No connection to server. Showing local offline copy of page.
Santa Clara County ARES®/RACES

Self-Study for SCCo Packet BBS SysOp

Santa Clara County ARES/RACES maintains multiple JNOS packet BBS servers to provide load balancing, redundancy, backup and training. These servers are configured similarly (except for the obvious IP address and call sign changes), following carefully documented procedures. In this self-study, the SCCo procedures will be used to build a Linux system from the ground up, followed by adding the JNOS BBS server. The result should be a fully functioning system that has all of the features, functionality and security of the other SCCo packet BBS systems. Successful completion is a prerequisite for being considered for an SCCo packet SysOp position.

The following training courses, workshops or self-study programs should be completed before beginning this self study program.

Study Topics

Note: These topics are under development and may change as we learn more from the first people to go through the program.

A set of SCCo ARES/RACES standard procedures will be followed to build and operate a packet BBS system from the ground up.

SCCo-standard Linux system
A Linux system will be built from the ground up, according to the standard SCCo configuration procedures
SCCo-standard JNOS BBS
A multi-interface JNOS system will be built on top of the Linux system, according to the standard SCCo configuration procedures
Administrative tasks
A variety of operational tasks will be performed on the new machine, including: backups, restores, updating Linux, updating JNOS, troubleshooting problems, and more.

Operational

A key part of being an SCCo packet BBS SysOp is being able to perform the day-to-day operational duties necessary to build, manage and evolve the network and service offering. And hands-on experience is a key part of learning how to perform those duties. It is expected that the student engage in hands-on activities, working with other SCCo SysOps, to perform such tasks as are listed below.

  • Regular (weekly) packet check-ins
  • Answering user questions and providing technical support on the packet user group (scc-packet)
  • Assist with preparation and delivery of packet training courses
  • Assist with packet operations at county drills, including EOC user stations and BBS operations
  • Assist with work parties, including installations, upgrades and maintenance at radio sites and EOC locations
  • Participate in planning of new features and capabilities