUTIL, local sessions, network services, and the major parts of a BBS installation.

2. Install Mystic

Follow Installing Mystic for a conservative fresh-install workflow, installer concepts, ownership considerations, and initial verification.

3. Create the First SysOp Account

Use Creating the First SysOp Account to create a local account and elevate it to System Operator privileges before exposing network services.

4. Understand the Directory Structure

Read Mystic Directory Structure before changing paths or building a backup plan.

5. Learn the Configuration System

Mystic Configuration System explains the main configuration areas and the difference between interactive configuration and MUTIL processing.

6. Start Mystic Safely

Starting Mystic explains configuration mode, local login, MIS server operation, and basic startup verification.

7. Establish Backup and Upgrade Practices

Read Backup and Upgrade before performing upgrades or major structural changes.

What Comes After Phase 1

Once the foundation is working, the next documentation phases will cover:

• Message groups and message bases
• File groups and file bases
• Menus, themes, prompts, and display files
• Users, security levels, and ACS
• MIS network services
• Events, semaphores, and logging
• FTN networking and mail processing
• Troubleshooting and recovery

Already Running Mystic?

If the BBS is already installed and the immediate goal is FTN networking, continue with FTN Networking.

For Mystic Programming Language development, use the dedicated Mystic MPL Documentation project.