THE ONLINE WORLD
The Online World book's text on paper, disk and in any other
electronic form is (C) copyrighted 1993 by Odd de Presno. All
rights reserved worldwide.
xxxx
SHAREWARE BOOK
*********************
* THE ONLINE WORLD *
*********************
Version 1.1 - September 1993
By Odd de Presno
4815 Saltrod, Norway (Europe)
Voice (registrations only): +47 370 31204
Internet mail: opresno@extern.uio.no
Data/BBS: +47 370 31204
FAX: +47 370 27111
PREFACE
=======
This is the ASCII online distribution of the Online World. It deals
with the practical aspects of using the rapidly growing global online
information resource.
The book is distributed in a form that is designed to be easily
accessible with the maximum range of computers, printer types, and
search programs. Also, it has been designed to be compatible with
electronic reading devices for the blind. Therefore, many frills
(such as fancy formatting, extraneous characters or tags) have been
omitted.
The main subject of the book is what you can get out of the
online resource.
Expect an outline, not a comprehensive list or directory of all
available offerings. This book explores selected applications
across network and service boundaries, to show how these needs may
be satisfied.
In the process, it gives access information for a large number
of specific online offerings.
The applications range from entertainment and the bizarre to
databases and special services for professionals and organizations.
You are not expected to live in the United States or in Norway.
Emphasis is on major international offerings available through
services and networks like the Internet, BITNET, CompuServe, Echo,
FidoNet, Usenet, Dialcom, Dow Jones/News Retrieval, MCI, NewsNet
and UUCP. These services can be accessed from almost anywhere.
Talking about the Internet, we do not expect that it will be
easy for you to get full access. We assume that most people can get
access to this network by electronic mail only.
I wrote The Online World for parents and youth, teachers,
students, business people, social workers, psychologists, young,
old, for anybody interested in knowing a bit more about our
current "Global Village."
You can read it like a novel, to get an idea of what is going
on. It can be used as a practical guide book to online data bases
and news sources, or as a book of reference.
You need not be a computer expert or an experienced "onliner"
to find it useful.
While not being a textbook on data communications, it contains
much information to help novices get started. For an introduction
to telecommunications, check out appendix 2 and 3 before continuing
with Chapter 1.
Before you start, one word of warning. New online offerings are
born each day, while others are being closed down. Chances are that
most services in this book will still be around when you read it,
but I will need to update the text regularly. Therefore, all
feedback is welcomed with thanks.
Please do also tell me what you like, what you don't, and what
you feel I may have missed -- or have gotten hopelessly wrong. Send
by electronic mail to me at opresno@extern.uio.no .
This book is not free
---------------------
The Online World book is NOT public domain. It is copyrighted work
and may be distributed only pursuant to this license.
You are granted a limited read and use license of the book to
see if it is for you. Any unregistered use other than to determine
if the book meets your needs is a violation of this license and is
forbidden.
If you like the book, please become a registered reader. Your
contribution will support further research and development of the
text.
The important benefit of registering is that you will receive
the latest version of the book on diskette (MS-DOS only). This will
allow you to have current information on your hard disk that you
can search whenever you want to.
The online world is dynamic. Services and offerings come and
go. So read appendix 8 to find out how to stay updated.
The registered shareware version of The Online World including
shipping and handling is
NOK 105.00 for payment by credit card
(around US$ 15.00)
US$ 20.00 for all other types of payment
(check or SWIFT bank transfer)
As an alternative, you can also register for six updates of the
book during one year. The updates will be mailed you on computer
diskette:
US$60.00 for all types of payment
The special rates for organizations to make the text available to
employees etc. over a network are explained in appendix 8.
Please note: As I do not receive any renumeration from vendors
of shareware disks, you must register your copy to have a legal
license for use of the book beyond an evaluation period.
Please give to others
---------------------
Permission is with this granted to reproduce and distribute the
Online World book so long as:
(1) No remuneration of any kind is received in exchange.
A distribution fee may be charged for the cost of a
diskette, shipping and handling, as long as the total
(per disk) does not exceed US$8.00.
(2) Distribution is without ANY modification to the contents
of all accompanying text files, including the copyright
notice and this license. All of the files in this package
are to be distributed together.
(3) No publication of the book or individual articles from the
book in print is permitted, in any language, without the
express written consent of the author.
If archiving this book for BBS use or library use, please include
all files and use the name ONLINE10, for example, ONLINE10.ZIP, or
ONLINE10.LZH. This will provide consistency for future updates.
No copy of this book may be distributed without including a copy
of this license. Any other use, including bundling of any of the
book's chapters or appendixes for your own distribution, is
prohibited without express, written permission in advance from the
author.
The Online World book is regularly being updated. Information about
where to get the latest version of the book can be retrieved from
TOW, a mailing list set up to support the project. For information,
send electronic mail to LISTSERV@vm1.nodak.edu (LISTSERV@NDSUVM1 on
BITNET) containing the command "GET TOW MASTER".
How to read the book
--------------------
You may read the book using any ASCII viewing or text searching
program. My private favorites are:
LIST - Shareware MS-DOS file viewing program,
LOOKFOR - Shareware boolean text search program.
Print versions of The Online World
----------------------------------
The Online World does not cover any specific area of the world.
Local versions will be printed and published in several countries
through joint venture partners. These versions of the book will be
adapted to local conditions, and contain many local examples and
references.
The following local version of the book is available:
"Ut i verden fra egen skjerm," Norwegian text, Dataforlaget A/S,
1992. 220 pages. Phone: +47 22 63 61 62. Fax: +47 22 63 60 09.
Price: NOK 245,-. ISBN: 82-90628-67-6.
Local language versions of the book are due be published soon by
partners in Denmark and Germany. For information, please contact:
Claus Berg (Denmark) at Claus_Berg@SKOLE-KOM.UNI-C.DK
Publisher: Teknisk Forlag A/S, Skelbaekgade 4, 1780 Kbh.V.,
Denmark. Fax: +45 31 21 09 83.
Dr. Karl Sarnow (Germany) at karl@dadoka.h.ni.schule.de
Publisher: Verlag Heintz Heise GmbH & Co KB, Helstorfer
Strasse 7, D-3000 Hannover 61, Germany.
Fax: +49-511-53 52-129.
Do you want to be a partner?
----------------------------
If you are interested in becoming the author of a local language
version of the book in your country, please write me at
opresno@extern.uio.no to discuss the possibility of a joint-
venture.
Saltrod (Norway), September 1, 1993
Yours,
Odd de Presno
-------------------------------------------------------------
The Online World book's text on paper, disk and in any other
electronic form is (C) copyrighted 1993 by Odd de Presno. All
rights reserved worldwide.
-------------------------------------------------------------
INDEX
=====
PREFACE
1. Going online will make me rich, right?
Knowledge is Power. A larger personal network gives you a stronger
punch. The value of information, and of having a great time. . .
2. The online world
The structure and content of the online offerings. About
Bulletin Board systems, discussion lists, conferencing systems,
and online data bases. About packet data services, and network
services like FidoNet, i-Com, Infonet, Internet, and others.
A constantly changing environment.
3. How to use online services
Short introduction. How to use menus, and how to navigate like
an expert. Tailoring online services to your interests and needs.
4. Hobbies, games, and fun
About computer programs, online adventure games, threatening viruses,
planning holidays, collecting coins and stamps, genealogy, music,
shopping and other leisure activities.
5. Home, education, and work
Tips for house owners, for those more concerned about money, about
education and the exchange of knowledge, electronic conferences.
Building a personal network. Job hunting by modem, and about
working from home.
6. Your personal healthnet
About support for diseases like AIDS, cancer, and kidney diseases.
Forums for people with physical or mental disabilities, like
hearing impairments, learning disabilities, vision impairment,
mobility problems.
7. Electronic mail, telex, and fax
How to communicate globally at a ridiculously low cost, with
notes about how to address your global electronic mail.
8. Free expert assistance
How to get free advice about your computer, software and
other things.
9. Your electronic daily news
Read national and global news before getting it through the
traditional media. Get those interesting background facts.
Read special interest news that the media never bother to print.
10. Looking for a needle in a bottle of hay
Notes about searching data bases. How to locate interesting
books and articles.
11. Getting an edge over your competitor
Using the networks to manage projects. Monitor competitors,
prospects, suppliers, markets, technologies, and trends.
Marketing and sales by modem.
12. Practical tips
How to get more out of the time spent online.
13. Cheaper and better communications
Using packet data services or competing data
transport services like Tymnet Outdial, Infonet,
Internet, PC Pursuit, and others.
14. Keep what you find.
Build your local personal data base. Strategies for
locating interesting information. What separates good
from bad information.
15. You pay little for a lot!
How to figure out costs.
16. Automatic communication
Get a lead on your competitors.
Avoid duplication of effort.
Reduce costs.
Reduce boring repetitive work.
No need to remember all the "tricks" of communications
anymore.
17. Gazing into the future.
Thoughts about things to come.
---------------------------
Appendices:
1. List of selected online services
2. How to get started
About your personal computer, modem and
communications program.
3. Your first online trip
Getting started. Typical pitfalls and
simple solutions. Down- and uploading.
4. Explanation of some frequently used terms
5. Books and articles for further reading
6. International standard country codes
7. About the author
8. How to register
---------------------------
Chapter 1: Going online will make me rich, right?
=================================================
The number of services is enormous. It takes time to find the
truly interesting stuff.
- Knowledge is power.
- A large personal network gives you a punch.
- The value of information, and of having a good time.
Knowledge is Power
------------------
My wife has a rare and dangerous kidney disease. One day her doctor
joined us on an online research session to look for experiences and
advice in other countries.
We sat down in my office in Norway. I turned on my personal
computer and started a communications program.
After some keypresses, we could hear the attached modem dial
the number of CompuServe, a North American information utility. (A
modem is a piece of equipment that converts computer signals to and
from sound codes, so that data can be sent by phone.)
It took just a few seconds to make the connection. Soon, a
greeting scrolled over our screen, followed by a menu of available
choices.
For an introduction to practical telecommunications, check out
appendix 2 and 3. Appendix 1 lists major services mentioned in
this book.
We selected "Health" and the "Data Base for Rare diseases." This
gave the address of an American foundation for "cysts in kidneys,"
which is the name of her disease. My wife made contact, and has
since received regular reports of research results and experiences
gained in the field.
We sent an open request for help to an electronic forum for
doctors. The result was several useful responses. We searched a
magazine data base for medical articles containing the key word
"kidney." Paper copies of the most interesting finds arrived by
mail after a few days. My wife gave them to her hospital doctor as
background reading.
Kenya Saikawa is paralyzed. He communicates with his PC and
modem using light key strokes and Morse code. Online communications
allows Kenya to be in regular contact with people outside the walls
of his Tokyo hospital.
We met online in a "Handicap Club" on a computer center called
TWICS in Tokyo. He was there to exchange experiences with others
with disabilities. The club is a personal support group for those
in need of help.
CompuServe's Cancer Forum has a similar function. "It's a
blessing that I can visit here 24 hours a day," one visitor said.
"When I'm unable to sleep at night, I often sit down by the PC to
read and write messages to others."
The forum is like a family. The file library is full of
information about cancer. Members can just go in there and pick
up whatever they want to read.
Dave Hughes from Old Colorado Springs, Colorado in the United
States has had a long career as a professional soldier. He has
fought in places like the Yalue river in Korea and Vietnam's
jungle. When he retired, he became a political online force.
"I'm using the new tools of the individual mind to change the
world," he says. Native American Indians are among those, who
have benefited from Dave's energy and knowledge. He has helped them
show their culture to the outside world in a graphical form.
Vladimir Makarenkov from the Crimea in the Ukraine is manager
in a company called VINKO. In early 1993, he distributed an offer
of partnership with foreign companies through the mailing list E-
EUROPE. VINKO is into aluminium processing. He wrote:
"From our own production we can offer some one metals and
aniline dye for cotton, viscose, wool, silk, leather. We are
interested in deliveries of chemical production (gamma acid, H-
acid) and not quickly deteriorating foods (food concentrates,
canned food etc)."
George Pavlov is Planning and Reporting manager at an American
computer manufacturer. Daily, he logs on to online services to
monitor industry product announcements and daily news from several
electronic sources. It helps him stay ahead of rapid technological
developments.
Semafor A/S in Arendal, Norway, produces modems and other types
of telecommunications equipment. They operate an electronic bulletin
board for customers, users and prospects. Anybody can call in to
get information about products and offerings. If they need help,
they can leave a message to Semafor A/S day and night. A response
will be waiting for them, when they call back.
Eduardo Salom heads Software Plus SA in Buenos Aires,
Argentina. He discovered the online world in 1988, and uses it to
find information that can help his company develop industrial
applications.
The Norwegian civil engineer Kai Oestreng regularly calls
specialized online computer clubs to discuss his computational
needs, fetch programs and monitor developments.
Mary Lou Rebelo was born in southern Brazil. Today, she is
married to a Japanese and lives in Tokyo. She teaches Portuguese
and works as a translator. The modem enables her to keep in touch
with others around the world interested in Portuguese and Spanish
language and culture.
Mike Wright teaches at St. Andrew's College in Grahamstown,
South Africa. He integrates the online world in his teaching to
motivate his students. His classes are involved in international
projects with schools all over the globe.
In August 1991, the "Old Stalinists" made a coup d'etat in the
Soviet Union. The news media were silenced, but they forgot the
country's many bulletin boards. Early one morning, a foreign caller
picked up the following messages from a Moscow BBS:
From: Valery Koulkov
To: All Msg #560, 00:42am
20-Aug-91
Subject: Moscow, August 19, 23:00
Some news from the square news RSFSR white building, 23:00. Local
inhabitants are very welcome for the people guarding 'white
building', they carry food and some garments to the square.
Approx. 8 tanks stand by the house under the RSFSR flags! There is
an information that 'white house' is surrounded by the soldiers
from Vysshee Desantnoye uchilische from Ryazan. The people are not
so desperate than some hours ago. There are more and more people.
From: Stas Stas
To: Alexey Zabrodin Msg #562, 02:53pm
20-Aug-91
Subject: Russia In Agency news
I have sent two files RIA4.txt & ria5.txt
It's msgs of Russia Information Agency
Spread it as much as you can!!!
From: Andrew Brown
To: All Msg #563, 06:31pm
20-Aug-91
Subject: What's happening?
I am a journalist on the London Daily newspaper *The Independent*,
and I am trying to discover whether this technology, like fax
machines, is being used for independent communication now that the
censors have clamped down on everything else.
Can people describe what is happening, and what they see?
Something similar was done on Compuserve during the Gulf War, by
subscribers who where in Israel and were able to describe Scud
missile attacks without censorship.
Andrew Brown
Select: 564
From: Valery Koulkov
To: All Msg #564, 00:52am
21-Aug-91
Subject: Moscow events
There is shooting near the American embassy and RSFSR state
building. Informer said (by phone) that he saw several victims
(shot and killed under the tanks. there is fire near the RSFSR
building. Moscow, August 21, 1:15 am
Telecommunications played a role in this historic event. While CNN
televised the coup, it was not the images, but the words of men
like Yeltsin that held sway for Russian citizens.
Within hours of Yeltsin's statement in defiance of the coup
leaders, handbills reproducing his statement papered the walls of
the Moscow metro and Leningrad houses.
You can!
--------
Online communication is not just for the privileged or those with a
special interest in computers. It is for you, me, everybody.
There is much to learn in the "online land," and the medium is
fascinating. It makes learning fun. You can learn about how to use
your computer, about your profession, other people's views about
whatever, and more. Often, you will find reports about experiences
and know-how that it is hard or impractical to get in other ways.
Some users go online to learn how to do things better. Teachers
want to give their students a better and more motivating learning
environment. Architects, engineers and companies want increased
competitiveness and sales. They seek timely information about
competitors, technologies and tools, partners and trends.
You can take a Masters Degree in Business Administration while
sitting in front of your computer at home. You can join online
seminars arranged by local or foreign educational institutes. You
can even study at night, when the rest of your family has calmed
down.
Some build their own educational programs supported by data
bases, online forums and associations of various kinds.
You may feel helpless when in hospital, or when visiting your
doctor. Knowledge about your disease will make you better equipped
to handle the situation. The online resource is just keypresses
away, and knowledge is power.
To get this power, you'll need to know what you can get from
the online world. This book is filled with examples of what is
available, and practical tips about how to use the offerings.
A large personal network gives strength
---------------------------------------
Most of us belong to one or several networks. They consist of
persons that you can call on whenever you need help. Your network
may be private, like in your family. You may be member of various
associations, or be part of a group of people with common interests
within a company or organization.
The modem allows you to be part of more personal networks than
you can possibly cope with in the "real world." Besides, it's much
easier to develop personal networks in the online world.
We have used words like "clubs" and "associations." By this we
mean groups of people interested in helping You and in participating
in what You happen to be interested in.
Today's communications technology lets us participate in
networks in other countries at a very low cost. Many describe it as
participation "beyond time and space."
Write a message and send it to a person in your network. It
arrives in his/her "mailbox" within minutes (sometimes seconds)
and stays there until the recipient wants to read it. This built-in
ability to send messages to other people's electronic mailboxes
reduces the power that time and geographical distances have over
our lives.
A friend in a remote country gets out of bed nine hours after
you, but keeps going well into what, for you, is the next morning.
No problem. You can send letters when you're awake and receive
replies when you're asleep.
You can pick up and read your friend's messages the next day or
whenever you feel like doing it. That is how two people as far
apart as Arendal, Norway and Beijing, China could be involved in
the development of this book.
Sometimes "real time" discussions are important. Consider the
following example. CompuServe has a Diabetes Forum. You can call
there any time, day or night, seven days a week. Whenever you feel
like it. You will always find someone to chat with who understands
and shares your problems.
Real-time chatting may become expensive, but you are free to
decide your level of involvement. If you think that $10 spent is
enough, then just stop there.
What is the point?
-----------------
Thousands of commercial and noncommercial online services offer
over 5,000 online databases. These infobases are repositories of
electronic information. They contain full-text and reference books,
magazines, newspapers, radio and TV shows, reports, and more.
In 1992, BiblioData (USA) found that around 4,000 titles (i.e.,
magazines, newspapers, etc.) were available online in full-text.
You will find facts and figures about almost anything in the online
world.
The world has over 100,000 public bulletin board systems
(1993). Most are small information centers, running on personal
computers using a simple computer program and modems. People call
in to read messages and information, retrieve free software, or
just to have a good time.
Most BBSes are free. Some charge a small annual fee. The
largest board has 213 telephone lines, seven gigabytes of storage
for letters, conferences, computer programs, and more (1993).
Mind you, 7 gigabytes is a lot. It is equivalent to more than
7,000,000,000 characters, or a whopping 12,000 copies of this
book!
The entrepreneur sees the online world as a new, profitable
playground. Many of them have made it their profession to search
for information for others, and they earn a good living doing so.
Others advertise and sell products and services by modem.
Some set up their own online services to sell knowledge and know-
how, be it of aqua culture, wine production, marketing, or about
the petroleum offshore market.
In business, it pays to be one step ahead of the competition.
Early warnings of customers' needs, competitors' moves, and
emerging opportunities can be turned into fortunes. It can reduce
potential losses and help develop businesses in more profitable
directions.
Turn this to your advantage. Build your own early warning
system that monitors online information sources and networks.
Have fun
--------
The online world has an abundance of joke clubs, dramatic adventure
games with multiple players, and large archives filled with computer
game software. You can transfer these programs to your personal
computer and be ready to play in minutes.
Others may feel more entertained when things get "interesting."
Surely, those calling Moscow in August 1991 for news about the coup
must have had a strange sensation in the stomach.
Some online users react quickly when dramatic events occur.
They go online to read the news directly from the wires, from
Associated Press, TASS, Reuters, Xinhua Press, Kyodo News and
others.
Usually, the online news is coming directly to you from the
journalists' keyboards. Often, you heard it here first.
Other people prefer to socialize. They meet in online "meeting
places" to debate everything from Africa and the administration of
kindergartens to poetry, LISP programming and compressed video for
multimedia applications.
It has been claimed that increased use of online networking in
a country can effect social changes within politics, economics,
communication and science. It can support democratic tendencies,
the transition to a market economy, the formation and support of
businesses, the spreading of interpersonal and mass communication,
the forging of invisible colleges among scientists, and breaking-up
of traditional and closed information systems developed in some
societies.
No matter whether your application is useful or just a pastime,
online services queue up to help give your life a better content.
Some people fear that language might be a problem, and in
particular if English is not their first language. Don't worry. You
are in the driver's seat. If something is hard to understand, just
log off to study the difficult text. Take your time. Nobody is
watching.
Will you being member of the online world make you rich?
Probably not. On the other hand, it most certainly provides the
opportunities to help you achieve such a goal, no matter how you
define the word "rich."
Chapter 2: The online world
===========================
This chapter is about the structure and contents of the online
world. You will read about Bulletin Board systems, discussion
lists, conferencing systems, online data bases, packet data
services, and network services like FidoNet, i-Com, Infonet,
and the Internet.
From papyrus to bits and bytes
------------------------------
Around 1500 B.C., the world's first library was established in Tell
el Amaran, Egypt. Eight hundred years later, the first public
library opened in Athens, Greece.
It took another two thousand years for the computer to be
invented. The first known mention of a possible future online
information service was printed in the Atlantic Monthly magazine in
1945.
Nine years later, the Naval Ordinance Test Station opened their
online search service in California (U.S.A.) The first full-text
database came six years later. MEDLARS was a bibliographic database
containing references to medical literature. From now on, things
started to roll at a faster pace:
* In 1972, DIALOG (U.S.A.) opened their Educational Resources
Information Center and National Technical Information Service
databases for online searching. (Appendix 1 contains infor-
mation about the major online services referred to in this
book.)
* In 1974, Dow Jones News/Retrieval (U.S.A.) launched a
financial information service for stock brokers.
* In 1978, the first bulletin board was put into operation in
Chicago (U.S.A.).
* CompuServe (U.S.A.) launched a service for home users in
1979.
The online world was born in the United States. Little happened in
the rest of the world until the late 1980s. American companies and
users still dominate, but they are no longer alone.
Today, we can access over 5,000 public databases. They are
available from more than 500,000 online systems ("host computers")
all over the world.
With so many online services, it is difficult to find our way
through the maze of offerings. This book therefore starts with a
map of the online world.
The structure and contents of the online world
----------------------------------------------
The online world can be described as a cake with multiple layers,
where the information sources are the bottom layer. You - the user
- are the marzipan figure on the top. The online world contains the
following tiers:
(1) Database producers and information providers
(2) Online service companies
(3) Gateways and networks
(4) The services
(5) The user interface
(6) The data transport services
(7) The User.
1. Database producers and information providers.
------------------------------------------------
I have a bulletin board system in Norway (at +47 370 31378). My BBS
is running on a small personal computer, and offers shareware and
public domain software.
Anybody can call my board to have programs transferred to their
personal computers by modem (see appendix 2 for how to do this).
When you call this BBS to "download" a free program for to your
computer's hard disk, don't expect to find one made by me. I don't
write programs. All available programs have been written by others.
When you call Data-Star in Switzerland, or CompuServe in the
U.S. to read news, you may find some stories authored by these
companies. Most of their news, however, are written by others.
InfoPro Technologies delivers Russian scientific and technical
articles from "Referativnyi Zurnal" through online services like
Orbit, Pergamon and BRS. InfoPro is not the originator. The text
has been prepared by VINITI (the Institute for scientific and
technical information of the xUSSR).
My BBS (the "Saltrod Horror Show"), Data-Star, NIFTY-Serve,
Orbit, Pergamon, BRS, and CompuServe are online services. We call
those who have provided the news and information on these services
for information providers or database producers.
The American news agency Associated Press is an information
provider. They write the news, and sell them to online services
like Dialog, CompuServe, Nexis and NewsNet. These online services
let you read the news by modem.
The information providers sell the right to distribute their
news. Your news reading charges may be imbedded in the online
service's standard access rates. Some services will ask you to pay
a surcharge when reading news.
Most subscribers pay US$12.80 per hour (1993) to use CompuServe
at 2400 bits per second (bps). At this speed, you typically receive
around 240 characters of news per second. If you access at higher
speeds, you will have to pay more.
CompuServe pays Associated Press part of what they earn each
time you read their news. There is no surcharge for reading AP news
on this service.
Others charge more. To read Mid-East Business Digest through
NewsNet, you pay a surcharge of US$72.00 per hour at 2400 bps
(1993). Scanning newsletter headlines and conducting keyword
searches are cheaper. You pay the the basic connect charge, which
is US$90.00 per hour at this speed.
Thus, your total cost for reading Mid-East Business Digest
amounts to US$2.70 per minute.
CompuServe's database service IQuest lets you search NewsNet
through a gateway to find and read the same articles. Here, reading
will only set you back US$21.50/hour (provided the articles are
among the first hits in your search).
Many information providers also distribute information through
grassroots bulletin boards. The Newsbytes News Network and the USA
Today newsletter services (also in full text on Dialog and Nexis)
are two examples.
The rates for reading the same article may therefore differ
considerably depending on what online service you are using. If you
are a regular reader, shop around for the best price.
Information providers may have subcontractors. The Ziff-Davis
service Computer Database Plus, a database with full-text articles
from magazines like Datamation and Wall Street Computer Review,
depends on them.
Datamation pays journalists to write the articles. Ziff-Davis
pays Datamation for the right to distribute the articles to
CompuServe's subscribers. CompuServe pays Ziff-Davis part of what
you pay when reading the text.
2. Online services
------------------
The term "online services" refers to information services provided
by computer systems, large or small, to owners of personal
computers with modems.
What is offered, differ by system. It may include access to
libraries of programs and data, electronic mail, online shopping
malls, discussion forums, hardware and software vendor support,
games and entertainment, financial data, stock market quotes, and
research capabilities.
You do not always need a phone and a modem when "dialing up."
Some services can be accessed through leased phone lines, amateur
radio, or other methods.
Check out appendix 1 for a list of major services mentioned in
this book, with addresses, phone numbers, and a short description.
CompuServe (U.S.A.), Twics (Japan), and Orbit (England) are
commercial. They charge you for using their services.
Some online services are priced like magazines and newspapers
with a flat subscription rate for basic services. You can use this
part of a service as much as you like within a given period. GEnie,
CompuServe, BIX, America Online, and Delphi are among those
offering such pricing options.
Other online services charge for 'connect time'. They have a
rate per hour or minute.
MCI Mail uses "no cure, no pay." You only pay to send or read
mail. To check for unread letters in your mailbox is free.
There are all kinds of creative pricing schemes. Some services
have different rates for access during the day, night and weekends.
Others have different rates for users living far away. Sometimes
the remote subscriber pays more, in other cases less than ordinary
subscribers.
Still, most online services are free. This is particularly true
for the over hundred thousand bulletin board systems around the
world. The owners of these services often regard them as a hobby, a
public service, a necessary marketing expense, or do it for other
reasons.
The cost of setting up and operating a bulletin board system
is low. Consequently, the BBS systems are as varied as the people
who run them. Each BBS has its own character.
My BBS is also free. I consider it an online appendix to this
book and the articles I write.
National Geographic BBS in Washington, D.C., U.S.A. (tel.: +1-
202-775-6738) is run by the magazine of the same name. This board
is also free. They regard it as a part of their marketing strategy.
It provides them with input to the editors, and it is an easy way
of maintaining contacts with schools.
Semaforum BBS in Norway is run by a company. Its purpose is
customer support and to give information to prospective customers.
The cost is a marketing expense.
Some large, international online services on the Internet,
BITNET, and UUCP are almost free. They address research and
educational institutions and are financed by public funds. These
services are now being made available to other users at very
moderate rates.
Some users fear that using online services will increase their
telephone costs dramatically, and especially when using services in
other countries. This is often unjustified. Read chapter 13 and 15
for tips about how to keep your communications costs down.
3. Gateways and networks
------------------------
CompuServe users select the Computer Database Plus from a menu.
This prompts CompuServe to dial another online service and lets you
use this, as if you were still using CompuServe. You hardly notice
the difference. You are using Computer Database Plus through a
gateway.
CompuServe users searching the IQuest databases get the
following welcome message:
One moment please...
Connected to 19EASYN
Welcome to IQuest
(c) 1991 Telebase Systems, Inc.
U.S. Patent No. 4,774,655
Through another gateway, CompuServe connects you to the online
service Telebase Systems, Inc. Telebase lets you go through other
gateways to search in databases on online services like BRS,
MEDLINE and NewsNet.
While searching, you may get similar progress reports:
Dialing BRS
Connect BRS
Scanning .... Please wait
Dialing Medline
Connect Medline
Scanning .... Please wait
All the time, your modem is connected to CompuServe. You are
mentally using IQuest and not other online services. Technically,
you are going through various gateways to reach the information
libraries. You pay CompuServe for the privilege. In turn, they pay
a fee to Telebase, and others.
You can read The New York Times on Down Jones News/Retrieval
through gateways from MCI Mail and GEnie.
Accessing information through a gateway is often simpler than
logging on to several online systems. Calling several systems
often costs more, and it certainly takes time.
Users of BBSes connected to RelayNet or FidoNet can join in
global discussions. Participants in other countries also call their
favorite local systems. To the individual user, it looks as if they
all use the same bulletin board system.
The networks that tie these boards together regularly send new
discussion items to the other participating boards. Write "This is
not correct!" in a distributed conference on a Norwegian FidoNet
BBS, and others may soon read your line on San Bernardino BBS in
Colton (Canada), Wonderland Board in Macau or the HighTech BBS in
Sidney (Australia).
SciLink (Canada) administers a network for distribution of
conferences between systems using the Caucus software system.
Participants in Tokyo, Toronto and San Francisco can discuss as
if they were all logged on to the same online service.
The main purpose may not be to make it simpler or cheaper
for the user. One typical motive is to reduce an online service's
own communications costs.
KIDLINK is a global project for children between 10 - 15 years
of age. It allows kids to discuss through a system of electronic
mail.
Part of the dialog takes place by the children sending email to
a recipient called KIDCAFE. A message to 'the cafe' goes through
the international networks to a host computer in North Dakota
(U.S.A.). There, a computer program called LISTSERV distributes
copies of the message to names on an electronic address list.
(Conferences administered by a LISTSERV are called 'discussion
lists'.)
SciLink in Toronto is one recipient. Messages forwarded from
North Dakota are made available for users as entries in a 'local'
conference called KIDCAFE. A user in Tokyo can read a message, as
if it had been entered locally. If she wants to reply, her answer
is sent back to the LISTSERV for redistribution to the world.
Western Michigan University (U.S.A.) is also a recipient. Here,
another LISTSERV program is in charge of forwarding the mail to yet
another list of (local) addresses. We call it a 'mail exploder'.
This mailing list has been set up by local administrators to
reduce costs. The individual user is not allowed to receive copies
of messages all the way from North Dakota.
One Michigan recipient may be a local area network. You will
find many smart technical solutions in the online world.
Actually, this is how the online world got started. Two systems
were interconnected for exchange of electronic mail. Then, another
system was added, and another. One day it was a global network of
computer systems.
Some network systems are connected by leased telephone lines.
Other networks, like FidoNet, depend mainly on dial-up using
regular voice-grade telephone service. Each BBS dial regularly to
other computers in the network to send or receive mail and files.
They may do it once per day, twice per day or whatever.
Then someone got the idea of interconnecting networks. FidoNet
was connected to the UUCP network, which was connected to the
Internet, which in turn was connected to the Bergen By Byte BBS in
Norway, CompuServe, SciLink, MCI Mail, and various local area
networks.
Today, the online world is a global web of networks. The world
is 'cabled'. You, me and all the other modem users stand to benefit
enormously.
4. The services
---------------
The most popular online services are electronic mail, chat, file
transfers, conferences and discussion forums, news, reading of
online journals and grassroots publications, database searching,
entertainment. The online world has an infinite number of niches,
things that people are interested in and have fun doing.
Electronic mail
---------------
is not just like paper mail. Email is faster, easier to edit and
use in other applications.
Your mail may be private, or public. It can be 'broadcasted' to
many by a mailing list. The principle is the same on all systems.
Typically, an email message is sent to your mailbox in the
following form:
To: Odd de Presno
Subject: Happy Birthday
Text: I wish you well on your birthday. -Ole
The mailbox systems automatically add your name (i.e., the sender's
return email address), the creation date, and forward it to the
recipient. If the recipient's mailbox is on another system, the
message is routed through one or several networks to reach its
destination.
Several email services offer forwarding to fax, telex or
ordinary postal service delivery. Some offer forwarding to paging
services. When new mail arrives in your mailbox, messages with text
like 'MAIL from opresno@extern.uio.no' will be displayed on your
beeper's small screen.
Soon, you can send electronic mail to anyone. By the turn of
the century, it probably will be difficult to tell the difference
between fax messages and email. The services will automatically
convert incoming faxes to computer-readable text and pictures, so
that you can use them in word processing and other computer
applications.
Automatic language translation is another trend. You will soon
be able to send a message in English, and have it automatically
translated into Spanish for Spanish-reading recipients, or into
other languages. Conference systems with automatic translation are
already being used in Japan (English to/from Japanese).
One day we may also have a global email address directory.
"What is the address of Nobuo Hasumi in Japan." Press ENTER, and
there it is.
Today, the largest commercial players email vendors are MCI,
Dialcom, Telemail, AT&T Mail and CompuServe. The fight for
dominance goes on.
'Chat'
------
Email has one important disadvantage. It may take time for it to be
picked up and read by the recipient. The alternative is real-time
conferencing, a form of direct keyboard-to-keyboard dialog between
users. We call it 'chat'.
Most large systems let you chat with many users simultaneously.
Even small bulletin boards usually have a chat feature.
Chat is set up in several ways. On some systems, you see each
character on the screen once it is entered by your dialog partners.
Other systems send entries line by line, that is, whenever you
press ENTER or Return. Here, it may be difficult to know whether
the other person is waiting for you to type, or if he is actively
entering new words.
You will find regular chat conferences in CompuServe's forums.
Often, they invite a person to give a keynote speech before opening
'the floor' for questions and answers. John Sculley of Apple
Computers and various politicians have been featured in such
'meetings'.
In May 1991, the KIDLINK project arranged a full-day chat
between kids from all over the world. Line, a 12-year old Norwegian
girl, started the day talking with Japanese kids at the Nishimachi
and Kanto International School in Tokyo. When her computer was
switched off late at night, she was having an intense exchange with
children in North America.
The chats took place on various online services and networks,
including Internet Relay Chat (IRC), BITNET's Relay Chat, Cleveland
Free-Net (U.S.A.), TWICS in Tokyo, the global network Tymnet, and
the Education Forum on CompuServe.
The discussions had no moderator. This made the encounters
chaotic at times. The kids enjoyed it, though! One-line messages
shot back and forth over the continents conveying intense
simultaneous conversations, occasionally disrupted by exclamations
and requests for technical help.
Speed is a problem when chatting. It takes a lot of time since
most users are slow typists.
If individual Messages span more than one line, there is always
a risk that it will be split up by lines coming from others. It
takes time to understand what goes on.
Users of SciLink (Canada) use a method they call 'semi-sync
chat'. The trick is to use ordinary batch-mode conferences for
chatting. Instead of calling up, reading and sending mail and then
log out, they stay online waiting for new messages to arrive.
This approach allows you to enter multiple-line messages
without risking that it to broken up by other messages. The flow
of the discussion is often better, and each person's entries easier
to understand.
File transfers
--------------
The availability of free software on bulletin boards brought the
online world out of the closet. Today, you can also retrieve books
and articles, technical reports, graphics pictures, files of
digitized music, weather reports, and much more.
Millions of files are transferred to and from the online
services each day. File transfers typically represent over 75
percent of the bulletin boards' utilization time. Downloading free
software is still the most popular service.
In June 1991, users of my BBS (which has only one phone line)
downloaded 86 megabytes' worth of public domain and shareware
programs. (86MB equals around 86,000,000 bytes.) In May 1993, users
downloaded 108 megabytes distributed over 1,446 files.
Add to this the megabytes being downloaded from hundreds of
thousands of other bulletin boards. The number is staggering.
If you want to download free software: read in appendix 3
about how to do it.
Downloading is simple. Just dial an online service, order transfer
of a given file, select a file transfer protocol (like XMODEM), and
the file comes crawling to you through the phone line.
Services on the Internet offer file transfer through gateways
using a command called FTP (File Transfer Protocol). It works like
this:
Say you're logging on to the ULRIK service at the University of
Oslo in Norway. Your objective is to download free programs
from a large library in Oakland, U.S.A.
After having connected to Ulrik, you enter the command
'ftp OAK.Oakland.Edu' to connect to the computer in California.
A few seconds later, the remote host asks for your logon
id. You enter 'anonymous', and supply your email address as
password. This will give you access.
You use the cd command (change directory) to navigate to
the desired library catalog on the remote hard disk. You locate
the desired file, and use a GET command to transfer the file
to your file area on Ulrik.
When done, you logout from the remote computer to be
returned to Ulrik's services. Your final job is to transfer
the file from Ulrik to your personal computer using traditional
methods.
Being able to send Internet mail does not guarantee access to the
ftp command. If ftp is unavailable, you may transfer the file by
email using a technique called UUENCODEing.
Here, the file is converted before transfer into a format that
can be sent as ordinary mail (into a seven bits, even character
code).
When the file arrives in your mailbox, you 'read' it as an
ordinary message and store the codes in a work file on your disk.
Finally, you decode the file using a special utility program (often
called UUDECODE). Read more about this in Chapter 12.
Conferences and discussions
---------------------------
Online conferences have many things in common with traditional face-
to-face conferences and discussions, except that participants don't
physically meet in the same room. They 'come' by modem and discuss
using electronic messages (sometimes also through "Chat").
There are discussions about any conceivable topic, from How to
start your own company, Brainstorming, Architectural design, The
Future of Education and Investments, to AIDS, The Baltic States,
Psychology, and Cartoons.
Instead of calling these discussions "online conferences," some
services use terms like echos, discussion or mailing lists, clubs,
newsgroups, round tables, SIGs (Special Interest Groups), and
forums. They use other terms in an attempt to make their offerings
more attractive and exclusive.
Others refer to "conferences" by using the name of the software
used to administer the discussions, like LISTSERV, PortaCom, News,
Usenet, Caucus, or PARTIcipate.
On the bottom line, we're still talking email. However, while
private mail is usually read by one recipient only, 'conference
mail' may be read by thousands of people from the whole world.
All of them can talk and discuss SIMULTANEOUSLY. It is almost
impossible for one single individual to dominate. The number of
active participants can therefore be far larger than in 'face-to-
face' conferences.
The conferencing software automatically records all that is
said. Every character. Each participant can decide what to read and
when. He may even use the messages in other applications later on.
Opinions and information can easily be selected and pasted into
reports or new responses.
Some conferences are public and open for anybody. Others are
for a closed group (of registered) participants.
They are normally structured by topic and the structure is
influenced by the participants' behavior. If the topic is limited,
like in "The football match between Mexico and Uruguay," it may
start with an introduction followed by comments, questions, and
answers like pearls on a thread. After some time the conference is
'finished'.
Conferences called 'IBM PC' or 'MS-DOS' often contain so many
different sub-topics that they seem chaotic to the outsider. The
message subject headings typically have references to computer
equipment (like in 'Wyse 050 or TVI 925'), requests for help (like
in 'Need Xywrite help!'), experience reports, equipment for sale,
news reports, etc. The sequence of messages are often illogical.
The contents and the quality of the discussion are what
separates one online conference from others.
How a conference grows into something useful, depends in part on
the features of the software used by the online service. But this
is much less important than the kind of people you meet there and
their willingness to contribute.
Messages in the IBM Hardware Forum on CompuServe are divided
into 11 sections. Section 2 is called Printers' utilities. If you
have problems with an old Epson FX-80 printer, send requests for
help to "All" (=to everybody) and store it in this section.
CompuServe has over one million subscribers (1993). They call
in from all over the place to join the IBM Hardware forum. Some are
there to show off competence (read: to sell their expertise).
Others visit to find solutions to a problem, or simply to learn.
A conference with many users increases your chances of meeting
others with relevant know-how. As always, the quality of the
people is the first requirement of a good conference.
Professional 'Sysops' moderate the discussion in IBMHW. They
get up to 15 percent of what you pay CompuServe for using their
forum. To them, being a sysop is a profession. They use a fair
amount of time trying to make the forum a lively and interesting
place.
The Printers/utilities section is not just about Epson FX-80.
Its members have hundreds of different printers, each with their
own set of user problems. Let's use this to explain differences
between some conferencing systems.
Each message in CompuServe's forums contains the sender's name
(his local email address), subject, date, and the text itself. We
call this the 'bulletin board model'. Here, a message typically
looks like this:
#: 24988 S10/Portable Desktops
22-Jul-91 10:05:38
Sb: #T5200 425meg HDD
Fm: Gordon Norman 72356,370
To: Menno Aartsen 72611,2066 (X)
Menno-
Can you share the HD specs on that 425'er...random access time,
transfer rate, MTBF, etc.?
Gordon
This message may not be of interest to you. Each day, hundreds of
messages OUTSIDE your area of interest are being posted. You do NOT
want to read these messages.
CompuServe allows selective reading of messages. You can select
all messages containing a given word or text string in the subject
title ('Sb:' above). You can read threads of messages from a given
message number (replies, and replies to replies). You can read all
messages to/from a given person, from a given message number, and
from a given date. There are many options.
The PARTIcipate conferencing software functions diametrically
different from CompuServe's forum software. PARTI is used on TWICS
(Japan), Unison (U.S.A.), NWI (U.S.A.), and The Point (can be
accessed through a gateway from CompuServe).
PARTI lets the user log on using an alias. For example, he can
use the identity 'BATMAN'. You may never get to know the true name
of the other person. On the other hand, this allows people to talk
about controversial topics, which they would otherwise not want to
have their names associated with.
Anyone can start a conference. It can be public, private or a
combination. Combination conferences allow public review of the
messages in the conference, but restrict the number of people who
can contribute to the discussion.
Enter 'write', and PARTI will prompt you with "Enter the text
of your note, then type .send or .open to transmit." Enter the
welcome text for your new conference, like in this example:
"This conference is based on a series of articles about
shareware and public domain programs for MSDOS computers, which
I wrote for publication in England.
Since the editor cheated me and they never reached the printing
press, I've decided to make them available online instead of
letting them rot on my hard disk. Join to read, discuss or
(hopefully) enjoy! "
When done, I entered ".open odd de presno", added the name of the
conference ("MSDOS TIPS") and a short description ("GOOD PD AND
SHAREWARE PROGRAMS").
The conference was presented to the other PARTI users on TWICS like
this:
"MSDOS TIPS" by ODD DE PRESNO, Feb. 23, 1990 at 11:57 about
GOOD PD AND SHAREWARE PROGRAMS (7 notes)
Few systems of the bulletin board model let users start their own
conferences at will. All new topics must be stored in a given
structure. The administrators (sysops) of the service manage the
evolution of the 'conference room'. After a while, old messages may
even be deleted to make room for new.
In PARTI, conference messages are organized under a topic, or
any sub-topics that can be derived from the main topic.
Conferences are modeled after their counterparts in the face-
to-face world. They start with an introduction followed by a
discussion about a narrow topic, like here:
"SMART PEOPLE" by MACBETH on Jan. 4, 1992 at 12:27, about WHO ARE
THE BEST AND THE BRIGHTEST (504 characters and 17 notes).
In this example above, the welcome message is 504 characters long.
Following that, there are 17 other messages (called notes).
Notes are stored without individual subject headers and the
name of a recipient. Everything is posted to 'the group'.
If CompuServe message above had been posted on PARTI, then the
first five lines might have been reduced to:
12 (of 12) SHABBY DOG Jul. 22, 1991 at 10:05 (119 characters)
On PARTI, all participants read all notes. Selective reading must
be done in other ways (by searching conference contents).
These two conferencing models seem to attract different types
of discussions. PARTI has given birth to more discussions on topics
like these (from PARTI on The Point, January 1992):
"HELLO BEEP" by THE SHADOW on Sept. 17, 1991 at 19:20, about
BEEP'S ADVENTURES IN JAPAN, AND THE LIKE (840 characters and 22
notes).
"MEMORIES" by LOU on Dec. 21, 1991 at 12:31, about .......I
REMEMBER WHEN...... (423 characters and 1 notes).
"AMENDMENT II 1991" by PASSIN THRU on Dec. 25, 1991 at 20:55,
about OUR RIGHTS TO OWN AND POSSESS FIREARMS, AND THE MYTH
REGARDING ASSAULT WEAPONS. (3036 characters and 38 notes).
"TV SHOWS" by THE SHADOW on Nov. 16, 1990 at 18:00, about
DISCUSSION OF TELEVISION SHOWS (105 characters and 37 notes).
"PHILOSOPHY FOR AMATEURS" by MACBETH on April 13, 1990 at 10:08,
about TALKING ABOUT THINKING (187 characters and 97 notes).
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOTO" by PONDER on Jan. 2, 1992 at 14:34, about
AND I BET HE THOUGHT I FORGOT. (86 characters and 15 notes).
"ONLINE LOTTERY" by DEEDUB on Jan. 3, 1992 at 07:40, about
MULTIPLYING OUR CHANCES TO WIN THE LOTTERY (1238 characters and
62 notes).
"WHO SHOT KENNEDY" by MATT on Jan. 3, 1992 at 22:29, about THE
ASSASINATION OF JOHN F. KENNEDY; THOUGHTS, COMMENTS, QUESTIONS
AND THEORIES! (529 characters and 83 notes).
"THE ECONOMY" by LOU on Jan. 5, 1992 at 16:40, about THE ECONOMY,
AS IT AFFECTS US ALL. (167 characters and 49 notes).
"PUERTO RICO" by PACKER on Jan. 18, 1992 at 20:47, about PARA
DISCUTIR ASUNTOS PUERTORIQUENA (166 characters and 9 notes).
Systems using the bulletin board model rarely have conferences like
"MEMORIES." In PARTI, one-note conferences are allowed to stay. In
the bulletin board environment, they soon disappear.
You can probably still join MEMORIES on the Point to add your
own feelings or point-of-views.
In larger PARTI conferences, the notes can be read like a
book. Often, side discussions appear like 'branches' on a 'tree'.
Join and read them, if you want to. Or just pass.
The bulletin board systems (including CompuServe's forums) and
PARTIcipate are at two extremes of the spectrum of conference
systems. Toward the BBS model, there are systems like FidoNet Echo,
RBBS-PC, and PortaCom. Toward the PARTI side, there are systems like
Caucus.
Many companies set up bulletin board systems to provide technical
support to customers. McAfee Associates, Inc. in California is one
example. They offer technical information, help, upgrade software,
list of agents, technical bulletins with lists of products, and new
products through agents' support BBSes all over the world. For
example, when in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago call the Opus
Networx BBS at (819) 628-4023.
Setting up a professional BBS is not very expensive. You can
easily have 32 people online to the same conference simultaneously
on a standard 80386-based PC, running Xenix and Caucus conferencing
software. This is what the Washington Information Service Corp. in
U.S.A. did. There's an abundance of software to choose from.
Many companies rent private 'conference rooms' on commercial
online services rather than doing it in-house. The advantage is
easier access to an established multi-user system and user base.
Microsoft, Toshiba, Quarterdeck, Digital Research, Tandy,
Novell and hundreds of others rent public support forum space on
CompuServe to keep in touch with customers all over the world.
Others rent space on regional bulletin boards.
Other corporate applications of such services include internal
organizational development and communications, and coordination of
projects.
On Norwegian bulletin boards the main language is Norwegian. In
France, expect French. Local systems usually depend on messages in
the local language.
Services catering to a larger geographical area often have a
different policy. English is the most common language for
international discussions. Spanish possibly number two. Example:
TWICS in Japan is an English language system. Its Spanish language
conference ESPANOL has participants from Japan, Mexico and Norway.
On MetaNet (Arlington, U.S.A.) the conferences are divided into
conference areas. One area was called The Salon. The welcome
message said: 'All conferences and responses posted here may freely
be ported to other conferencing systems'. MetaNet regularly 'ports'
(exchanges) conference notes with systems in Europe, Asia and North
America.
Exchanging conferences have long traditions in the bulletin
board world. To some, it is routine to call Thunderball Cave BBS in
Oslo to discuss photography with people in California. New messages
are exchanged daily across country boundaries.
The global web of connections between computers enables us to
discuss with people living in other parts of the world, as if they
were living next door.
Things Take Time!
-----------------
How long does it take a message to get from Hyougo in Japan to
Saltrod in Norway? Or to Dominique Christian in Paris?
Sometimes, mail travels from mailbox service to mailbox service
in seconds. That is usually the case with messages from my mailbox
in Norway to KIDLINK's LISTSERV in North Dakota, U.S.A.
Messages that must go through many gateways may take more time.
How long it takes, depends on the degree of automation in the mail
systems involved, and how these systems have been connected to the
global matrix of networks.
Speed is high if the computers are interconnected with fixed,
high-capacity lines. This is not so for mail from Oslo to Dominique
in Paris. His mail is routed through a system in London and is
forwarded once per day through a dial-up connection. It usually
takes at least one day to reach the destination.
News
----
Most large news agencies have online counterparts. You can often
read their news online before it appears in print. This is the case
with news from sources like NTB, Agence France-Presse, Associated
Press, Kyodo News Report (Japan), Reuters, Xinhua English Language
News Service (China) and TASS. Some news is only made available in
electronic form.
News may be read in several ways, depending on what online
service you use:
* From a list of headlines. Enter a story's number to receive
its full text. The news may be split up into groups, like Sports,
International news, Business, and Entertainment.
* Some services let you hook directly into a news agency's
'feed line' to get news as it is being made available. At 11.02,
11.04, 11.15, etc.
* News may be 'clipped' and stored in your mailbox twenty-four
hours a day, seven days a week. Clipping services search articles
for occurrences of your personal keyword phrases while you're
offline. In this way, you can monitor new products, companies,
people, and countries, even when you're not online.
NewsFlash is NewsNet's electronic clipping service, a powerful
resource that lets you monitor NewsNet's newsletters for topics of
interest.
On the Executive News Service (CompuServe), you can search for
words in story headlines. You can also search for first three lines
of text from 8,000 stories/day from Washington Post, OTC NewsAlert,
Associated Press, United Press International and Reuters Financial
News Wire.
Newspapers used to receive news through the wires before the
online user. This built-in delay has now been removed on many
services. Industry and professional news is usually available
online long before it appears in print.
Databases
---------
Some years ago, most databases just contained references to
articles, books and other written or electronic sources of
information. The typical search result looked like this:
0019201 02-88-68
TRIMETHOPRIM-SULFAMETHOXAZOLE in CYST Fluid from Autosomal
Dominant POLYCYSTIC KIDNEYS.
Elzinga L.W.; et al. W.M. Bennett, Dept. of Med., Oregon Hlth.
Sci. Univ., 3101 Southwest Sam Jackson Park Rd., Portland,
OR 97201.
Kid. Int. 32: 884-888. Dec. 1987
Subfile: Internal Medicine; Family Practice; Nephrology;
Infectious Disease; Clinical Pharmacology; Highlights of General
Medicine
You had to take the reference to a library to get a print copy of
the article. Some services let you to order a copy while online, to
be sent you by mail from a copying service.
Full-text searching is now the rule. When you find an article
of interest, you can have the full text displayed on your screen at
once (normally without accompanying pictures and tables, though).
The search commands are simpler and more powerful.
Just for fun
------------
Many online services focus on your leisure time. They offer reviews
and news about movies, video, music, and sport. There are forums
for stamp and coin collectors, travel maniacs, passionate cooks,
wine tasters, and other special interest groups. Besides, many
services are entertaining in themselves.
Large, complex adventure games, where hundreds of users can
play simultaneously, are popular choices. People sit glued to the
computer screen for hours.
'Chat', this keyboard-to-keyboard contact-phone type of
simultaneous conversation between from two and up to hundreds of
persons, is also popular. It works like a combination of a social
activity and a role-playing/strategy/fantasy/skill-improving game.
Shopping is the online equivalent of traditional mail order
business. The difference is that you can buy while browsing. Some
commercial services distribute colorful catalogues to users to
support sales. Some distribute pictures of the merchandise by
modem.
You can buy anything from racer fitness equipment and diamonds
to cars. Enter your credit card number and the Chevrolet is yours.
The online mail order business is becoming increasingly global.
Level 5: The user interface
---------------------------
This term describes how the online service is presented to you,
that is, in what form text, pictures and sound appear on your
personal communications computer.
Most online services offer the first three of these four
levels. Some offer more:
1. Menus for novices. The user can select (navigate) by
pressing a figure or a letter.
2. Short menus or lists of commands for the intermediate user.
The user knows some about how the service works, and just
wants a short reminder to help navigate.
3. A short prompt (often just a character, like a "!"), which
tells the expert user where he is in the system right now.
Those knowing the service inside out, don't need reminders
about what word or command to enter at this point.
4. Some services offer automatic access without any menus or
visible prompts at all. Everything happens in a two-way
stream of unintelligent data. The only menus that the user
sees, are those belonging to the program running on his
personal computer.
Some services emphasize colors, graphics and sound. They may
require that users have certain hardware or special add-on cards
in their communications computer. Often, a special communications
program is also needed.
Other services use methods for presenting colors and graphics
already built into their users' computers (and programs).
Colors, graphics and sound are highly desirable in some
applications, like online games and weather forecasts. But even
where it is not important, there will always be many wanting it.
To the professional on a fact-gathering mission, these features
may give slower data transfer and problems when saving text to disk
for later use. Therefore, many prefer ASCII text with no extras.
Sports cars are nice, but for delivering furniture they're
seldom any good. The same applies to the user interfaces. No one is
perfect for all applications.
Level 6: The data transporters
------------------------------
When the online service's host computer is far away, the user often
faces the challenges of:
1. Noise on the line, which may result in unreadable text or
errors in the received material.
2. Expensive long distance calls
There are many alternatives to direct long distance calling. Some
offers better quality data transfers and lower costs.
The regional packet data services used to be a popular option.
In Scandinavia, the offerings of the local PTTs are called Datapak.
Similar services are offered in most countries, often by a national
telephone monopoly.
Competitively priced alternatives are appearing in many
countries as national telecom monopolies are brought to an end. For
example, Infonet, TRI-P, and i-Com compete successfully with former
monopolies for transport of data to and from North America.
The Internet is a global network serving millions of mailboxes.
It provides very cost-efficient mail exchange with private and
public networks throughout the world.
IXI is a packet data network operated by European Research
centers. DASnet offers transport of mail between mail systems that
have no direct connection with each others. (More about this in
Chapter 13.)
Level 7: The user
-----------------
This is you and me. Turn the page to the next chapter and read
about how to use the online services.
Chapter 3: How to use the online services
=========================================
The user interface refers to what you get on your computer screen
and how, when you call an online service. It includes menus and
help screens, and various options to tailor the service to your
personal preferences.
Navigating by menus is simpler
------------------------------
Most online services have menus to make them easier for novices to
use. A typical menu looks like this:
R)ead messages
Q)uick search available messages
W)rite messages
C)omments to Sysop
D)ownload programs
?) for help
G)oodbye. This is enough!
Enter a letter (or ?) to select a function. Enter R to read
messages. There is hardly any need to read the documentation to
use this service.
CompuServe greets European users with this menu:
CompuServe Europe EUROPE
COMPUSERVE EUROPE MAIN MENU
1 About CompuServe
2 What's New
3 Member Assistance
4 Electronic Mail
5 Personal Computer Support
6 Company Information
7 Logon Instructions (Europe)
8 CompuServe Information Service (U.S.)
Enter '8' to get another menu:
CompuServe TOP
1 Member Assistance (FREE)
2 Find a Topic (FREE)
3 Communications/Bulletin Bds.
4 News/Weather/Sports
5 Travel
6 The Electronic MALL/Shopping
7 Money Matters/Markets
8 Entertainment/Games
9 Hobbies/Lifestyles/Education
10 Reference
11 Computers/Technology
12 Business/Other Interests
You can "go" to Associated Press' newswires or the section for
home-schooling in the Education Forum by entering numbers listed in
menus. The service is like a tree with menus by every set of
branches.
A code in the upper right-hand corner of each screen tells you
exactly where you are. The last menu has the code 'TOP' meaning
that this menu is at the 'top of the tree'.
By each CompuServe system prompt, the command GO followed by a
destination code will take you directly to a desired location.
Enter GO IBMHW to go directly to the IBM Hardware Forum.
The GO command will save you time and money. Similar codes and
commands are used on several other online services.
On many systems, the first menu encountered when logging on is
a list of announcements and new offerings. The following is from
GEnie, General Electric's Consumer Information Service (U.S.A.):
GEnie Announcements (FREE)
1. July 1991 GEnie Billing Completed. To review yours, type:....*BILL
2. Hot Summer Nights continues to SIZZLE.........................*HSN
3. NEW...Quality Product and Amazing Value in....................SOFTCLUB
4. LAST CHANCE---Blue GEnie Sweatshirts..........................*ORDER
5. Color hypermedia in Apple II world. HyperStudio RTC in........A2
6. Meet the Product Manager, FREE RTC............................SFRT
7. "Future of Online Gaming" RTC with GEnie Game Designers in....MPGRT
8. A Revolutionary Credit Service - TRW CREDENTIALS..............TRWCREDIT
9. 900 Numbers: Ripoff or Good Business Sense - RTC 8/11 9PM.....RADIO
10. Air Warrior Convention set for Sept.26-29. in Washington......AIR
11. SEARS Fall/Winter Catalog On-line NOW.........................SEARS
12. How to Sell your CRAFTS for Profit............................HOSB
13. Stellar Warrior Campaign starts with a FREE weekend...........WARRIOR
14. Followup Investment RTC with Mickey Friedman in...............REAL ESTATE
15. Federation II, the adult space fantasy........................FED
Enter #, <H>elp, or <CR> to continue?
At the 'Enter #' prompt, enter '7' to go directly to the "Future of
Online Gaming" conference (RTC=Round Table Conference). Enter H for
Help, or press Return to get to the systems' main menu.
You can "go" to selected services by entering a videotext page
number code or a number (selected from the menu). Type 'mail' to
get to your mailbox, 'backgammon' to play, or 'SEARS' to visit the
online version of this North American shoppers' paradise.
'Mail' has page number 200. Enter 'm 200' to go there directly.
To go to NewsBytes' technical news reports by subject, select "5"
from menu page number 316.
GEnie even has a faster way. Like some other services, it let
you stack commands. Instead of issuing one command, and then wait
for the system to respond before issuing the next command, stacking
allows you to put all commands on one line. The command "m 316;5"
will take you directly to choice 5 from the menu on page 316
without displaying intermediate menus.
Many online services use the same template. They have commands
like GO SERVICE-NAME, JOIN SERVICE-NAME (or just J), DELTA SERVICE-
NAME, or just the code or name of the offering as in 'mail' and
'sears' above.
Entering H or ? (for help) usually give you assistance. Few
services are fussy about whether you use lower or capital letters
in commands.
On some services, and especially if a selection requires just
a letter or a number, you don't even have to press return to make
it happen. This method is used on many bulletin boards.
Some codes are standard. This is particularly the case with "?",
H, or Help for more information.
Test drive
----------
Several commercial systems let you try the service for free or at
lower rates. You can check what's out there without paying for the
exploratory connect time, and get some free training in how to use
the service.
CompuServe's Practice Forum (GO PRACTICE) does not carry any
connect charges, but applicable communication surcharges are still
in effect. They also have a free 'Guided Tour'.
Free trials are particularly useful before a search in an
expensive database. Use DialIndex on Dialog. Orbit has DBIN (The
database Index), and Data-Star has CROS. They are master indexes to
the databases on the system. First, select a general subject area,
then enter your search terms. The systems will respond with lists
of databases and hit counts.
Note: You must go to the 'real' databases for results. You
cannot retrieve actual information during a test drive.
Selecting an expert level
-------------------------
Most services regard all new users as novices. The software
designers assume that users don't want (or are unable) to read
lengthy explanations. They think that most users prefer navigation
by going from menu to menu.
Commercial services may support this view for financial
reasons, and especially when charging for access by the minute.
(Some of them let you read their help screens for free, though.)
Menus are important when browsing new offerings, or accessing
services that we seldom use. Frequent users of a service, however,
quickly learn how to do things. Menus may soon begin to annoy
rather than please. Reading them costs money, and it slows our
communications down.
We do not need menus when accessing online services in fully
automated mode. Your communications program remembers exactly what
to do, and does all the typing for you.
There is no point in paying extra for having menus. You'll not
read them anyway. The objective is to access the service at maximum
speed and the lowest possible cost.
Most online services can be tailored to your personal needs and
preferences. Many let you choose between:
* Full menus
* Short menus
* A prompt line with a list of the most often used
commands,
* a prompt character or word (see "prompt" in appendix 4
for examples). Prompts can be used by automatic
communication script files to trigger the next action.
If concerned about costs, note that you can use expert mode without
being a true expert. Just print the menus, and keep them by your
keyboard while moving around.
Some users draw 'road maps' of the services to navigate more
quickly. Others automate the process using automatic communications
scripts.
Tailoring your services
-----------------------
The need to tailor the online service's prompts and menus differs
considerably from user to user, as they use all kinds of computers
for communication.
Some screens are large. Other screens can only display a few
lines of text at a time. One user of my BBS even used a Hewlett
Packard pocket calculator with a tiny, tiny screen.
Many online services allow you to tailor the way information
is sent to you.
If you are satisfied with how things are, skip the next couple
of pages and read from "Connecting the first time." If curious of
your options, read on for a somewhat brief and technical overview.
Besides a selection of various types of menus, you can usually
also set the following preferences:
* What menu is to be the first, when you access the service?
* The first menu is to be a tailored menu containing your
favorite offerings, and nothing else.
* Colors, graphics, or no colors/graphics.
* Preferred file transfer protocol (to avoid a question each
time you want to transfer a file).
* Desired terminal emulator, like TTY, VT-100 or VT-52.
* CAPITAL LETTERS or Mixed Case.
* What ASCII character code to use for the DELETE function.
* How many spaces to insert when expanding TABs in your mail.
* Number of lines per screen (for example, 24 on an IBM PC, or
eight on a TRS-80 Model 100. Whether scrolling is to pause
after each screenful or not.)
* Number of characters per line (for example, 80 lines on a PC,
or 40 on a TRS-80 Model 100.
* If the linefeed character is to be sent or not.
* If blank lines are to be sent.
* Whether the service is to check when you log on to see if
you're using special software (as in 'Inquire for VIDTEX' on
CompuServe).
* The use of 'echo'. Is the service to return the characters
that you enter on your keyboard?
* Use of delay when sending linefeeds. (Useful if capturing
text to a dumb printing terminal. If text scrolls too fast
for the printer, you risk losing some of it.)
* Choice of prompt character, or prompt text string. This is
useful when communicating by script files. On CompuServe, I
have asked the system to add the BackSpace character (ASCII
character number 8) to the end of all forum prompts. Since
this character is rarely found in messages or other texts,
I can safely let scripts depend on this prompt character for
unattended communication.
Displaying information on the screen
------------------------------------
An 'A' is not an 'A' no matter what service you use. If you call
Tocolo BBS in Japan (Tel.: +81-3-205-9315. 1200 bps, 8,N,1.) with a
non-Japanese MS-DOS computer, chances are that the welcome text
will look like this:
*--------------------------------------------------------------*
* D0:[ BBS (<^/9] 7.8) *
* 62>] =3 ---> 3 (@^2K.3 03-205-9315) *
* 3]V3 <^6] ---> 24 <^6] 6D^3 C=D A-3 *
* (Wed 9:00-17:00 J R]C I @R 5T=P C^=) *
*--------------------------------------------------------------*
You'll need a Japanese ROM (Read-Only Memory) in your computer, a
special graphics program, or a Japanese language operating system
to have the Kanji characters displayed properly on your screen.
The characters that you see on your computer's screen are based
on a code. The computer finds the characters to display from a
table built into your system's hardware or software.
Most personal computers can be preset to use various tables
depending on your needs. When communicating in English, you may
want it to show Latin characters. When writing in Japanese, you
may want it to display Kanji characters.
Those writing in Norwegian, often want to use the special
Scandinavian characters . If the first two of these Nordic
characters read like the symbols for Yen and Cent, you're not set
up for Scandinavian characters. If your system is set up correctly,
they should look like an 'o' and an 'O' overwritten by a '/'.
The code telling your computer what to display, may also
contain information about where to put characters and what colors
to use.
Thus, an online service may order your computer to display a
given character in column 10 on line 2, and to print it in blinking
red color. If you're not set up correctly, these codes may show as
garbage on your screen rather than as a colorful character in a
given position.
If you call a service set to display text in VT-52 format, and
your communications program is set accordingly, then you should be
OK. VT-52 is a setup that makes a program or a service 'behave'
like a DEC VT-52 terminal.
Being able to view VT-52 coded text on your screen, does not
guarantee that you can capture this 'picture' to a file on your
disk. Your communications program may need special features to do
that. If these features are missing, you are in for a surprise. The
text in your capture file may look like in this example (it came on
a single, long line on my computer):
--------------------------------------------------------------------
*H*J*Y"4 Innhold*Y%> *Y&4Emneoversikt
1 Brukerprofil 6*Y)4Stikkord A-] 2 Bruker- *Y*4
veiledning 7*Y,4Informasjons- *Y-
4leverand|rer A-] 3 Teledatanytt*Y.W 8*Y04Personlig indeks
4*Y2H *Y34Meldingstjenesten 5 Avslutte
9*Y64 ]pningsside *00# *Y 4TELEDATA
880823-1538*Y74 NTA01-00a*Y74 *Y74*Y74
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The character '*' in this example refers to the ESCape character
(ASCII number 27). ESC is used to tell your computer that what
follows is a VT-52 display command.
The codes following the ESC say where text is to be printed on
your screen (from line number x and column number y).
If your communications program cannot save VT-52 coded text in
a readable way, you'll need auxiliary programs to remove or convert
the codes. Some communication programs let you take snapshots of
the screen, and store the result in a file. This usually gives good
results, but it may be a cumbersome approach.
Prestel (British Telecom, England) belongs to a group of online
services called videotex (or viewdata). Minitel (in France and the
U.S.), Alex (Canada), and Prodigy (U.S.A.) are also in this group.
They believe that beautiful color graphics, large characters, and
menus give them a competitive advantage.
CompuServe is often called a videotex service because of its
emphasis on menus. However, most call it 'ASCII videotex' as it is
not depending on special display formats. Their philosophy is that
'plain text' is required to attract many users across hardware
platforms.
The viewdata services use graphical display standards with
names like Prestel, CEPT, Captain (Character and Pattern Telephone
Access Information Network System, in Japan), Telidon (Canada),
Minitel, Teletel (France), GIF (the Graphics Interchange Format),
Viewdata, and NAPLPS (The North American Presentation Level
Protocol Syntax).
You often need special terminal machines to use some viewdata
services. On other services, you must use special software plus an
emulator card in your computer.
Users of the communications program Procomm Plus can buy a
Viewdata module for conversion of Prestel videotex text to plain
ASCII, i.e., plain text without imbedded special codes.
Many MS-DOS based bulletin boards let you set access defaults
to colors and graphics. Most of them use ANSI graphics in welcome
texts and menus. Users of Procomm must set their program to ANSI
BBS to take advantage.
Capture these welcome texts and menus to a file on your hard
disk, and view them with an editor. They are filled with ANSI
escape codes, and thus hard to read (and search). The good news is
that conference and forum mail only rarely contains such codes.
Many users routinely keep captured online information on their
hard disks for later reference. If this is your intention, make
sure that text is sent to you in plain ASCII, or TTY mode.
TTY sends one line at a time, and only uses the codes TAB,
BackSpace, Carriage Return and LineFeed during the transfer.
The rest is 'plain text'.
Most online services offer TTY format. You can use the setting
almost everywhere. Even the videotex service Prestel offers an
option called 'TTY Teletype'.
If 'TTY' or 'ASCII' is not on your online services' list of
options, try 'Others' or 'Other computers'. These settings usually
identify your computer as unable to handle 'standard' colors, sound
and graphics.
Viewdata pages may provide "selling pictures," but the screens
often have a low contents of information compared with TTY-based
services. They are therefore not my favorite services for news in
full-text.
In other applications, like games, colorful graphics are a
definite advantage.
Connecting the first time
-------------------------
If you have unlimited financial resources, go ahead and call up
services all over the world. Learning by doing is exciting.
If resources are limited, start by reading user information
manual. Or, go online to capture key menus and help texts. Print
them out on paper for further study before going online again for
a 'real' visit.
I always hurry slowly during my first visits to a new online
service. I call up, capture information about how to use it, and
disconnect. It may take me days to study the material. My objective
is to find what the service has to offer in order to plan how to
use it most efficiently.
The first important command to look up is the logoff command.
There is nothing more frustrating than entering "bye" only to get
an error message. If lost, try "quit", "exit", "logoff", "off" and
"G", in the hope of finding the correct command. These are the
most usual variations. You should also try HELP or "?".
If you really can't figure out how to get off a system, just
hang up on it. Be careful, though. Some systems will continue to
charge for a period, even after you have disconnected by hanging up.
One of the first things that I do, is set my options to expert
status, though I am obviously an amateur at this stage.
Often, I also start automating the process during my first
visits. I write script files for automatic access and quick
navigation to key offerings. Another good strategy is to look for
automated offline readers or systems (see Chapter 16 for details).
Others prefer paper and pencil. They write a list of required
commands on a piece of paper, like this:
Call 0165
At CONNECT: ENTER @SP ENTER
At the NUI prompt: Nxxxxxppppp-a170041
At Enter 'dix' and <Enter>: dix
At -- More --: ENTER
At Your name: Odd de Presno
At Password: hemmelig
At What do you want to do:
- when no unread mail goodbye
- when mail to read ENTER
Put the list by your keyboard before calling the service. Follow it
carefully. After a while you may remember the procedure, and can
throw away your notes.
Good luck!
Chapter 4: Hobby, games and fun
===============================
* Programs, game and fun
Online adventure games. The virus threat.
* Hobbies. Holiday travels. Collecting stamps or coins.
Roots, music, and online shopping.
Online services have one thing in common with newspapers, magazines
and books. What they offer, varies from provider to provider.
The next chapters will focus on the contents of the offerings.
Appendix 1 has details about how to access the major service
providers.
Small online services often have interesting offerings in
specialized areas, and especially when they are based on local
phenomena or events. They tend to be more personal. They often
present their 'wares' in a local language, and offer very large
collections of free software.
The large online services have hundreds of thousands of users.
The activity is often high. They usually attract interesting (and
competent) participants to their conferences and forums, have more
programs available for download and more news sources and databases
to search. They generally give you a wider choice.
We will focus on the large international services. These are
available from anywhere without too much effort, and using them
comes surprisingly cheap. Therefore, please remember that this book
just covers the top of the iceberg. Cheaper services may be found
elsewhere, and they may even be better tuned to your particular
areas of interest.
Locating game software
----------------------
The fastest, easiest and cheapest is to call an online service to
download game programs. You'll find an overwhelming number of
programs for all types of microcomputers.
Many games are free. We call them "Public Domain" or "Freeware"
programs. Others are distributed free. You do not have to pay to
get them and try them out. If you want to use them, however, the
copyright owner expects you to pay a fee. We call them "shareware"
or "user supported" programs.
When the game has been transferred to your personal computer,
you can play without worries about communications costs, or the
busy signal on your phone line.
My favorite game is shareware. The name is Arachnid. It is an
MS Windows solitaire game (patience) made by SP Services, P.O. Box
456, Southampton, SO9 7XG, England. The desired registration fee is
UKP 15.00 (English pounds). You can download the program from my
board as WINCARD.EXE. The file is 106 kilobytes large.
WINCARD.EXE is a special distribution file, which contains
three games and all supporting files. The EXE extension may fool
you into thinking that it is a program, and in a way it is. The
file is a self-extract file, meaning that you just enter "WINCARD"
on an MS-DOS computer to extract the game files from the "package."
Games are usually distributed in such distribution files. All
files used by a game (or several games) is put into one file by
special software, and compressed in size. This makes retrieval of
programs easier and cheaper. You do not have to download many
related files individually. The transfer takes less time. (Read
about how to extract programs from distribution files in appendix
3).
You will find some of the largest collections of games on the
North American services CompuServe and EXEC-PC BBS. You will also
find many throughout the Internet.
| TRICKLE is a large collection of public domain and shareware |
| programs for MS-DOS, CPM, and other computers. For information |
| about how to use TRICKLE, send a message through Internet to |
| |
| LISTSERV@VM1.NODAK.EDU |
| |
| In the TEXT of the message write |
| |
| /pdget pd:<msdos.starter>simtel20.inf |
| |
| An information file will be sent to your electronic mailbox. |
| (Read the chapter about electronic mail and appendix 1 for |
| more information.) |
| |
| If TRICKLE is not enough, try Archie. It is the Internet |
| archive server listing service. The Archie database maintains |
| a list of roughly 1.5 million files containing 100 Giga- |
| bytes (that is, 100,000,000,000 bytes) of information |
| available from over 800 anonymous FTP archive sites. |
| You can search this database by email to find where files |
| are located. Some Archie systems maintain a list of libraries |
| all over the world, while others concentrate on a more limited |
| geographical area. |
| Once Archie has told you where desired programs and files |
| are located, you can retrieve them by telnet, anonymous FTP, |
| of FTPmail. Read "File transfers through the Internet" in |
| chapter 12 for details. |
| For information about using Archie, send mail to one of the|
| following addresses (see appendix 4 for more options): |
| |
| archie@cs.mcgill.ca (Canada) |
| archie@nic.funet.fi (Finland) |
| archie@plaza.aarnet.edu.au (Australia) |
| |
| Put the word HELP in the body of the mail |
| |
| Getting programs by email is a three-step process: |
| (1) Use Archie to find file names and where they are stored, |
| (2) Send a message to ftpmail@decwrl.dec.com to have them |
| retrieved and forwarded to you by email, and |
| (3) Use a utility program to convert the file to a useful |
| format. (See chapter 12.) |
| |
| Check out JVArcServ for an Archie-alike service on FidoNet. |
Chances are that online services in your area also have many
programs to offer. Most free bulletin boards have more software
than you'll ever get around to try.
Usually, there is a natural specialization between boards.
Those using the Unix operating system, have the largest number of
programs for such machines. Those running on MS-DOS computers, have
more programs for such computers.
Some games are trite and bad. Others are brilliant. There are
ladder games, games challenging your responses (racer car driving,
flight control, war games, subsea games), electronic versions of
traditional games like Backgammon, Yatzy, chess and bridge,
educational games (geography, mathematics and history), puzzles,
fractal programs (drawing beautiful pictures on your screen),
psychological tests, text-based adventure games, and other strange
and funny creations. Here is something for any taste or belief.
If you want to get rich in a hurry, pick programs that increase
chances of winning horse race bets, or other "real world" money
winning games.
If you're into beautiful girls, fill your hard disk with
picture files in GIF, PCX or other graphics formats. (Sorry ladies,
there are not many pictures of naked boys around.) You'll also find
software that will display the pictures that you just retrieved.
Keen users of the more popular games often want to swap tricks
and discuss experiences: Super Nintendo players regularly meet on
the SNES mailing list (on SNES@spcvxa.spc.edu). To join, send your
subscription request to: SNES-Request@spcvxa.spc.edu .
For chess, try the Chess Discussion List (CHESS-
L@GREARN.BITNET) unless Chinese Chess (on XIANGQI@INDYCMS.BITNET)
is what you're looking for. CompuServe has a Chess forum (GO
CHESSFORUM) with message sections called: Chess Basics, Theory &
Analysis, News Wire, Hardware/Software, Casual Games, Electronic
Knights, Oriental/Variants, Tourneys (Open), USCF Rated Games, Team
Play, and Time Out.
Usenet excels when it comes to games:
rec.gambling Articles on games of chance & betting.
rec.games.board Discussion and hints on board games.
rec.games.board.ce The Cosmic Encounter board game.
rec.games.bridge Hobbyists interested in bridge.
rec.games.chess Chess & computer chess.
rec.games.design Discussion of game design related issues.
rec.games.empire Discussion and hints about Empire.
rec.games.frp Discussion about Role Playing games.
rec.games.go Discussion about Go.
rec.games.hack Discussion, hints, etc. about the Hack game.
rec.games.misc Games and computer games.
rec.games.moria Comments, hints, and info about the Moria game.
rec.games.mud Various aspects of multi-users computer games.
rec.games.pbm Discussion about Play by Mail games.
rec.games.pinball Discussing pinball-related issues.
rec.games.programmer Discussion of adventure game programming.
rec.games.rogue Discussion and hints about Rogue.
rec.games.trivia Discussion about trivia.
rec.games.video Discussion about video games.
rec.games.video.arcade Discussions about coin-operated video games.
With so many games and programs around, it is difficult to stay
current about new programs and new versions of old ones. Consider
subscribing to the MS-DOS Archive Additions (one-way) information
service. Internet MS-DOS archive managers use it to announce new
additions to their collections.
To subscribe, send a message to LISTSERV@TACOM-EMH1.Army.Mil
with this command in the body of the message:
subscribe msdos-ann
These announcements are also posted to the Usenet newsgroup called
comp.archives.msdos.announce .
| It is probably easier for you to relate to references like |
| "rec.games.video on Usenet," than to XIANGQI@INDYCMS.BITNET. |
| References to BITNET mailing lists are made in various ways |
| throughout the book, just as it is online. This is the basic |
| rule: |
| |
| All BITNET mailing lists are 'managed' by a LISTSERV program, |
| which handles all subscription requests. When you read a |
| reference like XIANGQI@INDYCMS.BITNET, then that means that |
| a subscription request must be set to the LISTSERV at the |
| INDYCMS computer on BITNET. Mail to the forum, however, must |
| be sent to XIANGQI@INDYCMS.BITNET to be forwarded to the |
| other members. |
| |
| For more information about these strange address codes, and |
| how to use them, read about BITNET in appendix 1. You may |
| find it useful to read about email addresses in Chapter 7. |
| |
| All BITNET mailing lists can be used by email through the |
| Internet. Several BITNET hosts also have Internet addresses. |
| Example: LISTSERV@NDSUVM1.BITNET can also be reached as |
| LISTSERV@vm1.nodak.edu . When dual addresses are given, |
| Internet users should use the Internet address, while BITNET |
| users should use the BITNET address. |
| |
| Note: In cases where a BITNET mailing list has dual addresses, |
| we have usually given the Internet address. If you are on |
| BITNET, and using these addresses are difficult or impossible, |
| ask your local postmaster for help. |
Computer viruses
----------------
Few online users ever live to see or experience a computer virus,
but they do exist. So, read this:
A virus is a small, hidden computer program that can cause
the loss or alteration of programs or data, and can compromise
their confidentiality. It can spread from program to program, and
from system to system, without direct human intervention.
The chance of your computer being infected is small, but you're
never safe. Therefore, download a program for virus detection and
identification, like VIRUSSCAN from McAffee Associates, 4423
Cheeney Street, Santa Clara, CA 95054-0253, U.S.A. They also have
virus disinfection programs (for MS-DOS computers).
For more about viruses, subscribe to VIRUS-L@LEHIGH.EDU.
CompuServe has the Mac New Users Forum (with a a Virus Clinic
section), the McAfee Virus Help Forum, the Symantec AntiVirus
Forum, and more. FidoNet has a VIRUS echo. ILINK has VIRUS-I.
Usenet has bit.listserv.valert-l (Virus Alert List), and
comp.virus .
Online games
------------
If you're into games, why not investigate online adventure games?
There are many alternatives. Prestel (England) offers TRASH, an
environmental multi-user game with a futuristic theme and full of
humor. Up to 64 persons can play simultaneously.
" ...Callers play out the role of pandimensional refuse
disposal officers, whose primary aim in life is to clean up the
multiverse, as the Trash environment is called."
"With a diverse range of 'psionic powers', which vary from
the nasty (pyrokinesis) to the gentle (faith healing), at their
command, Trash players roam across dimensions and universes,
completing various tasks."
Bulletin boards throughout the world invite you to role playing
games. Some have graphics, music and sound effects. Dungeons &
Dragons is a popular choice.
On EXEC-PC, play Startrek. Select an identity and "play it out"
according to its character. If you're a real afficionado, check out
rec.arts.startrek.info on Usenet or the list RASI-L@ncc1701e.uucp
(write LISTSERV@ncc1701e.uucp to subscribe).
Advanced players swap tricks on STARGAME@PCCVM.BITNET. On many
BBSes, MUD is a most popular game.
| Multi-User Dungeons (MUD) is a structured and user-modifiable |
| online environment, which allows users not only to interact |
| with each other, but to do role-playing, build and furnish |
| living areas and interaction areas, extend and create the |
| interactive "space" and the rules for using that space. |
Popular choices on CompuServe are strategy games like The Island of
Kesmai and Megawars. One game can last for weeks at a time. On CIX
(England), many prefer the multi-user dungeon game DiscWorld.
If you prefer sport fantasies in the armchair, check out GEnie.
They offer Rotisserie League Baseball. Decide what team player to
be, and join in a match of American baseball.
Nintendo offers online games through the Famicom Networks in
Japan and the U.S. Your PC must have a special graphics card to
play games like GO and Shogi, a Japanese game of chess.
Chat
----
Chat, or "keyboard talking," is a popular attraction, and in
particular on the large online services.
Your first attempt will probably be a strange experience.
When may people talk simultaneously in chat mode, incoherent
sentences seem to fly over your computer screen. It takes some
training to be able to read what each of them is saying.
CompuServe's Citizen Band Simulator (GO CB) is an electronic
version of the hams' short-wave radio. It has 72 CB Simulator
channels. You can chat with anonymous members, have fun and find
new keypals.
On EXEC-PC's Chat and Entertainment System up to 64 users can
talk simultaneously. GEnie calls their service Livewire CB. On BIX,
look for CBIX.
Some users are serious about chatting. Several large companies
are heavy users. Although this kind of talking is a slow process,
it has advantages. It is easy to document the discussion. People
from places geographically far apart can meet at a low cost to
discuss.
Some online services charge less for chats than for other
services.
My hobby
--------
There are online forums for most hobbies: collection of stamps and
coins, genealogy, music, holiday travels, skiing, purchase of
consumer electronics, video, filming, and more.
Those you meet in the clubs share your interests. They come to
exchange information and experiences, to listen, swap stamps or
coins, participate in club auctions, and exploit favorable group
discounts when buying things for their hobby.
In these clubs, the main attraction is the open messages that
people write to each other. Many clubs also have libraries filled
with special software (like data base programs for collectors) and
information files.
Coins (on Coins@rocky.er.usgs.gov) is a forum for discussion of
Numismatics, the study of coins, American and International. Paper
currency is also a welcome topic, but trading is not allowed. To
subscribe, send a message to robert@whiplash.er.usgs.gov .
Music
-----
ILINK, an international exchange of conferences between bulletin
boards, has a forum for country music lovers. It presents itself
in these words:
COUNTRY MUSIC
Country & Western music including bluegrass and other related
forms. Discussion of artists, techniques, instruments &
musicians. Host: John Stewart
One oasis of civility in the BBS maelstrom is the 150-board
ILINK network -- recently renamed from InterLink. Unlike most
BBS networks, ILINK carefully evaluates each board before
permitting membership. "We are very selective -- some say
overly selective," says ILINK's international host Andy Keeves.
Choosiness keeps ILINK small but upholds the decorum of its
message bases.
Usenet has rec.music.country.western . FidoNet has 60S_70S_PROGROCK
about the progressive rock music of the 60's and 70's, gospel music
in CHR_GSPL_MUSIC, a club for selling and buying between musicians
(MUSICIAN'S_SERVICES), and (MUSIC_COMP_101) for aspiring composers.
CompuServe has a bunch of forums. Check out the Music/MIDI
sections in the Amiga and Atari ST Arts forums. The latter is a
full Music/MIDI forum. The Coin/Stamp/Collectibles Forum has a
section for music collectors.
CompuServe's RockNet forum has the following structure:
Available message sections: Available file libraries:
0 General/Misc. 0 General Misc
1 Rock Music 1 Rock Music
2 Rock Radio 2 Rock Radio
3 Reviews/LK 3 Reviews
4 Q&A/Help 4 Q&A/Help
5 Rock Film & Video 5 Rock Film & Video
6 RockLetters 6 RockLetters
7 Trends 7 Trends
8 Heavy Metal 8 Heavy Metal
9 Old Wave 9 Old Wave
10 New Music 10 New Music
11 CD Hotline 11 Compact Discs
12 Green, Village 12 Graphics/Programs
You can tailor your visits to RockNet to your personal interests.
If you're into Heavy Metal, limit your readings of messages to
those in section 8, and possibly 3 and 7.
The Music and Performing Arts Forum (GO MUSICARTS) is another
interesting place on CompuServe. Converse with fellow music fans
about on topics like classical, jazz/blues, Big Band, country/folk
and religious music, ballet/dance, drama and more.
MIDI is discussed on several bulletin boards, including in
conferences distributed by RelayNet.
Classical music forums can be found on most larger services.
Try CLASSM-L on LISTSERV@BROWNVM.BITNET.
For jazz, try the ILINK conference JAZZ, rec.music.bluenote on
Usenet, MILES on LISTSERV@HEARN.NIC.SURFNET.NL (about Miles Davis),
or BLUES-L at LISTSERV@BROWNVM.BROWN.EDU .
Another jazz oriented list, SATURN on LISTSERV@HEARN.BITNET, is
for discussing the free-jazz big band leader, Sun Ra.
Network-Audio-Bits is an electronic magazine bringing reviews
and information about rock, pop, new age, jazz, funk, folk music
and other genres. (Write Murph@Maine.BITNET to join.)
The Music Newsletter offers reviews and interviews. Subscribe
by email to LISTSERV@VM.MARIST.EDU using the command "SUBSCRIBE
UPNEWS Your-full-name."
| On BITNET mailing lists, you subscribe by using the command |
| "SUB <mailing-list-name> Your-full-name" in the body of your |
| email. |
| |
| There are also mailing lists on Unix workstations, PCs, and |
| microVaxen. These may require that you write the subscribe |
| command in full ('SUBSCRIBE'), or use other commands. |
To get the "Music List of Lists," an overview of music oriented
mailing lists, send email to mlol-request@wariat.org .
GRIND (write grind-request@unh.edu) focuses on discussions
about grindcore/death metal/heavy thrash music. PRIMUS is about the
funk/rock band Primus (write to primus-request@unh.edu).
KLARINET (on LISTSERV@VCCSCENT.BITNET) is a network bringing
news, information, research and teaching items of interest, and
other related information for clarinet players, teachers, students,
and enthusiasts.
"Backstreets" on UUCP is for those who love the music of Bruce
Springsteen (backstreets-request@virginia.edu). "Eclipse" (eclipse-
request@beach.cis.ufl.edu) focuses on Pink Floyd and his music. If
a fan of Jimi Hendrix, join "hey-joe" (hey-joe-request@ms.uky.edu).
In "brass," the topic is brass band music (write to brass-
request@geomag.gly.fsu.edu for access).
"J-Pop" (jpop-request@wystan.bsd.uchicago.edu via UUCP) has
discussions about Japanese pop/rock of today.
Wine and food
-------------
Some people would rather fill their stomachs than their ears. They
call CompuServe for the Cooks Online forum (for gourmets) and the
Bacchus Wine Forum (for their throats).
BITNET has the mailing list "Eat" (EAT-L@VTVM2), a club for
FoodLore/Recipe Exchange. In J-FOOD-L (J-FOOD-L@JPNKNU10 on BITNET)
they discuss Japanese food and culture.
If your interest is more academic, subscribe to FOODWINE (on
LISTSERV@CMUVM.CSV.CMICH.EDU). It is for those seriously interested
in the academic study of food and its accompaniments in the 1990's,
including a variety of disciplines, such as marketing,
communications, hospitality, consumer affairs, hotel and catering
management.
Usenet has rec.food.cooking, rec.food.recipes, rec.food.drink,
rec.food.restaurants, and rec.food.veg for vegetarians. On FidoNet,
check out INTERCOOK for words of wisdom on International Cooking.
On ILINK and RelayNet, look for CUISINE. That is where we found
the following recipe for Mexican Meatloaf:
2 lb Ground Beef
1 ea Bell Pepper, Diced
10 1/2 oz Cream Chicken Soup
10 oz Cheddar Cheese
4 oz Green Chilies, Diced
1 ea Onion, Chopped
8 oz Taco Sauce
1 pk Tortillas
4 oz Mushrooms (fresh optional)
2 ea Jalapen"'s (to taste)
1. Brown ground beef and drain.
2. Mix onions, green peppers, mushrooms, green CHILIES, taco
sauce, jalapen"'s and cream chicken soup into skillet with
ground beef.
3. Simmer until vegetables are soft.
4. Shred cheddar cheese.
5. In crock pot or dish, layer meat mixture, cheese, and
tortillas; heat until cheese melts.
Bon apetit!
Outdoor life
------------
CompuServe's Great Outdoors SIG is for those preferring nature for
the computer screen. Its sections are called:
General/Photography, Scouting, Power Boating, TROUT UNLIMITED,
Fishing, Hunting, Cycling, AUDUBON/Birding, Canoe/Kayak/Raft,
Camp/Hike/Walk/RV, Snow Sports/Climb, OWAA, CIS/Computers,
Firearms, NRA, Environmnt/Wildlife, OUTDOOR LIFE mag.
If you dream of visiting Alaska to hunt, fish and explore the
wilderness by canoe, then this is the place. Add the Outdoor
Cooking section of the Cooks Online Forum to make it perfect.
Scandinavian bulletin boards exchange the "JAKT_FRILUFT"
conference (Through MIX). ILINK offers OUTDOORS, which focuses
on outdoor hobbies.
As usual, Usenet has a lot. These are some examples:
rec.aviation Aviation rules, means, and methods.
rec.backcountry Activities in the Great Outdoors.
rec.bicycles Bicycles, related products and laws.
rec.birds Hobbyists interested in bird watching.
rec.boats Hobbyists interested in boating.
rec.boats.paddle Talk about any boats with oars, paddles,
etc.
rec.climbing Climbing techniques, competition
announcements, etc.
Scouts participate in SCOUTER on FidoNet (International SCOUTING
Conference) and SCOUTS-L (SCOUTS-L@NDSUVM1) on BITNET. Golfers meet
in GOLF-L (on LISTSERV@ubvm.bitnet).
Photo enthusiasts will track down PHOTO-L@BUACCA.BITNET,
CompuServe's Photography Forum and its SCUBA Forum's sections for
underwater photography. For more, there's "Photography" on EXEC-PC
and The Well, PHOTO on RelayNet, PHOTOSIG on ILINK and rec.photo on
Usenet.
If you're into 3-d (stereo) photography, enroll in "3d" on
UUCP:
Contact: 3d-request@bfmny0.bfm.com (Tom Neff)
Purpose: Discussion of 3-D (stereo) photography. General info,
hints, experiences, equipment, techniques, and stereo
"happenings." Anyone interested is welcome to join.
There are clubs for all popular outdoor hobbies.
Roots
-----
On ROOTS-L@NDSUVM1.BITNET and soc.roots on Usenet, the emphasis is
on genealogy. Here, you'll get tips about tools and techniques. You
can exchange information about ancestors and find new friends and
partners for joint research.
On CompuServe, it is called The Genealogy Forum. One message
section is called Overseas Ancestry. Remember to check out the
Family History Library, a newsletter bringing news from the library
for genealogical research in Salt Lake City, U.S.A. (stored in
Library 10.)
The North American bulletin boards ROOTS-BBS (San Francisco)
and THE FAMILY ROOTS (Oklahoma) are connected to FidoNet.
GEnie has the Genealogy Knowledgebase. FidoNet has
GENDATA Genealogy Database
GENEALOGY:_WGW Who's Got What (WGW) Data Base
GENSOFT Genealogy software
SE_GENEALOGY South Eastern US Genealogy Conference
Since FidoNet has links all over the world, these conferences can
give contacts in countries that you might otherwise have problems
in reaching.
On most of these services, you'll find interesting genealogy
programs and files with practical hints about how to write a book
about your family.
Him and Her
-----------
Members of the female sex have their favorite meeting places, like
Cleopatra on Bergen By Byte. Men do not have admission.
Usenet has soc.feminism. Those with limited access to Usenet,
may subscribe to "feminism-digest." Send email to feminism-
digest@ncar.ucar.edu to get on the mailing list.
"Contact feminism-digest@ncar.ucar.edu" above means that you
need to write a message to this Internet email address with a
subscription request, or to receive further information about
how to join. This mailing list does not have automatic
subscriptions.
To join the mailing list "feminists," write Patricia Collins on
collins@hplabs.hp.com . She presents the conference's purpose in
this way:
The feminist mailing list is intended to provide a forum
for discussion of issues of interest to women, in a friendly
atmosphere. The basic tenets of feminism and the day-to-day
experiences of women do not have to be explained or defended.
Men and women can join, but everyone requesting to be added to
the mailing list MUST provide the moderator with: (1) a full
name; (2) a complete UUCP path to a well-known host or a fully
specified Internet address; (3) the correspondent's gender (for
records and statistics only). NO exceptions.
While we're at it, let's move on to other topics associated with
the term sex:
Bisexuals can participate in "sappho" on UUCP. Contact
sappho-request@mc.lcs.mit.edu. On BITNET, you'll find BIFEM-L
(BIFEM-L@BROWNVM), BISEXU-L (BISEXU-L@BROWNVM) and others.
Spanish speaking users can subscribe to ARENAL (Lista de
discussion para hispanos/as que desean acabar con la homofobia).
Subscribe by email to LISTSERV@LUT.FI .
Usenet has tons of it: soc.motss, alt.politics.homosexuality,
alt.sex.bestiality, alt.sex, alt.sex.bondage, alt.sex.pictures.d,
clari.news.group.gays, alt.sex.pictures, alt.sex.motss,
clari.feature.kinsey (Sex Q&A and Advice from Kinsey Institute),
clari.news.law.crime.sex and clari.news.sex.
Conferences called "SEXUALITY" are alive on FidoNet and The
Well. CompuServe has a Human Sexuality Adult Forum and a Human
Sexuality Open Forum. STOPRAPE@BROWNVM.BITNET is a Sexual Assault
Activist List.
Finally, there are a large number of pictures of nudes in all
possible and impossible positions. Most of them are childish, some
are decidedly pornographic, a few are beautiful and erotic.
The online services' policies vary about what kind of
pictures and picture programs to make available. The larger the
service, the more conservative they tend to be.
Programs for hobbyists
----------------------
It's no rule that a service need to have a conference about a
hobby, to have interesting programs available for downloading.
Programs float around from service to service much easier than
conference items. Still, the best programs for a given hobby are
normally found on services where hobbyists meet to discuss.
You will find:
Chess and bridge programs,
Morse code training programs for ham amateurs,
Astrology programs,
Data base systems for keeping track of music cassettes or
records, video cassettes, books, stamps, coins, etc.
Information systems for wine lovers,
Recipe programs (tell me what you've got, and I'll tell
you what you can make), and much more.
Online shopping
---------------
You can buy almost anything online: video cameras, books, music,
Bonsai plants, golf equipment, canned cakes from Gimmee Jimmy's
Cookies, Levi's trousers for men, computer equipment, a four-door
Nissan Pathfinder SE-V6 car, and air tickets for Mexico.
Shoppers who let their modem do the "walking" are already a few
steps ahead of people Still stuck shopping the old-fashioned way.
Experienced online shoppers know that you can tap a world of stores
without ever leaving your keyboard, and that you can browse and buy
with very little effort.
Some services present their wares "for your information only."
It's like reading newspaper ads. You must contact the seller to
buy. Other services have large online supermarkets with many
stores, and you can by while you visit.
Subscribers to CompuServe get a monthly magazine by mail. "Go
Mall Shoppers' Guide" is a regular insert with color photos and
descriptions of selected products. Type GO MALL, order a product,
enter your credit card number, and have it sent you by mail.
What if used goods are good enough? ILINK, the international
conference exchange system, has GARAGESALE. Here you can buy and
sell for hobby or home: Photo, video, audio, sound/music and midi
equipment, and all kinds of other domestic items. ILINK also has
a conference called BUY-SELL.
HAM-SALE on the FidoNet is for ham amateurs wanting to swap, by
or sell. The American computer magazine PC Week is operating a
Buyer's Forum on CompuServe.
UUCP's "muscle-cars" is where "muscle car" enthusiasts offer
advice, share problems and solutions, discuss technical issues,
racing, buying or selling parts, cars, or services, or just discuss
cars and swap stories with others. (Contact: muscle-cars-
request@sorinc.PacBell.COM).
Similar experiences are waiting for you in "BMW" (Write: bmw-
request@sol.crd.ge.com), "british-cars" (Write: british-cars-
request@encore.com), "italian-cars" (Write: italian-cars-
request@sol.crd.ge.com) and "Z-cars" (the topic is Z-cars from
Datsun/Nissan. Write: rsiatl!z-car-request).
Vintage VW (at VintageVW@rocky.er.usgs.gov) is about Vintage
Volkswagens. This includes the Beetle, Bus (Types II and II/IV),
Ghia, Squareback, Kubelwagen (Thing), bajas, buggies, Schwimmwagen,
rails and any VW (air-cooled) powered vehicle including aircraft.
Beginners, gurus, mechanics and non-mechanics, restorers and
daily drivers are welcomed. This is where you can discuss how-to
stuff, parts availability, answer mechanical questions, list show
dates, swap meets, club addresses, favorite stories, etc. To
subscribe, send a message to robert@whiplash.er.usgs.gov .
The newsletter NEWSBYTES brings you regular reports about
prices on used computers from The Boston Computer Exchange (BOCO).
The newsletter is available through GEnie, ZiffNet on CompuServe,
NewsNet, Dialog, and others.
ZiffNet also offers the Computer Directory, an online
encyclopedia with information about more than 75,000 hardware
and software products sold in North America (1993). The data base
is updated monthly.
Planning your holidays
----------------------
CompuServe invites you to read reviews of theater performances,
books, movies and restaurants, opera, symphonies, ballets, dance,
museums and art galleries. They have information about airline
schedules and prices, hotels and the latest ski weather forecast.
Televerket's Datatorg in Norway offers air tickets and hotel
reservations through SMART LINK, a self-serve system operated by
the Norwegian travel agencies. Entertainment and travel are also
popular on Prestel. Most British tour operators have an "office"
there.
Several international services, including CompuServe and Dow
Jones News/Retrieval, offer OAG (The Official Airline Guide) and
Eaasy Sabre (the American Airlines reservation system).
Worldscan/Travel shopper is on CompuServe and Delphi. The
Travel Forum on CompuServe administers a member travel discount
program. Download HOTEL.SAV in Library 0 for information about
lower rates on hotel room and car-rental rates.
It's often possible to book hotel rooms and rent cars online.
Travelshopper has a built-in hotel guide, searchable by city around
the world. OAG has a database of over 40,000 hotels worldwide
(1992). It has the AA Rated European Hotels & Restaurants menu,
which covers trips from Andorra to Yugoslavia. Accu-Weather
provides three-day weather forecasts for 450 cities worldwide,
updated hourly.
Travel agents are also operative through the Internet. One
alternative is at TRAVEL@delphi.com . Telnet lib.dartmouth.edu for
a World Factbook on countries.
Is this your first visit to Japan? Why not prepare your visit
through the online service TWICS in Tokyo. It presents itself like
this:
"Japan is an island nation, full of communities in villages,
towns, and cities squeezed in between the mountains and the sea,
with ports of various sizes and shapes through which communication
flows between communities.
Our own online community is organized in the same terms, an
island community "BEEJIMA" (Bee Island), with our village
("MURA"), a port ("MINATO"), and our very own volcanic mountain
("YAMA").
In the village, there is a village office ("YAKUBA"), a community
meeting place ("YORIAI"), a high-tech corner ("AKIHABARA") named
after the famous electronics district in Tokyo, a health center
("EMEDICA"), a place to hang around and read things ("HON YA"), a
school ("GAKKOU"), and a market ("ICHIBA"). The port has holding
areas and leads to other parts of Japan ("NIPPON") and the world
("SEKAI"). The mountain has a hot springs ("ONSEN") recreational
area, and a lively outdoor bath ("IN THE OFURO") which has become
the social center of our island.
Add to this soc.culture.japan on Usenet, the BITNET discussion list
JAPAN@NDSUVM1, the Japan Forum on CompuServe, and "JAPAN" on
RelayNet.
Did you say the former "Soviet Union?" Here are phone numbers
to some "local" bulletin board systems:
Moscow Fair (Moscow): +7 095 366 5209
SUEARN NIC BBS (Moscow): +7 095 938 3618
Kreit BBS (Leningrad): +7 812 112 2611
Amber Way BBS (Vilnius, Lithuania): +7 012 222 7194
UFO BBS (Riga, Latvia): +7 013 232 3983
Post Square #1 (Kiev, Ukrain): +7 044 417 5700
BITNET club TRAVEL-L (TRAVEL-L@TREARN) for those interested in
tourism. ILINK and The Well have conferences under the name TRAVEL.
Many conferences in online land concentrate on particular parts
of the world. BALT-L@UBVM.BITNET is focusing on the Baltic states.
In AFRICA-L@BRUFPB.BITNET they discuss Africa. On Usenet, the news
group is called soc.culture.african.
To brush up your Portuguese, consider joining BRAS-NET, It is a
Brazilian mailing list/network. Send your subscription request to
bras-net-request@cs.ucla.edu . For general information about other
Brazilian interest groups, write LISTSERV@FAPQ.FAPESP.BR .
For those who are into Spanish, why not check out CHILE-L
(at LISTSERV@USACHVM1.BITNET), or FOLLAC, a mailing list about
'Folklore Latino, Latinoamericano y Caribeno'. To join, write Emily
Socolov at owner-follac@ccwf.cc.texas.edu .
Here are some other African sources: the French language
Algeria News List (ALGNEWS) is on LISTSERV@gwuvm.gwu.edu. TUNISNET
(on LISTSERV@psuvm.psu.edu) is The Tunisia Network. EGYPT-NET
(write: egypt-net-request@das.harvard.edu) is the Egypt Discussion
and News forum.
Send mail to mcgee@epsilon.eecs.nwu.edu to get a list of
Internet/Bitnet mailing lists that focus on African, African-
American, African-Caribbean or African-Latin issues, and a list of
African information sites.
In the soc.culture hierarchy on Usenet, you'll find area codes
like asian, african, arabic, asean, australian, bangladesh,
british, canada, china, celtic, europe, filipino, french, german,
greek, hongkong, indian, iranian, italian, jewish, korean, latin-
american, lebanon, magyar, nepal, new-zealand, nordic, pakistan,
polish, soviet, spain, sri-lanka, taiwan, thai, turkish, vietnamese
and yugoslavia.
In "argentina," you can read about how to make empanadas while
sharpening up your Spanish before visiting Buenos Aires. (Contact:
argentina-request@ois.db.toronto.edu).
CompuServe's Travel Forum has sections called United States,
Canada, Mexico/Central America, Caribbean, South America, Oceania,
Asia, Europe, Africa/Middle East and Hawaii.
If you're off to London, check out the UK Travel section in
CompuServe's UK Computing Forum. Its library contains files with
tips about affordable hotels, British road signs, and a list of
London theatre shows with ticket-buying tips.
If your destination is Germany, practice Deutch in the Deutches
Forum (GO GERNET).
Search for additional background information using CompuServe's
Magazine Database Plus, if you don't mind paying a wee surcharge.
Look up places to stay in the ABC Worldwide Hotel Listing.
On America Online, you can research National Geographic and
National Geographic Traveler Magazines online. You can look up your
destination in the electronic Comptons Encyclopedia.
GEnie has a Japan RoundTable and a Deutchland RoundTable.
Both provide for interaction with users from those respective
countries.
If you are responsible for your company's business travels,
check out the following newsletters on NewsNet: BUSINESS TRAVEL
NEWS, and TOUR & TRAVEL NEWS. (You can also search NewsNet's
newsletters through CompuServe's IQuest, Dialog, and others).
NewsNet has searchable newsletters focusing on the conditions
in particular countries or parts of the world (news, travel and
political risk analysis, political stability, etc.).
Politics
--------
Many of these conferences and forums are filled to the brim with
political discussions. For information about the United Nations,
subscribe to UN (on LISTSERV@INDYCMS.IUPUI.EDU).
Chapter 5: Home, education and work
===================================
House, garden and finances
--------------------------
FidoNet has a long list of interesting conferences:
HOME-N-GRDN Home and Garden Questions
HOMEAUT Home Automation
HOMESCHL Homeschooling support
HOME_IMP Improvements around the house.
HOME_OFFICE Home Office
HOME_REPAIR Home Repair and Remodelling
ZYMURGY Beer Homebrewing
The EXEC-PC BBS has "Home Repair." The FUTUREHOME TECHNOLOGY NEWS
newsletter is available through NewsNet. On ILINK, you will find the
HOMEGARDEN conference. Usenet has misc.consumers.house . Here they
discuss anything related to owning and maintaining a house. On the
Well, check out "Homeowners."
In Ziff-Davis' Magazine Database Plus you can search and read
articles from the Good Housekeeping Magazine. This full-text
article database is available from CompuServe and other services.
Through UUCP you can get to the conference "Antiques" (Contact:
antiques-request@swbatl.sbc.com).
CompuServe also has the Gardening Forum. It is operated by the
National Gardening Association, which publishes National Gardening
magazine.
The various services' software libraries contain many great
shareware and public domain programs. You can download software that
will help you prepare tax return forms, plan next year's taxes,
calculate interests and down-payments on your loans. You'll find
double-entry money-managing systems for non-accountants that will
help you with personal bookkeeping and checkbook balancing.
Other programs will help you plan and maintain your house.
There are personal inventory programs (to help you keep track of
belongings), and programs that can help you plan allocation of the
space in your home. . .
Join CompuServe's Investors Forum to learn how to play the
stock and money markets, and other moneymaking 'instruments'.
Discuss investment techniques with others, read reports about
economical trends, and retrieve useful programs for your personal
computer.
RelayNet offers the international conference INVESTOR. Usenet
has misc.invest .
If you want to adopt a child, check out ADOPTION on FidoNet,
or subscribe to a UUCP conference of the same name. For access,
write adoption-request@think.com . The National Issues Forum on
CompuServe has a message section called "Adoption Today."
Addicted TV-viewers may be interested in alt.tv.twin-peaks or
alt.tv.muppets on Usenet. "Mystery" on FidoNet and UUCP is for
those preferring mystery novels by the fire place in the living
room.
There are even offerings for "the perfect house wife." I can
think of no better pastime than origami, the traditional Japanese
art of folding paper. (Contact: origami-request@cs.utexas.edu on
UUCP).
Oh, I almost forgot: The BONSAI conference is essential (on
LISTSERV@CMS.CC.WAYNE.EDU). This is where to discuss the art and
craft of Bonsai and related art forms. Bonsai is the Oriental Art
of miniaturizing trees and plants into forms that mimic nature.
Education, teaching and the exchange of knowledge
-------------------------------------------------
The list of conferences, forums, clubs, and other services
focusing on education - in its broadest meaning of the word -
is long. You are offered online courses, workshops, and seminars
for students of all ages, databases to help you select a school for
yourself or your kids, and all kinds of discussion forums for
educators.
Usenet, BITNET, Internet, and UUCP have long traditions in
education. You'll find offerings for teachers within all subject
areas, from finance and accounting, through history, languages and
geography to technical subjects on all levels.
Two guides listing forums of interest to Educators can be
retrieved by anonymous FTP from the pub/ednet directory at
nic.umass.edu . Use the following commands (see "FTP by email" at
the end of Chapter 12):
get educatrs.lst
get edusenet.gde
KIDSPHERE (subscribe through JOINKIDS@vms.cis.pitt.edu) is a
discussion forum for teachers of students from the age of
kindergarten through high school and higher.
This is a selection of other BITNET discussion lists to
suggest the span of topics:
CHEMED-L (CHEMED-L@UWF) Chemistry Education Discussion
CHRONICL (CHRONICL@USCVM) On-Line Chronicle of Higher Ed
CIVIL-L (CIVIL-L@UNBVM1) Civil Engineering Research & Ed.
COMLAW-L (COMLAW-L@UALTAVM) Computers and Legal Education
DRUGABUS (DRUGABUS@UMAB) Drug Abuse Education Information
JOURNET (JOURNET@QUCDN) Discussion List for Journalism Ed
MEDIA-L (MEDIA-L@BINGVMB) Media in Education
MULTI-L (MULTI-L@BARILVM) Language and Education in Multi-
Lingual Settings
MUSIC-ED (MUSIC-ED@UMINN1) MUSIC-ED Music Education
PANET-L (PANET-L@YALEVM) Medical Education and Health Info
TAG-L (TAG-L@NDSUVM1) TAG-L Talented and Gifted Ed
WORLD-L (WORLD-L@UBVM.CC.BUFFALO.EDU)
Non-Eurocentric World History
Here are some Usenet conferences:
comp.edu Computer science education
sci.edu The science of education
comp.ai.edu Applications of Artificial Intelligence to
Education
There are many similar offerings on the commercial services and
free bulletin boards.
K12Net is a decentralized network for schools available on
FidoNet and Usenet. Write janet.murray@f23.n105.z1.fidonet.org for
information.
FidoNet also has
A_THEIST A_Theism Education and Enlightenment
HIGH_ED Education, Post Secondary
HISTORY International History
MAC_GAMES Macintosh Entertainment & Education
CompuServe has 12 forums focusing on education. Among these you'll
find the Disabilities Forum, Computer Training Forum, Education
Forum, Education Research forum, Science/Math Educational Forum,
Foreign Language Forum, LOGO and Students Forum.
Ken and Carrie Loss-Cutler are coordinating the section for
Home/Alternative Education in CompuServe's Education Forum. They
educate their two children at home instead of sending them to a
public school.
The Foreign Language Forum has the sections Potpourri/Polyglot,
Spanish/Portuguese, French, German/Germanic, Latin/Greek, Slavic/E.
European, English, East Asian, Esperanto, Others, FL Education,
Translators, Computers/CAI-CALL, The Directory, Jobs/Careers, New
Uploads and Using the Forum.
If you're into reading/writing the African language Kiswahili
(Swahili), write kuntz@macc.wisc.edu to get onto the SWAHILI-L
mailing list.
The more occupational oriented forums include Communications
Industry Forum, Environmental Forum, Firenet (for volunteer fire
brigades), Industrial Hygiene Forum, AAMSI Medical Forum, ASCMD
Forum, HealthNet, OP-Net Forum, the MICRO MD Network, Legal SIG,
Aviation SIG, CB Society and CEMSIG (computers and electronics).
Bergen By Byte has the Norwegian language conference Schools.
This conference is for validated users only.
| There are many private conferences in the online world. All |
| conferences referred to in this book are open for anybody to |
| join, unless explicitly told to be private. |
RelayNet has EDUCATION. NewsNet offers the newsletters EDUCATION
DAILY, and the HELLER REPORT ON EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY.
Many online services (including schools and universities) offer
students accredited courses by modem. Connected Education at the
New School for Social Research in the United States is one example,
as is the University of Phoenix in Arizona. (Ask in CompuServe's
Education Forum for more information.)
The EDUPAGE newsletter is a twice-weekly summary of news items
on information technology, provided by a consortium of colleges and
universities "seeking to transform education through the use of
information technology." Compact and informative. I like it.
To subscribe, send a note to edupage@educom.edu with your name,
institution name and email address. (EDUPAGE is also available for
Gopher, WAIS and anonymous FTP access on EDUCOM's host machine,
educom.edu .)
INFOBITS (at listserv@gibbs.oit.unc.edu) is a monthly service
reporting from a number of information and instruction technology
sources.
The Internet Resource Directory for Educators is available by
anonymous FTP from tcet.unt.edu in the pub/telecomputing-info/IRD
subdirectory. File names include:
IRD-telnet-sites.txt (226KB ASCII text)
IRD-ftp-archives.txt ( 73KB)
IRD-listservs.txt (201KB)
IRD-infusion-ideas.txt (202KB)
Example: KIDLINK
----------------
Many parents and teachers regard the online world as a learning
opportunity for their kids. Some of them turn to KIDLINK, a global
service for children between 10 - 15 years of age. The service is
operated by a grassroots network of volunteers.
The objective is to get as many children as possible involved
in a global dialog.
Participation is free. Before joining the discussion, however,
each child must respond to the following four questions:
1. Who am I?
2. What do I want to be when I grow up?
3. How do I want the world to be better when I grow up?
4. What can I do Now to make this come true?
The kids can write in any language. Most answers are sent through
the Internet to a large online database in North America. Anyone
with an email connection to the Internet can search this database
at will.
When they have submitted their responses, they are invited to
'meet' the others in several KIDCAFEs. The cafes are split up by
language. Here, they can discuss anything from pop music to how it
is to live in other countries.
KIDLINK grew from an idea in 1990 to over 10,000 participating
children in 50 countries by May 1993.
Schools all over the globe are integrating KIDLINK with their
classes in languages, geography, history, environment, art, etc.
To the kid participant, KIDCAFE may be the beginning of a personal
network of international friends.
For more information, send mail to LISTSERV@VM1.NODAK.EDU with
the following command in the TEXT of your message:
GET KIDLINK GENERAL
Your personal network
---------------------
Network is a word with many meanings. It can be a system set up to
transport data from one computer to another. It can be an online
service with many conferences, and a friendly connection between
people (like in "old boys' network"). Here, we use it in the latter
meaning of the word.
We use our personal networks more than most of us think of.
We have a chain of people that we call on to ask for advice, help,
and who we invite to participate in projects or parties. When they
ask us for assistance, we lend a hand.
The online world has some interesting characteristics. One is
that most participants in online conferences already have received
so much help from others that they feel obliged to pay back. They
do this by helping others.
Those who help, know that helping others will be rewarded. The
reward, however, may not come directly from the persons that they
help. They contributions help maintain and develop the online world
as one giant personal network.
A typical example: I wanted to buy a 425 megabyte hard disk for
my Toshiba 5100 personal computer. I discover the existence of such
a drive, when a user told about his experiences in CompuServe's
Toshiba Forum. Before placing an order, I wrote to check if he was
still satisfied with the disk.
The happy user did more than reply. He told about other sellers
and offered to help out with return shipment of my computer when
done. He made it clear that he had no financial interest in the
companies selling the upgrade. We had no previous contact with
each other.
The online world is full of similar examples. The list of what
people do to help others is very, very long.
In most conferences and forums you get help, just like that.
There is always someone prepared to help.
Still, the best long range strategy to build chances of getting
help when you need it, is to be visually present in conferences,
that matter to you. 'Being visually present' means that you should
contribute in the discussions and help others as much as you can.
The p o s i t i v e contributors get a lot of friends and a
disproportional amount of help from others.
That is all it takes to build a personal network. One day you
may need it. It will give you an incredible advantage. I have seen
people get jobs, partners and clients through such contacts. The
online world is full of opportunities.
Watch your words
----------------
Written communications are deprived of the body language and tone
of voice that convey so much in face-to-face meetings and even in
telephone conversations. Therefore, it makes sense to work much
harder to build in humor, sarcasm, or disagreement and avoid your
words come across as stupidity, rudeness, or aggressiveness.
One way of defusing misunderstanding is to include cues as to
your emotional state. One popular technique is to use keyboard
symbols like :-). We call these symbols emoticons.
What :-) means? Tilt your head to the left and look again. Yes,
it's a smiling face.
Here are some other examples to challenge your imagination: ;-)
(Winking Smiley), :-( (Sad), 8-) (User wears glasses), :-o (Shocked
or surprised), and :-> (Hey hey).
A bracketed <g> is shorthand for grin, and <g,d&r> means
grinning, ducking, and running. Some people prefer to write their
emotional state in full text, like in these two examples: *grin*
and *smile*.
Do not misunderstand. You still should not allow yourself to
write the most appallingly insulting things to other people, and
then try to shrug it off with a <smile>.
Watch your words. They are so easy to store on a hard disk.
Religion and philosophy
-----------------------
CompuServe's Religion Forum (GO RELIGION) has many message sections
with associated file libraries. You can get into serious discussion
about topics ranging from Christianity, Judaism, Eastern Religions,
Islam, Interfaith Dialog, Limbo, Pagan/Occult, to Religion and
Science, Liturgical Churches, Mormonism, Ethics and Values, and
more. You may also want to check out the New Age Forum.
Usenet's offerings include these:
soc.culture.jewish Jewish culture & religion.
soc.religion.christian Christianity and related topics.
soc.religion.eastern Discussions of Eastern religions.
soc.religion.islam Discussions of the Islamic faith.
talk.religion.misc Religious, ethical, & moral implications.
talk.religion.newage Esoteric and minority religions &
philosophies.
alt.pagan Discussions about paganism & religion.
alt.religion.computers People who believe computing is
"real life."
clari.news.religion Religion, religious leaders,
televangelists.
The BITNET/Internet arena has The Islamic Information & News Net on
MUSLIMS (available through LISTSERV@ASUVM.INRE.ASU.EDU). ISLAM-L
(on LISTSERV@ULKYVM.LOUISVILLE.EDU) is a non-sectarian forum for
discussion, debate, and the exchange of information by students and
scholars of the history of Islam.
BUDDHA-L (on LISTSERV@ULKYVM.LOUISVILLE.EDU) provides a means
for those interested in Buddhist Studies to exchange information
and views. BUDDHIST (on LISTSERV@JPNTUVM0.BITNET) is for non-
academic discussions.
BAPTIST (LISTSERV@UKCC.UKY.EDU) is the Open Baptist Discussion
List. THEOLOGY (contact U16481%UICVM.BITNET@VM1.NODAK.EDU) is a
mailing list dedicated to the intellectual discussion of religion.
In its self-presentation, it says:
Intellectual is stressed as opposed to the "personal," the
inspirational, or evangelistic. This does not mean one cannot
evangelize, but rather that participants should persuade rather
than brow-beat or attack those they disagree with. Arguments
are inevitable, but they ultimately should resolve into mutual
understanding or at least a truce.
Pagan (Contact: pagan-request@drycas.club.cc.cmu.edu) is set up
to discuss the religions and philosophies of paganism. BELIEF-L (on
LISTSERV@BROWNVM.BITNET) is designed to be a forum where personal
ideologies can be discussed, examined, and analyzed.
The discussion list PHILCOMM@RPIECS.BITNET is where you debate
the philosophy of communication. PHILOSOP@YORKVM1.BITNET is the
Philosophy Discussion Forum.
Several sacred texts and primary texts of religious interest
are available by anonymous FTP or LISTSERV. The Bible, the Book of
Mormon and the Koran (also spelled Quran) are available at many
sites and in a variety of file formats.
The Bible (King James Version) is available as bible10.zip and
bible10.txt via FTP to mrcnext.cso.uiuc.edu (128.174.201.12) in the
/extext/etext92/ directory.
M.H. Shakir's translation of the Koran is available as 114
individual ASCII text chapters via FTP to quake.think.com
(192.31.181.1) in the /pub/etext/koran/ directory.
A short file containing quotes from the Koran is available via
LISTSERV from LISTSERV@asuacad as PAKISTAN AL_QURAN.
A collection of Sanskrit texts is available via FTP to
ftp.bcc.ac.uk in the /pub/users/ucgadkw/indology/ directory.
You may use the Archie service (see Appendix 4) to find other
religious texts that are also available through the Internet. On
FidoNet, check out JVArcServ.
Job-hunting by modem
--------------------
Unemployment is a global problem, and losing a job is often a bad
experience. If this ever should happen to you, consider checking
out the BITNET discussion list LAIDOFF@ARIZVM1 - "So, you've been
laidoff?"
Maybe you already have a job, but are constantly searching for
something better.
There are many forums and conferences devoted to help you get a
new job. FidoNet has the JOBS conference, for those not in a hurry,
and JOBS-NOW (Job & Employment offerings/listings) for those who
have no more time to wait.
On Bergen By Byte, it is called 'Job_market', and on ILINK
CAREER. In many countries there are local bulletin boards operated
by public employment agencies.
On Televerket's Datatorg (Norway), you can browse jobs from the
following menu (translated):
VACANT JOBS
Select desired profession Number
01 Technical, natural sciences ( 182)
02 Education, etc. ( 601)
03 Media,art ( 58)
04 Medicine, health care, etc. ( 951)
05 Social care ( 307)
06 Adm.,management, organization ( 348)
07 Finance,computers ( 100)
08 Secretarial, office work ( 138)
09 Sale,purchasing, advertising ( 576)
10 Agriculture,forestry,fishing ( 56)
11 Oil and gas, mining ( 38)
12 Transport,communication ( 68)
13 Workshop,fine mechanics,electro( 126)
14 craft,building and construction( 93)
15 Industry,ware-house,mechan. ( 68)
16 Hotel,restaurant,domestic work ( 133)
17 Service,surveillance,safety ( 170)
If your potential employers have an email address, you can send
dozens of job resumes - while going for a cup of coffee!
WORK-AT-HOME on FidoNet is for those planning to start their
own business ("Take this job and shove it! I'll work at home!")
CompuServe has the Working-From-Home Forum under the sysopship
of online gurus Paul and Sarah Edwards. Its file library contains
back issues of the electronic magazine "Making It on Your Own."
GEnie has the Home Office Small Business forum (HOSB).
Home based business opportunities may exist within areas such
as desktop publishing, desktop video, high-tech equipment repair,
import and export management, and professional practice management.
Learn from others in forums or conferences on related topics.
The good news is that many organizations are having problems
finding qualified candidates for their vacant positions, and that
some of them are turning to The Online World for help. One of them
did it like this (from an online announcement):
Because it is difficult to locate qualified candidates for
positions in special libraries and information centers, and to
assist special librarians and information specialists to locate
positions, the student chapter of the Special Libraries
Association at Indiana University has formed a LISTSERV, SLAJOB,
in connection with the Indiana Center for Database Systems.
The LISTSERV, which is available on both the Internet and
Bitnet, will help special libraries and information centers in
the sciences, industry, the arts and within public and academic
libraries to have a central location for announcing special
library and information science positions.
The LISTSERV is available to individuals or organizations
that have an Internet or Bitnet network connection. For those
on the network, subscribe by sending an email message to:
"LISTSERV@iubvm.bitnet" or "LISTSERV@iubvm.ucs.indiana.edu".
Leave the subject line blank and then type the following in the
message of the text:
subscribe SLAJOB [firstname] [lastname]
The Israelis have the mailing list CJI, Computer Jobs in Israel.
Send mail to LISTSERV@JERUSALEM1.DATASRV.CO.IL with the usual "SUB
CJI Your-Full-Name" in the text of your message. This will give you
monthly updated lists of open computer jobs.
When you get tired of hunting for a job, why not relax with
HUMOR at LISTSERV@UGA.CC.UGA.EDU. This mailing list distributes
humor of all types, topics and tastes. To subscribe, send the
following command to the LISTSERV:
SUB HUMOR [firstname] [lastname]
Chapter 6: Your personal HealthNet
==================================
Health is a concern in most families. Where a family member or a
friend is suffering from cancer, AIDS, a serious disability, or a
rare disease, finding help is imperative.
Fortunately, there are many sources of information for those
who want to know more. There are clubs and forums, where you can
meet others with the same disease or problem. They are open 24
hours a day. Those who cannot sleep at night, can log in any time
to "talk" with others.
The social aspect of joining a club is important. However, it
may be equally important to learn from other people's experiences
with alternative treatment methods, doctors, medicines, and to get
practical medical advice.
Here are some examples to illustrate the width of the offering:
AIDS
----
You may start with "The Fog City Online Information Service" in San
Francisco, the world's largest bulletin board of AIDS information.
The cost of using this BBS from afar may be reduced considerably by
using i-Com or similar data transport services (see chapter 13).
CompuServe has a Human Sexuality Forum and a MEDSig with
associated file libraries. It also has a surcharged ZiffNet
database with full-text articles about health topics (Health
Database Plus). On the Well, enter "g aids".
NewsNet has the newsletters "AIDS Weekly" and "AIDS Therapies."
The latter is a directory, updated monthly, with descriptions of
standard and experimental treatments for AIDS, along with a guide
to treatments for the opportunistic infections (OI) of AIDS. It
incorporates all existing and potential new AIDS treatments in one
place.
On BITNET, check out "AIDS/HIV News" (AIDSNEWS@EB0UB011) and
the mailing list on AIDS@EB0UB011.
Usenet has sci.med.aids (AIDS: treatment, pathology/biology of
HIV, prevention), bionet.molbio.hiv, clari.tw.health.aids (AIDS
stories, research, political issues), and bit.listserv.aidsnews.
If you do not have access to Usenet, send a message to aids-
request@cs.ucla.edu for articles from AIDSNEWS, statistics and news
summaries.
Aids-stat-request@wubios.wustl.edu is another source of current
AIDS statistics. Send a request to info-aids@rainbow.UUCP. It is a
clearinghouse of information, and discussion about alternative
treatment methods, political implications, and more.
Example: Kidney disease
-----------------------
In chapter 1, I told you that my wife has a rare disease called
Polycystic Kidneys. Here are more details about what happened
during the "online health trip" to CompuServe with her doctor:
The command "GO HEALTH" gave the following menu:
1 HealthNet
2 Human Sexuality
3 Consumer Health
4 NORD Services/Rare Disease
Database
5 PaperChase (MEDLINE)
6 Information USA/Health
7 Handicapped User's Database
8 Disabilities Forum
9 Aids Information
10 Cancer Forum
Another menu, which listed available "PROFESSIONAL FORUMS," had
choices like AAMSI Medical Forum and Health Forum. Besides visiting
these, we searched several medical databases.
Menu selection five gave us The National Library of Medicine's
database (MEDLINE), which is full of references to biomedical
literature. This database had more than five million references to
articles from 4.000 magazines from 1966 and up to date, when we
searched it in 1991. It increases by some 25.000 new references per
month. Easy navigation by menus. Easy to search.
The AAMSI Medical Forum (MedSIG) is sponsored by The American
Association for Medical Systems and Informatics (AAMSI). It is a
forum for professionals within health care, people within associated
technical fields, and ordinary CompuServe users. The members meet
to find, develop and swap information.
MedSIG has a library full of programs and information files.
This is an example of what you can find there:
ATLAS.ARC 21-Sep-88 30161
Keywords: STEREOTAXIC STEREOTACTIC STEREOTAXIS ATLAS THALAMOTOMY
MAP FUNCTIONAL GIF
This contains several of the most useful stereotaxic maps from
the Schaltenbrand and Wahren Atlas in GIF format. If you can
get GIF into your CAD or drawing program, you can scale the maps
to fit your individualized patient's AC-PC distance, thereby
generating a customized map for your patient.
CompuServe has many programs for reading GIF files, and converting
GIF files to other graphical formats.
Through IQuest, we searched medical databases. Simple menus
helped define relevant search terms. When done, IQuest searched
selected databases for us, and presented the finds on our local
computer screen.
The basic rate for completing the search was US$9.00. In
addition, we paid the normal fees for using CompuServe. From
Norway, this amounted to around US$ 40/hour at 2400 bps when
logging on through the local Infonet node at that time. Today, it
costs less.
This gave us up to 10 article headlines, when searching in
bibliographic databases. Abstracts of selected articles were
displayed on our screen for an additional US$2.00.
We used the search mode "SmartScan" in the area "Medical
research." IQuest searched several databases with a minimum of
manual intervention.
First, it told us that the following databases would be
included in the search:
BRS databases:
Ageline - Contains references to and abstracts of materials on
aging and the elderly. Covers psychological, medical, economic,
and political concerns.
AIDS Database - Includes critically selected articles covering
all aspects of AIDS, (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), and
AIDS-related research.
AIDS Knowledge Base - Provides an online textbook of the most
current information on AIDS available from San Francisco General
Hospital.
Combined Health Information Database - For professionals,
patients, and the general public, CHID contains references to a
variety of materials on arthritis, diabetes, health education,
digestive diseases, and high blood pressure. Provides abstracts.
Embase - Includes extensive abstracts of articles related to
biomedicine from medical journals worldwide. About 40% of the
references are online only.
Rehabdata - Covers articles, books, reports, and audiovisual
materials dealing with the rehabilitation of the physically and
mentally handicapped. References only.
Sport Database - Indexes publications dealing with sports,
including training, medicine, education, and history. Drawn
mostly from English and French with technical articles from
other languages.
Dialog databases:
BioBusiness - Deals with the business aspects of biotechnology and
biomedical research. Draws from BIOSIS and MANAGEMENT CONTENTS.
BIOSIS Previews - Provides international coverage of all
aspects of biological science.
Cancerlit - Monitors articles from journals and other technical
publications dealing with all aspects of cancer research
throughout the world. Includes abstracts.
Clinical Abstracts - Covers human clinical study articles of major
importance selected from leading medical journals. Includes all
aspects of clinical medicine. Corresponds to Abstracts in
Internal Medicine. Abstracts available.
Life Sciences Collection - Abstracts technical literature in the
life sciences from journals and other scientific publications
worldwide.
Medline (1966 - to date) - Indexes articles from medical journals
published worldwide. Corresponds to Index Medicus, International
Nursing Index and Index to Dental Literature. Includes abstracts
in roughly 40% of the records.
SciSearch - Monitors worldwide literature across a wide range of
scientific and technological disciplines. Produced by the
Institute for Scientific Information (ISI).
Then we entered our search term: "LIVER AND CYST/". The search word
"CYST/" signified that "cyst" should match any words starting with
these four characters.
While searching, IQuest gave the following progress report:
Scanning BRS databases.
Accessing Network...........Completed.
Accessing Database Host.....Completed.
Logging on..................Completed.
Logging on (second step)....Completed.
Selecting Databases.........Completed.
Each period equals one line
of scanned data. This may take
several minutes................................
It continued in the same way with a "Scanning Dialog databases."
When the search results were presented, we glanced quickly at
the article abstracts, ordered two articles to be sent us by mail
and typed BYE.
CompuServe reported "Off at 09:12 EST 17-Nov-88 Connect time =
0:35." The two articles arrived Norway by mail a few weeks later.
The whole trip, including visits in medical forums, took 35
minutes. The cost, including local telephone and network charges,
was US$95. Of this total cost, the extra cost of searching through
IQuest amounted to US$54.00. We all felt that the costs were well
justified.
| A note about the costs: The online tour was done manually, |
| using full menus. We discussed our search strategy while |
| connected, which is more expensive than logging off to plan |
| the next moves. Also, note that the extra cost of searching |
| IQuest ($54) was not time dependent. |
Right now? I have promised to donate one kidney to my wife when the
time comes. This has prompted me (1993) to join a mailing list for
"Organ transplant recipients and anyone else interested in the
issues" (TRNSPLNT@WUVMD.BITNET).
Cancer
------
FidoNet has the forum CARCINOMA (Cancer Survivors). BITNET has the
discussion lists CANCER-L@WVNVM and CLAN (Cancer Liaison and Action
Network on CLAN@FRMOP11). CompuServe has a Cancer Forum. NewsNet
offers the newsletter CANCER RESEARCHER WEEKLY.
In September 1992, the following message was posted on CANCER-
L by a member from Brazil:
"A close friend was just diagnosed with acute leukemia of a type
called calapositive pre-B linphoplastic. It is supposedly an
early diagnosis since he is not anemic. We are very shocked but
he is reacting quite bravely and all he wants is to have access
to literature on his condition. Are there any new genetic
engineering developments effectively clinically available? What
is the present state of knowledge regarding this specific form of
leukemia?
He was diagnosed three hours ago, is 48 yrs old, and will start
chemotherapy tomorrow. He was informed that chemotherapy is quite
effective in this type of leukemia. But we wonder if there isn't
a possibility to use gene therapy.
Any help will be greatly appreciated. - Dora."
There were several helpful replies. This came from a member in the
United States:
"In response to the request for information on treatment for
leukemia, I recommend that you access CancerNet, the National
Cancer Institute's mail server on the Internet which provides
current information on treatment for leukemia. To request the
Contents List and Instructions, send a mail message to
cancernet@icicb.nci.nih.gov (Internet address)
cancernet%icicb.nci.nih.gov@nihcu ( BITNET)
Leave the subject line blank, and in the body of the mail
message, enter "HELP". When you receive the Contents list,
request the statement for Adult Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
(cn-101024).
There are also News and General Information items, under the
Heading PDQ Database Information in the Contents List which
provide information on centers which have access to Physician
Data Query, NCI's database of cancer treatment information which
includes clinical trials information for leukemia. - Cheryl."
CancerNet is the U.S. National Cancer Institute's international
information center. It is a quick and easy way to obtain, through
electronic mail, recommended treatment guidelines from the National
Cancer Institute's Physician Data Query system.
To access CancerNet, send email to:
cancernet@icicb.nci.nih.gov
Leave the subject line blank. In the body of the mail message, enter
HELP to receive instructions and the current contents list.
The National Cancer Center in Tokyo Japan has a gopher service
at gopher.ncc.go.jp. The World Health Organization (WHO) has one at
gopher.who.ch.
Disabilities
------------
Bulletin boards and online conferences give equal access to all
persons. Everybody is treated the same way, regardless if they sit
in a wheel chair, have a hearing impairment, stutter, cannot speak
clearly, have difficulties in thinking or acting quickly, or just
have a different looks.
You need not worry about typing errors. Those who read them
will never know whether it's because you never learned how to write
on a computer, or if it is because you have difficulties in
controlling your movements.
You alone decide if others are to know about your personal
disability. If you want it to be a secret, then it will remain a
secret.
Nobody can possibly know that you are mute and lame from the
neck and down, that computer communication is your main gate into
the outer world, and that you are writing messages with a stick
attached to your forehead. Therefore, the online world has changed
the lives of many people with disabilities.
Computer communications have opened a new world for those who
are forced to stay at home, or thinks that it is too difficult to
travel. Those who can easily drive their car to the library, often
have difficulties in understanding the significance of this.
Usenet has alt.education.disabled and misc.handicap. It covers
all areas of disabilities, technical, medical, educational, legal,
etc. UUCP has handicap. It is presented in the following words:
Contact: wtm@bunker.shel.isc-br.com
Purpose: The Handicap Digest provides an information/discussion
exchange for issues dealing with the physically/mentally
handicapped. Topics include, but are not limited to: medical,
education, legal, technological aids and the handicapped in
society.
CompuServe's Disabilities Forum has the following sections: General
Interest, Develop. Disabilities, Emotional Disturbances, Hearing
Impairments, Learning Disabilities, Vision Impairments, Mobility
Impaired, Rights/Legislation, Education/Employment and Family
Life/Leisure.
AUTISM@SJUVM.BITNET is devoted to the developmentally disabled,
their teachers, and those interested in this area. The list BLIND-
L@UAFSYSB.BITNET focuses on "Computer Use by and for the Blind."
COMMDIS@RPIECS.BITNET is a mailing list discussing "Speech
disorders."
DEAF-L@SIUCVMB.BITNET is the "Deaf Discussion List," and
DEAFBLND@UKCC.UKY.EDU the "Deaf-Blind Discussion List." STUT-HLP
(LISTSERV@BGU.EDU) is a support forum for people who stutter and
their families.
On L-HCAP@NDSUVM1.BITNET, the focus is on Technology for the
handicapped. BACKS-L@UVMVM.BITNET discusses research on low back
pain disability.
The Handicap Digest is an electronic mail only digest of
articles relating to all types of issues affecting the handicapped.
The articles are taken from the Usenet newsgroup, the Handicap
News. (misc.handicap) and various FidoNet conferences such as
ABLED, BlinkTalk SilentTalk, Chronic Pain, Spinal Injury, Rare
Conditions, and several others. Subscribe by email to
wtm@bunker.shel.isc-br.com
Handicap.shel.isc-br.com (129.189.4.184) is the email address to an
anonymous ftp site that has disability-related files and programs.
The disk has some 40 directories with 500 or so files covering all
types of disabilities. (This service can be used through FTPMail.
See chapter 12 about how to do this.)
Getting old
-----------
BITNET has the "BIOSCI Ageing Bulletin Board" on AGEING@IRLEARN .
Usenet has bionet.molbio.ageing, while CompuServe's Issues Forum
has a message section called "Seniors."
Ageline on Dialog is a database produced by the American
Association of Retired Persons. It does an excellent job covering
research about older persons, particularly on consumer issues and
health care, by summarizing journal articles and the contents of
other published reports.
While our "face-to-face" world sometimes makes it difficult for
older people to participate in discussions between young people,
this is not so in the Online World. All people are treated the same
way. It is impossible for others to know your age, unless someone
tells them.
Holistic Healing and Health
---------------------------
HOLISTIC on LISTSERV@SIUCVMB.SIU.EDU is dedicated to "providing
information and discussion on holistic concepts and methods of
living which provide a natural way of dealing with the challenges
of life." Here are some topics dealt with in this forum:
Various Dimensions of Holistic Healing and Health
States of Consciousness
Meditation and the role it plays in spiritual/physical health
The impact of a healthy diet - including Herbs and Vitamins
Bodywork - such as Rolfing, Trager bodywork, Reichian, etc.
Acupuncture/pressure
Hypnosis and Biofeedback
Visualizations and Affirmations
Spiritual Healing - Psychic healing methods
Bioenergetics
The holistic connection between mind and body
Honest discussion of topics relevant to personal/spiritual
growth - And anything else within context for the betterment
of the world.
The following message is typical:
From: Helen
Subject: Re: Asthma and Sinus Problems
To: Multiple recipients of list HOLISTIC
My condolences to fellow people allergic to cats. Cats and
strawberries are two of the most allergenic substances.
Behavorial changes have proven to be EVERYTHING to me. The
techniques I've employed have helped many others. First, try
sleeping at a 45 degree angle. This usually requires piling up
pillows. The elevation of the head facilitates drainage from the
sinuses. When the situation gets really bad, I've slept sitting
up on a couch or arm chair propped up by numerous pillows and
cushions. This technique can take some getting used to, but, it
works like a charm and is kinder to your system than drug
therapy.
Second, try "ephedra" tea. This is an herb found in Chinese
herb shops. Ask the herbalist how to prepare it.
I highly recommend the book "Natural Health, Natural Medicine"
by Andrew Weil, M.D. of U of A Med School in Tucson. See pages
253-256 for more information on asthma.
Fourth, stay hydrated. This means not only drinking PLENTY of
fluids, but humidifying the house (that is if you're not also
allergic to molds).
Basic behavorial techniques are important....diet, exercise,
etc. etc, ...but this is the holistic network...I'm preaching to
the choir...
Finally, take heart! Being allergic to cats is not well
received by cat lovers...often we're cat lovers ourselves.
Depending on the breed of cat, there is a good chance you will
eventually habituate to those you are around over the long term.
Good luck, the advice about sleeping with your head significantly
elevated is the best I have ever given out to fellow sinus
problem sufferers. It really works!!
Helen.
HomeoNet, a service of the Institute of Global Communications
(IGC), is for those interested in homeopathic medicine.
List of health science resources
--------------------------------
The Bitnet/Internet online list of health science resources is
available by email from: LISTSERV@TEMPLEVM.BITNET . Send the
following command:
GET MEDICAL RSCRS
This will give a long list of BITNET, Internet, and Usenet forums,
data archives, electronic newsletters and journals devoted to
health science.
Here are some examples from the list that may be of interest to
people not working in the health profession:
* ALCOHOL@LMUACAD.BITNET - a discussion list for Alcohol and
Drug Studies,
* BEHAVIOR@ASUACAD.BITNET - Behavioral and Emotional Disorders
in Children,
* DIABETIC@PCCVM.BITNET is the "Open Discussion forum for
DIABETIC patient counseling,"
* DIARRHOE@SEARN.BITNET (or DIARRHOE@SEARN.SUNET.SE through the
Internet) is a forum for information exchange and discussions
on all aspects related to diseases, disorders, and chemicals
that cause diarrhoea in humans and animals,
* DIET@INDYCMS.BITNET - Support and Discussion of Weight Loss
* DRUGABUS@UMAB.BITNET - Drug Abuse Education Information and
Research,
* FAMCOMM@RPIECS.BITNET - Marital/family & relational
communication.
* FIT-L@ETSUADMN.BITNET - Wellness, Exercise, Diet, for
exchanging ideas, tips and any type of information about
wellness, exercise, and diet.
* GRANOLA@BROWNVM.BITNET - Vegetarian Discussion.
* HERB@TREARN.BITNET - Medicinal and Aromatic Plants discussion.
* MSLIST-L@NCSUVM.BITNET - Multiple Sclerosis Discussion and
Support.
* RZAMAL-L@DKAUNI11.BITNET - Dental Amalgam Fillings and
chronic mercury poisoning.
* SPORTPSY@TEMPLEVM.BITNET - Exercise and Sports Psychology.
* talk.abortion on Usenet.
These mailing lists usually let you search old messages for topics
of interest. They are both living discussion forums and interesting
searchable databases!
Mednews is a weekly electronic newsletter. Its columns bring
regular medical news summaries from USA Today, Center for Disease
Control MMWR, weekly AIDS Statistics from CDC, and more. Send the
following command to LISTSERV@ASUACAD.BITNET to subscribe:
SUB MEDNEWS Your-first-name Your-last-name
Chapter 7: Electronic mail, telex, and fax
==========================================
Electronic mail is one of the most popular online services. People
living thousands of miles apart can exchange messages and documents
very quickly.
International Resource Development, Inc., an American research
organization, claimed (1992) that we can send electronic mail to
more than 10 million personal mailboxes. We believe the figure to
be much higher. The Matrix News (Texas, U.S.A.) claims the number
is over 18 million (March 1993).
The Boardwatch Magazine (U.S.A.) believes that new callers are
coming online for their first time at a rate of close to 10,000 per
day (January 1993).
Electronic Mail & Micro Systems (New Canaan, Conn., U.S.A.)
estimated an average of 27.8 million messages sent per month in
1990. Mail through the Internet and grassroots services on free
bulletin boards (like FidoNet) is not included in their figure.
The annual rate of increase in the number of messages is over
30% and increasing.
If a given email service charges you US$30 per hour, it will
cost you a meager US$0.075 to send one typewritten letter (size A-
4, or around 2,200 characters). See chapter 15 for a breakdown of
this cost.
If you live in Norway, and send the letter by ordinary mail to
a recipient in Norway, postage alone is US$0.53 (1992). The cost is
seven times higher than using email.
To send the same letter from Norway to the United States by
ordinary mail will cost 11 times more. This letter takes several
days to reach the destination, while email messages arrive almost
instantly.
Often, you can send email messages to several recipients in one
operation - without paying extra for the pleasure. Compare this to
sending to several parties by fax!
You do not have to buy envelopes and stamps, fold the sheet,
put it into the envelope, and bring it to a mailbox. Just let the
computer call your favorite email service to send the letter.
The recipient does not have to sit by the computer waiting for
your mail. Upon receipt, it will be automatically stored in his
mailbox. He can read it when he has time.
The recipient can print it locally, and it will be a perfect
document, no different to one typed in locally. He can also make
corrections or comments, and email onwards to a third party. In
this way several people can work jointly on a report, and no time
is it re-typed from scratch.
When you receive several messages in the morning, you can very
quickly create replies to them one at the time at your keyboard,
and then send them in one go. No need to feed five different pieces
of paper into a fax machine or envelopes for five different people.
Where you can find a telephone, you can also read mail. In most
countries, communicating through email is easy and economical.
By the way, the simple but miraculous thing about email is that
you can quote easily and exactly the point to which you are
replying. This is a revolution in communication, no?
How to send email?
-------------------
This is what it normally takes for a CompuServe user to send me
a message:
Type GO MAIL to get to the "post office," and then type
COMPOSE.
"Start writing," says CompuServe. Type your message
manually, or send a file (text or binary). Type /EXIT when
done.
"To whom?" asks CompuServe. You enter: "Odd de Presno
75755,1327," or just my mailbox number (75755,1327).
CompuServe asks you to enter Subject. You type: "Hello,
my friend!" Your message has been sent.
A few seconds later, the message will arrive in my
mailbox. If I am online to CompuServe at the moment, I will
probably read it right away. If not, it will stay there until I
get around to fetch it.
Above, we used the term "normally takes to send." Please note that
many users never ever TYPE these commands! They use various types
of automatic software to handle the mechanics of sending and
receiving mail (see Chapter 16).
Other systems require different commands to send email. Ulrik
at the University of Oslo (Norway) is a Unix system. So is The Well
in San Francisco. On such systems, mail is normally sent using
these commands:
Type "mail opresno@extern.uio.no". When the computer asks for
"Subject:," enter "Hello, my friend!"
Type your message or send it. When done, enter a period
(.) in the beginning of a line. Ulrik will reply with "Cc:" to
allow you to 'carbon copy' the message to other people. If you
don't want that, press ENTER and the message is on its way.
While I wrote this book, I had to go to Japan. A simple
command allowed me to redirect all incoming mail to CompuServe.
As a result I could read and send mail by calling a local
CompuServe number in several Japanese cities.
Though the commands for sending email differ between systems, the
principle is the same. All systems will ask you for an address and
the text of your message. On some, the address is a code, on others
a name (like ODD DE PRESNO).
Most systems will ask for a Subject title. Many will allow you
to send copies of the message to other recipients (Cc:).
Some services allow you to send binary files as email. Binary
files contain codes based on the binary numeration system. Such
codes are used in computer programs, graphics pictures, compressed
spreadsheets and text files, and sound files.
Many online services let you send messages as fax (to over 15
million fax machines), telex (to over 1.8 million telex machines),
and as ordinary paper mail. We have tested this successfully on
CompuServe, MCI Mail and other services.
On CompuServe, replace "Odd de Presno 75755,1327" with ">FAX:
4737027111". My fax number is +47 370 27111.
On MCI Mail type "CREATE:". MCI asks for "To:," and you type
"Odd de Presno (Fax)". MCI asks for "Country:". You enter "Norway".
By "RECIPIENT FAX NO" enter "37027111" (the code for international
calls). The country code for Norway, 01147, is added automatically.
By "Options?," press ENTER. When MCI Mail asks for more recipients,
press ENTER. Type your message and have it sent.
To send a telex, you'll need the recipient's telex number, an
answerback code, and the code of the recipient's country. If the
message is meant for telex number 871161147, answerback ZETO, and
country Russia (country code SU), enter ">TLX:871161147 ZETO SU"
when sending from CompuServe.
By entering ">POSTAL", CompuServe will send your mail to a
business associate in California or Brazil as a professional laser-
printed letter. It will take you through the process of filling out
the various address lines. The letter may well arrive faster than
through ordinary mail.
When the recipient is using another mailbox system
--------------------------------------------------
When the recipient is using your mailbox service, writing addresses
is simple. Not so when your email has to be forwarded to mailboxes
on other online services.
The inter-system email address consists of a user name, a
mailbox system code, and sometimes also routing information. The
problem is that there is no universal addressing format. Finding
out how to write a given address may be surprisingly difficult.
Some services are not set up for exchange of email with other
services. This is the case with my bulletin board, the Saltrod
Horror Show. To send mail to a user of this system, you'll have to
call it directly and enter it there. This bulletin board is not
connected to the outside world for exchange of mail.
If your favorite system lets you send mail to other services,
make a note about the following:
* You need to know the exact address of your recipient, and
whether he's using this mailbox regularly. Many users have
mailboxes that they use rarely or never. For example, don't
try to send mail to my mailbox on Dow Jones/News Retrieval.
I only use this service sporadically.
Think of the easiest way for a recipient to respond
before sending a message to him or her.
* You need to know how to rewrite the recipient's address to
fit your system. For example, you may have to use a domain
address to send through Internet, and a different form when
sending through an X.400 network. (More about this later.)
* The recipient's mailbox system may be connected to a network
that does not have a mail exchange agreement with your
system's network(s). Sometimes, you can use a commercial mail
relay service to get your message across (see chapter 9).
Users of the Internet can send messages to recipients on the
Dialcom network through the DASnet relay service.
* Sometimes, you need to know how to route a message through
other systems to arrive at its destination. For example, a
message sent from the Ulrik computer in Oslo must be routed
through a center in London to get to Dominique Christian on
the Difer system in Paris (France),
Internet
--------
is the name of a computer network (here called "INTERNET"), and
a term used of a global web of systems and networks that can
exchange mail with each other (here called "Internet").
INTERNET is a very large network that has grown out of ARPANET,
MILNET, and other American networks for research and education.
This core network has many gateways to other systems, and it's when
we include these systems and their connections that we call it the
Internet. Others call it WorldNet or the Matrix.
Internet users can exchange mail with users on networks like
EUnet, JANET, Uninett, BITNET, UUCP, CompuServe, MCI Mail, EcoNet,
PeaceNet, ConflicNet, GreenNet, Web, Pegasus, AppleLink, Alternex,
Nicarao, FredsNaetet, UUNET, PSI, Usenet, FidoNet and many others.
We therefore say that these networks are also "on the Internet."
If you have access to the Internet, you can send email to users
of online services all over the world. You can send to people using
Bergen By Byte and Telemax in Norway, TWICS in Tokyo, and Colnet in
Buenos Aires.
Now is the time to take a closer look at the art of addressing
mail through the Internet.
Domain name addressing
----------------------
On the Internet, the general form of a person's email address is:
user-name@somewhere.domain
My main, international Internet mailbox address is:
opresno@extern.uio.no
You read the address from left to right. First, the local name of
the mailbox (my name abbreviated). Next, the name of the mailbox
system or another identification code (in this case EXTERN, to
show that I have no affiliation with the University), the name of
the institution or company (here UIO or "Universitetet i Oslo"),
and finally the country (NO for Norway).
People have sent mail to my mailbox from New Zealand, Zimbabwe,
Guatemala, Peru, India, China, Greece, Iceland, and Armenia using
this address.
Some users must send their messages through a gateway to the
Internet. In these cases, the address may have to be changed to
reflect this:
Users of AppleLink use opresno@extern.uio.no@INTERNET# . Those
on JANET use opresno%extern.uio.no@eanrelay.ac.uk. On SprintMail,
use ("RFC-822": <opresno(a)extern.uio.no>, SITE:INTERNET) .
CompuServe subscribers use >INTERNET:opresno@extern.uio.no .
The core of these address formats is "opresno@extern.uio.no",
in one way or the other.
We call this basic addressing format a Domain Naming System.
"EXTERN.UIO.NO" is a domain. The domain may also contain reference
to the name of a company or an organization, like in twics.co.jp,
compuserve.com, or IGC.ORG. The CO, COM, and ORG codes identify
TWICS, CompuServe and IGC as companies/organizations.
To send mail from the Internet to my CompuServe mailbox, use:
75755.1327@compuserve.com
Normally (except on AppleLink), a domain address can only contain
one @-character. When an address has to be extended with gateway
routing information, replace all @-characters to the LEFT in the
address by %-characters. Here is an example:
BITNET uses a different addressing method (USER@SYSTEM). Let's
assume that you are subscribed to the club for lovers of Japanese
food (J-FOOD-L@JPNKNU10.BITNET, see chapter 6). You have a mailbox
on INTERNET, and want to send a recipe to the other members using
the address J-FOOD-L.
On some Internet systems, you can simply use the address:
J-FOOD-L@JPNKNU10.BITNET , and your mailbox system will take care
of the routing for you.
If this addressing method doesn't work, you can use different
gateways into BITNET depending on where you live. The preferred
method is to route through a gateway near to you. If living in
North America, you may route CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU using the following
address:
J-FOOD-L%JPNKNU10.BITNET@CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU
The rightmost @ in this address is maintained. The one to the LEFT
has been replaced with a %. The term ".BITNET" tells the gateway
machine where to forward the message.
The following will happen: First, the message will be sent to
system CUNYVM at the EDUcation site CUNY. CUNYVM investigates the
address, and discovers that the message is for BITNET. It cuts off
all text to the right of "JPNKNU10," and replaces the % with an @.
The message is forwarded to the mailbox J-FOOD-L on the BITNET
system JPNKNU10 at the Kinki University in Japan.
Bang addressing
---------------
"Bang" is American for "exclamation point" (!). The UUCP network
uses this variation of the domain addressing scheme.
Example: User Jill Small on Econet in San Francisco used to
have the address pyramid!cdp!jsmall . Read this address from right
to left. The name of her mailbox is to the right. The name of the
organization is in the middle. "Pyramid" is the name of the
network.
Some email systems can use bang addresses directly. (Note that
the ! character has a special function on Unix computers. Here, you
may have to type the address as pyramid\!cdp\!jsmall to avoid
unwanted error messages. The \ character tells Unix to regard the
next character as a character, and not as a system command. This
character may also have to precede other special characters.)
Other systems do not accept bang addresses directly. Here, the
users must send such messages through a gateway. The American host
UUNET is a frequently used gateway. If routing through UUNET, you
may write the address like this:
pyramid!cdp!jsmall@uunet.uu.net
If your system absolutely refuses to accept exclamation points in
addresses, try to turn the address into a typical Internet address.
Write the address elements in the Internet sequence (left to
right). Replace the exclamation points with %-s, like this:
jsmall%cdp%pyramid@uunet.uu.net
This method works most of the time. When it works, use this
addressing form. Bang paths may fail if an intermediate site in the
path happens to be down. (There is a trend for UUCP sites to
register Internet domain names. This helps alleviate the problem of
path failures.)
Some messages must be routed through many gateways to reach
their destination. This is the longest address that I have used,
and it did work:
hpda!hplabs!hpscdc!hp-lsd.cos.hp.com!oldcolo!dave@uunet.uu.net
It used to be the Internet address of a user in Colorado, U.S.A..
Today, he can be reached using a much shorter address.
If you are on UUCP/EUnet, you may use the following address to send
email to Odd de Presno:
extern.uio.no!opresno.
Addressing international electronic mail sometimes looks like black
magic. To learn more, read some of the books listed in appendix 5.
We have found "The Matrix" by John S. Quarterman to be particularly
useful.
The conference INFONETS (General network forum) is another
source. Here, the INTERNET postmasters discuss their addressing
problems. Activity is high, and you will learn a lot about the
noble art of addressing. (This is not the place to ask for Olav
Janssen's Norwegian email address, though. This question should be
sent to a Norwegian postmaster.)
You can subscribe to Infonets by sending the following mail:
To: LISTSERV@NDSUVM1.BITNET
Subject: (You can write anything here. It will be ignored.)
TEXT: SUB INFONETS Your-first-name Your-last-name
If your mailbox is on another network, alter the address to route
your subscription correctly to this LISTSERV.
| Hint: You can search the database of old INFONETS messages by |
| email to LISTSERV@DEARN.BITNET. See "Directories of services |
| and subscribers" below for information about how to search |
| LISTSERV databases. |
While the global matrix of networks grows rapidly, it is still
behind in some lesser-developed nations and poorer parts of
developed nations. If interested in these parts of the world, check
out GNET, a library and a journal for documents about the efforts to
bring the net to lesser-developed nations.
Archived documents are available by anonymous ftp from the
directory global_net at dhvx20.csudh.edu (155.135.1.1). Chapter 12
has information on how to use FTP if you only have mail access to
the Internet.
To subscribe to a conference discussing these documents, send
a request to gnet_request@dhvx20.csudh.edu.
cc:Mail gateways
----------------
Many Local Area Networks have been connected to the global Matrix
of networks. CompuServe offers a cc:Mail gateway. Lotus cc:Mail is
a PC Lan based email system used in corporate, government and other
organizations.
When sending from CompuServe Mail to a cc:Mail user through
this gateway, a typical address may look like this:
>mhs:pt-support@performa
To send to this user from the Internet through CompuServe's MHS
gateway, write the address like this:
pt-support@performa.mhs.compuserve.com
Other vendors of LAN gateways use other addressing methods.
X.400 addressing
----------------
X.400 is a standard for electronic mail developed by CCITT. It is
used on large networks like AT&T Mail, MCI Mail, Sprintnet, GE
Information System, Dialcom, and Western Union, and on other public
and private networks throughout the world.
EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) uses X.400 as a transport
mechanism for coordination of electronic part ordering, stock
control and payment. X.400 is used to connect EDI systems between
companies and suppliers.
The X.400 addressing syntax is very different from domain
addressing. To send a message from an X.400 mailbox to my address
(opresno@extern.uio.no), you may have to write it like this:
(C:NO,ADMD:uninett,PRMD:uninett,O:uio,OU:extern,S:opresno)
Alas, it's not so standard as the domain addressing schemes. On
other X.400 networks, the address must be written in one of the
following formats - or in yet other ways:
(C:US,A:Telemail,P:Internet,"RFC-822":<opresno(a)extern.uio.no>)
("RFC-822": <opresno(a)extern.uio.no>, SITE:INTERNET)
'(C:USA,A:TELEMAIL,P:INTERNET,"RFC-822":<opresno<a>extern.uio.no>) DEL'
(site: INTERNET,ID: <opresno<a>extern.uio.no>)
"RFC-822=opresno(a)extern.uio.no @ GATEWAY]INTERNET/TELEMAIL/US"
To send an Internet message to a mailbox I once had on the X.400
host Telemax in Norway, I had to use the following address:
/I=D/G=ODD/S=PRESNO/O=KUD.DATASEKR/@PCMAX.telemax.no
To send from Internet to Telemail in the US, I have used this
address:
/PN=TELEMAIL.T.SUPPORT/O=TELENET.MAIL/ADMD=TELEMAIL/C=US/@sprint.com
If you need to route your message through gateways, then complexity
increases. One Norwegian UUCP user had to use the following address
to get through:
nuug!extern.uio.no!"pcmax.telemax.no!/I=D/G=ODD/S=PRESNO/O=KUD.DATASEKR/"
To send a message from an X.400 system to my CompuServe mailbox,
I have used the following address elements:
Country = US
ADMD = CompuServe
PRMD = CSMail
DDA = 75755.1327
The addressing methods used on X.400 systems vary. Another example:
Some use the code C:USA rather than the ISO country code C:US. MCI
Mail uses C:NORWAY, C:USA, and C:SWEDEN.
Here are some important X.400 codes:
C the ISO country code (on most services)
ADMD domain code for public system (abbreviation A)
PRMD domain code for connected private system
(abbreviation P)
O organization name
OU organization unit
S surname (last name)
G given name (first name)
I initials (in the name)
DDA domain-defined attributes, keywords defined and
used by the individual systems to specify mailboxes
(user name, list, station, user code, etc.), direct
delivery devices (attention name, telex addresses,
facsimile, etc.)
PN personal name
(a) the character @ cannot be used when routing messages
from X.400 to Internet. Try (a) instead.
(p) the character % cannot be used when routing messages
from X.400 to Internet. Try (p) instead.
(b) the character ! (used in "bang" addresses).
(q) the character " used in email addresses.
RFC-822 this code tells X.400 that an Internet domain address
follows. Does not work on all X.400 systems.
Returned mail
-------------
When an email address is incorrect in some way (the system's name
is wrong, the domain doesn't exist, whatever), the mail system will
bounce the message back to the sender.
The returned message will include the reason for the bounce. A
common error is addressing mail to an account name that doesn't
exist.
Let's make an error when sending to LISTSERV@vm1.nodak.edu.
Enter "pistserv@vm1.nodak.edu" instead of "LISTSERV@vm1.nodak.edu".
This address is wrong. Below, we've printed the complete
bounced message. It contains a lot of technical information. Most
lines have no interest. Also, the message is much larger than the
original message, which contained three lines only.
When browsing the bounced message, note that it has three
distinct parts: (1) The mail header of the bounced message itself
(here, the 13 first lines), (2) The text of the error report (from
line 14 until the line "Original message follows:"), and (3) the
mailer header and text of your original message (as received by
computer reporting the error):
From MAILER@VM1.NoDak.EDU Fri Dec 18 12:54:03 1992
Return-Path: <MAILER@VM1.NoDak.EDU>
Received: from vm1.NoDak.edu by pat.uio.no with SMTP (PP)
id <07610-0@pat.uio.no>; Fri, 18 Dec 1992 12:53:54 +0100
Received: from NDSUVM1.BITNET by VM1.NoDak.EDU (IBM VM SMTP V2R2)
with BSMTP id 9295; Fri, 18 Dec 92 05:53:27 CST
Received: from NDSUVM1.BITNET by NDSUVM1.BITNET (Mailer R2.07)
with BSMTP id 3309; Fri, 18 Dec 92 05:53:26 CST
Date: Fri, 18 Dec 92 05:53:26 CST
From: Network Mailer <MAILER@VM1.NoDak.EDU>
To: opresno@extern.uio.no
Subject: mail delivery error
Status: R
Batch SMTP transaction log follows:
220 NDSUVM1.BITNET Columbia MAILER R2.07 BSMTP service ready.
050 HELO NDSUVM1
250 NDSUVM1.BITNET Hello NDSUVM1
050 MAIL FROM:<opresno@extern.uio.no>
250 <opresno@extern.uio.no>... sender OK.
050 RCPT TO:<pistserv@NDSUVM1>
250 <pistserv@NDSUVM1>... recipient OK.
050 DATA
354 Start mail input. End with <crlf>.<crlf>
554-Mail not delivered to some or all recipients:
554 No such local user: PISTSERV
050 QUIT
221 NDSUVM1.BITNET Columbia MAILER BSMTP service done.
Original message follows:
Received: from NDSUVM1 by NDSUVM1.BITNET (Mailer R2.07) with BSMTP id 3308;
Fri, 18 Dec 92 05:53:25 CST
Received: from pat.uio.no by VM1.NoDak.EDU (IBM VM SMTP V2R2) with TCP;
Fri, 18 Dec 92 05:53:23 CST
Received: from ulrik.uio.no by pat.uio.no with local-SMTP (PP)
id <07590-0@pat.uio.no>; Fri, 18 Dec 1992 12:53:24 +0100
Received: by ulrik.uio.no ; Fri, 18 Dec 1992 12:53:18 +0100
Date: Fri, 18 Dec 1992 12:53:18 +0100
From: opresno@extern.uio.no
Message-Id: <9212181153.AAulrik20516@ulrik.uio.no>
To: pistserv@vm1.nodak.edu
Subject: test
index kidlink
The first part of the bounced message is usually of no interest.
Hidden in the second part you'll find the following interesting
line:
554 No such local user: PISTSERV
Ah, a typo!
If your original message was long, you're likely to be pleased
by having the complete text returned in the third part of the
bounced message. Now, you may get away with a quick cut and paste,
before resending it to the corrected address.
The text and codes used in bounced messages vary depending on
what type of mailbox system you're using, and the type of system
that is bouncing your mail.
Above, MAILER@VM1.NoDak.EDU returned the full text of my bounced
mail. Some systems just send the beginning of your original text,
while others (in particular some X.400 systems) send nothing but a
note telling you the reason for the bounce.
| Note: When you fail to understand why a message is being |
| bounced, contact your local postmaster for help. Send him |
| a copy of the complete text of the bounced message up to |
| and including the line "Subject:" at the bottom. |
| You do not have to send him the text of your original |
| message! |
Replying to an Internet message
-------------------------------
On the Internet, electronic messages have a common structure that
is common across the network. On some systems, you can reply by
using a reply command. If this feature is not available, use the
sender's address as given in the mail header.
The bounced message contained two mail headers: the header of
my original message (in part three), and the header of the bounced
message (in part one).
The 'good' reply address is laid out in the 'From:' header.
Thus, this message contains the following two 'good' addresses:
From: Network Mailer <MAILER@VM1.NoDak.EDU>
From: opresno@extern.uio.no
The Network Mailer located the second address line above in my
original message, and used this address when sending the bounced
message. (Note: there is no point in sending a message back to
MAILER@VM1.NoDak.EDU since this is the address of an automatic mail
handling program. Write to Postmaster@VM1.NoDak.EDU to talk to a
"real person" at this computer center.)
The exact order of a message's header may vary from system to
system, but it will always contain the vital 'From:' line.
| Note: Exercise caution when replying to a message sent by |
| a mailing list. If you wish to respond to the author only, |
| make sure that the only address you're replying to is that |
| person's. Don't send it to the entire list! |
Directories of services and subscribers
---------------------------------------
There is no complete global directory of available electronic
addresses. On many systems, however, you can search lists of local
users.
| Normally, you'd be better off by calling the recipient for |
| his or her email address. |
Sometimes, the information given you by the recipient is not enough.
Maybe the address needs an extension for the message to be routed
through gateways to the destination.
Another typical problem is that the syntax of the address is
wrong. Perhaps you made a mistake, when you wrote it down (KIDCAFE
became KIDSCAFE).
The return address in the received messages' mailer headers may
be wrong. It may use a syntax that is illegal on you email system,
or it may suggest a routing that is unknown to your system. When
trying to send mail to this address, the Mailer-Daemon complains:
"This is a non-existent address."
Again, the first person to contact for help is your local
postmaster. On most Internet hosts this is simple. If you have a
mailbox on the ULRIK computer at the University of Oslo, send a
request for help to postmaster@ulrik.uio.no . If you are on COLNET
in Buenos Aires, send to postmaster@colnetr.edu.ar .
POSTMASTER is also the address to turn to on BITNET. Users of
FidoNet or RelayNet, should write to SYSOP.
It may not be that simple to locate the postmaster on UUCP.
The postmaster ID may exist on some systems, but often he's just a
name or a user code.
You can get the email address of known Internet systems by
sending a message to SERVICE@NIC.DDN.MIL . In the subject of the
message, write the command WHOIS host-machine-name. Do not write
anything in the text (will be ignored). You will get a report of
the desired mailbox computer, and the address of the local
postmaster. Example:
To: SERVICE@NIC.DDN.MIL
Subject: WHOIS AERO.ORG
Text:
Sometimes, you just don't know the name of a recipient's mailbox
computer. When this is the case, start at the "top of the pyramid."
Say your desired recipient lives in Germany. The ISO country
code for Germany is DE (see appendix 6). Send the message
To: SERVICE@NIC.DDN.MIL
Subject: WHOIS DOMAIN DE
Text:
This will give you the email addresses of the main postmasters for
this country. Most postmasters are willing to help, but please note
that most of them are very busy people. It may take days before
they get around to respond to your inquiry.
There are over 100 other "whois-servers" in more than 15
countries. The systems whois.nic.ad.jp and whois.ripe.net cover
Japan and Europe. The rest of them provide information about local
users. (A list is available via anonymous FTP from sipb.mit.edu in
the file /pub/whois/whois-servers.list . Chapter 12 has information
about how to get this list by email).
If your recipient is on UUCP, try netdir@mcsun.eu.net . To
locate the postmaster of the mailbox system "amanpt1", use the
following format (write nothing in the text):
To: netdir@mcsun.eu.net
Subject: amanpt1
Text:
BITNET provides information about connected systems through many
sources. Scandinavian users use LISTSERV@FINHUTC.BITNET in Finland.
Try a LISTSERV on a host closer to where you live. For example,
North American users may use LISTSERV@NDSUVM1.BITNET, which is a
host in North Dakota. Japanese users should write to the host
LISTSERV@JPNKNU10.BITNET.
When retrieving for BITNET host information mail, your search
will have to be done in two steps. Here, your commands are NOT to
be entered on the Subject line. Enter all commands in the TEXT
field (text on the Subject line will be ignored). Example:
You want information about the BITNET computer FINHUTC (called
a "node in the network"). Your first message should have the
following text:
// job echo=no
database search dd=rules
//rules dd *
search * in bitearn where node = FINHUTC
index
LISTSERV sends you the following report:
> search * in bitearn where node = FINHUTC
--> Database BITEARN, 1 hit.
> index
Ref# Conn Nodeid Site name
---- ---- ------ ---------
0910 85/11 FINHUTC Helsinki University of Technology, Finland
Send a new search message to the LISTSERV containing the same
commands as above. Add one line in which you ask for database
record number 0910 (given in the column Ref#).
Like this:
// job echo=no
database search dd=rules
//rules dd *
search * in bitearn where node = FINHUTC
index
print 0910
LISTSERV will return a report with a lot of information.
Here is part of it:
Node: FINHUTC
Country: FI
Internet: FINHUTC.hut.fi
Net: EARN
Nodedesc: Helsinki University of Technology, Finland
P_hsalmine: Harri Salminen;LK-HS@FINHUTC;+358 0 4514318
P_pautio: Petri Autio;POSTMAST@FINHUTC;+358 0 4514318
P_vvoutila: Vuokko Voutilainen;OPR@FINHUTC;+358 0 4514342
Routtab: RSCS (NETSERV,POSTMAST@FINHUTC)
For more information about searching BITNET databases, send this
message to your favorite LISTSERV, or use the address below:
To: LISTSERV@FINHUTC.BITNET
Subject: nothing
TEXT: GET LISTDB MEMO
X.400 systems are developing an address directory according to
CCITT standard X.500. The plan is to connect several directories.
The developers hope that routing of X.400 messages may eventually
be done automatically without the user needing to know the identity
of the recipient's mailbox computer.
X.500 will certainly help X.400 users. The problem is that
most email is still carried by other types of systems, and that
X.500 has no concern for mail transported through "foreign
systems."
Dialcom
-------
is a commercial, global online service, which have many nodes in
Africa and Latin America. To send mail from Dialcom to the Internet
you must use commercial gateway-services like DASnet (see appendix
1).
To send mail from one Dialcom system to another, use the syntax
6007:EWP002. This address points to mailbox EWP002 on system number
6007.
To send mail from Internet to Dialcom user YNP079 on system
10001, use the following address when sending through DASnet:
10001_ynp079@dcdial.das.net
Note: Only registered users with DASnet can use this method.
FidoNet
-------
Users of this global network can send and receive mail to/from the
Internet. For example, a FidoNet user may use the following method
to send to my Internet address:
Send the message to user UUCP at 1:105/42. The first line of
the TEXT of the message should contain:
To: opresno@extern.uio.no
Add a blank line after the address before entering the text
of your message.
FidoNet addresses are composed by three or four numbers;
zone:net/node
or
zone:net/node.point
The FidoNet address 1:105/42 has three elements. "1:" tells that
the recipient lives in Zone number 1 (North America). "105/42"
refers to Node number 42, which receives mail through Net number
105. This node has an automatic gateway to the Internet.
Another example: Jan Stozek is sysop of "Home of PCQ" in
Warsaw, Poland. The Node number of his BBS is 10. He receives mail
through Net number 480. Poland is a country in Europe, Zone number
2. The address to his system is: 2:480/10. His user name is Jan
Stozek.
You can send an Internet message to anyone in FidoNet by using
the following template:
<firstname>.<lastname>@p<point>.f<node>.n<net>.z<zone>.fidonet.org
Where <firstname> is the person's first name
<lastname> is the person's last name
To send a message from the Internet to Jan, use this address:
Jan.Stozek@f10.n480.z2.fidonet.org
One final example: Ola Garstad in Oslo has the FidoNet address
2:502/15. Use the address Ola.Garstad@f15.n502.z2.fidonet.org ,
when sending mail to him through the Internet.
An updated list of global FidoNet nodes can be retrieved from
most connected BBS systems.
For more information
--------------------
If you have access to BITNET or Internet mail, get "The Inter-
Network Mail Guide." It describes how to send mail between
electronic mail systems like AppleLink, BITNET, BIX, CompuServe,
Connect-USA, EasyNet, Envoy, FidoNet, GeoNet, Internet, MCI,
MFENET, NasaMail, PeaceNet, Sinet, Span, SprintMail, and more.
Send a message to the BITNET address LISTSERV@UNMVM.BITNET. In
the TEXT of the message enter:
GET NETWORK GUIDE
This list is also posted monthly to the Usenet newsgroups
comp.mail.misc and news.newusers.questions.
The document "FAQ: How to find people's E-mail addresses" is
regularly posted to the Usenet group news.answers. It is also
available by email from mail-server@rtfm.mit.edu . To get a copy,
put the command "send usenet/news.answers/finding-addresses" in the
body of your message.
Chapter 8: Free expert assistance
=================================
This may sound too good to be true. Many computer experts are ready
to help YOU without asking a dollar in return. The same is the case
with experts in other areas.
You have an impossible decision to make. A lawyer has a dotted
line that requires your signature, or a surgeon has a dotted line
in mind for your upper abdomen. You're not comfortable with the
fine print or the diagnosis and wonder if a second opinion is in
order. Just ask, and get help.
If you have problems with your communications program, post a
message on a bulletin board. Do the same thing if you want to sell
equipment. Learn from other people's experiences with computers or
software that you plan to buy.
You will get a reply - if the subject or you attract interest.
In the process, you'll get new friends, and be able to follow the
development in a dynamic marketplace.
The following message from CompuServe is typical:
16-Nov-91 15:16:14
Sb: Back & Forth software
Fm: Joan Healy
To: John Nelson
Changed my mind about GrandView:
1. Learning curve like Mt. Everest. Give me intuitive or give me
death.
2. Lack of patience with " ".
3. Lack of time.
4. It may be unsuited for what I wanted (outlining a book). Since
becoming a born-again Galaxian, I've started using that for the
outline, and I'm happy. There's nothing like a decision and a
permanent bonding and lifelong commitment to make a woman
happy. Remember that, you louts. :-)
Many users prefer open conference messages to private email for
their technical discussions. This gives "the group" a chance to
read, comment, provide additional facts, and return with new
questions.
The reactions to one simple question may be overwhelming, but
most of the time the contributions are useful and educational.
Since the discussion is public, regard it as your personal online
university. Offer opinions when you have something to contribute,
or keep silent.
In most conferences, some members are critical to "lurkers." A
"lurker" is someone who read without ever contributing. Don't let
them get to you. Do not feel bad about being silent. Most other
members are there only to watch and learn as well.
If you consider buying a newly released computer program, tune
in to the section of your favorite online service that deals with
products from this manufacturer. Count messages with complaints
of the new program before buying.
When you have received your new program, return to read other
users' experiences and to pick up practical advice. It will never
hurt to offer your own two cents' worth in the process.
| Visit online services that have many users who know more than |
| most. There, you will usually get faster and better replies to |
| your questions. It is far cheaper to ask than to search. |
Start with bulletin boards. If you have never visited a BBS, call
one in your neighborhood to get a feel for what this is. Most of
them can be accessed free. Usually, their only requirement is that
you answer some self-presentation questions before being granted
full access to their system.
Most bulletin boards offer conferencing and archives filled
with shareware and public domain software. Many also have files or
bulletins listing telephone numbers of other boards in your country
or area.
The trick is to find know-how. The larger the online service,
the more skilled people are likely to "meet" there regularly.
Therefore, if local bulletin boards fail to satisfy your needs,
visit the large commercial services. CompuServe and EXEC-PC are two
services in the top league. BIX is another good source of
information for professional computer specialists.
One exception: When you need contact with ONE particular
person, who knows YOUR problem in detail, go where he uses to go.
Examples: If you need top advice about the communications
program GALINK, call Mike's BBS in Oslo (at +472 -416588). If you
buy modems from Semafor A/S, the best place for expert advice is
Semaforum BBS (tel. +4741-370-11710). If you have a Novell local
area network, visit the Novell forums on CompuServe.
For users of MS-DOS computers
-----------------------------
I visit the following CompuServe forums regularly:
IBM Communication - about communication software for MS-DOS
computers.
IBM Hardware - about new IBM compatibles, expansion cards,
displays, hard disks, IBM PS/2, software for performance
evaluation, printers, etc.
IBM Systems/Utilities - about DOS, utilities, shells, file
utilities, and much more. A large software library.
IBM Applications - about all kind of applications. The forum
has a large file library full of shareware and public
domain software.
Many CompuServe forums are operated or sponsored by software and
hardware vendors, like:
Adobe Systems Inc., Aldus Corp., Ashton-Tate Corp., Autodesk
Inc., Borland International, Broderbund Software Inc., Buttonware
Inc., Cadkey Inc., Crosstalk Communications, Customs Technologies,
Enable Software, Datastorm Technologies Inc., Microsoft Systems,
Nantucket Corp., Lotus Development Corp., Novell Inc., Peter Norton
Computing, Quarterdeck Office Systems, Quicksoft, Sun Microsystems
(TOPS Division), Symantec Corp., Toshiba, Turbopower Software, and
WordPerfect Corp.
CompuServe has hundreds of other forums with associated libraries
of files and programs.
FidoNet has the PC_TECH and PCUG conferences, and a long list
of product specific echos like QUICKBBS, PCTOOLS, ZMODEM, DESQVIEW
and WINDOWS.SHAREW .
BITNET has CLIPPER (CLIPPER@BRUFPB), I-IBMPC (I-IBMPC@UIUCVMD),
PC-L (PC-L@UFRJ), and the abstract service INFO-IBMPC (IBMPC-
L@BNANDP11). On EXEC-PC, look under MS-DOS systems. Usenet has
many offerings including the following:
comp.sys.ibm.pc.misc Discussion about IBM personal computers.
comp.sys.ibm.pc.digest The IBM PC, PC-XT, and PC-AT. (Moderated)
comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware XT/AT/EISA hardware, any vendor.
comp.sys.ibm.pc.rt Topics related to IBM's RT computer.
comp.sys.ibm.ps2.hardware Microchannel hardware, any vendor.
For help with Lotus 1-2-3, there are two CompuServe forums. There
is a LOTUS conference on RelayNet. WordPerfect Corp. has a support
forum on CompuServe. WORDPERF is the equivalent offering on
RelayNet. On ILINK, visit WORDPERFECT. For support about Ami Pro,
visit CompuServe's LDC Word Processing Forum.
For owners of Amiga computers
-----------------------------
FidoNet has a long list of conferences for Amiga users:
AMIGA Amiga International Echo
AMIGAGAMES Amiga Gaming
AMIGA_COMMS Amiga Communications Software and Hardware
AMIGA_DESKTOP Amiga Desktop Publishing
AMIGA_INFO AMIGA_INFO
AMIGA_LC Amiga Lattice/SASC C Echo
AMIGA_NET_DEV Amiga Network Developers.
AMIGA_PDREVIEW Amiga PD Reviews & Requests
AMIGA_PERFECT Amiga Word Perfect & Word Processing
AMIGA_PROG Amiga Programmer's International Conference
AMIGA_SYSOP Amiga SysOp's Discussion/ADS Echo
AMIGA_UG Amiga User's Groups
AMIGA_VIDEO Amiga Video and Animation
EXEC-PC has the Amiga Hardware and Amiga Software conferences, and
a large library with shareware and public domain files. ILINK has
the AMIGA conference.
Usenet's com.sys.amiga hierarchy has entries like advocacy,
announce applications, audio, datacomm, emulations, games,
graphics, hardware, introduction, marketplace, multimedia, misc,
programmer, reviews and more.
Abstracts of comp.sys.amiga conferences are available through
several BITNET mailing lists, like AMIGAHAR@DEARN, AMIGA-D@NDSUVM1,
and AMIGA-S@NDSUVM1.
Most online services have "Find this File" commands. The most
powerful ones are often found on free bulletin boards.
On CompuServe, type GO AMIGA to get to CBMNET and get the
following welcome menu:
Amiga Forums
1 Amiga Arts Forum
2 Amiga Tech Forum
3 Amiga User's Forum
4 Amiga Vendor Forum
5 Amiga File Finder
Commodore Forums
6 Commodore Arts and Games
7 Commodore Applications Forum
8 Commodore Service Forum
9 Commodore Newsletter
A while ago, we visited CBMNET to find a communications program.
From the menu above, selection five took us to The Amiga File
Finder service, and this menu:
File Finder AMIGA
1 About File Finder
2 Instructions For Searching
3 How to Locate Keywords
4 Access File Finder
5 Your Comments About File Finder
Choice four lets us search for files using keywords, file creation
dates, forum names, file types, file name extension, file name or
author. Our choice was searching by keywords. The result was a long
list of alternatives:
Enter Search Term: comm
Amiga File Finder
1 AMIGATECH/C Programming COMSRC.ARC
2 AMIGATECH/C Programming PMDSRC.LZH
3 AMIGATECH/C Programming PNTSRC.LZH
4 AMIGAUSER/Communications BBSIND.LZH
5 AMIGAUSER/Communications INTOUC.ARC
etc.
By entering numbers, we asked for short descriptions of file number
4 through 13. Here is one of them:
Filename : INTOUC.ARC Forum: AMIGAUSER
Lib: Communications Lib #: 5
Submitter: [76702,337] 24-Mar-89
Size: 51200 Accesses: 157
This is a modified Comm1.34. It supports both VT100 and ANSI.
The VT100 emulation is based on Dave Wecker's VT100 program.
There is automatic dialer, split screen that is configurable,
phone book, and other nice features.
This is what we were looking for. First, enter GO AMIGAUSER to get
to the forum. Enter "DL 5" to get to Downloading Library number 5.
INTOUCH.ARC was retrieved using the CompuServe Quick B transfer
protocol. This protocol is usually the most efficient choice on
this service.
There are also active Amiga forums on BIX, GEnie, and CIX
(England).
Apple users
-----------
FidoNet has an APPLE conference. BITNET has APPLE2-L (APPLE2-
L@BROWNVM). CompuServe has Apple II Programmers Forum, Apple II
Users Forum, Apple II Vendor Forum, Mac Community Clubhouse Forum,
Mac Developers Forum, Mac Fun/Entertainment Forum, Mac Hypertext
Forum, Mac New Users/Help Forum, Mac System 7.0 Forum, Mac System
Software Forum, MacUser Forum and MacWEEK Forum.
Similar services are found on many other online services. You
will also find conferences devoted to support of popular commercial
software for Apple computers.
Other computers
---------------
There are so many types of computers: Atari computers, the TRS-80
series and others from Tandy, DEC computers, mainframes from IBM,
Hewlett-Packard computers, CP/M machines, users of LDOS/TRSDOS or
OS9, Apricot, Z88, Timex/Sinclair, Archimedes, Psion, and Armstrad.
Even so, there is a high probability that you can find online
support for almost all of them. This is so even if the vendor is
out of business long ago. CompuServe is a good place to start.
Chapter 9: Your electronic daily news
=====================================
Read national and global news before they are announced by
the traditional media. Get those interesting background
facts. Read special interest news stories that seldom
appear in print.
Sure, you read newspapers, watch TV, and listen to radio. But did
you know how limited their stories are?
Traditional news media just give you a small part of the news.
Their editors are not concerned about YOUR particular interests.
They serve a large group of readers, viewers or listeners with
different interests in mind.
Go online to discover the difference. The online news has an
enormous width and depth. Besides "popular" news, you will find
stories that few editors bother to print. This may give you better
insight in current developments, and in as much details as you can
take.
Most commercial online services offer news. Most of their
stories come from large news agencies and newspapers. You can also
read and search articles from magazines, newsletters and other
special publications.
The online users' ability to search today and yesterday's news
makes these offerings particularly useful.
The cost of reading a given news item varies by online service.
What will set you back 20 cents on one service, will cost you two
dollars on another.
It may be many times more expensive (or cheap) to read the same
article from the same news provider on another online service. So,
professional online users compare prices.
National news
-------------
In Norway, we have long been able to read local language news from
print media like Aftenposten, Dagens Naeringsliv, Kapital, and news
wires from NTB and other local sources. Similarly, local language
news is available online in most countries.
The cost of reading local news on national online services
tends to be more expensive than on major global online services. As
competition among global news providers increases, however, this is
bound to change.
International news
------------------
"The Global Village" is an old idea in the online world. News from
most parts of the world has long been globally available.
A while ago, a well-known Norwegian industrialist visited my
office. I showed off online searching in NewsNet newsletters and
stumbled over a story about his company. "Incredible!" he said. "We
haven't even told our Norwegian employees about this yet."
Often, American online services give news from other countries
earlier you can get it on online services from these countries.
Besides, the stories will be in English.
| In 1991, the United States had 56 percent of the world's online |
| databases (Source: the research company IQ, September 1991). |
Sure, most Norwegians prefer to read news in Norwegian. The
Japanese want news in their language, and the French in French. If
they can get the news earlier than their competitors, however, most
are willing to read English.
Few master many languages. Unless you live in a country where
they talk Arabic, Chinese or French, chances are that you cannot
read news in these languages. English, however, is a popular second
choice in many countries, and it has become the unofficial language
of the online world.
Another thing is that reading local language news is risky.
Translators often make mistakes. One reason is time pressure,
another poor knowledge of the source language.
The risk of inaccuracies increases when a story, for example
initially translated from Spanish into English, then are being
translated into a third language.
Avoid news that has been translated more than once. If not,
you may experience something like this:
On September 19, 1991, Norwegian TV brought news from Moscow.
They told that Russian president Boris Yeltsin had a heart
attack.
The online report from Associated Press, which arrived 7.5
hours earlier, talked about "a minor heart attack" with the
following additional explanation: "In Russian, the phrase
'heart attack' has a broader meaning than in English. It is
commonly used to refer to a range of ailments from chest pains
to actual heart failure."
Your "personal online daily newspaper" will often give you the news
faster and more correctly than traditional print media. Some news
is only made available in electronic form.
Seven minutes in 1991
---------------------
On September 19, I called CompuServe to read news and gather
information about online news sources.
According to my log, I connected through Infonet in Oslo (see
Chapter 13). The total cost for seven minutes was US$6.00, which
included the cost of a long distance call to Oslo.
I read some stories, while they scrolled over the screen. All
was captured to a file on my hard disk for later study. The size
of this file grew to 32.000 characters, or almost 15 single-spaced
typewritten pages (A-4 size). If I had spent less time reviewing
the lists of available stories, seven minutes would have given a
larger file.
When I had entered my user ID and password, a menu of stories
came up on my screen. The headline read "News from CompuServe."
The two first items caught my attention, and I requested the
text. One had 20 lines about an easier method of finding files in
the forum libraries. The other had ten lines about how to write
addresses for international fax messages.
The command GO APV brought me directly to Associated Press News
Wires. You'll find such tricks by reading the online services' user
manuals. This command produced the following menu:
AP Online APV-1
1 Latest News-Updated Hourly
2 Weather
3 Sports
4 National
5 Washington
6 World
7 Political
8 Entertainment
9 Business News
10 Wall Street
11 Dow Jones Average
12 Feature News
13 Today in History
I entered "9" for business news, and got a new list of stories:
AP Online
1 Women, Minority Businesses Lag
2 Child World Accuses Toys R Us
3 UPI May Cancel Worker Benefits
4 Drilling Plan Worries Florida
5 UK Stocks Dip, Tokyo's Higher
6 Dollar Higher, Gold Up
7 Farm Exports Seen Declining
8 Supermarket Coupons Big Bucks
9 Cattlemen Tout Supply, Prices
0 Tokyo Stocks, Dollar Higher
MORE !
The screen stopped scrolling by "MORE !". Pressing ENTER gave a new
list. None of them were of any interest.
Pressing M (for previous menu) returned me to the APV-1 menu
(the videotext page number is given in the upper right corner of
each menu display). I selected "World" for global news, which gave
me this list:
AP Online
6 Two Killed In Nagorno Karabakh
7 Yugoslavia Fighting Rages On
8 Storm Kills Five In Japan
9 Afghan Rebels Going To Moscow?
0 19 Killed in Guatemala Quakes
MORE !8
Oh, a storm in Japan! Interesting. I was due to leave for Japan in
a couple of weeks, and entered 8 at the MORE ! prompt to read. A
screenful of text was transferred in a few seconds.
"This is for later study," I said, pressed M to return to the
menu, and then ENTER to get the next listing:
AP Online
1 Bomblets Kill American Troops?
2 No Movement On Hostage Release
3 Baker Plans Return To Syria
4 Baker, King Hussein To Confer
5 Madame Chiang Leaving Taiwan?
6 Baker Leaves Syria for Jordan
7 Klaus Barbie Hospitalized
8 Iraq Denounces U.S. Threat
9 Yelstin Said Resting At Home
0 SS Auschwitz Guard Found Dead
MORE !
Here, I used another trick from the user manual. Entering "5,6,9"
gave three stories in one batch with no pauses between them. Five
screens with text. If I had read the menu more carefully, I might
probably also have selected story 0. It looked like an interesting
item.
"This is enough of the Associated Press," I thought, and typed
G NEWS. This gave me an overview of all available news sources ("G
NEWS" is an abbreviation for "GO NEWS," or "GO to the main NEWS
menu"):
News/Weather/Sports NEWS
1 Executive News Service ($)
2 NewsGrid
3 Associated Press Online
4 Weather
5 Sports
6 The Business Wire
7 Newspaper Library
8 UK News/Sports
9 Entertainment News/Info
10 Online Today Daily Edition
11 Soviet Crisis
First, a quick glance at 6. The service presented itself in these
words: "Throughout the day The Business Wire makes available press
releases, news stories, and other information from the world of
business. Information on hundreds of different companies is
transmitted daily to The Business Wire's subscribers."
Then #7: "This database contains selected full-text stories
from 48 newspapers from across the United States. Classified ads
are NOT included in the full-text of each paper."
The list of newspapers included Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune
and San Francisco Chronicle (known for many interesting inside
stories from Silicon Valley).
Choice 8 gave news from England. There, I selected UK News
Clips, which gave the following options:
U.K. News Clips
93 stories selected
1 RTw 09/19 0818 YUGOSLAV AIR FORCE HITS CROATIAN COMMUNICATIONS
2 RTw 09/19 0755 CROATIA BATTLES CONTINUE AS EC PONDERS PEACE FORCE
3 RTw 09/19 0753 ARAB PAPERS SAY MOSCOW WANTS MIDEAST PARLEY DELAYED
4 RTw 09/19 0749 DOLLAR STANDS STILL, SHARES DRIFT LOWER IN ...
5 RTw 09/19 0729 EARNINGS GLOOM REVERSES LONDON STOCKS' EARLY GAINS
6 RTw 09/19 0716 SOVIETS NEED 14.7 BILLION DOLLARS FOOD AID, EC SAYS
7 RTw 09/19 0707 IRA SAYS IT KILLED TIMBER YARD WORKER IN BELFAST DOCKS
8 RTw 09/19 0706 BRITISH CONSERVATIVE CHIEF PLAYS DOWN TALK OF ...
9 RTw 09/19 0630 FINANCE RATES
10 RTw 09/19 0603 REUTER WORLD NEWS SCHEDULE AT 1000 GMT THURSDAY ...
The numbers in column four are the release times of the stories.
They flow in from the wires in a continuous stream.
Next stop was the UK Newspaper Library. Here, you can search in
full-text stories from The Daily and Sunday Telegraph, Financial
Times, The Guardian, UK News (with selected stories from The Daily
& Sunday Telegraph, Financial Times, The Guardian, The Times/Sunday
Times, Today, The Independent, Lloyd's List and The Observer).
Searching the UK Newspaper Library costs US$6.00 for up to ten
hits. You get a selection menu of the first ten stories found. A
menu with an additional ten stories costs another $6.00, etc. You
pay US$6.00 to read the full text of selected stories. These rates
are added to CompuServe's normal access rates.
The news service Soviet Crisis was my final destination. This
was just a few weeks after the attempted coup in Moscow, and I was
eager for reports.
I found the following interesting story from OTC NewsAlert:
OTC 09/19 0750 FIRST ENGLISH LANGUAGE SOVDATA DAILINE IS LAUNCHED
This selection gave me three screens with information about a new
online service. Briefly, this is what it said:
"The SovData DiaLine service includes an on-line library of more
than 250 Soviet newspapers, business and economic periodicals,
profiles of more than 2,500 Soviet firms and key executives that
do business with the West, legislative reports and other
information."
It also said that part of the database was available through Mead
Data Central (Nexis/Lexis), and that it would be made available
through like Data-Star, FT Profile, Reuters, Westlaw, and GBI.
Undoubtedly, the name has changed by the time you read this.
Finally, a fresh story about the fate of KGB. I read another
fifty lines, entered OFF (for "goodbye CompuServe"), and received
the following verdict:
Thank you for using CompuServe!
Off at 09:03 EDT 19-Sep-91
Connect time = 0:07
Seven minutes. Fifteen typed pages of text. US$6.00. Not bad!
An overwhelming choice
----------------------
I am confident that your "daily online newspaper" will contain
other stories. If you're into computers, you may want to start with
Online Today, CompuServe's daily newspaper. It brings short,
informative news stories about the computer industry.
NewsBytes is another interesting source for computer news. It
offers global headline news from its bureaus around the world. The
articles are sorted in sections called APPLE, BUSINESS, GENERAL,
GOVERNMENT, IBM, REVIEW, TELECOM, TRENDS and UNIX. A favorite!
Newsnet is also available through Genie, ZiffNet on CompuServe,
NewsNet, Dialog, in the newsgroup clari.nb on Usenet, and various
BBS systems around the world. I read it through a Norwegian BBS
(EuroNet in Haugesund).
For general news, start with major newswires, like Associated
Press, Agence France-Presse, Xinhua, Reuters, and the like. You
will find them on many commercial services including NewsNet,
CompuServe, and Dialog.
FROGNET - The French Way
------------------------
If you know French, check out FROGNET. This French language service
brings daily news from Agence France Press, and often has added
excerpts from the French dailies.
FROG is distributed by the services of the French embassy in
Washington. It covers world affairs, European and French items,
assembled, naturally, from a French point of view.
The service is free. To subscribe, send a message through the
Internet to FROG@GUVAX.GEORGETOWN.EDU . It should contain your
answers to the following electronic application form. Replace the
%s with your inputs (This is French, right?):
NOM: %
PRENOM: %
NAISSANCE:../../..%
ARRIVEE:../../..%
DEPART:../../..%
EMAIL: %
ECOLE D'ORIGINE: %
QUALITE: %
ADRESSE DE RECHERCHE: %
PAYS: %
STATE: %
UNIVERSITE: %
RECHERCHE: %
MOTSCLES: %
DOMAINE: %
Complicated? OK, here's some instructions in "French ASCII":
* Pour les dates veuillez utiliser le format Francais
(DD/MM/YY). Arrivee: c'est la date d'arrivee dans le pays
ou vous etes actuellement.
* QUALITE: Etes vous VSN, PHD, MASTER, INGENIEUR, POST-DOC ...?
* ECOLE D'ORIGINE: Diplome obtenu en France
* PAYS: US, Australie ....
* STATE: pour les US en 2 lettres (NY, TX, CA)
* UNIVERSITE: actuelle ou societe
* RECHERCHE: Soyez explicite !
* MOTSCLES: (ex: Neuronaux, polymeres, TVHD...)
* DOMAINE: En 3 lettres confere nomenclature ci-dessous
Nomenclature de la National Science Foundation.
AGR AGRICULTURE
BIO BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
HES HEALTH SCIENCES
ENG ENGINEERING
CIS COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SC.
MAT MATHEMATICS
PHY PHYSICAL SCIENCES
AST Astronomy
ATM Atmospheric & Meteorological Sciences
CHE Chemistry
GEO Geological Sciences
PHS Physics
OPH Other Physical Sciences
PSY PSYCHOLOGY
SOS SOCIAL SCIENCES
HUM HUMANITIES
HIS History
LET Letters
FLL Foreign Languages & Literature
OHU Other Humanities
EDU EDUCATION
EDG Education General
TED Teacher Education
TEF Teaching fields
PRF PROFESSIONAL FIELDS
BUS Business & Management
COM Communications
PFO Other Professional Fields
OTH OTHER FIELDS
News is more than news
----------------------
After some time, your definition of the notion "news" may change.
Since so many conferences are interesting sources, they should also
be a part of your news gathering strategy. Check in regularly to
read what members report about what they have seen, done, heard, or
discovered.
By the way, professional news hunters have also discovered
this. Online conferences are popular hunting grounds for reporters
of the traditional press.
FidoNet has many conferences with specialized news contents:
ANEWS News of the US and World
BBNS BBS News Service
BIONEWS Environmental News
EL_SALVADOR Analysis and News About El Salvador
NICANET Analysis and News About Nicaragua
PACIFIC_NEWS Pacific News
PANAMA Analysis and News About Panama
BITNET has mailing lists like:
CHINA-NN CHINA-NN@ASUACAD China News Digest (Global News)
CURRENTS CURRENTS@PCCVM South Asian News and Culture
INDIA-L INDIA-L@TEMPLEVM The India News Network
PAKISTAN PAKISTAN@ASUACAD Pakistan News Service
SEDSNEWS SEDSNEWS@TAMVM1 News about Space from SEDS
TSSNEWS TSSNEWS@PSUVM Tunisian Scientific Society News
RFERL-L (on LISTSERV@UBVM.CC.BUFFALO.EDU) distributes the RFE/RL
Research Institute Daily Report. It is a digest of the latest
developments in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. The
report is published Monday through Friday by the RFE/RL Research
Institute, a division of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Inc. in
Germany.
Some mailing lists bring a steady flow of news from various
sources. SEASIA-L@MSU - The Southeast Asia Discussion List - is one
example. The list is "designed to facilitate communication between
researchers, scholars, students, teachers, and others interested in
Southeast Asian studies with an emphasis on current events."
SEASIA-L defines Southeast Asia loosely as Burma/Myanmar across
to Hong Kong and down through Australia and New Zealand. Regularly,
it brings full-text news stories from Inter Press Service, regional
news agencies, and newspapers/radio. Some examples:
On Jul. 30, 1992, a full-text story from IPS: "PHILIPPINES:
RAMOS URGES REPEAL OF ANTI-COMMUNIST LAW." On Aug. 13, 1992, full-
text story from The New Straits Times (Singapore): "Schoolgirs
involved in flesh trade, says Farid." On Aug. 31, "ANTI-VIETNAMESE
FORCE TURNS UP IN CAMBODIA" (Reuter).
SEASIA-L also brings "underground" reports like "The Burma
Focus," a bimonthly newsletter published by the All Burma Students'
Democratic Front.
ECUADOR brings news from Ecuador. Daily news bulletins from
"Diario Hoy" are posted to the list. Send rone@skat.usc.edu your
subscription request.
Many CompuServe forums have news sections. If you're into Hot
News and Rumors about Amiga Computers, read messages in section 3
of the Amiga Tech Forum.
Consumer Electronics Forum has the section "New Products/News."
The Journalist Forum has "Fast Breaking News!" The Motor Sports
Forum has "Racing News/Notes." The Online Today Forum has "In the
News."
NewsNet's list of newsletters that you can read or search
online is long, and back issues are also available. For example:
Africa News, Agence France-Presse International News, Applied
Genetics News, Asian Economic News, Asian Political News,
Business Travel News, Catholic News Service, CD Computing
News, Computer Reseller News, Electronic Materials Technology
News, Electronic Trade & Transport News, Electronic World
News, High Tech Ceramics News, Inter Press Service
International News, International Businessman News Report,
News From France, Northern Ireland News Service, Online
Product News, Sourcemex -- economic news on Mexico, and
XINHUA English language news service (China).
The Inter Press Service's newsletter International News focuses
on Third World countries, and news from Europe/North America of
interest to these countries (also available through Impress on
Nexis).
Usenet brings news from Bangladesh, India and Nepal in
misc.news.southasia. The ClariNet hierarchy gateways newsgroups
from commercial news services and "other official" sources, like:
biz.commodity Commodity news and price reports.
feature Feature columns and products
canada.briefs Regular updates of Canadian News in Brief.
biz.economy Economic news and indicators
biz.top Top business news
books Books & publishing.
briefs Regular news summaries.
bulletin Major breaking stories of the week.
consumer Consumer news, car reviews etc.
demonstration Demonstrations around the world.
disaster Major problems, accidents & natural disasters.
economy General economic news.
entertain Entertainment industry news & features.
europe News related to Europe.
fighting Clashes around the world.
hot.east_europe News from Eastern Europe.
hot.iraq The Gulf Crisis
hot.panama Panama and General Noriega.
news.top Top US news stories.
news.top.world Top international news stories.
news.trends Surveys and trends.
news.urgent Major breaking stories of the day.
A feed of ClariNet news is available for a fee and execution of a
license. (Write info@clarinet.com for information.)
UUCP has which brings regular news bulletins from Poland
(Contact: przemek@ndcvx.cc.nd.edu).
Behind the news
---------------
In an effort to garner new subscribers and retain current readers,
magazine publishers turn to online services to create an ancillary
electronic version of their print product.
Their readers are being transformed from passive recipients of
information into active participants in publishing.
You can "talk" to BYTE's writers on BIX, and with PC Magazine's
writers through ZiffNet on CompuServe. Their forums function as
expert sources. Here, you will often learn about products and trends
sometimes before the magazines hit the newsstand.
InfoWorld, an American computer magazine, runs the InfoWorld
OnLine service on CompuServe. Enter GO INF to get to the following
menu:
InfoWorld On-Line INFOWORLD
WELCOME TO INFOWORLD
1 About InfoWorld Online
2 Read Current Week's News - 1/13/92
3 Read Prior Week's News - 1/06/92
4 Download Current Week's Reviews,
Comparisons and Test Drives ($)
5 Download Prior Week's Reviews,
Comparisons and Test Drives ($)
6 Searching Help
7 Search Review/Comparisons/
Impressions/Test Drives
8 Comments to InfoWorld
InfoWorld highlights comprehensive computer product comparisons and
reports. You can browse this or previous weeks' comparisons and
reviews, or search the entire collection. You can search by company
name, product, software and hardware category.
Britain's two best-selling PC magazines share the PC Plus/PC
Answers Online forum on CompuServe (GO PCPLUS).
PC Magazine, another American magazine, has several forums on
CompuServe. They also operate a bulletin board. People from AI Expert
Magazine can be encountered in the AI Expert Forum. Dr. Dobb's
Journal is in the Dr. Dobb's Journal Forum.
The Entrepreneur's Small Business Forum (CompuServe) is managed
by representatives from the magazine. Live Sound!, a magazine devoted
to the MIDI sound field, occupies section and library 9 of the MIDI B
Vendor Forum.
Time magazine has a forum on America Online. There, readers can
discuss with magazine reporters and editors, and even read the text
of entire issues of Time electronically before it is available on
newsstands.
The Online World shareware book, the one you're reading just now,
also has a forum. For information about how to join, send email to
LISTSERV@vm1.nodak.edu (or LISTSERV@NDSUVM1 on BITNET). In the text
of your message, write the command "GET TOW MASTER".
Chapter 10: Looking for a needle in a bottle of hay
===================================================
Experienced users regularly clip news from online services, and
store selected parts of it on their personal computers' hard disks.
They use powerful tools to search their data, and know how to use
the information in other applications.
Regular clipping of news is highly recommended. It is often
quicker and easier to search your own databases than to do it
online.
Since your data is a subset of previous searches, your stories
are likely to have a high degree of relevancy.
There are many powerful programs for personal computers that
let you search your personal data for information. Read Chapter 14
for more on this.
While secondary research can never replace primary information
gathering, it often satisfies most information needs related to any
task or project. Besides, it points in the direction of primary
sources from where more in-depth information may be elicited.
When your personal database fails to deliver
--------------------------------------------
Regular "clipping" can indeed help you build a powerful personal
database, but it will never satisfy all your information needs.
Occasionally, you must go online for additional facts.
When this happens, you may feel like Don Quixote, as he was
looking "for a needle in a bottle of hay." The large number of
online offerings is bewildering. To be successful, you must have
a sound search strategy.
Your first task is to locate useful SOURCES of information. The
next, to decide how best to find that specific piece of information
online. You must PLAN your search.
Although one source of information, like an online database, is
supposed to cover your area of interest, it may still be unable to
give you what you want. Let me explain with an example:
You're tracking a company called IBM (International Business
Machines). Your first inclination is to visit forums and clubs
concerned with products delivered by this company. There, you
plan to search message bases and file libraries.
What is likely to happen, is that the search term IBM gives so
many hits that you almost drown. To find anything of interest
in these forums, your search terms must be very specific.
General news providers, like Associated Press, may be a better
alternative. Usually, they just publish one or two stories on
IBM per week. Don't expect to learn about details that are not
of interest to the general public.
AP's stories may be too general for you. Maybe you'll be more
content with industry insiders' expert views, as provided by
the NewsNet newsletters OUTLOOK ON IBM, or THE REPORT ON IBM.
The level of details in a given story depends in part on the news
providers' readers, and the nature of the source. The amount of
"noise" (the level of irrelevancy) also varies. In most public
forums, expect to wade through many uninteresting messages before
finding things of interest.
We suggest the following strategy:
Step 1: Locate sources that provide relevant information,
Step 2: Check if the information from these sources is at a
satisfactory level of details, and that the volume
is acceptable (not too much, neither too little).
Step 3: Study the service's search commands and procedures,
PLAN, and then SEARCH.
Start by asking others!
-----------------------
Step 1 is not an easy one. Start by asking other online people for
advice. This may be the fastest way to interesting sources.
If looking for information about agriculture and fisheries,
visit conferences about related topics. Ask members there what they
are using.
If you want information about computers or electronics, ask in
such conferences.
| When you don't know where to start your search, ask others! |
| Their know-how is usually the quickest way to the sources. |
If this doesn't help, check out GEnie's Home Office/Small Business
RoundTable, a hangout of online searchers. Visit CompuServe's
Working From Home Forum, which has a section for information
professionals (#4), and the section for new librarians in the
Journalism Forum.
Patent searchers are a very specialized group. They discuss
common problems on Dialog's DialMail. Their bulletin board is named
PIUG.
Buy user manuals
----------------
Some online services send free user information manuals to their
users. Others charge extra for them. If they do, buy! They're worth
their weight in gold.
The user manuals from Dialog, Dow Jones News/Retrieval and
CompuServe make good reading. The last two also publish monthly
magazines full of search tips, information about new sources, user
experiences, and more. Dialog distributes the monthly newsletter
Chronolog.
NewsNet customers periodically receive a printed listing of
available newsletters by subject area, and a presentation of their
information providers. The NewsNet Action Letter (monthly) is also
distributed by mail.
On some services, you can retrieve the help texts in electronic
form. Doing that is not a bad idea. It is often quicker to search a
help file on your disk, than to browse through a book.
Monitor the offerings
---------------------
Professional information searchers monitor the activity in the
online world. They search databases for information about new
sources of information, and regularly read about new services.
On most online services, you can search databases of available
offerings, and a section with advertisements about their own
'superiorities'. Keep an eye on what is being posted there.
NewsNet lets you read and search the following newsletters:
Worldwide Videotex Update, Worldwide Databases (#PB44), Online
Newsletter, The Online Newsletter, and The Online Libraries and
Microcomputers.
The last two are also available as a database from Information
Intelligence, Inc., (P.O. Box 31098, Phoenix, AZ 85046, U.S.A.
Tel.: +1-602-996-2283). You can read the text on NewsNet about one
week before it appears in print.
These two newsletters can also be read and searched on Dialog
and Data-Star, as part of the Information Access PTS Newsletter
Database. Information Access is a full-text database with many
specialized newsletters for business and industry.
On CompuServe, you can get to Information Access through the
IQuest gateway to NewsNet.
Subscribing to THE ONLINE NEWSLETTER costs US$50.00 per year
(10 issues) for companies, and US$35.00 for personal use (1991).
For both newsletters, the price is US$75.00.
These newsletters are also available on CD-ROM. The disk
contains four databases: the Online Newsletter, Online Hotline,
Online Libraries and Microcomputers, Major Online Vendors and
*Joblines* with more than eight thousand full-text articles from
January 1980 until today.
The CD-ROM version is delivered with a menu-driven searching
program. Each word in every article and headline has been indexed
and can be located in all databases. The price for subscriptions
of the printed version is US$99.95. Price for nonsubscribers:
US$199.95.
The September 1991 issue of The Online Newsletter had the
following index (partial):
*****************************
*NEW & FORTHCOMING DATABASES*
*****************************
10) MULTIMEDIA CIA WORLD FACT BOOK (CD-ROM) [REVIEW]
11) NORTH AMERICAN INDIANS ON CD-ROM (CD-ROM) [REVIEW]
12) WORLD CERAMICS ABSTRACTS (ORBIT)
13) GENE-TOX (TOXNET/NLM)
14) UK TRADEMARKS (ORBIT) [RENAMED]
15) BRS ADDS DATABASES TO ITS OFFERINGS
16) CURRENT PATENTS (ORBIT)
17) NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE ON CD-ROM (CD-ROM)
18) ALUMINUM STANDARDS DATABASE [AAASD] (STN
19) PLASNEWS (STN INTERNATIONAL)
20) EPIC ANNOUNCES NEW DATABASES
21) DISCLIT: AMERICAN AUTHORS (CD-ROM - OCLC)
22) CROSS-CULTURAL: CRIME AND SOCIAL PROBLEMS (CD-ROM)
23) INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL ABSTRACTS (CD-ROM)
24) RINGDOC (CD-ROM - SILVERPLATTER)
25) CODUS (ESA-IRS)
26) MOODY'S COMPANY DATA (CD-ROM)
27) FEDERAL NEWS SERVICE (DIALOG)
28) INPADOC DATABASE TO BE MADE AVAILABLE IN JAPAN (DIALOG)
29) SOFTWARE CD: DESCRIPTIONS & REVIEWS (CD-ROM)
30) MONARCH NOTES ON CD-ROM (CD-ROM)
An earlier issue of the newsletter reviewed The Encyclopedia of
Information Systems and Services, a three-volume "bible" for online
users and producers (9th edition):
EISS covers more than 30,000 organizations, systems, services,
more than five thousand databases, publications, software products,
etc. Their international listing covers 1,350 information
organizations in 70 countries, and has 535 pages.
Topics: online host services, videotex/teletext information
services, PC oriented services, data collection and analysis
services, abstracting and indexing services, computerized
searching services, software producers, magnetic tape/diskette
providers, micrographic applications and services, library and
information networks, library management systems, information on
demand services, transactional services (new category), document
delivery services, SDI/current awareness services, consultants,
associations, research and research projects, and electronic mail
applications.
Contact: Gale Research Company, 645 Griswold, Detroit, MI
48226, U.S.A. Tel.: +1-313-961-2242. Price per set: US$ 420.00.
The European Common Market
--------------------------
Many services bring news and information from the European Common
Market. The Common Market's free database service, I'M-GUIDE, is
a good place to start.
I'M-GUIDE is available through ECHO in Luxembourg by telnet to
echo.lu . At the question "PLEASE ENTER YOUR CODE," enter ECHO and
press Return.
You can search I'M-GUIDE for information sources, send email
inquiries to ECHO, and more. Searches can be done in English,
French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Danish, and Portuguese.
If you have problems using I'M-GUIDE, call the ECHO Help Desk
in Luxembourg at +352-34 98 11.
More sources about sources
--------------------------
The "Internet-Accessible Library Catalogs and Databases" report is
available by email from LISTSERV@UNMVM.BITNET. Put the following
command in the TEXT of your message:
GET LIBRARY PACKAGE
Cuadra/Elsevier (Box 872, Madison Square Station, New York, NY
10159-2101, U.S.A. Tel.: +1 212 633 3980) sells a Directory of
Online Databases, which lists databases available around the world.
The catalog can be searched on Orbit and Data-Star.
The Online Access Publishing Group Inc. (Chicago) sells "The
Online Access Guide." Annual subscription for this printed manual
costs US$18.95 (six issues - 1992).
The LINK-UP magazine is another interesting source. If living
in North America, contact Learned Information Inc., 143 Old Mariton
Pike, Medford, NJ 08055-8707, U.S.A.. If living elsewhere, contact
Learned Information (Europe) Ltd., Woodside, Hinskey Hill, Oxford
OX1 5AU, England, if you live outside North America. Tel.: +44 865
730 275. Price: US$25.00 for six issues/year (1993). An online
version is available through ZiffNet's Business Database Plus on
CompuServe.
Two monthly magazines, Information World Review (price: GBP
30/year) and FULLTEXT SOURCES ONLINE from BiblioData Inc. in the
United States, is also available through Learned Information.
(BiblioData, P.O. Box 61, Needham Heights, MA 02194, U.S.A.)
FULLTEXT SOURCES ONLINE publishes their listing of full-text
databases twice per year. The price is GBP 50 GBP per booklet or
GBP 90 per year.
The newsletter SCANNET TODAY (c/o Helsinki University of Techn.
Library, Otnaesvaegen 9, SF-02150 ESBO, Finland) presents news of
Scandinavian databases by country. Subscription is free.
Computer Readable Databases from Gale Research is available
both in print and online through Dialog. Write to Gale Research
Company, 645 Griswold, Detroit, MI 48226, U.S.A.
Many electronic journals and newsletters are available through
the Internet, covering fields from literature to molecular biology.
For a complete list, send a message to LISTSERV@ACADVM1.UOTTAWA.CA
with the following commands in the BODY of your text:
GET EJOURNL1 DIRECTRY
GET EJOURNL2 DIRECTRY
Practical hints about online searching
--------------------------------------
We cannot give a simple, universal recipe valid for all online
services. What is the best approach on one service, may be useless
on others.
Most services offer full online documentation of their search
commands. You can read the help text on screen while connected, or
retrieve it for later study.
Make a note about the following general tricks:
In conferences and forums:
--------------------------
Many services have commands for selective reading of messages.
For example, on CompuServe you can limit your search to given
sections. You can also select messages to be read based on
text strings in the subject titles. The command
rs;s;CIS Access from Japan;62928
displays all messages with the text "CIS Access from Japan"
in their subject titles starting with message number 62928.
Online searching often starts by selecting databases. The
next step is to enter search words (or text strings), and
a valid time frame (as in "between 1/1/90 and 1/1/91").
The following sample search terms are used on NewsNet:
VIDEO* search for all words starting with
VIDEO. "*" is a wild-card character
referring to any ending of the word.
VIDEO* matches words like VIDEOTEXT
and VIDEOCONFERENCE.
SONY AND VIDEO The word SONY and the word VIDEO. Both
words must be present in the document
to give a match.
SONY WITHIN/10 VIDEO Both words must be present in the text,
but they must not be farther apart than
ten words. (Proximity operators)
IBM OR APPLE Either one word OR the other.
Many services let you reuse your search terms in new search
commands. This can save you time and money, if there are too
many hits. For example: if IBM OR APPLE gives 1,000 hits,
limit the search by adding "FROM JANUARY 1st.," or by adding
the search word "NOTEBOOK*".
In file libraries
-----------------
The commands used to find files are similar to those used in
traditional databases. Often, you can limit the search by
library, date, file name, or file extension. You can search for
text strings in the description of the contents of a file, or
use key words.
Example: You're visiting a bulletin board based on the BBS
program RBBS-PC. You want a program that can show GIF graphics
picture files. Such files are typically described like this:
VUIMG31.EXE 103105 07-15-91 GIF*/TIFF/PCX Picture Viewer/Printer
From left to right: file name, size in bytes, date available,
and a 40 character description.
You can search the file descriptions for the string "gif". You
do this by entering the term "s gif all". This will probably
give you a list of files. Some will have the letters GIF in
the file name. Others will have them in the description field.
Using ANDs and ORs
------------------
Boolean searching may seem confusing at first, unless you already
understand the logic. There are three Boolean operators that
searchers use to combine search terms: AND, OR, and NOT.
Use the Boolean operator AND to retrieve smaller amounts of
information. Use AND when multiple words must be present in your
search results (MERCEDES AND VOLVO AND CITROEN AND PRICES).
Use OR to express related concepts or synonyms for your search
term (FRUIT OR APPLES OR PEARS OR BANANAS OR PEACHES).
Be careful when using the NOT operator. It gets rid of any record
in a database that contains the word that you've "notted" out. For
example, searching for "IBM NOT APPLE" drops records containing the
sentence, "IBM and Apple are computer giants." The record will be
dropped, even if this is the only mention of Apple in an article,
and though it is solely about IBM.
Use NOT to drop sets of hits that you have already seen. Use
NOT to exclude records with multiple meanings, like "CHIPS Not
POTATO" (if you are looking for chips rather than snack foods).
Often, it pays to start with a "quick-and-dirty" search by
throwing in words you think will do the trick. Then look at the
first five or 10 records, but look only at the headline and the
indexing. This will show you what terms are used by indexers to
describe your idea and the potential for confusion with other
ideas.
Use proximity operators to search multiword terms. If searching
for "market share," you want the two words within so many words of
another. The order of the words, however, doesn't matter. You can
accept both "market share" and "share of the market."
Searching by email
------------------
MCI Mail and MCI Fax have a program called Information Advantage,
under which online services and newsletters can deliver search
results and other information over the online services. Dialog,
Dun & Bradstreet, NewsNet, and Individual Inc. have signed up for
the program.
You can request a search by direct email to say Dialog. The
search results will be returned to you via MCI Mail or MCI Fax.
With Dun and Bradstreet, you call them for a credit report and
they send it to you. With History Associates, you send them a
message via MCI Mail, and they report to you.
Using BITNET discussion lists through Internet
----------------------------------------------
To get a directory of Internet/BITNET mailing lists, send the
following email message:
To: LISTSERV@VM1.NODAK.EDU
Subject: (keep this blank)
Text:
LIST GLOBAL
You will receive a LONG list of available sources of information. A
recent copy had over two thousand lines of text. Each mailing list
is described with one line. All these mailing lists can be used by
email through the Internet. Here is a random selection:
Network-wide ID Full address List title
--------------- ------------ ----------
AESRG-L AESRG-L@UMCVMB Applied Expert Systems Research Group List
AGRIC-L AGRIC-L@UGA Agriculture Discussion
AIDSNEWS AIDSNEWS@EB0UB011 AIDS/HIV News
ANIME-L ANIME-L@VTVM1 Japanese animedia and other animation news.
BANYAN BANYAN-L@AKRONVM Banyan Networks Discussion List
BRIDGE BRIDGE@NDSUVM1 Bridge Communication products
CHEM-L CHEM-L@UOGUELPH Chemistry discussion
EJCREC EJCREC@RPIECS Electronic Journal of Communication
FAMCOMM FAMCOMM@RPICICGE Marital/family & relational communication
SOVNET-L SOVNET-L@INDYCMS USSR electronic communication list
The column "Network-wide ID" contains the names of the mailing
lists. "Full address" contains their BITNET email addresses. "List
title" is a short textual description of each conference.
Keep the list on your hard disk. This makes it easier to find
sources of information, when you need them.
Subscribing to mailing lists
----------------------------
Each line in the list above refers to a mailing list, also often
called 'discussion list'. They work like online conferences or
message sections on bulletin boards, but technically they are
different. (Read about KIDLINK in Chapter 2 for background
information.)
All BITNET mailing lists are controlled by a program called
LISTSERV on the host computer given in column two above (for
example @UMCVMB). They offer "conferencing" with the following
important functions:
* All "discussion items" (i.e., electronic messages sent to the
lists' email address) are distributed to all subscribers.
* All messages are automatically stored in notebook archives.
You can search these log files, and you can have them sent
to you as electronic mail.
* Files can be stored in the lists' associated file libraries
for distribution to subscribers on demand.
Where to send a subscription request, depends on where you are
communicating from relative to the host running the LISTSERV. If
this host is your nearest BITNET LISTSERV, then send the request
to the address in column two by replacing the list name by LISTSERV.
Example:
AESRG-L@UMCVMB is administered by LISTSERV@UMCVMB. Subscribe
(or signoff) by email to LISTSERV@UMCVMB.BITNET .
If there is a LISTSERV closer to where you live, then you should
subscribe to the nearby system rather than to the remote. This
helps keep the total costs of the international network down.
Example:
You live in Norway. The nearest LISTSERV is at FINHUTC. To
subscribe to AESRG-L@UMCVMB, send to LISTSERV@FINHUTC.BITNET .
Use the addresses in column two when sending messages to the other
members of the discussion lists, but do NOT send your subscription
requests to this address!! If you do, it will be forwarded to all
members of the mailing list. Chances are that nothing will happen,
and everybody will see how sloppy you are.
So, you subscribe by sending a command to a LISTSERV. The
method is similar to what we did when subscribing to Infonets in
Chapter 7. If your name is Jens Jensen, and you want to subscribe
to SOVNET-L, send this message through the Internet (assuming that
NDSUM1 is your nearest LISTSERV host):
To: LISTSERV@NDSUVM1.BITNET
Subject: (You can write anything here. Will be ignored.)
Text: SUB SOVNET-L Jens Jensen
When your subscription has been registered, you will receive a
confirmation. From this date, all messages sent to the list will be
forwarded to your mailbox. (Send "SIGNOFF SOVNET-L" to this address,
when you have had enough.)
Some lists will forward each message to you upon receipt. Others
will send a periodic digest (weekly, monthly, etc.).
To send a message to SOVNET-L, send to the BITNET address in
column two above. Send to
SOVNET-L@INDYCMS.BITNET
Review the following example. Most BITNET lists will accept these
commands.
Example: Subscription to the China list
---------------------------------------
CHINA-NN is listed like this in the List of Lists:
CHINA-NN CHINA-NN@ASUACAD China News Digest (Global News)
Scandinavians may subscribe to CHINA-NN by Internet mail to
LISTSERV@FINHUTC.BITNET . North American users may send their mail
to LISTSERV@NDSUVM1.BITNET .
If your name is Winston Hansen, write the following command in the
TEXT of the message
SUB CHINA-NN Winston Hansen
When you want to leave CHINA-NN, send a cancellation message like
this:
To: LISTSERV@NDSUVM1.BITNET
Subject: (nothing here)
SIGNOFF CHINA-NN
NOTE: Send the cancellation command to the address you used, when
subscribing! If you subscribed through LISTSERV@FINHUTC, sending
the SIGNOFF command to LISTSERV@NDSUVM1 will get you nowhere. Send
to LISTSERV@FINHUTC.
Never send the SIGNOFF command to the discussion list itself!
Always send to the LISTSERV.
Monitoring the action
---------------------
THINKNET is an online magazine forum dedicated to "thoughtfulness in
the cybertime environment." It brings reviews of significant and
thought-provoking exchanges within our new electronic nation.
This electronic publication is free. If you're interested in
philosophy, subscribe by sending a message through Internet to
thinknet@world.std.com . Write the following in the TEXT of the
message:
SEND THINKNET TO Your-Full-Name AT UserId@Your-Internet-Email-Address
Example:
If your email address is opresno@extern.uio.no and your name
Odd de Presno, use the following command:
SEND THINKNET TO Odd de Presno AT OPRESNO@EXTERN.UIO.NO
THINKNET is also available through the Philosophy conference on The
Well, and on GEnie in the Philosophy category under the Religion
and Ethics Bulletin Board. (Hard copy versions can be bought
through THINKNET, PO BOX 8383, Orange CA 92664-8383, U.S.A.).
If you're on The Well, read the topic "News from Around Well
Conferences" to learn about new developments.
These are some mailing lists that may help you locate sources
of interest:
NETSCOUT (NETSCOUT@VMTECMEX) The BITnet/Internet scouts.
Subscribe by email to LISTSERV@VMTECMEX.BITNET
with the following in the TEXT of your message
SUB NETSCOUT yourfirstname yourlastname
This is where you can discuss and exchange information
about servers, FTP sites, Filelists, lists, tools, and
any related aspects.
HELP-NET (HELP-NET@TEMPLEVM) BITNET/CREN/INTERNET Help Resource.
Send email to LISTSERV@TEMPLEVM.BITNET with the text
SUB HELP-NET yourfirstname yourlastname
The list's main purpose is to help solve user problems
with utilities and software related to the Internet
and BITNET networks. The library contains several good
help files for novice networkers. A great place for
new Internet users!
Other sources available through the Internet
--------------------------------------------
The Interest Groups List of Lists is available by electronic mail
from mail-server@nisc.sri.com . Send a message with the following
text in the message body:
Send netinfo/interest-groups
Note that as of April 1993, the file was over 1,100,000 bytes in
size. It will be returned to you in moderately sized pieces.
You can search the List of Lists by email. Say you're looking
for a mailing list related to Robotics. To find out, send a message
to LISTSERV@VM1.NODAK.EDU containing the following commands:
//ListSrch JOB Echo=No
Database Search DD=Rules
//Rules DD *
search robotics in lists
index
search robotics in intgroup
index
search robotics in new-list
index
Replace the search word 'robotics' with whatever else you may be
looking for.
The Usenet list of news groups and mailing lists is available on
hosts that run Usenet News or NetNews servers and/or clients in the
newsgroups news.announce.newusers and news.lists.
The members of news.newusers.questions, alt.internet.help,
alt.internet.access.wanted, and alt.internet.new-users readily
accept your help requests.
Alt.internet.services focuses on information about services
available on the Internet. It is for people with Internet accounts
who want to explore beyond their local computers, to take advantage
of the wealth of information and services on the net.
Services for discussion include:
* things you can telnet to (weather, library catalogs,
databases, and more),
* things you can FTP (like pictures, sounds, programs, data)
* clients/servers (like MUDs, IRC, Archie)
Every second week, a list of Internet services called the "Special
Internet Connections list" is posted to this newsgroup. It includes
everything from where to FTP pictures from space, how to find
agricultural information, public UNIX, online directories and
books, you name it.
Dartmouth maintains a merged list of the LISTSERV lists on
BITNET and the Interest Group lists on the Internet. Each mailing
list is represented by one line. To obtain this list, send a
message to LISTSERV@DARTCMS1.BITNET . Enter the following command
in the text of the message:
INDEX SIGLISTS
InterNIC Information Service maintains an announcement-only service
at LISTSERV@is.internic.net called net-happenings. It distributes
announcements about tools, conferences, calls for papers, news
items, new mailing lists, electronic newsletters like EDUPAGE, and
more. To subscribe, send a message to the LISTSERV containing this
command:
subscribe net-happenings Your Name
InterNIC's automated mail service is at MAILSERV@RS.INTERNIC.NET.
It allows access to documents and files via email. To use it, send
email to the Mailserv with the word "HELP" in the subject field of
your mail.
How to get more out of your magazine subscriptions
--------------------------------------------------
PC Magazine (U.S.A.) is one of those magazines that arrives here by
mail. We butcher them, whenever we find something of interest. The
"corpses" are dumped in a high pile on the floor.
To retrieve a story in this pile is difficult and time
consuming, unless the title is printed on the cover.
Luckily, there are shortcuts. Logon to PC MagNet on CompuServe.
Type GO PCMAG to get the following menu:
PC MagNet
1 Download a PC Magazine Utility
2 PC Magazine Utilities/Tips Forum
3 PC Magazine Editorial Forum
4 PC Magazine Programming Forum
5 PC Magazine After Hours Forum
6 PC Magazine Product Reviews Index
7 Free! - Take a Survey
8 Submissions to PC Magazine
9 Letters to the Editor
10 Subscribe to PC Magazine
Choice six lets you search for stories. Once you have a list with
page/issue references, turning the pages gets much easier.
PC Magazine is owned by the media giant Ziff-Davis. PC MagNet
is a part of ZiffNet on CompuServe. So is Computer Database Plus,
which lets you search through more than 250,000 articles from over
200 popular newspapers and magazines. The oldest articles are from
early 1987. The database is also available on CD-ROM, but the discs
cover only one year at a time.
CDP contains full-text from around 50 magazines, like Personal
Computing, Electronic News, MacWeek and Electronic Business.
Stories from the other magazines are available in abstracted form
only.
To search the database, CDP, you pay an extra US$24.00 per
hour. In addition, you pay US$1.00 per abstract and US$1.50 per
full-text article (1992). These fees are added to your normal
CompuServe access rates.
ZiffNet also offers Magazine Database Plus, a database with
stories from over 90 magazines covering science, business, sport,
people, personal finance, family, art and handicraft, cooking,
education, environment, travel, politics, consumer opinions, and
reviews of books and films.
The magazines include: Administrative Management, Aging,
Changing Times, The Atlantic, Canadian Business, Datamation,
Cosmopolitan, Dun's Business Month, The Economist, The Futurist,
High Technology Business, Journal of Small Business Management,
Management Today, The Nation, The New Republic, Online, Playboy,
Inc., Popular Science, Research & Development, Sales & Marketing
Management, Scientific American, Technology Review, UN Chronicle,
UNESCO Courier and U.S. News & World Report.
In the next chapter, we will present another ZiffNet magazine
database: the Business Database Plus.
Magazine Index (MI), from Information Access Company (U.S.A.),
is another source worth looking at. It covers over 500 consumer and
general-interest periodicals as diverse as Special Libraries and
Sky & Telescope, Motor Trend and Modern Maturity, Reader's Digest
and Rolling Stone. Many titles go as far back as 1959.
Although most of the database consists of brief citations, MI
also contains the complete text of selected stories from a long
list of periodicals. It is available through Dialog, CompuServe,
BRS, Data-Star, Dow Jones News/Retrieval, Nexis, and others.
Say you so often get references to a given magazine that you
want a paper subscription. Try the Electronic Newsstand, which is
available by gopher or telnet to gopher.netsys.com. If these
Internet commands are unavailable, try mail to staff@enews.com.
Finding that book
-----------------
Over 270 libraries around the world are accessible by the Internet
telnet command. Some of them can also be accessed by Internet mail.
This is the case with BIBSYS, a database operated by the Norwegian
universities' libraries.
I am into transcendental meditation. I'm therefore constantly
looking for books on narrow topics like "mantra". To search BIBSYS
for titles of interest, I sent mail to genserv@pollux.bibsys.no .
The search word was entered in the subject title of the message. By
return email, I got the following report:
Date: Fri, 21 Jul 93 13:54:18 NOR
From: GENSERV@POLLUX.BIBSYS.NO
Subject: Searching BIBSYS
Search request : MANTRA
Database-id : BIBSYS
Search result : 5 hits.
The following is one of the references. I have forwarded it to my
local library for processing:
Forfatter : Gonda, J.
Tittel : Mantra interpretation in the Satapatha-Brahmana
/ by J. Gonda.
Trykt : Leiden : E.J. Brill, 1988.
Sidetall : X, 285 s.
I serie : (Orientalia Rheno-traiectina ; 32)
ISBN : 90-04-08776-1
1 - UHF 90ka03324 - UHF/INDO Rh III b Gon
The Danish library database REX may be accessed through most
international packet switching networks. Its Network User Address
(NUA) is 23824125080000. When connected, enter RC8000 and press
return. Press ESC once. The system will respond with ATT. Enter KB
REX, and you're ready to search Dansk Bogfortegnelse since 1980,
Dansk Musikfortegnelse since 1980, and ISDS Denmark.
BARTON is the library system of Massachusetts Institute of
Technology. Its database contains everything received since 1974
except magazine articles, brochures, and technical reports from
sources outside M.I.T. Phone: +1-617-258-6700 (1200 bps). Press
ENTER a couple of times to access the system.
On CompuServe, there is a section for book collectors in the
Coin/Stamp/Collectibles Forum, and a Weekly Book Chat section in
the ScienceFiction & Fantasy Forum. In the Electronic Mall, you can
buy books directly from Ballantine Books, Penguin Books, Small
Computer Book Club, The McGraw-Hill Book Company, Time-Life Books
and Walden Computer Books.
On the Internet, Roswell Computer Books Ltd. (Canada) has an
online bookstore with a database of over 7,000 titles (1993).
Gopher to nstn.ns.ca, select "Other Gophers in Nova Scotia", and
then "Roswell Electronic Computer Bookstore". Failing access to
gopher, send your email requests to roswell@fox.nstn.ns.ca .
The Book Review Digest (GO BOOKREVIEW) is CompuServe's database
of bibliographical references and abstracts of reviews (since
1983). You can search by title, author, and keywords found in the
text of book reviews. CompuServe also offers book reviews through
Magazine Database Plus.
"Books in print" is a North American bibliographic reference
database. It is available on BRS and CompuServe.
South African Bibliographic and Information Network has a
gopher service at info2.sabinet.co.za.
FidoNet has COMICS (The Comic Book Echo), BITNET the list Rare
Book and Special Collections Catalogers (NOTRBCAT@INDYCMS). NewsNet
has the COMPUTER BOOK REVIEW newsletter and on The Well you'll find
the "Computer Books" conference. OCLC's WorldCat is a reference
database covering books and materials in libraries worldwide.
Bookworms may appreciate the BITNET discussion list DOROTHYL
(LISTSERV@KENTVM.KENT.EDU), and especially if they like Agatha
Christie, Josephine Tey and Dorothy L. Sayers.
On Usenet, you will find alt.books.reviews, k12.library,
alt.books.technical, rec.arts.books, and misc. books.technical, and
more.
On the Internet, there are a rapidly growing number of library
online public-access catalogs (OPACs) from all over the world. Some
provide users with access to additional resources, such as
periodical indexes of specialized databases. More than 270 library
catalogs are now online (1992).
An up-to-date directory of libraries that are interactively
accessible through Internet can be had by anonymous ftp from
ftp.unt.edu (then: cd library). File name: LIBRARIES.TXT. Check out
the end of Chapter 12 for how to get the file by email (ftpmail).
You will also find full electronic versions of books. This book
is one example. Many texts are courtesy of Project Gutenberg, an
organization whose goal is to develop a library of 10,000 public
domain electronic texts by the year 2000.
Since books are often quite large, they are somewhat bulky for
email transfer. If you have direct Internet access, use anonymous
ftp instead.
Many books are available through the /pub/almanac/etext
directory at oes.orst.edu. For more about how to use the Almanac
information server, send Almanac@oes.orst.edu the following email
command:
send guide
For a list of books, add the line
send gutenberg catalog
Among the offerings, you'll find The Complete Sherlock Holmes
Mysteries, The Unabridged Works of Shakespeare, Aesop's Fables,
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, The Holy Bible, The Love
Teachings of Kama Sutra, The Holy Koran, The Oedipus Trilogy
(Sophocles), Peter Pan, Roget's Thesaurus (1911), and The World
Fact Book (1990 - CIA).
If quite impossible to locate a given book, try the Rare Books
and Special Collections Forum at EXLIBRIS@RUTVM1.BITNET.
Non-Chinese speaking people will probably classify Chinese
poems as 'rare'. Many of them are impossible to read, unless your
computer can handle the special characters, and you know their
meaning.
Still interested? If yes, subscribe to CHPOEM-L@UBVM.BITNET .
Be prepared to use your Big5 and GuoBiao utilities.
Chapter 11: Getting an edge over your competitor
================================================
We must be willing to risk change to keep apace with rapid
change.
The key is moderation and balance, supported by sufficient
information to allow meaningful feedback.
It requires adaption by management and staff in developing
the necessary skills and vision.
This chapter starts with how to use the networks to manage
projects. Next, it treats how to monitor competitors, prospects,
suppliers, markets, technologies, and trends. It winds down with
marketing and sales by modem.
Project coordination
--------------------
So far we have mainly been looking at sources of information. Let
us start this chapter with some words about 'online conference
rooms' for project coordination.
Several services offer rental of private conference areas to
businesses. Corporations have discovered them to be an efficient
way of coordinating a group of people, who are far apart from each
other geographically. They are also useful when team members are
constantly on the move and hard to gather face to face.
Many international companies use such services regularly. The
applications are different. They range from tight coordination with
suppliers and subcontractors, to development of company strategies
and new organizational structures.
Renting an online conference room has advantages over doing it
in-house. The company does not have to buy software, hardware,
expensive equipment for communications, and hire people for to run
and maintain a conferencing system. The more international the
business, the better.
For ideas about how to set up and operate a coordination
conference. Study how volunteer organizations do it. One place to
check out is KIDPLAN, one of several coordination conferences used
by KIDLINK (see Chapter 2 and 5).
KIDPLAN is usually most active during April and May each year.
This is when their annual projects are being closed down, and new
projects are started. Read the dialog between coordinators to get
an idea of how the medium is being used.
Old conference messages are stored in notebook files. You can
therefore have the full coordination dialogs sent you by email.
Send all requests for notebook files to
LISTSERV@VM1.NODAK.EDU
Getting notebook files is a two-step process. In your first message
to the LISTSERV, ask for a list of available files. Do this by
using the following command in your email:
INDEX KIDPLAN
The LISTSERV will return a list of files. The following part is of
particular interest:
101/2/ KIDPLAN LOG9105B ALL OWN V 80 2397 91/05/14
23:40:22 Started on Wed, 8 May 91 00:11:09 CDT
102/2/ KIDPLAN LOG9105C ALL OWN V 80 3141 91/05/21
20:44:16 Started on Wed, 15 May 91 01:24:51 CDT
104/2/ KIDPLAN LOG9105D ALL OWN V 80 2685 91/05/28
22:34:31 Started on Wed, 22 May 91 17:01:21 +0200
Don't bother about the details. You just want file names, and
dates. The file LOG9105B contains all messages from 8 May 1991
until 15 May.
If you want all these three files, send another message to
LISTSERV with the following lines:
GET KIDPLAN LOG9105B
GET KIDPLAN LOG9105C
GET KIDPLAN LOG9105D
The files will be forwarded to your mailbox.
Note: Some mailbox services have restrictions on the size of
incoming mail. This may prevent you from receiving large notebook
files. If this happens, contact your local postmaster for help.
Some email systems are unable to forward your return-address
correctly to LISTSERV. If you suspect that this is the reason for
lack of success, try the following commands:
GIVE KIDPLAN LOG9105B TO Your-Correct-Return-Address
GIVE KIDPLAN LOG9105C TO Your-Correct-Return-Address
GIVE KIDPLAN LOG9105D TO Your-Correct-Return-Address
Making it work
--------------
Making online conferences and task force meetings work, can be a
challenge. Most of the dialog is based on the written word. The
flow of information can be substantial thus causing an information
overload for some participants.
To overcome this, many companies appoint moderator-organizers
for their online conferences. This person:
Adds value by setting agendas; summarizing points; getting
the discussion(s) back on track; moving on to the next
point; mediating debate; maintaining address and member
lists; acting as general sparkplug/motivator to keep things
flowing by making sure that contributions are acknowledged,
relevant points are noted, new members are welcomed, silent
"Read-Only Members" are encouraged to participate, and the
general atmosphere is kept appropriate to the goals of the
conference/task force meeting.
Great online conferences don't just happen. Hard work is required.
A few people must be responsible for getting the meetings fired up
and keep the discussion rolling.
The meeting's organization may depend on the number of
participants, where they come from, the exclusivity of the forum,
and the purpose of the "meeting."
In large meetings, with free access for outsiders, the best
strategy may be to appoint a Moderator-Editor. This person
Filters contributions, gathers new information, summarizes
scattered contributions, does background research.
Filtering may be needed in conferences that are open to customers
and media. The main purpose, however, is to help participants cope
with the absolute flow of information.
A conference can have an educational purpose. If so, you may
bring in someone who can add value by bringing experience and
expertise to the group.
You will also need someone to do all the dirty jobs everyone
expects to be done - but never notices until they are not done.
This person must keep the show running by serving as a benevolent
tyrant, sheriff, judge, mediator, general scapegoat, and by playing
a role in setting the general policy and atmosphere of the meeting.
Now, back to the 'normal' applications of the online resource.
Monitoring what others do
-------------------------
The best business opportunities are outside your company, in the
external world. We need to monitor customers and markets, find
technologies to help develop and build products, research new
business actions, find new subcontractors and suppliers, people to
hire, and persons to influence to boost sales.
In this marketing age, where sales calls cost hundreds of
dollars and business-to-business marketers use the telephone or
the mails to reach prospects, complete and accurate market lists
are most valuable commodities.
There are many other questions: What are our most important
customers and their key people doing? What new products are they
promoting? Who are their joint-venture partners? What else may
influence their willingness to buy from us?
What prices are our major suppliers offering other buyers?
Should we get other sources for supplies? What major contracts have
they received recently? Will these influence their ability to serve
our needs?
What new technologies are available now and how are they being
used by others?
Threats are the reverse side of opportunities. What are our
competitors doing? What products and services have they launched
recently? Are they successful? What are our competitors' weaknesses
and strengths? What relationships do they maintain with our most
important customers? How is their customer support functioning, and
what methods are they using in their quality assurance?
Each company has its own priorities when it comes to watching
the external environment. The information needs are different from
company to company, depending on what products and services that
are offered, the technological level of the company, the markets
that they address, and more.
Needs and priorities also differ by department and person, for
example depending on whether a user is the president, a marketing
manager, product manager, sales man, or has a position in finance
or production.
Remember your priorities when going online to search. You
cannot possibly capture and digest all information that is there.
Your basic problem remains to find the right information in the
right form at the right time.
Build your own, local 'database'
--------------------------------
It does not take much effort to check one hundred different topics
from multiple online sources on a daily basis. The computer will do
it for you.
Also, you do not have to read all stories as carefully as you
would with printed material. Most experienced users just read what
is important now, and save selected parts of the retrieved texts on
their hard disks for later reference.
We handle printed material differently. Most of us make notes
in the margins, underline, use colors, cut out pages and put into
folders. These tricks are important, since it is so hard to find
information in a pile of papers.
Not so with electronic information. With the right tools, you
can locate information on your computer's hard disk in seconds.
In seven seconds, I just searched the equivalent of 2000 pages
of printed text for all occurrences of the combined search words
'SONY' and 'CD-ROM'!
My tool was the shareware program LOOKFOR (see Chapter 14). It
searched through 4.2 megabyte on my 80486-based notebook computer.
If you use an indexing program, the search may be completed even
faster.
I guess you can see it coming. My personal databases usually
give more direct value during my working day, than what I have on
paper, and have available online.
My hard disks contain megabytes of texts retrieved from various
online services, but only what I have decided to keep. This private
database therefore contains more relevant information per kilobyte
than the online databases I'm using. Searching the data often gives
enough good hits to keep me from going online for more.
| I repeat: You will often get better results when searching your |
| own subset of selected online databases, than by going online |
| to get information. It is usually easier and faster. |
On the other hand, your in-house database will never be fully up-
to-date. Too many things happen all the time.
Also, the search terms used for your daily intake of news will
never cover all future needs. Occasionally, you must go online to
get additional information for a project, a report, a plan.
Updating your database means going online often to find new
supplementary information.
| Regular monitoring gives the highest returns, and is required |
| if you want to have an edge over your competitors. |
For beginners, the best strategy will often be to start with the
general, and gradually dig deeper into industry specific details.
Let us now review some good hunting grounds for information, and
how to use them.
Clipping the news
-----------------
Several online services offer 'clipping services'. They select the
news that you want - 24 hours a day - from a continuous stream of
stories from newspapers, magazines, news agencies and newsletters.
Several services make news immediately available, when they
have been received by satellite. The delay previously used to
protect the interests of print media is disappearing quickly.
Online services usually deliver news sooner than in print media,
radio or TV.
You select stories by giving the online service a set of search
terms. The hits are then sent to your electronic mailbox, for you
to retrieve at will.
'Clipping' gives an enormous advantage. Few important details
escape your attention, even when you cannot go online daily. The
stories will stay in your mailbox until you have read them.
'Clipping' on CompuServe
------------------------
CompuServe's Executive News Service (ENS) monitor more than 8,000
stories daily. They use sources like Deutsche Press-Agentur, Kyodo
News Service, TASS, Xinhua News Agency, the Washington Post, OTC
News-Alert, Reuters Financial News Wire, Associated Press, UPI and
Reuters World Report, IDG PR Service, Inter Press Service (IPS),
Middle East News Network and European Community Report.
One of them, Reuters, has 1,200 journalists in 120 bureaus all
over the world. They write company news reports about revenue,
profit, dividend, purchases of other companies, changes in
management, and other important items for judging a company's
results. They write regular opinions about Industry, Governments,
Economics, Leading indicators, and Commerce.
Reuters also offers full-text stories from Financial Times and
other leading European newspapers. Its Textline is a database with
news from some 1,500 publications in over 40 countries. It includes
Reuters' own news services, and has translated abstracts of stories
from some 17 languages. The database reaches back 10 years and is
updated at around one million articles per year. (Textline is also
available on Nexis, Data-Star, and Dialog.)
Another one, the IDG PR Service, sends out high-tech related
news gathered by the staffs of IDG's magazines. InterPress Service
covers Third World countries. Middle East News Network integrates
the contents of 28 information sources covering this region of the
world.
The Executive News Service lets you define up to three
'clipping folders'. Supply up to seven 'key phrases' that define
your interests. These key phrases will be used when searching
stories as they are sent. Hits will be 'clipped' and held in a
folder for you to review at your convenience.
Each folder can hold 500 stories. When creating a clipping
folder, you set an expiration date and specify how many days a
clipped story is to be held (maximum 14 days).
To browse the contents of a folder, select it from the menu.
Stories can be listed by headlines or leads. Select those you want
to read, forward to others as email, or copy to another folder.
Delete those that you do not need.
Defining key phrases is simple. The important thing is not to
get too much nor too little. General phrases will give you many
unwanted stories while too narrow phrases will cause you to miss
pertinent stories. Let me illustrate with an example:
The phrase APPLE COMPUTERS will only clip stories that have the
words APPLE and COMPUTERS next to each other. This may be too
narrow. Specifying just APPLE or just COMPUTERS would be too
broad. Entering APPLE + COMPUTERS is a better phrase since the
words can appear anywhere in the story, and not necessarily
next to each other.
ENS carries an hourly surcharge of US$15/hour over base connect
rates.
Clipping on NewsNet
-------------------
NewsNet greets users with this opening screen:
-----------------
- N E W S N E T -
-----------------
W O R K I N G K N O W L E D G E
***New--Electromagnetic Field Litigation Reporter (EY86) tracks
developments in every important legal action involving
electromagnetic radiation from power lines, cellular phones,
VTDs, and radar and microwave equipment.
***The title of HH15 has been changed to Cancer Researcher
Weekly. This service was formerly entitled Cancer Weekly.
***Important work in the blood field throughout the world is
covered by Blood Week (HH44), including research, literature,
and upcoming events.
***TB Weekly (HH45) is an internationally-focused newsletter
that concentrates on tuberculosis-related news and research,
including business developments.
New Services on NewsNet:
TB Weekly (HH45)
Blood Weekly (HH44)
Electromagnetic Field Litigation Reporter (EY86)
Chapter 11 Update (FI82)
Tobacco Industry Litigation Reporter (HH48)
Trade and Development Opportunities (GT50)
For details on new services, enter READ PB99# or HELP followed by the
service code.
NewsNet's clipping service, NewsFlash, will automatically search
all new editions of newsletters selected for monitoring. The hits
will be sent to your mailbox, and be retained there for up to ten
weeks besides the current week.
Your selection of newsletters can be extended to include news
stories from United Press International (UPI), Reuters News Reports,
Associated Press, Business Wire, PR Newswire, and others.
For some time, I clipped newsletters in the telecommunications
group using the keywords 'Victoria' (an American communication
project) and 'KDD' (the Japanese telecom giant). When I called
NewsFlash to check, it typically reported:
NEWSFLASH NOTIFICATION
****************************************************************
4 Total Newsflash hits. Use STOP to stop and delete all.
New Hits = 4 Saved Items = 0
TE01 7/17/89 == VICTORIA == Headline #1
COOKE SELLS CABLE HOLDINGS TO 6-MEMBER GROUP FOR NEARLY $1.6 BILLION
Jack Cooke's cable systems will be sold to 6-member consortium
TE11 7/17/89 == VICTORIA == Headline #2
BOCs' PROGRESS TOWARD INTELLIGENT NETWORK ARCHITECTURE INTERTWINED
WITH DIFFICULT INTERNETWORKING NEGOTIATIONS, PENDING DECREE COURT
EC89 7/18/89 == KDD == Headline #3
KDD OPENS NY/LONDON OFFICES
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1989 JUL 14 (NB) -- Kokusai Denshin Denwa (KDD),
EC89 8/22/89 == KDD == Headline #4
FOREIGNERS CAN BUY INTO KDD
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1989 AUG 17 -- The Japanese government is planning
Enter Headline numbers or ALL to read, MORE, AGAIN, SAVE, STOP, or HELP
-->
NewsNet's databases grow by more than 400 stories per day. Your
search profiles may contain an almost unlimited number of subjects.
Delivery of hits is concurrent. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days
a week.
Sprintmail's clipping service (U.S.A.) scans stories from more
than 15 international newswires. FT Profile's E-mail Alert searches
daily on that particular day's issue of the Financial Times.
Dow Jones News/Retrieval has NewsScan (//CLIP). It can deliver
by fax or email to a mailbox on another online service. On GEnie,
use QuikNews Express, a personalized news clipping service that is
integrated with the Quik-Comm System email service.
Clarinet, a commercial news service available through Usenet,
also has a clipping program.
When clipping is impossible
---------------------------
Many services do not offer clipping. Here, your alternative is
various methods of regular selective reading.
Many conferencing systems let you select messages by keywords.
BIX has Keyword Indexer. It let you search public conferences after
a key word or phrase and report hits. Then it offers you to review
(or retrieve) messages of interest.
CompuServe's forums have efficient 'read selective' and 'quick
scan' commands. Another trick is to limit your reading to specific
message sections.
The high forum message volume is a special problem on this
service. Old messages are regularly deleted to make room for new
ones. (Often called "scroll rate.") Some popular forums do not keep
messages for more than a couple of days before letting them go. You
must visit often to get all new information.
Many bulletin boards can be told to store unread messages about
given topics in a compressed transportation file. This file can
then be retrieved at high speed. Special communication programs
(often called offline readers) and commands are available to
automate this completely.
Powerful scripts (see Chapter 12) can do automatic selection of
news stories based on the occurrence of keywords (e.g., a company
name) in headlines. I have developed such a system for selecting
news from the Online Today magazine on CompuServe.
Subscription services
---------------------
It is useful to dig, dig, and dig for occurrences of the same
search words, but digging is not enough. Unless you periodically
scan "the horizon," you risk missing new trends, viewpoints and
other important information.
It can be difficult to find good sources of information that
suits your needs. One trick is to watch the reports from your
clipping services. Over time, you may discover that some sources
bring more interesting stories than others. Take a closer look at
these. Consider browsing their full index of stories regularly.
If your company plans exportation to countries in Asia, check
out MARKET: ASIA PACIFIC on NewsNet. The newsletter is published
monthly by W-Two Publications, Ltd., 202 The Commons, Suite 401,
Ithaca, NY 14850, U.S.A. (phone: +1-607-277-0934). Annual print
subscription rate: US$279.
The index itself may be a barometer of what goes on. Here is an
example. Note the number of Words/Lines. Do these numbers tell a
story?
July 1, 1993
Head # Headline Words /Lines
------ ---------------------------------------------------- ------------
1) THE PHILIPPINES IS AT A TURG POINT 616/78
2) CHINA AND KOREA WILL LEAD REGIONAL ECONOMIC BOOM 315/41
3) ASIAN COMPENSATION IS STILL LOW, BUT RISING QUICKLY 303/38
4) CONSUMER GOODS WON'T BE ALL THE CHINESE BUY 221/29
5) WOMEN BEAR THE BRUNT OF CAMBODIA'S TROUBLES 284/34
6) TAIWAN MAKES A MOVE TOWARD THE CASHLESS SOCIETY 243/29
7) TIPS ON MANAGING CULTURAL HARMONY IN ASIA 264/37
8) TAIWANESE BECOME MORE DISCERNING, HARDER TO REACH 217/27
9) DIRECT MARKETING HEADED FOR GROWTH IN SINGAPORE 205/27
10) TOURISM IN MALAYSIA WILL GROW 610/76
11) CHONGQING: FUTURE POWERHOUSE 2708/342
It is a good idea to visit NewsNet to gather intelligence. Review
indexes of potentially interesting newsletters. Save them on your
hard disk for future references. You never know when they may be of
use.
The newsletters within computers and electronics bring
forecasts of market trends, evaluation of hardware and software,
prices, information about IBM and other leading companies. You will
find stories about technological developments of modems, robots,
lasers, video players, graphics, and communications software.
The Management section contains experts' evaluation of the
economical climate with forecasts, information about foreign
producers for importers, tips and experiences on personal
efficiency, management of smaller companies, and office automation.
Other sections are Advertising and Marketing, Aerospace and
Aviation, Automotive, Biotechnology, Building and Construction,
Chemical, Corporate Communications, Defense, Entertainment and
Leisure, Education, Environment, Energy, Finance and Accounting,
Food and Beverage, General Business, Insurance, Investment, Health
and Hospitals, Law, Management, Manufacturing, Medicine, Office,
Publishing and Broadcasting, Real Estate, Research and Development,
Social Sciences, Telecommunications, Travel and Tourism, Transport
and Shipping.
Several newsletters focus on specific geographical areas:
* MARKETING RESEARCH REVIEW (Analyzes and evaluates commercially
available marketing research and technology assessment reports.
Publisher: High-Tech Publishing Co., U.S.A.)
* GERMAN BUSINESS SCOPE and THE WEEK IN GERMANY
* NEWS FROM FRANCE
* COUNTRY RISK GUIDE: EUROPE
* EASTERN EUROPE FINANCE, and EASTERN EUROPEAN ENERGY REPORT
* EUROPEAN COMMUNITY: BUSINESS FORECAST
* INVESTEXT/EUROPEAN REGION
* PRS FORECASTS: EASTERN EUROPE, and WESTERN EUROPE
* AFRICA NEWS ON-LINE
* PRS-FORECASTS: MID-EAST & NORTH AFRICA
* PRS-FORECASTS: SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
* THE EXPORTER (Published by Trade Data Reports. Monthly
reports on the business of exporting. Functionally divided
into operations, markets, training resources, and world
trade information.)
* MID-EAST BUSINESS DIGEST
* LATIN AMERICA OPPORTUNITY REPORT
* COUNTRY RISK GUIDE: SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
* COUNTRY RISK GUIDE: ASIA & THE PACIFIC
* PRS FORECASTS: ASIA & THE PACIFIC
* PRS'S POLITICAL RISK LETTER
* SALES PROSPECTOR (Monthly prospect research reports for sales
representatives and other business people interested in
commercial, and institutional expansion and relocation
activity. Separate services grouped by geographic area in
the United States and Canada.)
Many newsletters are focusing on technology intelligence:
Sensor Technology
-----------------
Provides updates on research being conducted in this rapidly
evolving technology. Besides analyzing advances in the field,
it offers ideas on how this technology can improve products and
services.
Advanced Manufacturing Technology
---------------------------------
Reports on desktop manufacturing, computer graphics, flexible
automation, computer-integrated manufacturing, and other
technological advances that help increase productivity.
High Tech Materials Alert
-------------------------
Reports on significant developments in high-performance
materials, including alloys, metallic whiskers, ceramic and
graphite fibers, and more. Concentrates on their fabrication,
industrial applications, and potential markets.
Futuretech
----------
Provides briefings on focused, strategic technologies that
have been judged capable of making an impact on broad
industrial fronts. Includes forecasts of marketable products
and services resulting from the uncovered technology and its
potential impact on industry segments.
Advanced Coating & Surface Technology, Electronic Materials
Technology News, Flame Retardancy News, High Tech Ceramics News,
Innovator's Digest, Technology Access Report, Inside R&D, Japan
Science Scan, New Technology Week, Optical Materials & Engineering
News, Performance Materials, Surface Modification Technology News,
Genetic Technology News, Battery & Ev Technology, and much more.
Newsletters on CompuServe
-------------------------
Many newsletters are being made available through forums' file
libraries on CompuServe. Consequently, they are a little harder
to locate. Some examples (1993):
Abacus Online - Quarterly newsletter on executive computing.
(In the Lotus Spreadsheet forum, Library 3.)
Anime Stuff - News and reviews of Japanese animation software.
(Comics/Animation Forum, Library 5.)
Communique - The quarterly newsletter of the International
Association of Business Communicators U.K. Chapter. (PR and
Marketing Forum, Library 8.)
Distance Education Newsletter - Analyzes the impact of elec-
tronic communication on academic research. (Telecommunications
Forum, Library 13.)
Hint: To find newsletters in the IBM PC oriented forums, enter GO
IBMFF to search. Select "Keyword" as search criteria, and enter
"newsletter". Add further keywords to narrow the search to your
areas of interest. CompuServe also has other file find services.
Databases with an international orientation
-------------------------------------------
Information Access provides reference databases to businesses. You
can search 10 databases with full-text stories, abstracts, and
indexes from international magazines.
PROMPT (Overview of Markets and Technology) is the largest of
them. It provides international coverage of companies, markets and
technologies in all industries.
The other databases cover areas like Aerospace and Defense,
Advertising and Marketing, New Product Announcements, Industry
Forecasts and Time Series.
The Information Access' databases are available through online
services like Dialog, Data Star, Financial Times Profile (England),
Nikkei in Japan and on the Thomson Financial Networks. They are
regularly published on CD-ROM.
ZiffNet offers the Business Database Plus through CompuServe.
Here, you can search in full-text stories from around 550 North
American and international publications for industry and commerce
(1993).
The articles are about sales and marketing ideas, product news,
industry trends and analysis, and provide company profiles in areas
such as agriculture, manufacturing, retailing, telecommunications,
and trade. This is a partial list of the database's magazines:
Agra Europe, Agribusiness Worldwide, Air Cargo World, Belgium:
Economic and Commercial Information, Beverage World, Beverage
World Periscope Edition, British Plastics & Rubber, British
Telecom World, Business Perspectives, CCI-Canmaking & Canning
International, CD-ROM Librarian, Chain Store Age - General
Merchandise Trends, Coal & Synfuels Technology, Communication
World, Communications Daily, Communications International,
Consultant, Cosmetic World News, Dairy Industries International,
Direct Marketing, The Economist, Erdol und Kohle, Erdgas,
Petrochemie: Hydrocarbon Technology, EuroBusiness, Euromoney,
Europe 2000, European Cosmetic Markets, European Rubber Journal,
Financial Market Trends, Financial World, Finnish Trade Review,
Food Engineering International, Forest Industries, Gas World,
Graphic Arts Monthly, The Printing Industry, High Technology
Business, IDC Japan Report, Inc., International Trade Forum,
Investment International, Israel Business, Japan Economic
Newswire, Journal of International Business Studies, Journal of
Marketing Research, Kyodo, Market Research Europe, Medical World
News, MEED Middle East Economic Digest, Middle East
Agribusiness, OECD Economic Outlook, The Oil and Gas Journal,
Oilweek, Petroleum Economist, Plastics World, Purchasing World,
Report on the Austrian Economy, Restaurant-Hotel Design
International, Royal Bank of Scotland Review, Seafood
International, Soviet Aerospace & Technology, Supermarket
Business Magazine, swissBusiness, Training: the Magazine of
Human Resources Development, World Economic Outlook, World Oil.
Dialog's ASIA-PACIFIC DATABASE covers business and economics in
Asia and the Pacific. It contains over 80,000 references from
newspapers, magazines and other sources in North America and
international.
The Asia-Pasific Dun's Market Identifiers on Dialog is a
directory listing of about 250,000 business establishments in 40
Asian and Pacific Rim countries.
The Middle East News Network publishes daily news, analysis and
comments from 19 countries in the Middle East produced by Arabic,
Hebrew, Turkish and Persian press. You can read these news through
Reuters (e.g., on NewsGrid/CompuServe), Down Jones News/Retrieval,
and Information Access.
The Jerusalem Institute for Western Defence provides a monthly
newsletter with research of the Arab press. It has unedited quotes
from around the Arab world. Write LISTSERV@jerusalem1.datasrv.co.il
to subscribe (Command: sub arab-press Firstname Lastname).
The International Reports financial newsletter may be read and
searched on NewsNet, Information Access, and Mead Data Central.
NewsNet also has Brazil Service, Mexico Service, Country Risk
Guides and Weekly International Market Alert.
Use CompuServe's Consumer Report to spot trends in the consumer
markets for appliances, automobiles, electronics/cameras, home.
EventLine (IQuest, CompuServe) monitors international conferences,
exhibitions, and congresses. The Boomer Report concentrates on the
habits of the "the baby-boom generation."
Affaersdata in Sweden offers the Swedish-language service
"Export-Nytt," which brings short news stories about export/import
from all over the world. Information providers are the Swedish
Export Council, the Norwegian Export Council, and the Suomen
Ulkomaankauppaliitto in Finland.
Orbit has an English language database of Japanese technology.
It contains abstracts of articles, patents and standards from more
than 500 Japanese magazines.
Dow Jones News/Retrieval brings full-text stories from the
Japan Economic Newswire. The Business Dateline contains news from
more than 150 regional business publications in the United States
and Canada.
The ABI/Inform business database (UMI/Data Courier) contains
abstracts and full-text articles from 800 business magazines and
trade journals. The sources include the Asia Pacific Journal of
Management, Business Korea, and the World Bank Research Observer.
Market research reports from Frost & Sullivan are available
through Data-Star. It produces over 250 market reports each year,
in 20 industrial sectors. These reports cover results of face-to-
face interviews with manufacturers, buyers and trade association
executives, supplemented by a search and summary of secondary
sources.
Glasnost in the former Soviet Union produced a long list of new
online information sources, including:
The Soviet Press Digest (stories from over 100 newspapers),
The BizEkon Reports (financial news from 150 business and
financial magazines),
SovLegisLine (law),
BizEdon Directory (detailed information about over 2,500
companies, who want to do business with foreign companies),
Who's Who in the Soviet Union and
The Soviet Public Association Directory.
Some of these may have changed their names now. Contact Mead Data
Central (Nexis/Lexis), Data-Star, FT Profile and Reuters for more
information.
DJNR also offers full text from the Paris-based International
Herald Tribune, publications like the Guardian and others from the
United Kingdom, and from sources in the former Soviet Union (like
Soviet Press Digest, BizEkon News, Moscow News, and others.)
E-EUROPE is an electronic communications network for doing
business in Eastern Europe countries, including CIS. Its purpose is
to help these countries in their transition to market economies. It
links business persons in Western Europe-Asia-North America with
those in Eastern Europe.
Subscription is free and for anyone. To subscribe to E-EUROPE,
send email LISTSERV@PUCC.PRINCETON.EDU (or a LISTSERV closer to
you) with the body the message containing this line
SUB E-EUROPE YourFirstName YourLastName
E-EUROPE also offers International Marketing Insights (IMI) for
several countries in this region, including Russia, Hungary, Czech,
Germany, Estonia, Poland, Bulgaria, and Lithuania.
The IMI reports important developments that have implications
for traders and investors. Typically brief and to-the-point, they
are prepared by American Embassies and Consulates.
The reports cover a wide range of subjects, such as new laws,
policies and procedures, new trade regulations, changing dynamics
in the marketplace, recent statements by influential parties and
emerging trade opportunities.
For a list of E-EUROPE IMI offerings, send the following
commands to LISTSERV@PUCC.PRINCETON.EDU:
GET E-EUROPE IMI
IMI update notices are not posted to E-EUROPE, but you can
subscribe to updates to these files.
The English-language newsletter "St. Petersburg Business News"
is published in Russia by the Committee for foreign economic
affairs of LECC. For information and subscription, send email
to aag@cfea.ecc.spb.su .
The Financial Izvestia weekly, the joint publication of London
Financial Times and Moscow-based Izvestia, is available by email.
The complete feed includes the full text of all articles published
in the Russian language newspaper, and financial and statistical
tables on the commodities and financial markets. Write Legpromsyrie
at root@sollo.soleg.msk.su for information.
Several Russian newspapers, including Commersant Daily, Nega,
and press services like Postfactum and Interfax, have digests or
complete editions available for Relcom network subscribers, usually
for a nominal fee.
Interested in the European Common Market?
-----------------------------------------
Pergamon Financial Data Services, NewsNet, and others, offer Dun &
Bradstreet European Marketing Online. It contains company profiles
of around two million European companies.
Pergamon's ICC U.K. Company Databases contains data on over
140,000 British companies with up to ten years' financial history,
addresses, key people, mother firms/subsidiaries, stock quotes.
Its Comptex News Service brings daily business news from the
European arena.
The UK Company Library on CompuServe has financial information
about more than 1.2 million British companies from sources like
Extel Cards, ICC British Co. Directory and Kompass UK.
Data-Star offers Tenders Electronic Daily, a database of
European Community contract offers.
Investext offers a series of bulletins authored by Europe
Information Service (EIS): European Report (biweekly), Tech Report
(Monthly), Transport Europe (monthly), Europe Environment
(bimonthly), European Energy (bimonthly), European Social Policy
(monthly), and Multinational Service (monthly).
Investext is available through Data-Star, Lexis/Nexis, Dow
Jones News/Retrieval, Dialog, NewsNet, and others.
The German Company Library (on CompuServe) offers information
about some 48,000 German companies from databases like Credit
Reform and Hoppenstedt's Directory of German Companies. Its
European Company Library contains information about over two
million companies in the area.
Nexis (Mead Data Central International) brings news and
background information about companies and the different countries
in Europe. Their Worldwide Companies database contains company
profiles, balance sheets, income statements, and other financial
data on the largest companies in 40 countries.
Nexis also has Hoppenstedt German Trade Associations directory,
four more newsletters from the Europe Information Service: Europe
Energy, Europe Environment, Transport Europe and European Insight,
a weekly brief on European Community-related happenings, and
Notisur, a biweekly news and analysis report on South American and
Caribbean political affairs.
LEXIS (also Mead) has databases with information about English
and French law, and other law material from Australia, New Zealand,
Ireland, Scotland and North America.
Their Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory has information on over
700,000 lawyers and law firms worldwide. The directory can be used
for referrals, selection of associate counsel, and evaluation of
competitive counsel.
Check out KOMPASS EUROPE when planning exports to the EEC. Its
database contains details about companies in Sweden, Denmark,
Germany, United Kingdom, Holland, Belgium, France, Spain, Italy,
Sweden and Norway. (On Dialog)
ILINK has the EEC-I conference (Discussion about the European
Common Marked). Profile offers full-text searches (and a clipping
service) in stories from Financial Times. The database is being
updated daily at 00:01.
Those exporting to the EEC need to master German, French,
Italian, and Spanish besides having a common knowledge of English.
Conversation is the easy part. The problem is writing, and
especially when the task is to translate technical expressions to
the languages used within the Common Market.
For help, check out the Eurodicautom online dictionary through
ECHO (and others.) Start by selecting a source language (like
English), and up to seven languages for simultaneous translation.
The translation is word-for-word, but may be put in the correct
context if required.
ECHO also offers the European Commission's CORDIS database
(Community Research and Development Information Service) containing
information about research results within scientific and technical
fields. Keywords: Race, Esprit, Delta, Aim, Fast, Brite, Comett,
Climat, Eclair and Tedis.
CONCISE (COsine Network's Central Information Service for
Europe) is a pan-European information service to the COSINE
scientific and industrial research community. COSINE (Cooperation
for Open Systems Interconnection Networking in Europe) is part of
the European Common Market's Eureka project.
CONCISE brings information about the COSINE project, networks,
conferences, networking products, special interest groups, projects
databases, directories, email services and other networked services
in Europe. It is intended for researchers in all fields, from
astronomers through linguists and market researchers to zoologists.
CONCISE is accessible by email through the Internet, by FTP,
and interactively (telnet) over the European academic and research
networks, over public data networks and over telephone links. (See
ECHO in appendix 1 for more information.)
The mailing list EC@INDYCMS.BITNET is dedicated to discussion
of the European Community, and is open to all interested persons.
Subscribe by email to a LISTSERV close to where you live, or to
LISTSERV@INDYCMS.BITNET.
Scandinavia
-----------
Most countries have several local language news services. In
Norway, Statens Datasentral lets you search stories from the NTB
news agency. Aftenposten, a major newspaper, offers full-text
stories from their A-TEKST database, from Dagens Naeringsliv (DNX),
and the Kapital magazine.
Before meeting with people from Norsk Hydro, go online to get
recent news about these companies. It will only take a couple of
minutes. What you find may be important for the success of your
meeting.
If you know the names of your most important competitors, use
their names as keywords for information about recent contracts,
joint venture agreements, products (and their features), and other
important information.
KOMPASS ONLINE offers information about over 180,000 companies
and 34,000 products in Scandinavia, Finland, Germany, Switzerland,
and Great Britain. The information is presented in the local
language of the different countries.
KOMPASS is used by easy menus. You can search by
* company name
* product or service (optionally using an industry
classification code for companies or products)
* number of employees, type of business, postal number,
telephone area code, export area, year of incorporation,
bank affiliation.
The database is available through Affaersdata (Sweden). New users
pay a one time fee of around US$85. Searching costs around US$3.00
per minute.
The TYR database on the Finnish service VIEXPO (tel.: +358 67
235100) offers information about 2,500 companies in the Vaasa and
Oulu regions with addresses, phone numbers, contact persons, main
products, revenues, and SIC industry classification codes.
We can go on like this. The list of available services is long
in many countries.
How to monitor your competitors
-------------------------------
Sales managers need to know what competitors are doing. Lacking
this knowledge, it is risky to maneuver in the market.
Start by making a strategy for online market intelligence. Here
are some practical hints:
(1) Select online services that offer clipping of stories and
information based on your search words or phrases. Examples:
NewsFlash on NewsNet, //TRACK on Dow Jones News/Retrieval, The
Executive News Service on CompuServe. Use these services for
automatic monitoring of stock quotes and business news.
(2) Read what investment analysts and advisors write about your
competitors. Most markets are well covered by databases and
other sources of information.
(3) Read what competitors write about themselves. Their press
releases are available from online databases in several
countries.
(4) Compare your competitors with your own company and industry.
Items: stock prices, profits, revenue, etc.
(5) Regularly monitor companies and their particular products.
(6) Watch trend reports about your industry. Search for patterns and
possible niches.
(7) Save what you find on your hard disk for future references.
Can you get everything through the online medium? Of course not!
Don't expect to find production data, production formulas, detailed
outlines of a company's pension plan, or the number of personal
computers in a company. Such information rarely finds its way to
public databases.
Intelligence by fax
-------------------
Financial Times' Profile has Fax Alert. Predefine your interests
using search words. Stories will be cut and sent to your personal
fax number whenever they appear. Price depends on the number of
characters transmitted.
Other online services offer similar services.
The Bulletin Board as a sales tool
----------------------------------
Many companies - large and small - use bulletin board systems as a
marketing instrument. Here is an example:
The San Francisco-based Compact Disk Exchange (Tel.: +1-415-824-
7603) offers a database of used CD records. Members can call in to
buy at very low prices. They can sell old CDs through the board or
buy from other members. (1992)
Marketing and sales by modem
----------------------------
The Americans have a gift for this. You meet them in online forums
all over the world, in person or through agents, and especially in
computer oriented conferences and clubs.
Their main strategy is reference selling. Make key customers
happy, and make sure they tell others.
In Chapter 5, I told you what happened when a member wrote
about his upgrade to a 425 megabytes hard disk in CompuServe's
Toshiba forum. It made me place my order with his preferred seller.
One common sales strategy is to be constantly present in
relevant conferences, and spend a generous amount of time helping
others. This takes time. By proving competence and willingness to
help, you build a positive personal profile. This profile is the
key to business, information about competitors and other benefits.
To drop quickly into a conference to post an "advertisement,"
is a waste of time. The message may be read by some, but chances
are that you will be criticized (in public) for having 'polluted
their environment' with a commercial message.
Besides, the volume of information in the best conferences for
your marketing effort is probably too high to make traditional
advertisements worth the while.
Electronic mail
---------------
Here is a list of other useful applications of electronic mail:
* to distribute quickly lists of important prospects to your
sales force,
* to avoid lengthy telephone conversations,
* to receive order information faster and more efficiently than
by traditional mail or fax,
* to distribute quickly reports and memos to key people all
over the world,
* to send new prices and product announcements to customers,
* to exchange spread sheets and analyses between users of
personal computers.
If this isn't enough, ask for information from the International
Business Network at 70724.311@compuserve.com (or, at 70724,311 on
CompuServe).
Chapter 12: Practical tips
==========================
- Quick transfers with a minimum of errors
- Rescuing lost files
- Copyright and other legal matters
- Unwritten laws about personal conduct
- Privacy
- Fax services weigh less than your printer
- File transfers through the Internet
Speed and safety
----------------
Read about MNP, CCITT V.42, and V.42bis in appendix 2. These are
popular methods for automatic error correction and compression of
data. Compression gives faster transfers of data.
To use them, your modem must have these features built-in. They
must also be enabled in the modem of the service that you are
calling.
Compression is particularly helpful when sending or receiving
text, for example news stories and messages in conferences. They
ensure faster transfers.
They are not of much help when transferring precompressed texts
and programs. They may even make file transfers with protocols like
ZMODEM, Kermit, and XMODEM impossible. If this happens, temporarily
turn off the MNP and V.24/V42bis settings in your modem (more about
this in appendix 2).
Some online services let users retrieve conference messages
using a special get or grab function. This function often comes in
two versions:
* Grab to display: New messages and conference items are
received in an uninterrupted stream without stops between items.
Retrieval of text can happen at maximum speed.
* Grab to compressed file: New messages and conference items
are selected, automatically compressed and stored in a file. This
file is then transferred using ZMODEM or similar protocols.
Some services offer unattended online work with a variation of
the "get compressed file" method. Read about 'offline readers' in
chapter 16 for more about this.
The more advanced your software is, the more time it will take
to learn how to use it. The rewards are lower telephone costs,
faster transfers, and less time spent doing technical online work.
Recommended.
Different needs, different solutions
------------------------------------
Frank Burns of the American online service MetaNet is spokesperson
for the strategy SCAN - FOCUS - ACT.
On your first visits to a new online service, you SCAN. The
goal is to get an overview of what is being offered and find out
how to use it most efficiently. Notes are made of interesting
bulletins, databases, conferences, messages, news services, public
domain and shareware programs, games, and more.
Capture all of it to disk. Don't study it until disconnected
from the service. Evaluate the material to prepare for your next
moves: FOCUS and ACT.
As you learn about offerings, users and applications, your use
of the service changes. What was interesting on your first visits,
lose out to new discoveries. Some applications may stay as 'regular
online functions', like when you decide to read a given news report
on Monday mornings.
Here are some other hints:
* Find out what you do NOT have to know and have enough self-
confidence immediately to discard irrelevant material. Walk quickly
through the information. Select what you need now, store other
interesting items on your hard disk, clip references, and drop the
remainder of your capture file.
* Learn when and how to use people, computers, libraries and
other resources. Prepare well before going online. Note that the
online resource may not necessarily be the quickest way to the
goal. If you want the name of Michael Jackson's latest album, you
may get a faster answer by calling a local music shop. . . .
* Make an outline of how to search the service before going
online. If required, start by going online to collect help menus
and lists of search commands (unless you already have the printed
user information manual). Study the instructions carefully, plan
your visit, and then call back.
Often, it may be useful to do trial searches in online data,
which you have previously captured to your hard disk. Do this to
check if your use of search words is sensible.
Who knows, you may even have what you are searching for right
there. Besides, it is imperative that you use the correct search
terms to find what you're looking for.
Write your search strategy on a piece of paper. If you know how
to write macros for your communications program, consider writing
some for your planned search commands. - Few people can type 240
characters per second. Using macros may save you time, frustration
and money.
* It may be wise to do your search in two steps. On your first
visit: Get a LIST of selected headlines or references, and then log
off the service.
Study your finds, and plan the next step. Then call back to get
full-text of the most promising stories.
This strategy is often better than just 'hanging online' while
thinking. When you feel the pressure of the taximeter, it is easy
to make costly mistakes.
* Novices should always go the easiest way. Don't be shy. Ask
SOS Assistance services for help, if available. Invest in special
communication programs with built in automatic online searching
features. They are designed to make your work easier.
* Limit your search and avoid general and broad search terms.
It is often wise to start with a search word that is so 'narrow'
that it is unlikely to find articles outside your area of interest.
Your goal is not to find many stories. You want the right ones.
When everything fails
---------------------
Data communications is simple - when you master it. Occasionally,
however, you WILL lose data. You may even experience the worst of
all: losing unread private email on your hard disk.
A while ago, this happened to a friend. She logged on to her
mailbox service using the communications program Procomm.
After capturing all her mail, she tried to send a message. For
some reason, the computer just froze. It was impossible to close
the capture file. She had to switch the power OFF/ON to continue.
All retrieved mail was obviously lost.
The other day, I had a similar experience. After having written
a long and difficult letter, something went wrong. The outfile was
inexplicably closed. The resulting file size was 0 bytes.
Both problems were solved by the MS-DOS program CHKDSK run with
the /F option. If you ever get this problem, and have an MS-DOS
computer, try it. It may save your day.
Copyright notices and legal stuff
---------------------------------
Most commercial online services protect their offerings with
copyright notices. This is especially so for database information
and news.
Some vendors make you accept in writing not to store captured
data on a local media (like diskettes or hard disks). Others (like
Prodigy in the U.S.) force clients to use communication software
that makes it impossible to store incoming data to disk.
The reason is simple. Information providers want to protect
their income.
In most countries, you can quote from what others have written.
You can cut pieces out of a whole and use in your own writing. What
you cannot do, however, is copy news raw to resell to others. If
an online service discovers you doing that, expect a law suit.
Read copyright notices to learn about the limitations on your
usage of data that you receive.
Unwritten laws about personal conduct
-------------------------------------
Some services let their users be anonymous. This is the case on
many chat services. If you want to pose as Donald Duck or Jack the
Ripper, just do that.
Many free BBS systems let you register for full access to the
service during your first visit. It is possible to use any name.
Don't do that. Use your true name, unless asked to do otherwise.
It's impolite and unrespectful of the other members to participate
in online discussions using a false identity.
Being helpful is an important aspect of the online world. The
people you meet 'there' use of their time to help you and others.
Often free. The atmosphere is one of gratitude, and a positive
attitude toward all members.
If you use rude words in public, expect your mailbox to fill
with angry messages from others. Those who respond carefully to
personal attacks, will never regret it. Don't say things online
that you would not have said in person.
REMEMBER: Words written in a moment of anger or frustration
can be stored on at least one hard disk. Your 'sins' may stay
there for a long time - to resurface when you least want it to.
Here are some guidelines (often called 'online netiquette'):
* If mail to a person doesn't make it through, avoid posting
the message to a conference. Keep private messages private.
* It is considered extremely bad taste to post private mail
from someone else on public conferences, unless they give
you explicit permission to redistribute it.
* Many users end their messages with some lines about how
to get in touch with them (their email address, phone
number, address, etc.). Limit your personal "signature"
to maximum four lines.
* Do not send test messages to a public conference, unless
they are set up to serve this purpose.
* If someone requests that readers reply by private email,
do that. Do not send to the conference, where the request
appeared.
* When replying to a message in a public conference, many
users 'quote' the original message prefixed by '>' or
another special character, as in
You wrote:
>I strongly believe it was wrong to attack
>Fidel Castro in this way!
When you quote another person, edit out whatever isn't
directly applicable to your reply. By including the entire
message, you'll only annoy those reading it.
* Note that if you USE ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, people will
think you're shouting.
Finally, smile with me about the following story: According to Time
magazine (7/19/93, p. 58), three women who corresponded with Mr. X
over the network discovered his duplicity and went public on the
network. The incident sparked a lively debate over electronic
etiquette (and ruined Mr. Casanova's chances for further romance).
Fax services weigh less than your computer's printer
----------------------------------------------------
Many online services let you send electronic mail as fax messages.
This is an interesting feature when in that far away place without
a printer. Send the draft contract or other texts to your hotel's
fax machine or to your client's office to get a printout on paper.
Privacy
-------
The level of online privacy differs by network, service, and
application. Whatever these services may claim, always expect that
someone, somewhere, is able to watch, even record.
All mailbox services have at least one person authorized to
access your personal mail box in case of an emergency. Most of the
time they not have a right to read it without your permission, but
they can.
In some countries, mailbox services may let outsiders (like the
police) routinely read your private email to check for 'illegal'
contents. In this respect, email is not safer than ordinary mail.
The good news is that most 'inspectors' and 'sysops' are good,
honest people. On the other hand, it is useful to know your
situation.
It is not safe to send sensitive information (like credit card
details) by private electronic mail. True, the probability that an
outsider should get hold of and take advantage of such information
is small, but it definitely is not 100 percent safe.
Encrypt your email to protect sensitive information.
Always assume that someone is recording all that is being said in
online conferences, chats, and other interactive social gatherings.
In chats, anyone using a personal computer as a terminal can log
the conversation, or use screen dump just to capture 'interesting
parts'.
Many PC users can scroll back the screen. They can wait and
decide whether to save the conversation in a file until after the
conversation has taken place. With these capabilities widely
available, users of chats and talk should always assume that their
conversations are being recorded.
Do not say indiscreet things in small, informal discussions. It
may be recorded and reposted under embarrassing circumstances.
The program PGP has become the defacto international Internet
standard for public key encryption.
For more on privacy, check out ETHICS-L@MARIST.BITNET. The
files RFC 1113 through 1115 are about 'Privacy enhancements for
Internet electronic mail' (see appendix 1 for how to get them).
Usenet has alt.privacy (Privacy issues in cyberspace), and
comp.society.privacy (Effects of technology on privacy).
File transfers through the Internet
-----------------------------------
The Internet is a term used of a network interconnecting hundreds
of thousands of computer centers around the world. These centers
use different types of hardware and software, and different methods
of file transfer.
What method to use for file transfers depends on the source
host and the type of mailbox computer that you are using. The
transfer usually takes place in two steps:
1. Transferring files from a remote data center to your local
mailbox host.
2. Transfer from your local mailbox host to your personal
computer.
Transfer to your local mailbox host
-----------------------------------
We will explain the most commonly used method for those who only
have access to file transfer by email. This method can be used by
everybody.
Transferring plain text files is easy. Files with imbedded
word processor control codes will often have to be treated as
binary files. More about this later.
To transfer a text to another user, just send it as an ordinary
electronic message.
Getting text files from a library on a remote computer is a
special case. Often, they can be had by sending a retrieval command
(like GET) by email to the remote center. After a while, the file
will be sent to your mailbox by email. You can read it like you
read other mail.
Example: The file BINSTART can be retrieved from the KIDART
directory on a computer center in North Dakota, U.S.A. It explains
how to retrieve binary art files from the KIDLINK project's file
libraries.
To get the file, send a message to the center's mail forwarding
'agent' at LISTSERV@VM1.NODAK.EDU. Use the following command
syntax in your text:
GET <directory name> <file name>
To get the BINSTART file, write the following command in the TEXT
of your message:
GET KIDART BINSTART
Note that the command has to be put in the body of the mail and not
in the subject field. The file will arrive in your mailbox after a
while.
Also, note that lists of available files are usually available
by using an "INDEX <directory name>" command. To get a list of
files in the KIDART directory, add the command "INDEX KIDART" in
your message above.
Non-LISTSERV libraries may use other retrieval commands. Often,
you can get information of what commands to use by sending the word
HELP to a mailing service (in the Subject area or in the body of
the text).
Transferring binary files
-------------------------
Users with a direct connection to the Internet usually have access
to the FTP command (File Transfer Protocol). If they do, they often
prefer FTP for transfers of binary files like computer programs,
pictures, sound, and compressed text files.
The bad news is that the FTP command is not available to all
users of Internet mail. These will have to use "FTP by mail," or
other tricks to transfer such files. More about this in a moment.
The FTP command gives access to a special file transfer service.
It works in the following way:
1. Logon to your local email host and enter 'FTP remote-
center-code'. Example: 'ftp 134.129.111.1'.
This command will connect you to the center in North Dakota
mentioned above. Here, you will be prompted for user name and
password. Enter 'anonymous' as user name, and use your real name or
email address as password.
This way of logging on to retrieve files is called "transfers
by anonymous ftp." You can use this method on many hosts on the
Internet.
2. When connected to the remote center, you can request transfer
of the desired file to your mailbox. Before doing that, you may
have to navigate to a given file catalog (cd directory), and tell
the host that the transfer is to be binary (bin). Finally, initiate
the transfer by entering a "GET file name" command.
3. The file will be transferred to your local mailbox computer
at high speed. When the transfer is done, you logoff from the
remote center to "get back" to your mailbox computer's prompt line.
Now, you can transfer the file to your personal computer using
communications protocols like Kermit, XMODEM, ZMODEM or whatever
else is available.
Binary files transferred as text codes
--------------------------------------
If you do not have access to FTP, you must use ordinary email for
your binary transfers.
Usually, email through the Internet can only contain legal
character codes (ASCII characters between number 32 - 126). Most
systems cannot transfer graphics or program files directly, since
these files normally contain binary codes (which are outside this
ASCII character range).
The solution is to convert binary files to text codes using a
utility program called UUENCODE. The encoded file can be sent by
ordinary email, as in this example:
From TRICKLE@VM1.NoDak.EDU Fri Aug 16 16:32:37 1991
Date: Fri, 16 Aug 1991 09:31:34 CDT
To: opresno@EXTERN.UIO.NO
Subject: Part 1/1 SIMTEL20.INF PD:<MSDOS.STARTER>
The file PD:<MSDOS.STARTER>SIMTEL20.INF has been uuencoded before
being sent. After combining the 1 parts with the mail headers
removed, you must run the file through a decode program.
------------ Part 1 of 1 ------------
begin 600 SIMTEL20.INF
M6T9I;&4Z(%-)351%3#(P+DE.1B`@("`@("`@("`@("`@("`@("!,87-T(')E
M=FES960Z($IU;F4@,C@L(#$Y.3%=#0H-"B`@(%M.;W1E.B!$=64@=&\@9&ES
M:6P-"AH:&AH:&AH:&AH:&AH:&AH:&AH:&AH:&AH:&AH:&AH:&AH:&AH:&AH:
M&AH:&AH:&AH:&AH:&AH:&AH:&AH:&AH:&AH:&AH:&AH:&AH:&AH:&AH:&AH:
6&AH:&AH:&AH:&AH:&AH:&AH:&AH:&@(Z
`
end
-------- End of part 1 of 1 ---------
When you receive a message with uuencoded text, download it to your
personal computer's hard disk. Use an editor to cut out the codes
and paste them to an empty work file. Using the example above, the
first line in your work file should contain:
begin 600 SIMTEL20.INF
and the last line should contain
end
Now, use a utility program called UUDECODE to convert the file back
to its binary form (or whatever).
More information about uuencoding and uudecoding is given in
the BINSTART file mentioned above (for MS-DOS computers). It has
a detailed explanation, BASIC source code for making the program
UUDECODE.COM, and a DEBUG script for those preferring that.
Versions of UUDECODE are also available for other types of
computers.
Transfer of pictures
--------------------
Denis Pchelkin in Protvino (Russia) is 11 years old, has two cats
and one dog, and has contributed beautiful computer graphics art to
the KIDLINK project (1992).
The file ART019 in the KIDART catalog of the North Dakota
center contains one of his creations. It is a UUENCODEd picture
in GIF graphics format.
You can retrieve Denis' creation by sending a GET command to
LISTSERV@VM1.NODAK.EDU . Put the following command in the TEXT of
your message:
GET KIDART ART019
The LISTSERVer will return a message filled with strange uu-codes.
We assume that you have already retrieved the BINSTART file, and
that you have a version of the conversion program. Your next step
is uudecoding:
Read the message into an editor or a viewing program. Cut and
paste the codes to a work file. Keep the original as backup. Use
the UUDECODE.COM program to convert ART019 into a GIF formatted
file.
Now, view the picture with your favorite graphics program. (Or
use shareware GIF-viewers like PICEM, VUIMG, and VPIC for MS-DOS
computers. These programs are available from CompuServe's IBM
forums and other services.)
Sending binary files in uuencoded form has weaknesses. One is
the lack of automatic error correction when sending/receiving e-
mail. Noise on the line can easily distort the picture.
File size is another problem. UUENCODEing typically increases
file sizes by almost one third. Some mailbox systems restrict the
length of individual messages that you can receive, and the file
may just be too big.
If the uuencoded file gets too big, some services can (or will
by default) split it up in parts and then sent separately.
Tons of uuencoded public domain and shareware programs are
available for retrieval by ordinary email.
FTP by email
-------------
While some services accept commands like GET KIDART ART019 by
email, this is not so with the many so-called FTP libraries. Many
of them can only be accessed by FTP.
Services exist that will do FTP transfers by email for those
not having access to the FTP command. The most popular is at DEC
Corporate Research in the U.S.
For more information, write a message to one of the following
addresses:
ftpmail@decwrl.dec.com
ftpmail@cs.uow.edu.au
In the TEXT of your message, put the word "HELP".
FTPMAIL lets you uuencode binary files for transfers. It can
split large files up into several messages, thus helping you around
local restrictions on the size of each incoming mail message.
Chapter 13: Cheaper and better communication
============================================
Packet data services and data transportation
services like Tymnet Outdial, Infonet, Internet,
and PC Pursuit may help keep costs down.
About reducing the cost of using mailing lists.
Many users access online services by calling them directly. A lot
pay extra for long distance calls to other cities and countries,
even when this means inferior transmission quality (like when noise
characters degrade the data).
Others investigate other routings for their data. One option is
the packet data networks. Most countries have Public Data Networks
(PDNs) operated by local telecommunications authorities. These
services are often cheaper than direct calls for some applications,
but more expensive for others.
Before using a packet data network, you'll need to establish a
"Network User Identification" (NUI) with the PDN carrier. You must
also know the Network User Address (NUA) of the hosts that you want
to access.
In Scandinavia, the local PDNs are called Datapak. They can be
accessed by direct local calls or through leased lines. To personal
users, direct calls are least expensive. A leased line may be cost
efficient when the daily volume is high, like in a company.
When you communicate with online services through a PDN, the
latter will split your data and bundle it in standard envelopes or
'packets'.
Each packet is marked with a code and sent out into the data
stream. Based on this code, the packet is routed from computer
center to computer center until it reaches its final destination.
There, the information will be reassembled into its original form
before being handed over to a user or online service.
It is almost like traveling by train. The price per packet or
traveler is lower than what it costs to rent the whole train for
your trip.
National telecommunications monopolies were the first to offer
packet data services. Their rates were moderately lower than for
long distance calls, but it was hard to find the relationship
between real costs and prices. This is still the situation in
many countries.
Throughout the world, efforts to privatize nationwide phone
networks continue. In many countries, this has given us some
interesting competitors offering attractive rates for similar
services.
Their rates differ considerably from country to country, as
does the quality of transmissions. The advantage of using packet
data also varies considerably, by application and by country. The
best routing for retrieval of online news may be impossibly
expensive for chats or complex online jobs.
We can offer no hard rules of thumb, except this:
Compare rates regularly!
What is cheapest?
-----------------
Some networks charge by the hour, while others charge by volume
(number of characters transferred per minute).
When volume is low, your best bet is to use network services
with a low price per minute and high prices for volume.
When volume is high, you may be better off using those charging
by the minute.
To estimate costs reliably, you'll need statistics. Since your
usage probably differs from what others do, start accumulating
experience data now. Like this:
On services only charging for connect time
------------------------------------------
Capture trip information to a log file. Register the following
information:
* number of minutes connected
* modem speed
* number of characters transmitted.
Some communication programs can do this automatically for you.
On services charging for time and volume
----------------------------------------
Log the following information:
* number of minutes connected
* modem speed
* number of segments or packets (measurements of volume)
You need this to estimate the average volume of data transferred by
minute. Here are some general experiences and hints:
Long streams of data without stops are cheaper through services
that only charge by the minute. Retrieving software is a typical
high volume application.
Trips that include navigation from conference to conference,
with a little bit of up- and downloading here and there, make the
average transfer speed fall dramatically. It's like driving through
a big city at 150 kilometers per hour. Red lights will reduce the
average speed considerably.
The actual transferred volume of text per minute will differ
from place to place (geographically), and often also from call to
call. It depends on factors like:
* How fast you can enter commands and how much time you spend
staring at the display before pressing keys,
* How long it takes for an online service to react to your
commands. For example, the response time on CompuServe at
04:00 GMT on a Friday morning (it is evening in the U.S.) is
much worse than at 10:30 GMT on a Sunday morning. Then, most
users are asleep.
* The load on your packet data network while you use the
service (or the amount of noise and retransmission, when
calling direct),
* The type of modem you are using (speed, level of MNP),
* The number of commands you (or your scripts) have to enter
during your online visit. An increase in the number of
commands, reduces the average transfer speed.
* The amount of transfer overhead for color and screen handling
(like, VT-100 codes) that is transferred with your text.
* Your use of menus and help texts while online, or whether
you come as "expert" with a minimum of prompts.
It's impossible to calculate the practical effects of these items.
You will just have to bear them in mind when estimating typical
jobs, measuring speeds, calculating costs, and comparing networks.
Finding the optimal network for our needs, will take time, but
is well worth the effort. I think the figures may surprise you.
The network services in this chapter will often give you better
quality transfers than a direct call. On the other hand, calling
direct may give more characters transferred per minute. The average
speed tends to drop dramatically when using a packet data service.
Using national packet data services
-----------------------------------
Most commercial online services can be reached through national
PDNs, but you may have problems finding the correct NUA (Network
User Address) to get there. Few PDNs have a directory of available
"electronic telephone numbers" for you to consult.
The Norwegian PDN, Datapak, used to be my only alternative for
access to foreign online services, and I thought that the cost was
acceptable. Not so anymore.
My applications require that data be pumped back and forth at
maximum speed. On network services charging by a combination of
volume and time, 80 percent of my costs are typically for volume,
while 20 percent is for connect time.
When I log out after a successful visit to CompuServe through
Datapak, the two services give me similar reports:
Thank you for using CompuServe!
Off at 10:11 EST 24-Nov-87
Connect time = 0:15
CLR PAD (00) 00:00:14:55 537 75
The last line comes from Datapak. It tells that I have received 537
segments and sent 75.
The "Segment" is Datapak's volume measure. A segment contains
up to sixty-four characters and/or carriage returns. The price is
calculated accordingly.
At today's prices, Datapak is still my cheapest alternative
calling CompuServe for chats.
I use Datapak when connecting to TWICS in Tokyo, as the only
alternative today is direct calls at a prohibitive cost. Once i-Com
(see below) starts offering outdial to Japan, I expect this service
to be substantially cheaper.
The slower your modem speed, the more attractive is Datapak
compared with direct calls.
To get access to a national PDN, you must have a user
identification and a password. (Getting temporary access to PDN
services while traveling abroad is often hard and expensive.)
| Note: If you have access to a national PDN, but need |
| information about PDNs in other countries, try Hostess, the |
| Global Network Service's information service from British |
| Telecom in England. The NUA is 02342 1920101013 (02342 is |
| the Data Network Identifier Code section of the address.) |
| Username or password is not required to use this service. |
Outdial through PC Pursuit
--------------------------
Sprintnet (formerly GTE Telenet) lets American users call bulletin
boards in North America at lower rates through their PC Pursuit
service.
They pay a modest subscription to call a local number for
access to PC Pursuit. Once connected, they can enter an electronic
phone-number to connect to a so-called 'outdial modem' in another
city.
Once connected to the outdial modem, they can give it dialing
commands and have it call any local number. This way, they can use
PC Pursuit to call an online service in the area, or the private
modem of a friend.
We call PC Pursuit an Outdial service. Such services normally
offer lower rates for access to remote bulletin boards than what
it costs to call by long distance. Besides, they reduce the chances
for noise on the line.
Outdial through i-Com
---------------------
i-Com offers outdial to North American online services by reselling
capacity from Tymnet's network (owned by British Telecommunications
PLC).
In the United States, Galaxy Telecomm Corp. offers a similar
service under the name Starlink. Outdial to numbers in Japan and
Europe is planned.
i-Com markets its services to users in Europe and Japan, and
have local access in Brussels, Paris, Lyon, Milano, the Hague,
Eindhoven, Zurich, Geneva, London, Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol,
Cambridge, Edinburgh, Leeds, Frankfurt, Cologne, Munich, Madrid,
Stockholm, Copenhagen, and more.
The basic fee for access to the service is US$25.00 per hour
(1992). You don't pay volume charges. The monthly subscription fee
is US$8.00. You can pay using VISA or MasterCard/Eurocard.
In Norway, I have used i-Com to connect to The Well in San
Francisco, MetaNet in Virginia, EXEC-PC in Wisconsin, and SciLink
in Toronto, Canada. At the time, i-Com was cheaper than direct
calls and Datapak for access to these services.
While an ID on your local PDN is only valid in your area or
country, your i-Com ID can be used all over the world including
several cities in North America. Once your plane has landed in
Milano, you can dial the local i-Com node to connect to your
favorite service.
i-Com also has a bulletin board (US$13.00/hour). These are some
of its services:
* Search a database to find BBS numbers in a given area of
interest, or to locate outdial numbers in a given city or
area code.
* Conferences about how to use North American bulletin boards.
* Retrieval of shareware and public domain software.
* Online shopping of American goods at American prices.
Cheaper access to CompuServe
----------------------------
Wherever CompuServe has local access points, you'll be better off
using these. You do not have to sign any special agreements. Your
CompuServe ID is all you need. Payment for using these services
will appear on your CompuServe bill.
CompuServe has special deals with a list of network services,
like InfoNet Europe (formerly Computer Sciences Corp.), Istel,
FALNET, FENICS, CompuPass, LATA Networks, Tymnet/Sprintnet. Enter
the command GO LOG on CompuServe to get access information, and GO
RATES for rates.
I have been using CompuPass from Japan, CompuServe's own
network in the United States, Istel, InfoNet, and PDN services in
Europe.
When at home, I usually use CompuServe's 9600 bps node in
Stockholm, Sweden. It is even cheaper than calling Oslo for a 2400
bps node for most of my jobs. There is no surcharge when accessing
at non-prime time, and US$7.70 per hour during prime time (weekdays
08:00 to 19:00 local time). In addition, I pay long distance rates
to call the node. CompuServe has no extra charges for volume.
| Whenever CompuServe opens a new node in your vicinity, or |
| upgrades the modem speed on one of their nodes, look at the |
| effects on your total costs. |
| |
| Use software for automatic access and navigation (like TAPCIS,|
| OzCIS, or ATO). They give higher volume per minute and make |
| your accesses even more cost efficient. |
Before leaving for a business trip, visit CompuServe to find local
access numbers in your destination cities. The list of countries
includes Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France,
Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Holland, South Africa,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and England.
You can also access CompuServe through i-Com and other outdial
services.
CompuServe has exchange of electronic mail with Internet. You
can also access the service by telnet to hermes.merit.edu (binary
transfers are impossible, though).
IXI - a European alternative to PDN
-----------------------------------
IXI is an X.25 data network for European academic, industrial and
governmental research centers. It is sponsored by the EEC under the
ESRIN project, and is operated by the Dutch PTT.
IXI interconnects national research networks, many national
public data networks and several specialized international
networks. It works like a national PDN service, but uses its own
Network User Addresses. Echo, STN, DIMDI, Data-Star and other
database vendors can be accessed through IXI.
The service is not available to most users having email access
through the Internet.
Using DASnet to cross network boundaries
----------------------------------------
DA Systems forwards electronic mail and files (also binary files)
across mailbox system boundaries for customers. They can send your
mail to several large in-house systems, information networks, and
over 60 commercial mailbox systems in 30 countries.
These are some systems on their list: ABA/net, Alternex
(Brazil), ATT Mail, BIX, BITNET, CESAC (Italy), CIGnet, ComNet
(Switzerland), CONNECT, Dialcom, Deutsche Mailbox, Dialcom, Envoy
100, EIES, EasyLink, Euromail (Germany), FredsNaetet (Sweden),
Galaxy, GeoNet (hosts in Germany, England, U.S.A.), GreenNet, INET,
INFOTAP (Luxembourg), Mailbox Benelux, MCI Mail, MercanMail (Asia),
MBK Mediabox (Germany), MetaNet, Nicarao (Nicaragua), NWI, OTC
PeaceNet/EcoNet, Pegasus (Australia), PINET, Portal, PsychNet, San
Francisco/Moscow Teleport, Telexphone (France), TeleRede
(Portugal), Telehaus Nordhorn (Germany), Telemail, TEXTEL (the
Caribbean), TWICS (Japan), UNISON, UUCP, Web (Canada), The WELL,
Internet.
This list may suggest lack of connectivity between networks
that do indeed have connections. For example, Internet email may
easily be sent to ATT Mail, Alternex, BIX, BITNET, FredsNaetet,
GeoNet, GreenNet, and many others on this list. Connectivity changes
constantly. Check to see if you really need it, as this service is
far from free.
DASnet also lets you send email as telex, fax and by ordinary
mail. They charge you by the number of characters transferred, and
the destination address. (Contact Anna B. Lange, DA Systems, Inc.,
U.S.A. Tel.: +1-408-559-7434, or write her at AnnaB@11.DAS.NET).
FidoNet - grassroots playground
-------------------------------
FidoNet is an amateur network consisting of tens of thousands of
bulletin boards all over the world. The network is "loosely
coupled," meaning that most of the participating boards are not
always connected. They call each others at regular intervals to
exchange mail, often in the middle of the night when the rates are
low.
Most FidoNet boards have conferences, and allow you to send
mail to users of other systems. NetMail is a term often used for
private FidoNet email. EchoMail is used about its international
conferences. The selection of echomail conferences on a given
FidoNet board can be as unique as the rest of the system.
RelayNet
--------
is another global network of bulletin boards. It offers exchange
of email between systems. Messages and conference items entered on
one system will automatically be copied to other participating
boards. Your costs for "talking" with others in other parts of the
world are very small.
Other grassroots networks
-------------------------
It doesn't take much to set up a bulletin board service, and it is
as easy to connect BBS systems to each other in a dial-up network
for regular exchanges of email, files and conferences.
All over the world, grassroots networks keep popping up with
names like ILINK, AmNet, Suedd MB-Verbund, Starmail, MagicNet, A-
NET, MausNet, Zerberus-Netz, SMBX-NET, BASA-NETZ, you name it.
Many boards offer access to more than one grassroots network,
as well as to the Internet. Thus, the ability to send global email
is extended to new users every day.
Other services
--------------
The PDN Connect-USA competes with Starlink in North America.
(Connect-USA Communications, Inc., 2625 Pennsylvania NE Suite 225,
Albuquerque, New Mexico. 505-881-6988 (voice), 505-881-2756 (FAX),
505-881-6964 (BBS). )
Global Access is a similar service reselling time on the
Sprintnet network in North America.
Reducing the cost of using mailing lists
----------------------------------------
The problem of subscribing to mailing lists is that all discussion
items come to you in individual messages. Each message comes with
its own mailer header, and this information is generally completely
useless. (Read "Returned mail" in Chapter 7 for details.)
Newer versions of the BITNET LISTSERV software provide commands
that solve this problem:
SET <list name> DIGEST
----------------------
This command is sent to a LISTSERV to make all daily messages
come to you in one, single message. Example: Say you've joined
KIDCAFE@vm1.nodak.edu, which usually has a large number of
messages each day. Send the following command to the LISTSERV:
SET KIDCAFE DIGEST
It will typically reduce the number of lines received from this
mailing list by around 50 percent.
SET <list name> INDEX
---------------------
This command is sent to a LISTSERV to get a daily list of
messages, like in this example from KIDCAFE:
Index Date Size Poster and subject
----- ---- ---- ------------------
22839 06/22 26 From: David Chalmers
<David.Chalmers@p3.f155.n633.z3.fidonet.org>
Subject: Conor Dublin Ireland
Based on this list, you can use the LISTSERV's search commands
to retrieve individual messages of interest. These commands are
similar to those used for searching in chapter 7.
For more about searching mailing lists' message bases, send a
message to LISTSERV@vm1.nodak.edu with the following command in
the text of your mail:
GET KIDLINK TIPS
Some LISTSERVs offers simplified search commands and macros
to make retrieval of individual messages simpler.
Chapter 14: Keep what you find
==============================
Little is gained by being skillful at
locating and accumulating information,
and then becoming drowned
in an avalanche of data
that one cannot manage - or use.
This chapter starts with how to build a personal data base on your
own hard disk. We continue by investigating strategies for finding
interesting information on your disk, before winding down with some
words about what separates good information from bad.
Search and throw away
---------------------
To novices, everything is difficult. During the first online trips,
they may feel as if moving to the other side of the globe to start
over: They need new newspapers, magazines, information sources, and
services.
Trial and error are required to find online gold mines. As you
get more experience, focus tends to shift from getting information
to digesting.
Getting the data gets 'into your fingers', and doesn't bother
much anymore. The number of retrieved lines increases. The only bad
news is that your reading speed remains at the same old level.
In our time, people tend to talk more than they listen, and you
usually find more information than knowledge. Therefore, say NO to
irrelevant information. It is seldom worth keeping.
There is generally no good reason to learn things that you
really don't need to know. Practice "selective ignorance."
Regularly evaluate your online sources critically, and discard
those costing you more than they are worth. Concentrate on those
giving the best returns.
Adjust the frequency with which you visit selected services to
match their usefulness. What used to be daily visits, may have to
be downgraded to once per week or month. Consider replacing daily
news monitoring by clipping services.
Plan 'overview' and 'details' with different frequencies.
'Overview' refers to online trips to get an impression of what
generally goes on. An example:
My script system is set for automatic visits to the CompuServe
Toshiba forum. Whenever I visit, it 'digs out' unread messages
based on key words on the item's subject line.
During 1991, it searched for these strings: '5100', T2000', and
'425'. Once, This gave the following message to read:
#: 29550 S6/Hi-Power Notebooks
05-Oct-91 17:27:30
Sb: #T2000SX Recharger
Fm: Steve Kitahata 75166,1741
To: All
I tried to order the battery recharger for my T2000SX from Jade
Computer last weekend. The sales rep said it would take about
a week, so I called today to check up on it. He told me that I
could only buy the recharger with the car adapter as a bundled
set for $260. They had both advertised in their flyer as
separate items, which they should be. Has anyone heard of
this?
Does anyone know of any sources that have the battery recharger
available? Any help would be appreciated. Thanx.
-- Steve
My script found the search word "T2000" in the subject line's text
(Sb: #T2000SX Recharger), and subsequently selected the message.
Once per month, the same system "scans the horizon" to give me
an idea of what is going on. This is done by requesting a list of
subjects being discussed. Here is part of one such list:
29555: DOS 5 Upgrade
6 replies
29540: TDOS Upgrade questions
3 replies
29585: Toshiba DOS 5.0 ships!
1 reply
29586: DOS 5.0 Upgrade Solution
29580: ToshibaDOS=bad business
8 replies
29581: DOS 5 / Stacker
1 reply
Reading the list, allows me to see if new and interesting topics
are up for discussion. If I use Stacker and want contact with other
users, I can request message number 29581 and the subsequent reply
(1 reply). That should give me some email addresses.
| Several advanced communication programs and offline readers |
| have built-in quick scan features. For example, TAPCIS does |
| this just fine in CompuServe forums. |
| |
| When retrieving conference messages from bulletin boards using |
| 1stReader at high speed, like 9600 bps or above, then the cost |
| of downloading all new items may be insignificant. Therefore, |
| you might just as well do it. |
| |
| Later, when reading the captured mail, 1stReader lets you |
| select messages to read from a list of subjects. You can save |
| what you want to keep, and delete the rest. |
By regular scanning subject headers you reduce the risk of missing
important trends, for example because authors were using other
terms on the subject line than expected.
Scanning also lets us discover if the discussion is heading off
in other, interesting directions.
After a while, you'll have a set of sources, persons, and tools
that will provide you with what you need. This is your personal
infrastructure of electronic information. Now, you must maintain
and cultivate it.
Store incoming information
--------------------------
Chances are that you will retrieve more information than you can
read. Sometimes it takes weeks for me to get up to date with my
own readings.
If you visit several online services, consider storing the data
in files with different names. Use part of the file name to show the
source of this information.
If visiting a service regularly, consider using the date as
part of the file names. This will make it easier to select, read
and search them in a useful sequence.
| Example: Say you're regularly visiting TWICS in Tokyo. What you |
| download on November 10, you may store in a file named |
| |
| TW1110.TMP |
| |
| My scripts do this automatically. On some services, they also |
| split retrieved data into URGENT and MAY BE READ LATER files. |
| Private mail from TWICS is stored in NB1110.TMP. By storing |
| private mail separately, it is easier to see if somebody wants |
| a quick reply. |
All file names in this example have the extension .TMP (temporary).
This signifies that these files are unread.
When I read them, and select parts for permanent storage on my
hard disk, I use different names. Often, I use the year, or a
month/year code in the file name extension. For example, the file
DIALOG.93 contains information from DIALOG collected during 1993.
Postprocessing the data
------------------------
The data capture is completed, and the retrieved data is stored on
the hard disk in more or several files. Your next task is to
* Read the received texts,
* Cut and paste selected parts to archive or work files,
* Prepare responses to your electronic mail. This may include
quoting part of the incoming messages in your replies.
* Finally, delete all temporary files.
Many advanced programs have these features built in. If not, you
may use your favorite word processor, or something else. There are
many alternatives.
LIST is my favorite MS-DOS shareware file viewer program. It
can be downloaded from most bulletin boards. Using LIST, it is
difficult to destroy your precious retrieved data while reading,
cutting and pasting.
| MORE ABOUT LIST: |
| Assume that all input data is stored in the disk catalog C:\IN |
| and that you're using the file name convention suggested above. |
| Type LIST and press Enter. A list of file names will appear on |
| your screen. Press S to sort the list, and then D to have them |
| sorted by creation date. The newest files are at the bottom of |
| the list. |
| Move the cursor (using the Arrow keys) to the input file |
| that you want to read and press Enter. Scroll up and down in the|
| file by pressing the PgUp/PgDn or the arrow keys. |
| Let's assume that you are reading TW1110.TMP right now. |
| On your screen is a piece of information that you want to |
| keep for future reference. Mark the text with ALT-M commands |
| (keep the ALT key pressed down, while pressing M), and then |
| ALT-D. LIST will ask you for a file name. You enter TWICS.93, |
| and the text is appended to what is already there. |
| This method allows you quickly to mark and append parts |
| of your input file to various archive files. Press ESC to |
| return to the file list when through, then press D. LIST asks |
| if you really want to delete the file. Press Y, and TW1110.TMP |
| is gone. |
| LIST lets you find information stored in your archives |
| (string search). What you find can be marked and copied to a |
| work file. It can also be set to invoke an editor or a word |
| processor for the selected file. |
Reuse of data on your hard disk
-------------------------------
Over time your personal archives will grow in size. You begin to
experience the benefits of having all this information on your
hard disk.
Yesterday's news is today's history, and may be used in many
interesting ways.
One business executive regularly monitors key technologies,
customers, competitors, and suppliers. He does it by tapping
sources like KOMPASS, Associated Press, and Reuters. Interesting
bits of information are regularly stored on his disk.
Tomorrow, there is an important meeting with a major customer.
First, a quick search through the personal customer database to be
reminded of important events since the last meeting. An unfamiliar
person is also going to be present. Maybe there is some background
information, for example about a recent promotion.
Then, a quick check on major competitors. Maybe they are up to
something that he needs to know about.
With efficient tools for searching your hard disk, finding
information takes only a few seconds. If you are still left with
open questions, go online to complement.
On MS-DOS computers, you can search the files with WordPerfect,
LIST, the DOS utility FIND, and a long list of other programs. I
prefer programs that let me search for more than one word at the
time, like in HYDRO AND PETROCHEMICAL AND CONTRACT, or EXXON OR
MOBIL.
| MY FAVORITE: My favorite search utility is LOOKFOR. It can |
| be downloaded from many bulletin boards. The MS-DOS program |
| is small, fast, and is superior for searches in DOS text files.|
| Store your finds in work files, or print them out on paper. |
| LOOKFOR is not an indexing program. It is ready to search |
| anywhere, anytime. |
Discipline and organization is required to get the most out of your
file archives. You must decide what to do with each piece of
information: Should it be printed out and be read in front of the
fireplace this evening, or should it be circulated? Should it be
stored on your hard disk, or be refined before storage?
Use standard file names that are easy to remember. If you
don't, risk having to view files to find out what they contain.
It may take longer to find a piece of information in a casual
file on a large disk, than look up a piece of information on paper
in your inbox. Therefore, finish handling your capture file while
you read it on your screen:
Send the pieces to their final destination. Make immediate
transfers to your TO-DO files. Give the original file a name that
makes it easier to move later. Have a procedure that prevents
duplication of effort.
Desinformation, deception and errors
------------------------------------
Always use several sources of information. Some people write to
lead you astray. The online world exposed some interesting
incidents that came out of the former Soviet Union before the
attempted coup in 1991.
Desinformation hurts everybody and comes from all sides. Even
professional news agencies, like Associated Press, Reuters and
Agence France-Presse, regularly stumble.
Most news is written by journalists reporting what they have
seen, read or heard. Their interpretation of the situation may be
wrong. Supplement online news with what knowledgeable people say
(by email or in conferences), when knowing the facts is important.
Another point: Errors will occasionally be discovered and
reported by the news sources, but always after the fact. Always
store these reports in your archives, and make it a rule to search
to the end when looking for something. Otherwise, you may never
discover these corrections.
Chapter 15: You pay little for a lot!
=====================================
Calculating costs
-----------------
Those living in Norway may read up to twenty-six pages of news from
Associated Press in the United States and Financial Times (England)
for US$ 0.64, or less.
The trick is to dial long distance to a 9600 bps node in Sweden
when the telephone company and CompuServe's non-prime time rates
are in effect.
At 9600 bps, you may transfer text at up to 960 characters per
second. One page of text (size A-4) holds around 2200 characters.
A typical news story is one to two pages of text.
| Users watching the 'taximeter' can use online services at a |
| very low cost. For many, global communication is almost free.|
Reading exactly the same news through another network or service,
may cost you 300 percent more. Through yet another online service,
the cost may double again.
A full issue of the NewsBytes newsletter is around 150,000
characters, or 68 pages of text. Retrieving it from a local BBS
typically costs me around 29 cents. Retrieving the full text from
CompuServe would cost me over 500 percent more.
Using NewsNet for the job, at 2400 bps through Datapak, would
increase my current cost by more than US$30.00.
The time of day may be important. Some services have different
rates for access during the day, the evening, and the weekend.
Use your calculator often.
When you pay by the minute
--------------------------
When using bulletin boards, phone charges are often the only cost
items. Some boards require a subscription fee for full access to
the system. Still, it is easy to calculate the costs of your calls.
Divide the subscription fee by an estimated number of calls, and
add to the cost of using the phone.
The same applies to users of CompuServe. Their total cost is
simply the sum of all connect charges, any network charges (to
CompuServe and others), part of the basic subscription fee, and
local phone rates (for direct dialing to the service, or to reach
the network's node).
Where a service uses a monthly subscription rate, add part of
this to the time charges. Distribute the rate using an estimated
number of online hours per month.
Example:
You pay US$30/hour to access a service during prime time. Your
modem speed is 240 cps.
Theoretically, if the data flows without pauses at system
prompts, you can transfer 392 pages of text in one hour.
Even when you deduct some characters due to stops in the
transfer, the resulting transferred volume remains respectable.
To transfer one page of text takes around nine seconds (2200
characters divided by the speed, which is 2400 bps, or about
240 characters per second). The cost is nine cents.
A given binary file (a program) is 23552 bytes large. Using the
XMODEM protocol, you can transfer it in about four minutes and
thirteen seconds. The cost is US$2.10. To find the cost when
paying by the minute is simple. Just calculate the cost per
minute or second, and multiply by the estimated connect time.
On many services, it will take a minute or two before you can
start to receive text or files. Disconnecting also takes a few
seconds. Add this to the connect time when calculating costs.
Pauses and delays in the transfer can be caused by you or others,
and may have a dramatic impact. It is particularly important to
take this into account when comparing alternatives using different
networks.
Example: Transfers to TWICS via Datapak at 9600 bps rarely
gave me higher effective speeds than 100 cps. The reason was
that the connection between the Japanese telcom network and
TWICS went through a 1200 bps gateway.
A high speed connection to your data transporter's network does
not guarantee a high speed connection to the remote computer.
I used to go through Datapak at 9600 bps to a computer center
in Oslo. There, I was connected through a local area network to
the host computer. The effective speed was rarely higher than
4800 bps. Calling direct gave twice the speed.
Try to measure the effective transfer speed before selecting a
routing for your data. Transfer the same amount of text through
various networks.
If future transfers are likely to take place at a given time of
day, test at that time. If your planned application is retrieval of
programs, retrieve programs. If you want to read news, then read
news from the services that you want to compare.
When a network service charging for volume (like Datapak) will
also be part of a comparison, measuring volume is particularly
important. Do not assume that you know the answer in advance.
| NOTE: Always calculate the cost based on a fixed volume, like |
| for the transfer of 1000 characters. This is particularly |
| important when you need to use different transfer speeds to |
| access competing services. |
Network load varies considerably throughout the day depending on
the number of simultaneous users, and their applications. This also
applies to online services. The load is normally lowest, when the
bulk of the users are asleep, and during weekends. When the load is
low, you get more done per minute.
Planning and self-discipline pays off
-------------------------------------
The actual cost of using a given set of services depends a lot on
your self-discipline, the tools you use, and on how well prepared
you are:
* If accessing manually, use "quick" commands rather than menus
to move at maximum speed to desired sources of information.
* Do not set your services to be used with colors, sound, or
special methods for displaying graphics, unless you have no
choice, or are willing to pay the extra cost. They increase
the volume of transferred text, and lower effective speed.
* Get the information and disconnect. It is expensive - and
usually unnecessary - to read captured text while online.
Log off to read. Call back for more to read, disconnect, and
then call back again.
* Learn how to write your mail offline, and send the letters
"in a batch" to your mailbox. Your messages will often have
fewer typing errors, be better thought out, and the cost
will be considerably lower.
* Consider automating your communication (see Chapter 16).
I use Bergen By Byte this way. A while ago, it gave me the
following progress report: "Time on: 17 hrs 43 min, today 0
hrs 0 min, total 827 times." In average, I spend around 1.3
minutes per call. Yesterday, I was connected for 2:48
minutes. The result was 106 kilobytes' worth of conference
mail.
Modem speed and cost
--------------------
2400 bps is a sensible modem speed for some applications, and used
to be a good starting point for new onliners. The benefits of using
a faster modem may be marginal under the following conditions:
* When navigating the online service considerably reduces the
effective speed, and you access the service manually.
* When you pay considerably more for access at higher speed.
(CompuServe charges extra for 9600 bps access, but not much.)
* When your networks do not offer higher speeds.
* When the relative price of a faster modem in your country
is prohibitive.
On the other hand, a modem doing 9600 bps or more, does give you
considerably faster communication. If doing things faster is more
important than keeping costs down, then it is a wise investment.
This is the case for me. Besides, often it is definitely cheaper.
Your applications have a considerable impact on your costs. If
you mainly use your modem for retrieval of programs and large data
files from bulletin boards - and don't have to pay extra for volume
- then higher modem speeds will immediately give reduced costs.
A slower speed modem may also stop you from getting what you
want. For example, there are several shareware programs on my board
that users of 2400 bps modems are unable to download within their
allotted 30 minutes per day.
When you pay for volume
-----------------------
Some network services, like Datapak in Norway, have high rates for
volume, and very low rates for connect time. When using such
services, automatic communication becomes less useful. Rather than
connecting, getting a piece of information, disconnecting, and
then going back for more, you may find it cost efficient to review
menus and results while online.
When paying for volume, the online service's menus become
luxury items. Using quick commands for navigating is cheaper.
Your comparisons will never be accurate when comparing with
services charging for connect time. It is particularly difficult
when the measure of volume is 'packets' rather than 'number of
characters transferred'.
Datapak and many other PDN services reports your sessions like
this:
CLR PAD (00) 00:00:14:55 537 75
These numbers say that you have been connected to a service for 14
minutes and 55 seconds, that 537 data 'packets' have been received,
and that 75 have been sent. Use these figures to calculate the cost
of the call.
| One data 'packet' or segment contains up to 64 characters. |
| Think of it as a measure of the number of lines. Each line can |
| have a maximum of 64 characters. If you send the character A |
| and a carriage return, then this also counts as a segment. |
| |
| Consequently, it is hard to use the Datapak record to estimate |
| the real number of characters transferred. All we know is that |
| 537 + 75 segments were transferred, and that 612 segments may |
| contain up to 39,168 characters. |
When calculating the cost of a direct call, just the number of
minutes counts. Use the time reported by the online service, and
not your stop watch. CompuServe gives this type of report:
Thank you for using CompuServe!
Off at 10:11 EST 24-Nov-92
Connect time = 0:15
If the size of your log file was 15 KB after the first test, and 11
KB after the second, then just adjust the latter to compare (Actual
Cost/11*15). It is easy to compare services that only charge by
the minute.
More practical hints
--------------------
It is more expensive to call a service daily "to check the news,"
than to call it once per week to retrieve the same stories.
Navigating by menus is more expensive than going directly to a
source, or going there by stacking commands (i.e., combining quick
commands into one).
Many services let you read selective items in conferences by
entering a search string. On my BBS, the following command
r extended 100+ c
lets you read all messages containing the search string 'extended'
in the text starting with message number 100.
If you forget the "c" parameter, the flow will stop after each
message. This will reduce the average effective speed. Always use
"nonstop" commands when reading stories, conference items, and
other texts.
Now, read the next chapter.
Chapter 16: Automatic communication
===================================
Automatic data communication as a development strategy.
To get a lead on your competitors.
To avoid duplication of effort.
To reduce costs.
To reduce boring and repetitive work.
To avoid having to remember technical details.
Automatic communication is both for professionals and amateurs.
First, because it keeps the costs down. Second, because it lets
you do the job faster and safer.
We all have different needs
---------------------------
Automation will never be the same for everybody. Our needs are too
different.
Some get excited when a program can dial a bulletin board,
retrieve a program, and then disconnect without them having to
touch the keyboard.
Some want an "answering machine" that can respond to and
forward email when he or she is away from the office.
Others want a communications system that can tap selected news
sources, search databases, and do postprocessing on the retrieved
material.
For most professionals, doing things manually takes too much
time. Time is better spent reading, digesting, and using, rather
than on stupid technical retrieval work. Computers can do that.
To others again, automation is a question of being able to use
the online resource at all. If it takes 60 seconds to get a piece of
information, it may be possible to get before running for the next
meeting.
If it takes 15 minutes, however, there may not be enough time.
If you also need to read a help text to find out how to do it, you
may not even consider it. The mind is full of other things right
now.
| When using a system for automatic communication, you do not |
| have to learn and remember online commands. The system will |
| do it for you. |
The minimum solution
--------------------
Automatic data communication in its simplest form entails the
following:
* One keypress to get the communications program to dial a
number, and send user name/password when the online service
requests this information.
* Macro commands (like in a word processor) for navigating
through an online service, searching, and to send complex
commands by pressing one key.
Most communication programs have a macro language or a script
language. You will probably never regret time spent on learning
how to use these features. At a minimum, you should be able to have
your system log on to a service automatically.
Autologon spares you the task of remembering your user name and
password. Besides, most people are only able to use the keyboard at
a low speed. They easily get frustrated by having to correct typing
errors.
Auto-logon with Procomm
-----------------------
Procomm is one of the most popular communications program in use
today (see appendix 2). A Procomm script file is a text file, which
can contain a list of commands for dialing and navigating on an
online service.
When writing a Procomm script for auto-logon, your first step
is to list the commands that you believe required. Enter them in a
text file (as DOS or ASCII text).
In such scripts, you can test for the occurrence of a small
piece of information that the online service is supposed to send at
a given time (like the question "Password?").
When this information is found, Procomm can be set to send the
proper response or command (here, your secret password).
Scripts can be tied to your favorite online services through
Procomm's dialing directory. Press a key to start the appropriate
script file for access to a service.
The following is a simple PROCOMM script file. It can be used
to access my bulletin board in Norway. It assumes that your name is
Jens Mikkelsen, and that the secret password is FOXCROOK4. You'll
have to change this before testing.
;
;Script file for auto-logon to SHS with PROCOMM and PROCOMM PLUS
;
WAITFOR "our FIRST Name? "
PAUSE 1
TRANSMIT "Jens^M"
WAITFOR "our LAST Name? "
PAUSE 1
TRANSMIT "Mikkelsen^M"
WAITFOR "ots will echo)? "
PAUSE 1
TRANSMIT "foxcrook4^M"
WAITFOR "^JMore (Y),N,NS? "
PAUSE 1
TRANSMIT "n^M"
WAITFOR "^JMore (Y),N,NS? "
PAUSE 1
TRANSMIT "n^M"
WAITFOR "R] to Continue? "
PAUSE 1
TRANSMIT "^M"
It is not difficult. You probably understand a lot already. Here is
the explanation:
* the ";" character at the beginning of a line identifies it as
a comment line. Procomm is to ignore it. We use such lines
for notes.
* WAITFOR "our FIRST Name? "
has Procomm wait for the text string "our FIRST NAME?" from
my BBS. It is a part of the question "What is your first
name?".
* PAUSE 1
halts the execution of the script file for one second.
* TRANSMIT "Jens^M"
sends the name "Jens" followed by a Return (the code ^M in
Procomm).
* WAITFOR "our LAST Name? "
makes Procomm wait for the question "What is your LAST Name?"
The script continues like this. In WAITFOR commands, we use part of
the text that is displayed on our screen once the scrolling stops.
Make sure that the search term is unique. It must not appear
elsewhere in the text coming from the host computer. If it does,
your name and password may be sent too early.
You can call the script HORROR.CMD, and attach it to the entry
for my board in your Procomm phone directory. When you call it the
next time, Procomm will execute the commands in the file and "turn
the keyboard over to you" when done.
Macros in Procomm
-----------------
Above, we used a script to log on automatically to a service. When
Procomm gives us access to the keyboard again, we must continue
manually.
What we want to do online varies. Sometimes, we want to read
new messages in conferences. In other cases, the purpose is to
check new programs in the file library. If we find programs of
interest, we may want to download them.
Shorthand macros can help you do this faster and safer. For
example, one macro can take you quickly to a conference for new
messages. You can make Procomm start this macro whenever you press
ALT-0 (keep the ALT key down, then press 0).
You can have the macro key ALT-1 send other commands when in
the file archives.
When I started using MS-DOS computers for data communications,
PC-TALK became my favorite program. It has many of the same macro
capabilities that Procomm has.
With PC-TALK, I did autologon to NewsNet. Macro number one sent
commands that gave me the contents of various newsletters. Macro #2
picked up the contents in another group. Macro #3 picked up stories
from my mailbox, and macro #4 logged me off the service. My mission
was completed by pressing four or five keys.
Automating the full task
------------------------
It's a long way from automated logon scripts and the use of macros
to automating the whole task. The major difference is that with
full automation, you do not have to look at the screen while the
script is working. You can do other things. Sometimes, you may not
even be present when the job is being done.
On a typical morning, I go directly from bed to my office to
switch my communications computer on.
While I visit the bathroom, my communications program calls
three online services, retrieve and send information.
When the script has disconnected from the first service, which
is my bulletin board, it analyzes the received data. I want an
alphabetic list of visitors since my last visit, a sorted list of
downloaded programs, and names of those calling in at 9600 bps or
higher.
Sometimes, the unexpected happen. There may be noise on the
line, or a sudden disconnect. Usually, my script can solve this
without manual intervention. It is therefore allowed to work
unattended most of the time.
When I get to my office after breakfast, it is all done. My
communications program is set for reading and responding to today's
email. I can sit down, and immediately get to work.
After having written all my replies, I say "send" to my system.
For me, it's time for another cup of coffee. I am not needed by the
keyboard while my mail is being sent.
This is what an automatic communications system can do. My
scripts also help plan and prepare online visits, and ease my work
by postprocessing results.
| When your communication is fully automated, you need not |
| read incoming data while it scrolls over your screen, and |
| then again after logging off the service. You do it only |
| once. |
How to get it? Here are some alternatives:
Alternative 1: Write your own system
------------------------------------
You can write procedures for powerful script-driven programs like
ProYam (from Omen Technology) and Crosstalk MK IV.
I started writing scripts for ProYam over seven years ago. The
system is constantly expanded to include new services, refined to
include more functions, and enhanced to become more robust.
The scripts make my system work like an autopilot. It calls
online services, navigates, retrieves and sends data.
Postprocessing includes automatic reformatting of retrieved
data, transfers to various internal databases, statistics, usage
logs, and calculation of transfer costs.
Such scripts can do quite complex operations online. For
example, it can
- Buy and sell stock when today's quotes are over/under
given limits,
- Select news stories and other types of information based
on information found in menus or titles.
Script writing is not for everybody. It is complicated, and takes a
lot of time. Therefore, it is only for the specially interested.
On the other hand, those going for it seldom regret. Tailor-
made communication scripts give a wonderful flexibility. The
software does not cost much, but again, it takes a lot of time!
| Do not use large and complex script files before you know the |
| online service well. The scripts let you do things quicker and |
| safer, but there is always a possibility for unexpected |
| problems. |
| |
| Test your scripts for a long time to make them robust by |
| "training" them to handle the unexpected. Leave them to work |
| unattended when you are reasonably certain that they can do |
| the job. - It may take months to get to that point. |
| |
| Build a timeout feature into your scripts, so that they don't |
| just hang there waiting for you after an encounter with fate. |
Alternative 2: Use scripts made by others
-----------------------------------------
Some script authors generously let others use their creations.
Earle Robinson of CompuServe's IBM Europe Forum, share his ProYam
scripts for automatic usage of CompuServe with others. They are
available from the IBM Communication Forum library.
Enter GO XTALK on CompuServe to find advanced script files for
Crosstalk Mk.4.
ZCOMM and ProYam scripts for visiting my board automatically
can be freely downloaded there. They split access up into these
three phases:
Phase 1: Menu driven offline preparation.
Phase 2: Automatic logon, navigation through the system, and
automatic disconnection.
Phase 3: Automatic offline postprocessing.
You will find scripts for other programs on many online services.
Alternative 3: Special software
-------------------------------
Several online services sell communication programs with built-in
functions that provides you with automation. They can have offline
functions for reading and responding to mail. The degree of
automation varies.
There are also many programs written by third parties. Most
programs assume that you use 'expert' as your default operating
mode on the online service.
TapCIS, Autosig (ATO), OzCIS, CISOP, CompuServe Navigator (for
Macintosh), AutoPilot (for Amiga), ARCTIC (for Acorn Archimedes),
and QuickCIS (for Atari) are popular choices on CompuServe. TapCIS
is my personal favorite. (CIM does not offer much automation!)
Aladdin is for GEnie. It automates your use of RoundTables
(conferences), file areas, and mail. Dialog users turn to Dialog-
Link.
Nexis News Plus (for Nexis, US$50) has pull-down menus and
detailed selection of commands. This MS-DOS program helps users set
up detailed search commands before logging on to the Mead Data
Central. Your search results will be downloaded automatically.
Personal Bibliographics Software, Inc. (Ann Arbor, Mich, U.S.A.
Tel.: +1-313-996-1580) sells Pro-Search to Dialog and BRS users
(for Macintosh and MS-DOS).
Pro-Search will lead you through menus to find information on
both services. It translates your plain English search commands
into the cryptic search language used by the services. It logs on
automatically, connects to these services, finds your information,
and shows you the hits.
Alternative 4: Offline readers
------------------------------
The alternatives above have one important weakness. Noise on the
line can prevent the "robot" from doing the job. All it takes is
for noise to give a prompt another content than is expected by your
program or script (as in "En@er a number:" instead of "Enter a
number:").
You can avoid noise problems by using get commands (see Chapter
15), and by making the online service use its minimum prompts
('expert mode') . Still, this does not give full protection.
The best is to let the online service do the navigation. Think
of it as logging on to run a batch file on the remote computer.
Combine this with automatic transfers of your commands, transmitted
in of one stream of data with automatic error correction (in the
software and in the modem), and you have a very robust system.
The program logs on to the service. Then the service takes
over. It registers your user identity, checks your user profile for
personal interests, retrieves and packs all messages, news and
files into one compressed file, and sends it to you at high speed.
Your outgoing messages, search commands, commands to join or
leave conferences, and more, are transferred to the remote computer
in a similar packet (compressed file).
When received by the remote computer, it unpacks the transfer
file and distributes messages and commands to various services
following your instructions.
Your "physical" contact with the service is when your modem is
disconnected. The help menus that you read belong to your program,
and not the online service. You read and respond to mail in a
reading module (ref. the term "offline reader").
Some offline readers give the caller access to more tools than
is available on the online service itself. They may have spelling
checkers, multimedia support, let you use your favorite editor or
word processor, and offer various storage, search, and printing
options.
Using offline readers is probably the easiest, cheapest, and
safest way of using online services. These "readers" are popular
among bulletin board users, and some commercial services are also
starting to accommodate them.
There are many offline reader programs. The most advanced take
over completely upon logon, and manage transfers of commands and
compressed information files to and from the host. (Example:
Binkley Term on FidoNet)
Global Link is an offline reader for EcoNet. Bergen By Byte
offers the BBS/CS Mail Grabber/Reader, a script system used with
the communications program Telix and the service's "auto-get"
function.
The most popular systems on the PCBoard based Thunderball Cave
BBS are Offline Express, Megareader, Session Manager, Rose Reader
and EZReader. These are used with scripts written for various
communication programs. Some of them have built in communications
(and script) modules.
EZReader from Thumper Technologies (P.O. Box 471346, Tulsa, OK
74147-1346, U.S.A.) lets users retrieve mail from several online
systems using transfer formats such as QWK, PCBoard capture files,
ProDoor ZIPM files, XRS, MCI Mail, and others. Cost: US$49 (1992).
1stReader from Sparkware (Post Office Box 386, Hendersonville,
Tennessee 37077, U.S.A.) is my personal favorite for accessing
Qmail based online systems.
| Note: Some offline readers contain all the features required |
| for fully automated communications. Some bulletin boards allow |
| up- and downloading to start right after CONNECT. |
| Off-Line Xpress, an offline mail reader for QWK (Qwikmail) |
| packets, does not contain a communications module. It just does |
| pre- and postprocessing of mail packets. |
| You can use the Off-Line Xpress as one element in a larger |
| automated system. For example, a system for access to PCBoard |
| bulletin boards may consist of Off-Line Xpress software, PKZIP |
| and PKUNZIP (popular shareware programs to compress/decompress |
| mail packets), the QMODEM communications program, and a script |
| to navigate to/from the QWK packet send and receive area on the |
| BBS. |
| 1stReader (version 1.11) contains a powerful script based |
| communications module. It lets you compose replies, set search |
| commands, subscriptions to services, add and drop conferences, |
| and enter download commands offline. |
Automatic automation
--------------------
We have explained how to write scripts with Procomm. However, there
are simpler and quicker ways. Many communication programs can make
scripts automatically using a learning function. It goes like this:
Start the learning function before calling the online service.
Then log on, navigate to the desired services, do what you want to
automate, and disconnect.
The learning feature analyzes the received data and builds a
script file for automatic communication.
If you call again with the new script, it will "drive the same
route one more time."
ZCOMM and ProYam have a learning feature. This is how I made a
script for accessing Semaforum BBS using ZCOMM:
ZCOMM asked for a phone number. I entered +47-370-11710. It
asked for speed, and I entered 2400 bps. Next, I had to choose
one of the following:
(1) System uses IBM PC (ANSI) line drawing
(2) 7 bits even parity
(3) 8 bits no parity
My choice was 1.
ZCOMM dialed the number. When the connection was established,
I entered my name and password, navigated to the message
section, read new messages, browsed new files in the library,
and entered G for Goodbye. This was the "tour" that I wanted to
automate.
When disconnected, I pressed the F1 key. This prompted the
learning process based on a record of the online tour. The log
described everything that had happened in detail, including my
pauses to think. Now I was prompted by the following question:
'newscr.t' exists. Append/replace/quit?
I selected append. Then:
Do you want this script file as a new entry in your
telephone directory (y/n)?
I entered "y," and named it "semaforum." After a few seconds,
my new script was ready:
Your new script is in the file 'newscr.t' !!
You can append the file to your current script file
(for example PHODIR.T) or have the commands executed by
entering:
call semaforum.newscr.t
It was time to test the new wonder. I entered
call semaforum.newscr.t
at the ZCOMM command line, hit the Enter key, and off it went.
ZCOMM called the BBS and repeated everything - at far higher
speed than I had done it manually. It went on-hook as planned
when done.
Limitations
-----------
Auto-learn programs can create a script file that let you "drive
the same route." For some applications this is enough. For others,
it's just part of the way. You have to refine the script manually
to get what you want.
Example:
If you call my bulletin board with an auto-learned script made
yesterday, chances are that everything works well. If you call
twice on the same day, however, you're in for a surprise. The
board greets you differently on your second visit. You will not
get the menu of available bulletins. It will take you directly
to the system's main menu. Your script must take this into
account.
On most online services, many things can happen at each "junction
of your road." At one point in one of my scripts, up to twenty
things may happen. Each event needs its own "routing."
Twenty possible events are an extreme, but three to four
possibilities at each system prompt is not unusual. All of them
need to be handled by your script, if you want it to visit online
services unattended while asleep.
It is quicker and simpler to use other people's scripts and
programs, although this might force you to use a different program
for each service.
Personally, I prefer offline readers on services where such are
able to do the job. On other services, I usually depend on my own
tailor-made scripts.
Chapter 17: Gazing into the future
==================================
Thoughts about things to come.
Newspaper of the future
---------------------------
Some years ago, Nicholas Negroponte of Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, said that today's newspapers are old-fashioned and soon
to be replaced by electronic "ultra personal" newspapers.
"If the purpose is to sell news," he said, then it must be
completely wrong to sell newspapers. Personally, I think that it is
a dreadful way of receiving the news."
MIT's Media Laboratory had developed a new type of electronic
newspaper. Daily, it delivered personalized news to each researcher.
The newspaper was "written" by a computer that searched through the
news services' cables and other news sources according to each
person's interest profile.
The system could present the stories on paper or on screen. It
could convert them to speech, so that the "reader" could listen to
the news in the car or the shower.
In a tailor-made electronic newspaper, personal news makes big
headlines. If you are off for San Francisco tomorrow, the weather
forecasts for this city is front page news. Email from your son
will also get a prominent place.
"What counts in my newspaper is what I consider newsworthy,"
said Negroponte.
He claimed that the personal newspaper is a way of getting a
grip on the information explosion. "We cannot do it the old way
anymore. We need other agents that can do prereading for us. In
this case, the computer happens to be our agent."
The technology is already here. Anyone can design similar papers
using powerful communication programs with extensive script
features. I have tried.
My test edition of The Saltrod Daily News did not convert news
to sound. It did not look like a newspaper page on my screen. Not
because it was impossible. I simply did not feel these 'extras'
worth the effort.
My personal interest profile was taken care of by my scripts.
If I wanted news, the "news processor" went to work and "printed"
a new edition. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, I got an
"extended edition."
This is a section from my first edition:
"Front page," Thursday, November 21.
Under the headline News From Tokyo, the following items:
TOSHIBA TO MARKET INEXPENSIVE PORTABLE WORD PROCESSOR
TOHOKU UNIVERSITY CONSTRUCTING SEMICONDUCTOR RESEARCH LAB
MEITEC, U.S. FIRM TO JOINTLY MARKET COMPUTER PRINTER INFO
TOSHIBA TO SUPPLY OFFICE EQUIPMENT TO OLIVETTI
NISSAN DEVELOPS PAINT INSPECTION ROBOT
MADE-TO-ORDER POCKET COMPUTER FROM CASIO
These articles were captured from Kyoto News Service through
Down Jones/News Retrieval.
The column with news from the United States had stories from
NEWSBYTES newsletters:
* DAY ONE COMDEX.
* IBM'S PRE ANNOUNCEMENT OF "CLAMSHELL"
* AT&T TO JUMP IN SOONER WITH LAPTOP COMPUTER
* COMMODORE THIRD CONSECUTIVE QUARTERLY LOSS
* 2 ZENITH UNVEILS TOUCH-SCREEN
* HP's EARNINGS DROP
Hot News From England came from several sources, including
Financial Times, and Reuters (in CompuServe's UK News).
Headlines read:
* THE CHRISTMAS SELLING WAR
* BIG MACS GOING CHEAP TO UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
"Page 2" was dedicated to technology intelligence. "Page 3"
had stories about telecommunications, mainly collected from
NewsNet's newsletters. "Page 4" had stories about personal
computer applications.
As the cost of communicating and using online services continues to
decrease, many people will be able to do the same. This is where we
are heading.
Some people say it is too difficult to read news on a computer
screen. Maybe so, but pay attention to what is happening in
notebook computers. This paragraph was written on a small PC by the
fireplace in my living room. The computer is hardly any larger or
heavier than a book.
(Sources for monitoring notebook trends: NEWSBYTES' IBM and
Apple reports, CompuServe's Online Today, and IBM Hardware Forum.)
Electronic news by radio
------------------------
If costs were of no concern, then your applications of the online
world would probably change considerably. Pay attention, as we are
moving fast in that direction.
Radio is one of the supporting technologies. It is used to
deliver Usenet newsgroup to bulletin boards (example: PageSat Inc.
of Palo Alto, U.S.A.) Also, consider this:
Businesses need a constant flow of news to remain competitive.
Desktop Data Inc. (tel. +1-617-890-0042) markets a real-time news
service called NewsEDGE in the United States and Europe. They call
it "live news processing." Annual subscriptions start at US$20,000
for ten users (1993).
NewsEDGE continuously collects news from more than 100 news
wires, including sources like PR Newswire, Knight Ridder/Tribune
Business News, Dow Jones News Service, Dow Jones Professional
Investor Report and Reuters Financial News.
The stories are "packaged" and immediately feed to customers'
personal computers and workstations by FM, satellite, or X.25
broadcast:
* All news stories are integrated in a live news stream all day
long,
* The NewsEdge software manages the simultaneous receipt of
news from multiple services, and alerts users to stories that
match their individual interest profiles. It also maintains a
full-text database of the most recent 250,000 stories on the
user's server for quick searching.
Packet radio
------------
A global amateur radio network allows users to modem around the
world, and even in outer space. Its users never get a telephone
bill.
There are over 700 packet radio based bulletin boards (PBBS).
They are interconnected by short wave radio, VHF, UHF, and
satellite links. Technology aside, they look and feel just like
standard bulletin boards.
Once you have the equipment, can afford the electricity to
power it up, and the time it takes to get a radio amateur license,
communication itself is free.
Packet radio equipment sells in the United States for less
than US$ 750. This will give you a radio (VHR tranceiver), antenna,
cable for connecting the antenna to the radio, and a controller
(TNC - Terminal Node Controller).
Most PBBS systems are connected to a network of packet radio
based boards. Many amateurs use 1200 bps, but speeds of up to
56,000 bps are being used on higher frequencies (the 420-450 MHz
band in the United States).
Hams are working on real-time digitized voice communications,
still-frame (and even moving) graphics, and live multiplayer games.
In some countries, there are also gateways available to terrestrial
public and commercial networks, such as CompuServe, and Usenet.
Packet radio is demonstrated as a feasible technology for
wireless extension of the Internet.
Radio and satellites are being used to help countries in the
Third World. Volunteers in Technical Assistance (VITA), a private,
nonprofit organization, is one of those concerned with technology
transfers in humanitarian assistance to these countries.
VITA's portable packet radio system was used for global email
after a volcanic eruption in the Philippines in 1991. Today, the
emphasis is on Africa.
VITA's "space mailbox" passes over each single point of the
earth twice every 25 hours at an altitude of 800 kilometers. When
the satellite is over a ground station, the station sends files and
messages for storage in the satellite's computer memory and
receives incoming mail. The cost of ground station operation is
based on solar energy batteries, and therefore relatively cheap.
To learn more about VITA's projects, subscribe to their mailing
list by email to LISTSERV@AUVM.BITNET. Use the command SUB DEVEL-L
<First-name Last-name>.
For more general information about packet radio, check out
HamNet on CompuServe, and especially its library 9. Retrieve the
file 'packet_radio' (Packet radio in earth and space environments
for relief and development) from GNET's archive (see chapter 7).
ILINK has an HAMRADIO conference. There is a packet radio
mailing list at PACKET-RADIO@WSMR-SIMTEL20.ARMY.MIL (write PACKET-
RADIO-REQUEST@@WSMR-SIMTEL20.ARMY.MIL to subscribe).
Usenet has rec.radio.amateur.packet (Discussion about packet
radio setups), and various other rec.radio conferences. There is
HAM_TECH on FidoNet, and Ham Radio under Science on EXEC-PC.
The American Radio Relay League (AARL) operates an Internet
information service called the ARRL Information Server. To learn
how to use it, send email to info@arrl.org with the word HELP in
the body of the text.
Cable TV
--------
Expect Cable TV networks to grow in importance as electronic high-
ways, to offer gateways into the Internet and others, and to get
interconnected not unlike the Internet itself.
Example: Continental Cablevision Inc. (U.S.A.) lets customers
plug PCs and a special modem directly into its cable lines to link
up with the Internet. The cable link bypasses local phone hookups
and provide the capability to download whole books and other
information at speeds up to 10 million bits per second.
Electronic mail on the move
---------------------------
For some time, we have been witnessing a battle between giants. On
one side, the national telephone companies have been pushing X.400
backed by CCITT, and software companies like Lotus, Novell, and
Microsoft.
On the other side, CompuServe, Dialcom, MCI Mail, GEISCO,
Sprint, and others have been fighting their wars.
Nobody really thought much about the Internet, until suddenly,
it was there for everybody. The incident has changed the global
email scene fundamentally.
One thing seems reasonably certain: that the Internet will
grow. In late 1992, the president of the Internet Society (Reston,
Va., U.S.A.) made the following prediction:
".. by the year 2000 the Internet will consist of some 100
million hosts, 3 million networks, and 1 billion users (close
to the current population of the People's Republic of China).
Much of this growth will certainly come from commercial
traffic."
We, the users, are the winners. Most online services now understand
that global exchange of email is a requirement, and that they must
connect to the Internet.
Meanwhile, wild things are taking place in the grassroots
arena:
* Thousands of new bulletin boards are being connected to
grassroots networks like FidoNet (which in turn is connected
to the Internet for exchange of mail).
* Thousands of bulletin boards are being hooked directly into
the Internet (and Usenet) offering such access to users at
stunning rates.
* The BBSes are bringing email up to a new level by letting
us use offline readers, and other types of powerful mail
handling software.
Email will never be the same.
Cheaper and better communications
---------------------------------
During Christmas 1987, a guru said that once the 9600 bps V.32
modems fell below the US$1,200 level, they would create a new
standard. Today, such modems can be bought at prices lower than
US$200. In many countries, 14,400 bits/s modems are already the
preferred choice.
Wild dreams get real
--------------------
In the future, we will be able to do several things simultaneously
on the same telephone line. This is what the promised land of ISDN
(Integrated Service Digital Networks) is supposed to give us.
Some users already have this capability. They write and talk
on the same line using pictures, music, video, fax, voice and data.
ISDN is supposed to let us use services that are not generally
available today. Here are some key words:
* Chats, with the option of having pictures of the people
we are talking to up on our local screen (for example in
a window, each time he or she is saying something).
Eventually, we may get the pictures in 3-D.
* Database searches in text and pictures, with displays of
both.
* Electronic transfers of video/movies over a telephone line
(fractal image compression technology may give us another
online revolution). Imagine dances filmed by ethnologists
at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., or an
educational film about the laps in northern Norway from
an information provider called the Norwegian Broadcasting
Corp.
The "Internet Talk Radio" is already delivering programs by
anonymous ftp (e.g., through ftp.nau.edu in the directory
/talk-radio).
* Online amusement parks with group plays, creative offerings
(drawing, painting, building of 3-D electronic sculptures),
shopping (with "live" people presenting merchandise and
good pictures of the offerings, test drives, etc.), casino
(with real prizes), theater with live performance, online
"dressing rooms" (submit a 2-D picture of yourself, and
play with your looks), online car driving schools (drive a
car through Tokyo or New York, or go on safari).
The Sierra Network has been playing around with these ideas
for quite some time.
* Your favorite books, old as new, available for on-screen
reading or searching in full text. Remember, many libraries
have no room to store all the new books that they receive.
Also, wear and tear tend to destroy books after some time.
Many books are already available online, including this one.
* Instant access to hundreds of thousands of 'data cottages'.
These are computers in private homes of people around the
world set up for remote access. With the technical advances
in the art of transferring pictures, some of these may grow
to become tiny online "television stations."
These wild ideas are already here, but it will take time before
they are generally available. New networks need to be in place. New
and more powerful communications equipment has to be provided.
Farther down the road, we can see the contours of speech-based
electronic conferences with automatic translation to and from the
participants' languages. Entries will be stored as text in a form
that allows for advanced online searching. We may have a choice
between the following:
* To use voice when entering messages, rather than entering
them through the keyboard. The ability to mix speech, text,
sound and pictures (single frames or live pictures).
* Messages are delivered to you by voice, as text or as a
combination of these (like in a lecture with visual aids).
* Text and voice can be converted to a basic text, which then
may be converted to other languages, and forwarded to its
destination as text or voice.
One world
---------
Within the Internet, the idea of "the network as one, large
computer" has already given birth to many special services, like
gopher and WAIS. Potentially, we will be able to find and retrieve
information from anywhere on the global grid of connected systems.
Bulletin boards have commenced to offer grassroots features
modeled after telnet and ftp. These alternatives may even end up
being better and more productive than the interactive commands
offered "inside" the Internet.
The global integration of online services will continue at full
speed, and in different ways.
Rates
-----
There is a trend away from charging by the minute or hour. Many
services convert to subscription prices, a fixed price by the
month, quarter or year.
Other services, among them some major database services, move
toward a scheme where users only pay for what they get (no cure, no
pay). MCI Mail was one of the first. There, you only pay when you
send or read mail. On CompuServe's IQuest, you pay a fixed price
for a fixed set of search results.
Cheaper transfers of data
-------------------------
Privatization of the national telephone monopolies has given us
more alternatives. This will continue. Possible scenarios:
* Major companies selling extra capacity from their own
internal networks,
* Telecommunications companies exporting their services at
extra low prices,
* Other pricing schemes (like a fixed amount per month with
unlimited usage),
* New technology (direct transmitting satellites, FM, etc.)
So far, data transporters have been receiving a disproportionate
share of the total costs. For example, the rate for accessing
CompuServe from Norway through InfoNet is US$11.00, while using the
service itself costs US$12.80 at 2400 bps.
Increased global competition in data transportation is quickly
changing this picture, supported by general access to the Internet.
Prices will most likely continue their dramatic way toward zero.
Powerful new search tools
-------------------------
As the sheer quantity of information expands, the development of
adequate finding tools is gaining momentum. Our major problem is
how to use what we have access to.
This is especially true on the Internet. Expect future personal
information agents, called "knowbots," which will scan databases
all over the online world for specific information at a user's
bidding. This will make personal knowledge of where you need to go
redundant.
Artificial intelligence will increase the value of searches, as
they can be based on your personal searching history since your
first day as a user.
Your personal information agents will make automatic decisions
about what is important and what is not in a query. When you get
information back, it will not just be in the normal chronological
order. It will be ranked by what seems to be closest to the query.
Sources for future studies
--------------------------
It seems appropriate to end this chapter with some online services
focusing on the future:
Newsbytes has a section called Trends. The topic is computers
and communications. ECHO has the free database Trend, the online
edition of the Trend Monitor magazine. It contains short stories
about the development within electronics and computers (log on to
ECHO using the password TREND).
Usenet has the newsgroup clari.news.trends (Surveys and
trends). Why not complement what you find here by monitoring trends
in associated areas (like music), to follow the development from
different perspectives? The music forum RockNet on CompuServe has a
section called Trends.
CompuServe's Education Forum has the section Future Talk. What
educators think about the future of online services (and education)
is always interesting. The Well, based just outside Silicon Valley
in the United States, has The Future conference.
UUCP has info-futures. Its purpose is "to provide a speculative
forum for analyzing current and likely events in technology as they
will affect our near future in computing and related areas."
(Contact: info-futures-request@cs.bu.edu for subscription.)
Usenet has comp.society.futures about "Events in technology
affecting future computing."
It is tempting to add a list of conferences dedicated to
science fiction, but I'll leave that pleasure to you.
Have a nice trip!
Appendix 1: List of selected online services
============================================
To make a list of online services is difficult. Services come and
go. Addresses and access numbers are constantly changed. Only one
thing is certain. Some of the details below will be outdated, when
you read this.
Affaersdata i Stockholm AB
-------------------------
P.O. Box 3188, S-103 63 Stockholm, Sweden. Tel.: + 46 8 736 59 19.
America Online
--------------
has the CNN Newsroom (Turner Educational Services), The Washington
Post, the National Geographic magazine, PC World and Macworld. AOL
has tailor-made graphical user interfaces for Apple, Macintosh, and
PC compatible computers, and about 300.000 users (in June 1993).
Sending and receiving Internet mail is possible.
Contact: America Online, 8619 Westwood Center Dr., Vienna, VA
22182-2285, USA. Phone: +1-703-448-8700.
APC
---
The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) is a worldwide
partnership of member networks for peace and environmental users with
host computers in several countries:
Alternex (Brazil). Email: support@ax.apc.org
Chasque (Uruguay). Email: apoyo@chasque.apc.org
ComLink e.V (Germany). Email: support@oln.comlink.apc.org
Ecuanex (Ecuador). Email: intercom@ecuanex.apc.org
GlasNet (Russia). Email: support@glas.apc.org
GreenNet (England). Email: support@gn.apc.org
Institute for Global Communications (U.S.A.), includes
EcoNet, PeaceNet, ConflictNet, LaborNet.
Email: support@igc.apc.org
Nicarao - CRIES (Nicaragua). Email: ayuda@nicarao.apc.org
NordNet (Sweden). Email: support@pns.apc.org
Pegasus (Australia). Email: support@peg.apc.org
Web (Canada). Email: support@web.apc.org
While all these services are fee based, they bring a wealth of
information on environmental preservation, peace (incl. Greenpeace
Press Releases), human rights, grant-making foundations, Third World
Resources, United Nations Information Service, Pesticide Information
Service, and more.
For information about APC, write to apcadmin@igc.apc.org , or APC
International Secretariat, Rua Vincente de Souza, 29, 22251-070 Rio
de Janeiro, BRASIL. Fax: +55-21-286-0541.
For information about the PeaceNet World News Service, which
delivers news digests directly to your email box, send a request to
pwn@igc.apc.org.
Bergen By Byte
--------------
Norwegian online service with conferences and many files. Modem
tel.: +47 05 323781. PDN (Datapak) address: 0 2422 450134. Telnet:
oscar.bbb.no (192.124.156.38).
English-language interface available. Annual subscription
rates. You can register online. Limited free usage.
BIBSYS
------
Book database operated by the Norwegian universities' libraries.
Send Internet mail to genserv@pollux.bibsys.no with your search
word in the subject title of the message.
Big Sky Telegraph
-----------------
is an online community for educators, business people etc. living
in rural areas in North America. Address: 710 South Atlantic,
Dillon, Montana 59725, U.S.A.
BITNET
------
"Because It's Time NETwork" started in 1981 as a small network for
IBM computers in New York, U.S.A. Today, BITNET encompasses 3,284
host computers by academic and research institutions all over the
world. It has around 243,016 users (source: Matrix News 1993)
All connected hosts form a worldwide network using the NJE
(Network Job Entry) protocols and with a single list of nodes.
There is no single worldwide BITNET administration. Several
national or regional bodies administer the network.
The European part of BITNET is called EARN (European Academic
Research Network), while the Canadian is called NetNorth. In Japan
the name is AsiaNet. BITNET also has connections to South America.
Other parts of the network have names like CAREN, ANSP, SCARNET,
CEARN, GULFNET, HARNET, ECUANET, and RUNCOL.
Normally, a BITNET email address looks like this:
NOTRBCAT@INDYCMS
The part to the left of the @-character is the users' mailbox code.
The part to the right is the code of the mailbox computer. It is
common for Internet users to refer to BITNET addresses like this:
NOTRBCAT@INDYCMS.BITNET .
To send email from the Internet to BITNET, it has to be sent
through special gateway computers. On many systems, this is taken
care of automatically. You type NOTRBCAT@INDYCMS.BITNET, and your
mailbox system does the rest.
On some systems, the user must give routing information in the
BITNET address. For example, North American mail to BITNET can be
sent through the gateway center CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU . To make mail to
NOTRBCAT go through this gateway, its mail address must be changed
as follows:
NOTRBCAT%INDYCMS.BITNET@CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU
Explanation: The @ in the initial address is replaced with % . Then
add the gateway routing: ".BITNET@CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU".
If you must use a gateway in your address, always select one
close to where you live. Ask your local postmaster for the correct
addressing in your case.
BITNET has many conferences. We call them discussion lists or
mailing lists. The lists are usually administered by a computer
program called LISTSERV. The dialog is based on redistribution of
ordinary email by mailing lists. Consequently, it is simple for
users of other networks to participate in BITNET conferences.
A list of discussion lists (at present around 1,600 one-line
descriptions) is available by email from LISTSERV@NDSUVM1.BITNET.
Write the following command in the TEXT of your message:
LIST GLOBAL
NEW-LIST@NDSUVM1.BITNET and NETMONTH (from BITLIB@YALEVM.BITNET)
distribute regular notices about new discussion lists. Subscribe to
NEW-LIST by email to LISTSERV@NDSUVM1.BITNET. Use the following
command:
SUB NEW-LIST Your-first-name Your-last-name
This is how we usually subscribe to discussion lists. Send your
subscription commands to a LISTSERV close to where you live.
The command "SENDME BITNET OVERVIEW" tells LISTSERV to send
more information about the services.
BIX
---
is operated as a joint venture between General Videotex Corp. and
the North American computer magazine BYTE (McGraw-Hill). To some
extent, it mirrors what you can read on paper. BIX offers global
Internet email, telnet and ftp, multiple conferences. In 1992, the
service had about 50,000 members.
The NUA address is 0310600157878. On Internet, telnet
x25.bix.com . At the Username: prompt, enter BIX as a user name. At
the second Username: prompt, enter NEW if you don't already have an
account on the service.
You can sign up for the service, and play during your first
visit to the service. Read BYTE for more information, or write to
General Videotex Corporation, 1030 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge,
MA 02138, USA. Phone: +1-617-354-4137.
BRS
---
Bibliographic Retrieval Services is owned by InfoPro Technologies
(see below). BRS/After Dark is a service for PC users. It can be
accessed during evenings and weekends at attractive rates.
InfoPro offers connection through their own network in Europe,
and through the Internet. BRS contains about 120 databases within
research, business, news, and science. The service's strengths are
medicine and health.
Membership in BRS costs US$80 per year, plus hourly database
usage charges. It is also available through CompuServe (at a
different price).
Contact in Europe: BRS Information Technologies, Achilles
House, Western Avenue, London W3 OUA, England. Tel. +44 81 993
9962. In North America: InfoPro Technologies. Tel.: +1-703-442-0900.
Telnet: brs.com (US$6/hr).
Canada Remote Systems
---------------------
is North America's largest bulletin board system (1992). It has a
software library of more than 500,000 programs and files, and over
3,500 public forums and discussion areas.
Canada Remote provides several news and information services,
including the United Press International and Reuters news wires,
North American stock exchange results, the twice-weekly edition of
Newsbytes, and other publications.
Tel.: +1-416-629-7000 (in the U.S.) and +1-313-963-1905 (Canada).
Canada Remote Systems, 1331 Crestlawn Drive, Unit D, Mississauga,
Ontario, Canada L4W 2P9.
CGNET
-----
is a network interconnecting a group of international research
organizations. Besides email, CGNET provides news clipping
services, airline reservation information, and database search.
(See Dialcom)
Contact: CGNET Services International, 1024 Hamilton Court,
Menlo Park, California 94025, USA. Telephone: +1-415-325-3061.
Fax: 1-415-325-2313 Telex: 4900005788 (CGN UI) .
CIX (England)
-------------
British online-service available by telnet, through PDN services
and by direct dial. Telnet cix.compulink.co.uk.
Compulink Information eXchange Ltd. claims to be Europe's
largest conferencing system. Sign-up fee (1993): GBP 25.00. Monthly
minimum: GBP 6.25. Off-peak connect rate GBP 2.40. Peak rate is
3.60 per hour.
The service has full Internet access, and email exchange with
CompuServe and Dialcom. CIX has many conferences, ISDN access,
Usenet News, telnet and ftp.
Contact: The Compulink Information Exchange Ltd., The Sanctuary
Oakhill Grove, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 6DU, England. Tel.: +44-81-390-
8446. Fax: +44-81-390-6561. NUA: 2342 1330 0310. Data: +44-81-390-
1255/+44-81-390-1244. Email: cixadmin@cix.compulink.co.uk .
CIX (USA)
---------
The Commercial Internet eXchange is a North American association of
commercial Internet providers in which they agree to carry each
others' packets of mail, and more.
Clarinet
--------
A commercial network publishing service providing information and
news in over 100 newsgroups by subject matter on Usenet. Read
Chapter 9 for more information. Single-user (individual) prices
available.
Clarinet Communications Corp., 124 King St. North, Waterloo,
Ontario N2J 2X8, Canada. Email: info@clarinet.com .
Commercial Mail Relay Service (CMR)
-----------------------------------
This service is not available anymore. They used to be available
on this address:
Intermail-Request@Intermail.ISI.EDU
CompuServe
----------
has about 1.3 million users (August 93) all over the world, over
1,500 databases, 200 forums, 500 newspapers, online shopping from
more than 100 shops and entertainment. It's like a large electronic
supermarket.
You can access the service though local access numbers in over
100 countries, through Packet Switching Services, and outdial
services. The international NUA address is 0313299999997.
A list of available forums can be retrieved from the IBM
Communication Forum. Participation in forums is normally free (no
extra charge).
The IQuest database service gives access to more than 800
publications, databases, and indexes within business, public
affairs, research, news, etc. Bibliographic and full-text searches.
Some IQuest databases are physically residing on other online
services, like NewsNet, Dialog, BRS, and Vu/Text (U.S.A.), Data-
Star (Switzerland), DataSolve (England. It has TASS in the World
Reporter database), and Questel (France). Sometimes, it is cheaper
to use these services on CompuServe, than by a call to these
services directly.
The connect charge for CompuServe's Alternative Pricing Plan is
US$12.80/hour at 1200 and 2400 bps. 9600 bps costs US$22.80/hour.
Monthly subscription US$2.50. Using the Executive News Service
(clipping service) costs an extra US$15/hour.
An optional flat-rate pricing plan (the Standard Pricing plan)
is available for US$8.95 per month. It gives unlimited access to
over 30 basic services, including CompuServe mail, The Electronic
Mall, news, weather and sports, member support services, reference
and travel services.
Hourly rates for Standard Pricing Plan members using extended
services go from US$6/hour for 300 bits/s to US$16/hour for 9600
bits/s access. (Feb. 93)
In addition, there are network charges. These differ a lot by
country. For example, access through European CompuServe nodes has
no communication surcharges during non-prime time (19:00-8:00 local
time).
CompuServe can be accessed by telnet to hermes.merit.edu, or
35.1.48.150. Host: CompuServe.
CompuServe Information Services Inc., POB 20212, 5000 Arlington
Centre Blvd., Columbus, Ohio 43220, U.S.A.
In Europe, call voice: +49-89-66550-111, fax: +49-89-66 550-255
or write to CompuServe, Jahnstrasse 2, D-8025 Unterhaching b.,
Munich, Germany. To contact CompuServe Africa, call (012) 841-2530
in South Africa, or (+27)(12) 841-2530 for everywhere else.
Cosine
------
COSINE (Cooperation for Open Systems Interconnection Networking in
Europe) is a European Common Market "Eureka" project. It works to
establish a communications network infrastructure for scientific
and industrial research institutes all over Europe.
IXI is the international packet data network on which the
COSINE project is based. It is available Europe-wide providing
links of up to 64 Kbit/s, carries non commercial traffic for the
research communities, and provides links to several public data
networks.
The CONCISE online information service is a focal point for
information of interest to European researchers. It has lists of
sources of information.
Internet users can access CONCISE through Telnet. Connect
either to concise.ixi.ch (130.59.2.16) or concise.funet.fi
(128.214.6.181). Login: concise, password: concise.
For help, send email to helpdesk@concise.level-7.co.uk with the
following command in the body of the text:
start
help cug-email
This will give you the `CONCISE User Guide - Email Access'.
DASnet
------
forwards mail between systems that do not have any email exchange
agreements. See description in Chapter 13. Contact: DA Systems,
Inc., 1503 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell, CA 95008, U.S.A.
DataArkiv
---------
Major Scandinavian online service based in Sweden. Contact:
DataArkiv, Box 1502, 171 29 Solna, Sweden. Fax: +46 8 828 296.
Tel.: +46 8 705 13 11.
Data-Star
---------
Formerly owned by Radio-Suisse in Switzerland, Data-Star is now
owned by Knight-Ridder (U.S.A.). It offers over 200 databases
within business, science and medicine.
SciSearch is a database with references to over nine million
stories from 4500 newspapers and magazines.
Other databases: Current Patents Fast Alert, Flightline (with
stories about air transport), The Turing Institute Database on
artificial intelligence, Information Access (international market
data), parts of SovData, Who Owns Whom, etc..
Access through Internet: telnet to rserve.rs.ch [192.82.124.4]
and login as rserve , and follow standard login procedure.
Contact in North America: D-S Marketing, Inc., Suite 110, 485
Devon Park Drive, Wayne, PA 19087, Tel.: +1-215-687-6777.
Contact in Scandinavia: Data-Star marketing AB, Maessans gt. 18,
Box 5278, S-402 25 Gothenburg, Sweden. Tel.: +46 31 83 59 75.
Delphi
------
has full access to Internet. Write to: General Videotex Corp., 1030
Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
Dialcom
-------
is owned by British Telecom and is a network of data centers in
many countries. Dialcom is selling its services through many agents
(like EsiStreet for the music industry, and CGNet for agricultural
research).
Some selected services: The Official Airline Guide, news
(Financial Times Profile, Newsbytes, AP, UPI, and Reuters), mail
(Dialcom400), fax services and several conference type offerings
(like Campus 2000 for the education market).
Today, most Dialcom users are unable to exchange mail with the
Internet (DASnet is a commercial alternative), but mail can be sent
to users of SprintMail, IBM Mail, AT&Ts Easylink, MCI Mail,
Compania Telefonica Nacional de Espana, and other X.400 systems.
Contact: Dialcom, 6120 Executive Blvd., Rockville, MD 20852,
U.S.A. The British service Telecom-Gold is a subsidiary of Dialcom
UK. In North America, contact BT North America at tel.: +1-408-922-
7543. In Europe, contact British Telecom.
CGNET can be reached through the Internet. Send a message to
postmaster@cgnet.com for more information.
Dialog Information Services
---------------------------
is owned by Knight Ridder and has more than 400 databases online.
They offer a long list of newspapers including the San Francisco
Chronicle in full-text, Newsbytes, Information Access, the Japan
Technology database, most major global news wires, Trademarkscan,
USA Today, Teikoku Databank from Japan.
Knowledge Index offers evening and weekend reduced-rate access
to more than 100 popular full-text and bibliographic databases and
50,000 journals (1993).
Dialog has gateways to other services, like CompuServe and iNet,
making the databases available to a larger market. Many databases
are also available on CD-ROM.
In Europe, contact DIALOG Europe, P O Box 188, Oxford OX1 5AX,
England. You can telnet to DIALOG.COM (192.132.3.254, US$ 3/hour in
1992).
Down Jones News/Retrieval
-------------------------
focuses on news for finance and business. DJN/R is the sole online
distributor of The Wall Street Journal (with articles from the
international editions), Barron's, Dow Jones and Telerate's
newswires in full-text.
Further, it has PR Newswire, many other newspapers in full-
text, clipping service, online charting for investors, and gateways
to other services like Info Globe (Globe and Mail in Canada).
Address: P.O. Box 300, Princeton, N.J. 08543-9963. DJN/R is
also accessible through a gateway from MCI Mail.
You can telnet to djnr.dowjones.com . At the WHAT SERVICE
PLEASE prompt, enter DJNR and press Enter. An ENTER PASSWORD prompt
will appear. Here, enter your normal DJNS account password.
ECHO
----
European Commission Host Organization is accessible via CONCISE.
Telnet either to concise.ixi.ch (130.59.2.16) or concise.funet.fi
(128.214.6.181). Login: concise, password: concise. The NUA address
is 0270448112. You can also telnet to echo.lu . Login as echotest
or echo.
ECHO's I'M GUIDE is a free database providing information about
online services within the European Common Market. It includes CD-
ROMs, databases and databanks, database producers, gateways, host
organizations, PTT contact points, and information brokers in
Europe.
ECHO's other databases are classified under the headings
Research and development, Language industry, Industry and economy.
For information contact: ECHO Customer Service, BP 2373, L-1023
Luxembourg. Tel.: +352 34 98 1200. Fax: +352 34 98 1234.
Exec-PC Network BBS
-------------------
is based in Milwaukee (Wisconsin, U.S.A.). In August 1991, it had
238 incoming phone lines, 9 gigabytes of disk capacity, more than
100 new programs/day, 300,000 programs available for downloading
(including the complete selection from PC-SIG California) and more
than 130,000 active messages in its conferences. More than 3,300
persons called EXEC-PC each day.
The service focuses on owners of IBM compatible computers
(MS/PC-DOS, Windows, OS/2, Windows, Unix), Apple Macintosh, Amiga
and Atari ST through over 200 conferences.
You can access EXEC-PC through i-Com's outdial service, Global
Access, PC-Pursuit, Connect-USA, and by direct dialing. Annual
subscription costs US$60.00. You can sign on while online.
Unregistered users get thirty minutes per day free.
FidoNet
-------
was founded in 1984 for automatic transfers of files from one place
to the other at night, when the telephone rates are low. FidoNet is
one of the most widespread networks in the world. It consists
mainly of personal computers (IBM/Amiga/Macintosh...).
FidoNet systems exchange documents by using a modem and calling
another FidoNet system. Communication can be either direct to the
destination system (calling long distance) or by routing a message
to a local system.
Each computer connected to FidoNet is called a node. There are
nodes in around 70 countries. In June 1993, the net had 24,800
nodes throughout the world (source: FidoNet nodelist). The number
of nodes is growing at about 40 percent per year.
Most nodes are operated by volunteers, and access is free.
FidoNet is believed to have over 1.56 million users (1992).
Conferences (called ECHOs or Echomail) are exchanged between
interested nodes, and may thus have thousands of readers. A typical
FidoNet Echomail conference gets 50 to 100 messages each day. Any
connected BBS may carry 50, 100, or more echomail conferences.
Net Mail is the term for storing and delivering mail. FidoNet
users can send and receive mail through the Internet.
The list of member bulletin boards is called the Nodelist. It
can be retrieved from most boards. Each node has one line on this
list, like in this example:
,10,Home_of_PCQ,Warszawa,Jan_Stozek,48-22-410374,9600,V32,MNP,XA
The commas are field separators. The first field (empty in this
example) starts a zone, region, local net, Host, or denotes a
private space (with the keyword Pvt).
The second field (10) is the node number, and the third field
(Home_of_PCQ) is the name for the node.
The fourth field (Warszawa) is a geographical notation, and the
fifth field (Jan_Stozek) is the name of the owner. The sixth field
is a telephone contact number, and the other fields contain various
technical information used in making connections.
FidoNet has six major geographical zones: (1) North America,
(2) Europe, etc., (3) Oceania, (4) America Latina, (5) Africa,
(6) Asia.
For information, contact the International FidoNet Association
(IFNA), P.O. Box 41143, St. Louis, MO 63141, U.S.A. You can also
write to postmaster@fidonet.fidonet.org .
The FIDO subdirectory in the MSDOS directory on SIMTEL20 (on
the Internet) contains extensive information, including explanation
of FidoNet, guide for its nodes, gateways between FidoNet and
Internet, and various programs and utilities. (See TRICKLE in
Chapter 4 for more about how to get these files.)
Fog City Online Information Service
-----------------------------------
is the world's largest bulletin board with AIDS information. Based
in San Francisco (U.S.A.) it offers free and anonymous access for
everybody.
Call +1-415-863-9697. Enter "AIDS" by the question "First
name?" and "INFO" by the question "Last Name?".
FT Profile
----------
has full-text articles from Financial Times in London, from several
European databases (like the Hoppenstedt database with more than
46,000 German companies), and the Japanese database Nikkei.
Profile is available through Telecom-Gold, and can also be
accessed through other online services. Clipping service. CD-ROM.
Contact FT Information Services at tel.: +44-71-873-3000.
GEnie
-----
General Electric Network for Information Exchange is GE's Consumer
Information Service. GEnie gives access to many databases and other
information services. It has around 350,000 users (1992).
The basic rate is US$4.95/month plus connect charges. The
surcharge is US$18/hour between 08:00 and 18:00, and US$6.00/hour
for some services, like email, downloading of software, "chat,"
conferences, and multi-user games. Access to Internet email is
available as a surcharged add-on service. (Addressing format:
userid@GEnie.GEis.com)
For information call +1-301-340-4492. GE Information Services,
401 N. Washington St., Rockville, MD 20850, U.S.A.
GE Information Service Co. (GEIS)
---------------------------------
Online service operated by General Electric. Available in over 32
countries. GEIS' QUIK-COMM service integrates multinational
business communications for public and private mail systems. Its
services include Telex Access; and QUIK-COMM to FAX, which allows
users to send messages from their workstations to fax machines
throughout the world. Contact: tel. +1-301-340-4485
GENIOS
------
German online service (tel.: +49 69 920 19 101). Offers information
from Novosti (Moscow), data about companies in the former DDR, the
Hoppenstedt business directories, and more.
GlasNet
-------
is an international computer network that provides lowcost
telecommunications to nonprofit, nongovernment organizations
throughout the countries of the former Soviet Union. Email, fax,
telex, public conferences.
For nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations, basic GlasNet
service fees are 350 rubles/month after a one-time registration fee
of 1000 rubles. This does not include faxes or telexes. (1992)
Write to: GlasNet, Ulitsa Yaroslavskaya 8, Korpus 3 Room 111,
129164 Moscow, Russia. Phone: (095) 217-6182 (voice). Email:
fick@glas.apc.org .
Global Access
-------------
is a North American outdial service (see Chapter 13) owned by G-A
Technologies, Inc. It has an information BBS at +1-704-334-9030.
IASNET
------
The Institute for Automated Systems Network was the first public
switched network in the xUSSR. Its main goal is to provide a wide
range of network services to the scientific community in the xUSSR,
including access to online databases, a catalog of foreign
databases, and conferencing (ADONIS).
IBM Information Network
-----------------------
The IBM Information Network, based in Tampa, Florida, is IBM's
commercial value-added data network offering the ability to send
email and data worldwide. It is one of the largest networks in the
world, with operator-owned nodes in over 36 countries.
To send mail from the Internet to a user of Advantis IBMmail
(also called IMX or Mail Exchange), address to their userid at
ibmmail.com. You need to know their userid (IEA in IBMmail
terminology) in advance.
An IBMmail user can find how to address to Internet by sending
mail to INFORM at IBMmail with /GET INET in the body of the text.
i-Com
-----
offers outdial services to North America (ref. Chapter 13).
Contact: i-Com, 4 Rue de Geneve B33, 1140 Brussels, Belgium. Tel.:
+32 2215 7130. Fax: +32 2215 8999. Modem: +32 2215 8785.
ILINK (Interlink)
-----------------
is a network for exchange of conferences between bulletin boards in
U.S.A., Canada, Scotland, England, Norway, France, Australia, New
Zealand, Sweden, and other countries.
Infonet
-------
is a privately owned vendor of packet data services with local
operations in over 50 countries, and access from more than 135
countries. Contact: Infonet Services Corp., 2100 East Grand Ave.,
El Segundo, CA 90245, U.S.A.
INTERNET
--------
started as ARPANET, but is now a large group of more than 6,000
interconnected networks all over the world supporting mail, news,
remote login, file transfer, and many other services. All
participating hosts are using the protocol TCP/IP.
There are around 1.3 million host computers with IP addresses
(March 1992. Ref. RFC1296 and RFC 1181). The number of users is
estimated to more than ten million people. Some one million people
are said to exchange email messages daily.
In addition, private enterprise networks have an estimated
1,000,000 hosts using TCP/IP (Source: Matrix News August 1993.)
These offer mail exchange with the Internet, but not services such
as Telnet or FTP to most parts of the Internet, and are estimated
to have some 7.5 million users.
Some claim that these figures are low. They believe it is
possible to reach around 50 million mailboxes by email through the
Internet.
Several commercial companies offer full Internet services.
Among these are Alternet (operated by UUNET) and PCI (operated by
Performance Systems, Inc.). The UK Internet Consortium offers
similar services in Great Britain.
INTERNET gives users access to the ftp and telnet commands. Ftp
gives them interactive access to remote computers for transferring
files. Telnet gives access to a remote service for interactive
dialog.
The Interest Groups List of Lists is a directory of conferences
available by ftp from ftp.nisc.sri.com (192.33.33.53). Log in to
this host as user "anonymous." Do a 'cd' (change directory) to the
"netinfo" directory, then enter the command "GET interest-groups."
The list is more than 500 KB characters long.
You can also get it by email from mail-server@nisc.sri.com .
Write the following command in the TEXT of the message:
Send netinfo/interest-groups
You can telnet several bulletin boards through Internet. Here is a
sample:
Name Login as Description
---- ---------- -----------
CONRAD.APPSTATE.EDU info World news collected by
monitoring short wave
broadcasts from BBS and
other global sources.
ISCA.ICAEN.UIOWA.EDU ISCABBS A large amount of public
domain programs
ATL.CALSTATE.EDU LEWISNTS Electronic newspapers and
the Art World.
TOLSUN.OULU.FI BOX Finnish service. English
available as an option.
"Internet Services Frequently Asked Questions and Answers" can be
retrieved by email from mail-server@rtfm.mit.edu . Write
send usenet/news.answers/internet-services/faq
in the body of your message.
Internet
--------
is a term used on something many call "WorldNet" or "The Matrix."
It includes the networks in INTERNET, and a long list of networks
that can send electronic mail to each other (though they may not
be based on the TCP/IP protocol).
The Internet includes INTERNET, BITNET, DECnet, Usenet, UUCP,
PeaceNet, IGC, EARN, Uninett, FidoNet, CompuServe, Alternex
(Brazil), ATT Mail, FredsNaetet (Sweden), AppleLink, GeoNet (hosts
in Germany, England, U.S.A.), GreenNet, MCI Mail, MetaNet, Nicarao
(Nicaragua), OTC PeaceNet/EcoNet, Pegasus (Australia), BIX, Portal,
PsychNet, Telemail, TWICS (Japan), Web (Canada), The WELL, CARINET,
DASnet, Janet (England)
"Answers to Commonly Asked New Internet User' Questions" is
available by email from SERVICE@NIC.DDN.MIL . Send email with the
following command in the message's SUBJECT heading:
RFC 1206
One important feature of the Internet is that no one is in charge.
The Internet is essentially a voluntary association.
Another thing is that there are rarely any additional charges
for sending and receiving electronic mail (even when sending to
other networks), retrieving files, or reading Usenet Newsgroups..
Intermail
---------
See Commercial Mail Relay Service.
Istel
-----
A privately owned vendor of packet data services, who has operator-
owned nodes in Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan,
Holland, Spain, Sweden, England. Contact: AT&T Istel. Tel.: 0527-
64295 (in England).
Kompass Online and Kompass Europe
--------------------------------
These databases are available through many services, including
Affaersdata in Sweden and Dialog. Contact: (voice) +47 22 64 05 75.
InfoPro Technologies
--------------------
Previously Maxwell Online. InfoPro's services include BRS Online
and Orbit Online. BRS owns BRS Online, BRS Colleague, BRS After
Dark, and BRS Morning Search, which focus on medical information.
Orbit focuses on patent and patent-related searches.
Orbit carries an annual membership fee of US$50 (1992), and
hourly fees that differ according to database.
Contact: InfoPro Technologies, 8000 Westpark Drive, McLean,
VA 22102, U.S.A. Tel.: +1-703-442-0900.
Maxwell Online
--------------
See InfoPro Technologies.
MCI Mail
--------
MCI Mail, Box 1001, 1900 M St. NW, Washington, DC 20036, U.S.A.
Mead Data Central
-----------------
operates the Nexis and Lexis services. Contact: Mead Data Central
International, International House, 1, St. Katharine's Way, London
E1 9UN, England.
TELNET lexis.meaddata.com or 192.73.216.20 or 192.73.216.21 .
Terminal type = vt100a. Note: If characters do not echo back, set
your terminal to "local" echo.
MetaNet
-------
Contact: Metasystems Design Group, 2000 North 15th Street, Suite
103, Arlington, VA 22201, U.S.A. Tel.: +1-703-243-6622.
MIX
---
A Scandinavian bulletin board network exchanging conferences. For
information, call Mike's BBS in Norway at the following numbers:
+47-22-416588, +47-22-410403 and +47-22-337320.
Minitel
-------
French videotex service, which is being marketed all over the
world. It is based on a special graphics display format (Teletel),
has over 13,000 services, and appears like a large French online
hypermarche with more than seven million users (1992).
Access to the French Minitel network is available via the
Infonet international packet data network on a host-paid and
chargeable account basis.
Mnematics
---------
Mnematics, 722 Main Street Sparkill, NY 10976-0019, U.S.A. Tel.: +1-
914-359-4546.
NEC PC-VAN
----------
Japan's largest online service measured both in number of users and
geographical presence. Your communications system must be able to
display Japanese characters to use the service.
Netnews
-------
See Usenet.
NewsNet
-------
The world's leading vendor of full-text business and professional
newsletters online. Offers access to over 700 newsletters and news
services within 30 industry classification groups (1993). Includes
the major international news wires.
You can read individual newsletter issues, and search back
issues or individual newsletters or publications within an industry
classification. NewsNet's clipping service is called NewsFlash.
Enter PRICES at the main command prompt for an alphabetic listing
of all available services.
Contact: NewsNet, 945 Haverford Rd., Bryn Mawr, PA 19010, U.S.A.
NIFTY-Serve
-----------
is Japan's number 2 online service. It had 250,000 subscribers in
January 1992. Access is possible via a gateway from CompuServe.
Your communications system must be able to display Japanese
characters to use the service.
Nifty-Serve is jointly operated by Fujitsu and Nissho Iwai
Trading in a licensing agreement with CompuServe.
NWI
---
Networking and World Information, Inc. One time subscription fee:
US$20 (US$5 is given to charity. US$15 is returned to the user as
free time). Non-prime time access costs US$10.70/hour at 300 to
2400 bps. Otherwise, the rate is US$23.50. The service is available
through PDN and outdial services. (1992)
Contact: NWI, 333 East River Drive, Commerce Center One, East
Hartford, CT 06108, U.S.A. Tel.: +1-203-289-6585.
CompuServe users can access NWI's PARTICIPATE conferences
through a gateway.
OCLC
----
is a nonprofit computer library service and research organization
whose computer network and products link more than 15,000 libraries
in 47 countries and territories. It serves all types of libraries,
including public, academic, special, corporate, law, and medical
libraries. Contact: OCLC, 6565 Fratz Rd., Dublin, OH, U.S.A. Tel.:
+1-614-764-6000.
Orbit
-----
is owned by InfoPro Technologies (formerly Maxwell Online and
Pergamon Orbit Infoline Inc.). It offers more than 100 science,
technical and patent research, and company information databases.
Contact in North America: InfoPro Technologies, 8000 West Park
Drive, McClean, VA 22102, U.S.A. Tel.: +1-703-442-0900.
In Europe: ORBIT Search Service, Achilles House, Western Avenue,
London W3 0UA, England. Tel.: +44 1 992 3456, Fax. +44 1 993 7335.
Telnet orbit.com (US$6/hr in 1992).
Pergamon Financial Data Services
--------------------------------
See Orbit.
Polarnet
--------
is a Scandinavian distributed conferencing system available through
many boards, including Mike's BBS (see above).
Prestel
-------
is owned by British Telecom. It is a videotex service based on a
special graphics display format. The service is also available
as "TTY Teletype." NUA address: 02341 10020020.
Prodigy
-------
is a North American videotex service owned by IBM and Sears. You
must have a special communications program to use the service,
which claimed 2.5 million subscribers in early 1992. (Analysts
estimated only 850,000 paying users).
Rates: US$12.50 per family per month for up to six family
members and up to 30 email messages. Annual subscription: US$
119.95. The packet sent new users contains a communication
program and a Hayes-compatible 2400 bps modem. Price: US$ 180.
(early 1992)
Contact: Prodigy Services Co., 445 Hamilton Ave., White Plains,
NY 10601, U.S.A. Tel.: +1-914-962-0310. Email (through Internet):
postmaster@inetgate.prodigy.com .
RelayNet
--------
Also called PcRelay-Net. An international network for exchange of
email and conferences between more than 8,500 bulletin boards. The
Relaynet International Message Exchange (RIME) consists of some
1,000 systems (1992).
Relcom
------
means 'Russian Electronic Communications.' This company provides
email, other network services, a gateway to Internet, and access to
Usenet.
In early 1992, RELCOM had regional nodes in 25 cities of the
xUSSR connecting over 1,000 organizations or 30,000 users. RELCOM
has a gateway to IASNET.
Saltrod Horror Show
-------------------
Odd de Presno's BBS system. Tel.: +47 370 31378.
The Sierra Network
------------------
is one of the best things out there for online games. The service
claimed more than 20,000 subscribers in 1993. Contact: The Sierra
Network, P.O. Box 485, Coarsegold, CA 93614, U.S.A.
SIGnet
------
Global BBS network with over 2500 nodes around the world (1993).
SIMTEL20 Software Archives
--------------------------
is a system maintained by the US Army Information System Command.
It contains public domain software, shareware, documentation and
mail archives under the following top-level headings: HZ100, INFO-
IBMPC, MSDOS, PC-BLUE, ADA, ARCHIVES, CPM, CPMUG, PCNET, SIGM,
STARS, UNIX-C, VHDL, ZSYS, MACINTOSH, MISC, and TOPS20.
All files are accessible by Anonymous FTP. For information,
send a message to the address LISTSERV@RPIECS.BITNET with the
command 'HELP' in the first line of your text.
SprintMail
----------
is a large, commercial vendor of email services. It has local nodes
serving customers in 108 countries through its SprintNet network
(1991).
Internet mail to the SprintMail user identity 'T.Germain' can
be sent to T.Germain@sprint.sprint.com .
For information, contact SprintMail, 12490 Sunrise Valley Dr.,
Reston, VA 22096, U.S.A.
SuperNET
--------
is an international network for exchange of conferences and mail
between SuperBBS bulletin board systems. Contact: SuperNet World
Host through FidoNet at 2:203/310 (+46-300-41377) Lennart Odeberg.
TCN
---
is a Dialcom network. Internet email to TCN is only possible if
either the sender or recipient has registered with DASnet. The
email address would be: TCNxxx@das.net (where xxx is the TCN
number).
Thunderball Cave
----------------
Norwegian bulletin board connected to RelayNet. Call +47-22-
299441 or +47-22-299442. Offers Usenet News and Internet mail.
Tocolo BBS
----------
Bulletin board for people with disabilities in Japan, or with
"shintaishougaisha," which is the Japanese term. Call: +81-3-205-
9315. 1200 bps, 8,N,1. Your communications system must be able to
display Japanese characters to use the service.
TRI-P
-----
International outdial service. Contact: INTEC America, Inc., 1270
Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2315, New York, NY 10020, U.S.A. In
Japan, contact Intec at 2-6-10 Sarugaku-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101.
Fax: +81-3-3292-2929.
TWICS BeeLINE
-------------
English-language Japanese online service with PARTIcipate, Caucus
and Usenet netnews. Half the users are Japanese. Others connect
from U.S.A., England, Canada, Germany, France, South Africa, and
Scandinavia.
The NUA address is: 4406 20000524. Direct call to +81 3 3351
7905 (14,4KB/s), or +81-3-3351-8244 (9600 bps). At CONNECT, press
ENTER a few times. Wait about a second between keystrokes to get to
the registration prompt.
New users can sign on as GUEST for information. You can also
write postmaster@twics.co.jp, or send mail to TWICS/IEC, 1-21
Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160, JAPAN.
Foreign users have free access (1992).
UMI/Data Courier
----------------
620 South Street, Louisville, KY 40202, U.S.A.
Uninett
-------
delivers networking services to Norwegian research and educational
services.
Unison
------
North American conferencing service using PARTIcipate software. NUA
address: 031105130023000. Password: US$35.00. Monthly subscription:
US$6.25. Non-prime time access: US$12.00/hour. Prime time access:
US$19.00/hour. Enter SIGNUP when online the first time and follow
the prompts. (1991)
UUCP
----
UUCP (UNIX to UNIX Copy) is a protocol, a set of files and a set
of commands to copy files from one UNIX computer to another.
This copying procedure is the core of the UUCP network, a loose
association of systems all communicating with the UUCP protocol.
UNIX computers can participate in the UUCP network (using
leased line or dial-up) through any other UNIX host. The network
now also has many MS-DOS and other hosts, and consisted of 16,300
hosts in January 1993 (source: UUCP map) serving more than 489,000
users.
The UUCP network is based on two systems connecting to each
other at specific intervals, and executing any work scheduled for
either of them. For example, the system Oregano calls the system
Basil once every two hours. If there's mail waiting for Oregano,
Basil will send it at that time. Likewise, Oregano will at that
time send any mail waiting for Basil.
There are databases with connectivity information (UUCP maps),
and programs (pathalias) that will help you decide the correct
routing of messages. However, many UUCP hosts are not registered in
the UUCP map.
EUNET is a UUCP based network in Europe. JUNET is an equivalent
network in Japan. There are many gateway machines that exchange
mail between UUCP and the Internet. Among these, UUNET.UU.NET is
among the most frequently used.
Usenet
------
Usenet, Netnews, or just "News" are common terms for a large
many-to-many conferencing (only) system distributed through UUCP,
Internet, FidoNet, and BITNET.
This grassroots driven "network" has grown out of the global
university and research domains. It is a service rather than a real
network. It is not an organization, and has no central authority.
Usenet's newsgroups are carried by over 69,000 host computers
in five continents, and has over 1,991,000 users (source: Brian
Reid, 1993). Many of these hosts have access to the Internet. The
European portion of Usenet is called EUNET (European Unix NET).
The local administrator of each individual node in the network
decides what newsgroups to receive and make available to its users.
Few systems offer access to all of them.
NetNews is organized in groups of 'conferences'. Each of these
classifications is organized into groups and subgroups according to
topic. As of June 1, 1993, there were 4500 newsgroups and 2500
regional newsgroups. Several sites are carrying over 2600 topics.
The groups distributed worldwide are divided into seven broad
classifications:
"comp" Topics of interest to both computer professionals and
hobbyists, including topics in computer science, software
source, and information on hardware and software systems.
"sci" Discussions marked by special and usually practical
knowledge, relating to research in or application of the
established sciences.
"misc" Groups addressing themes not easily classified under any
of the other headings or which incorporate themes from
multiple categories.
"soc" Groups primarily addressing social issues and
socializing.
"talk" Groups largely debate-oriented and tending to feature
long discussions without resolution and without
appreciable amounts of generally useful information.
"news" Groups concerned with the news network and software
themselves.
"rec" Groups oriented towards hobbies and recreational
activities.
Also available are many "alternative" hierarchies, like:
"alt" True anarchy; anything and everything can and does
appear. Subjects include sex, and privacy.
"biz" Business-related groups
"clari" Newsgroups gatewayed from commercial news services and
other 'official' sources. (Requires payment of a fee and
execution of a licence. More information by email to
info@clarinet.com).
Most Netnews hosts offer both global and local conferences. Many
newsgroups can be read through bulletin boards, commercial online
services, or through gateways from connected hosts (like from some
BITNET hosts).
A full list of available groups and conferences are normally
available from hosts offering Netnews, and on NETNEWS servers.
All users should subscribe to news.announce.important .
Vu/Text
-------
325 Chestnut St., Suite 1300, Philadelphia, PA 19106, U.S.A.
The Well
--------
The Whole Earth Lectronic Link is a commercial online service based
in Sausalito (U.S.A.). It has its own conferencing culture and is
an interesting starting point for those wanting to "study" what
makes the area around Silicon Valley so dynamic.
The Well has several hundred conferences, public and private,
about 7,000 members, and is available in a variety of ways. The
service has full Internet access, and can be reached by telnet
to well.sf.ca.us (or 192.132.30.2).
Modem tel.: +1-415-332-6106 at 1200 bps or +1-415-332-7398
at 2400 bps. You can subscribe online. Rates: US$ 20/month plus
US$ 2/hour (invoiced by the minute online - 1992).
ZiffNet
-------
markets its services through CompuServe (ZiffNet and ZiffNet/Mac),
Prodigy, and its own online service in the U.S.A. Their offerings
include the Ziff Buyer's Market, the ZiffNet/Mac Buyer's Guide,
Computer Database Plus, Magazine Database Plus, NewsBytes, and the
Cobb Group Online.
Contact: Ziff Communications Company, 25 First Street, Cambridge,
MA 02141, U.S.A. Tel.: +1-617-252-5000.
Appendix 2:
Short takes about how to get started
====================================
* a computer
* modem and a communications program
You must have a computer
------------------------
It is not important what kind of computer you have, though you may
find out that it is an advantage to have a popular one. The most
common type of microcomputer today is called MS-DOS computers (or
IBM PC compatibles or IBM clones).
Your computer should have enough memory for communication. This
is seldom a problem. An MS-DOS computer with 256 KB RAM is enough
when using popular programs like PROCOMM.
Your computer does not have to be very powerful and super fast,
unless you want ultra fast transfers, use a slow communications
program, or a complex system of script files. If this is the case,
you'll know to appreciate speed and power.
You do not need a hard disk. Many do without. Not having one,
however, means more work, and less room for storage of all the
nice things that you may want to retrieve by modem.
Personally, I want as much hard disk space as I can possibly
get. When you have read the book, I guess you'll understand why.
Others may want to delay the purchase of a hard disk until they
can spare the money. If you can afford it, however, do it! It is a
decision that you'll never regret.
You must have a modem
---------------------
Some computers are always connected to a network. If this is your
situation, then you probably have what you need already. The rest
of us need a modem.
A modem is a small piece of equipment that is translating the
internal, electrical signals of the computer to sound codes. These
codes can be sent over an ordinary telephone line. You may think
of it as a type of Morse alphabet.
The recipient of data also needs a modem. In his case, the sound
codes will have to be translated back into their original form as
digital codes. When this is done, he can view text and pictures on
the screen, and use the received data in other applications.
You can buy modems on an expansion card for installation in
your computer, or in a separate box. Often, a modem has already
been built into the computer, when you buy it.
Whether to buy an internal or an external modem is a question
of needs:
A portable computer with an internal modem is easier to bring
on travels than an external modem with a modem cable and a power
adapter.
An external modem can serve several computers. Some of them are
so compact that they fit besides your toothbrush in the toilet bag.
An internal modem blocks one of your serial ports.
External modems
---------------
The options are many. The modems differ on speed, features, prices
- and whether they are approved for usage in your country.
Some of them are connected to the phone line by cable. Others
are connected to the handset (to the talk and listen part) by two
rubber cups. We call such modems acoustic modems (or acoustic
couplers).
Acoustic modems are useful where connecting other modems to the
telephone is difficult. The bad news is that you'll get more noise
on the line. Acoustic modems can therefore not be recommended for
use in other cases.
Asynchronous or synchronous modems?
-----------------------------------
Formerly, data communication was done by sending job commands to a
mainframe computer, and having the result returned in one batch.
The modems were called synchronous. Such modems (and computers) are
still in use in some large corporations.
Most of today's online services are based on an interactive
dialog between the user and the remote computer. The user enters a
command, for example a letter or a number in a menu, and the result
is returned almost immediately. The modems used for such work are
called asynchronous (See "Explanation of some words and terms" in
appendix 4).
Unless you know that you must have a synchronous modem, buy an
asynchronous one.
Choice of speed
---------------
Speed is measured in many ways. One method is to use baud. Another
is to use characters per second (cps) or bits per second (bps).
Bps is a measure of how many data bits that can be transferred
over a data channel in one second. (Each byte is split up into bits
before transfer during serial communication.)
The relationship between baud and bits per second is complex,
and often misused. Bits per second is unambiguous. In this book,
we will use it as bps.
We can estimate the number of characters per second by dividing
the number of bps by ten. For example. 1200 bps is roughly 120 cps.
In 1987, 300, 1200 and 2400 bps asynchronous modems were the
standard in many countries. Around 1990, the growth in 9600 bps
modems and modem with faster speeds gained momentum.
Modem user manuals often give transfer speed by referring to
some international classification codes. Here are some CCITT codes
with explanation:
V.21 0-300 bps Still used by a small group. Cannot
full duplex communicate with the American Bell
103 standard.
V.22 1200 bps Partly compatible with the American
full duplex Bell 212a standard. Sometimes it
works, sometimes it fails.
V.22bis 2400 bps Used all over the world. Very
full duplex common.
V.23 600 & 1200 Rare protocol. Used mainly in Europe.
bps w/75 Half duplex.
bps return ch.
V.26ter 2400 bps Used mainly in France
full duplex
V.27ter 2400/4800 bps Used in Group III fax
half duplex
V.29 4800, 7200 and Used in gr. III fax and in some (Ame-
9600 bps rican) modems. Do not buy V.29 if you
half duplex want a 9600 bps modem.
V.32 4800/9600 bps Current standard for 9600 bps modems
full duplex
V.32bis 4800/7200/9600, Full duplex with faster interrogation.
12000/14400 bps
V.34 14400 bps A proposed high speed protocol that
never made it.
V.42 Error correction protocol (an appendix
yields compatibility w/MNP gr. 2,3 and
4 (see MNP below). For V.22, V.22bis,
V.26ter and V.32.
V.42bis Data compression for V.42 modems.
Meant to replace MNP and LAP. Text can
be transferred three times faster than
with MNP, i.e., in up to 38400 bps
using a 9600 bps modem. Very common.
V.Fast Upcoming standard. If approved by
also called CCITT, it will support speeds to
V.32terbo 28,800 bps for uncompressed data
transmission rates over regular dial-
up, voice-grade lines. Using V.42bis
data compression, up to 86,400 bps
may be achievable.
When you consider buying a modem with higher speed, remember that
going from 1200 bps to 2400 is a 50 percent increase, while going
from 1200 to 9600 bps gives 800 percent!
On the other hand, if you currently have 9600 bits/s, going to
14.400 will only give you 50 percent.
MNP error correction and compression
------------------------------------
The Microcom Networking Protocol (MNP) is a U.S. industry standard
for modem-to-modem communication with automatic error correction
and compression.
Automatic error correction is useful when there is noise on the
telephone line. MNP splits the stream of data up into blocks before
transmission. They are checked by the other modem upon receipt. If
the contents are correct, an acknowledge message is sent back to
the sending modem. If there has been an error in the transmission,
the sending modem is asked to retransmit.
When using compression, files are being preprocessed before
transmission to decrease their size. The result is that the modem
has to send fewer bytes, and the effect is higher speed.
MNP Level 3 and up send data between two modems synchronously
rather than asynchronously. Since sending a start and stop bit with
each transferred byte is no longer required, the effect is higher
speed.
MNP-4 or higher have automatic adjustment of block length when
there is noise on the line. If the line is good, longer blocks are
sent. The block size is decreased if the line is bad causing many
retransmissions.
MNP-5 has data compression. This gives a further increase in
transfer speed by from 10 to 80 percent depending on the type of
data sent. MNP-7 is capable of a three-to-one compression ratio.
Both users must have their modems set for MNP to use it.
The speed of the computer's COMM port
-------------------------------------
Installing a super fast modem does not guarantee an increase in the
effective transfer speed. The serial port of your computer may be a
limiting factor.
Owners of older MS-DOS computers often have UARTs (serial port
processors) in the Intel 8250 or National 16450 series. With these
in the computer, it is difficult to achieve speeds above 9600 bps
without losing data.
Take this into account when investing in a modem.
MNP and efficiency
------------------
I call my bulletin board daily. My personal computer is set to
communicate with a V.32 modem at 19,000 bps. The modem sends data
to the telephone line at 9600 bps, which is this modem's maximum
line speed.
Data is received by the remote computer's V.32 modem at 9600
bps, and forwarded to bulletin board at 19200 bps.
Why these differences in speed?
MNP level 5 compresses data in the modem before transfer, and
gives error-free transfer to and from the bulletin board at higher
speed than by using 9600 bps all the way through.
The compression effectiveness differs by the type of data. When
sending text, the effective transfer speed may double. Speed will
increase further if the text contains long sequences of similar
characters.
Text is typically compressed by up to 63 percent. This means
that a 2400 bps modem using MNP-5 may obtain an effective speed of
around the double when transferring such data.
File transfers using MNP
------------------------
Files are often compressed and stored in libraries before transfer.
Online services do this because compressed files take less space on
their hard disks. Also, it is easier for users to keep track of
files sent in a library file.
You rarely get speed advantages when transferring precompressed
files using MNP or V.42bis. With some modems, you must turn MNP and
V.42bis compression off before retrieval of compressed files.
Dumb or intelligent modem?
--------------------------
Some modems are operated with switches or buttons on a panel. They
do not react to commands from your computer. We call them dumb.
You must dial numbers manually, and press a key on the modem,
when you hear the tone from a remote modem. Only when the modem is
connected to the remote modem, can you ask your communications
program to take over.
We call those modems 'intelligent' that can react to commands
from your computer. Most of them react to commands according to the
Hayes standard.
Buy intelligent, Hayes-compatible modems - even when other
standards may seem better. Most of today's communication programs
are designed to be used by such modems.
Note: Buy modems that use the Hayes extended command set.
When a popular communications program, like Procomm and Crosstalk,
tells the modem to "dial a number" or "go on hook," then the Hayes-
compatible modem will do just that.
When you press ALT-H in Procomm, the modem will disconnect from
the remote modem.
If you press ALT-D followed by the number "2," Procomm will
locate the number to an online service in your telephone directory,
and dial that number.
When the connection with the remote modem has been established,
your modem will report back to you with a message like CONNECT
2400. This tells that a connection has been set up at 2400 bps.
If I select "k" from a menu provided by my communications
program's command scripts, then my system will retrieve today's
business news from Tokyo and put them up on my screen.
In the process, my system tells the modem to do several things,
including "call a number," "speed 2400 bps," "redial if busy," "go
on-hook when done." The only thing that I have to do, is press "k".
The communications program and the modem will do the rest.
Automatic communication is impossible without an intelligent
modem.
The Hayes standard
------------------
The U.S. company Hayes Microcomputer Products, Inc. pioneered
command-driven modems. Their Smartmodem became a success, and
"Hayes compatibility" a standard for intelligent modems.
Today, it is as unimportant to buy a Hayes modem to get access
to Hayes commands, as to buy an IBM PC to run PC software.
Automatic dialing (autodial) was one of Smartmodem's important
features. The modem could call a number and prepare for data
communication, once a connection had been set up. If the line was
busy, it could wait a while and then redial. The operator could
work with other things while waiting for the equipment to be ready
for communication.
The modem had automatic answer (autoanswer), i.e., when someone
called in, the modem could take the phone off hook and set up a
connection with a remote modem. The modem enabled a connected PC to
act as an electronic answering machine.
Hayes-compatible modems can report call progress to the local
screen using short numeric codes or words like CONNECT, CONNECT
1200, CONNECT 2400, NO CARRIER, NO DIALTONE, BUSY, NO ANSWER, RING
etc.
There can be small differences between such modems. The message
DIALTONE on one modem may be DIAL TONE on another. Most of the main
progress messages, however, are the same across brands.
The old Smartmodem had switches used to configure the modem.
Most modern Hayes-compatible modems come without switches and have
more commands than their ancestor.
Today's Hayes-compatible modems have a core of common commands,
the "real" Hayes-commands, and several unstandardized additional
commands. Here is an example:
A standard on the move
----------------------
On the Quattro SB2422 modem, 2400 bps speed without automatic speed
detection is set by the command "AT&I1." The equivalent command on
Semafor's UniMod 4161 is "AT+C0".
Automatic detection of speed is a feature that lets the modem
discover the speed of the remote modem to set its own speed at the
same level. (Other modems may use different commands to set this.)
When I want Procomm to call a bulletin board, it first sends a
sequence of Hayes commands to the Semafor modem. The purpose is to
"configure" the modem before calling. It sends the following:
AT S0=0 +C0 S7=40 S9=4 &D2
The cryptic codes have the following meaning:
AT "Attention modem. Commands following.."
S0=0 No automatic answer
+C0 No automatic speed detection (fixed speed)
S7=40 Wait 40 seconds for an answer tone from the
remote modem.
S9=4 Wait 4/10 seconds for detection of carrier
&D2 Go on-hook if the DTR signal is being changed.
If this command is sent to the Quattro modem, it will reply with
"ERROR". The code "+C0" must be replaced with an "&I1". The rest
of the commands are the same. (Note: when a modem responds with
"ERROR," it has usually rejected all commands sent to it!)
This setup is held in the modem's memory when Procomm sends its
dialing command: ATDT4737031378. AT stands for ATtention, as above.
DT stands for Dial Tone. Here, it is used to dial the number
4737031378 using tone signaling (rather than pulse dialing).
The modem cable
---------------
If you have an external modem, you must connect your computer to
the modem with a cable. Some modems are sold without a cable.
This cable may be called a serial cable, a modem cable, a
RS232C cable, or something else. Make sure that you buy the
correct cable for your system.
Make sure that the connectors at each end of the cable are
correct. If a male connector (with pins) is required in one end and
a female (with holes) in the other, do not buy a cable with two
male connectors.
Some connectors have 9 pins/holes, while others have 25 or 8-
pin round plugs (Apple computers). Use a shielded cable to ensure
minimal interference with radio and television reception.
At this point, some discover that there is no place on the PC
to attach the cable. Look for a serial port at the rear of your
machine, labeled MODEM, COMMUNICATIONS, SERIAL, or with a phone
symbol.
If you find no suitable connector, you may have to install an
asynchronous communication port in the box.
Connecting your equipment to earth
----------------------------------
Secure your computer and modem against thunderstorms and other
electrical problems. Securing the electric outlet in the wall is
not enough. Problems can also enter through the telephone line.
Thunderstorms have sent electrical pulses through the telephone
line destroying four modems, three PC-fax cards, one mother board,
and at least one asynchronous communication port.
To prevent this from happening to you, disconnect electrical
and telephone cables from your equipment during thunderstorms.
The communications program
--------------------------
A powerful communications program is half the job. In my case it's
the whole job. Most of my work is done automatically.
The communications program will help you with the mechanical
transportation of data in both directions. It lets you store
incoming information for later use and reduces the risks of errors.
Here are some items to consider when shopping communications
program:
* Seriously consider buying automatic programs ('robots') for
access to individual online services, even if that means having to
use several programs for different applications. (Read chapter 16
for more details.)
* Menus and help texts are important for novices, and in
environments with "less motivated personnel." Advanced users may
find it boring.
* Ability to transfer data without errors. The program should
have transfer protocols like XMODEM, Kermit, XMODEM/CRC, YMODEM and
ZMODEM. The XMODEM protocol is the most commonly used. You need
these protocols if you want to transfer compiled computer programs
(e.g., .COM and .EXE files). They are also used when transferring
compressed files, graphics and music files.
* Does it let you tailor it to your taste/needs? Some programs
let you attach batches of commands to function keys and keypress
combinations. For example, by having your computer call your
favorite online service by pressing the F1 key.
* Does it let you "scroll back" information having disappeared
out of your screen? This may be useful when you want to respond
while online to an electronic mail message. The sender's address
and name, which you need to respond, have scrolled off the screen.
If you cannot review the "lost" information, you may have to
disconnect and call back later to send your mail.
Connecting to the online service
--------------------------------
The first couple of times, most people think that it is very
difficult. Soon it becomes a simple routine.
On some computers, you just press a key, and that's it. On
others, you have to call and press, and watch, while things are
happening. Cheap is often a synonym for more work.
If you have a dumb modem connected to your personal computer,
these are the typical steps that you must take:
(1) Start your communications program and set it up, e.g., with
2400 bps, 8 bits word length, 1 stop bit, no parity. (This
is the most common setup.) Then set the program to "online."
(2) Call the number (e.g., +47 370 31378)
(3) When you hear the tone from the remote modem in the phone,
press DATA to get the modems to connect to each other
(i.e., to start to "handshake").
(4) A front panel indicator may tell you when the connection
has been set up. You can start transferring data.
With an MS-DOS computer, an automatic modem and a powerful program
preset for the job, the steps may be as follows:
(1) Start the program and display the telephone directory.
Select a service from the list by pressing a number.
(2) The modem will call automatically to the service. When
CONNECT has been established, your user identification and
password are sent at the prompts for such information. When
this is done, you are free to take control.
With an MS-DOS computer, TAPCIS, and an intelligent modem, you
start by selecting forums and services to access on CompuServe.
Enter 'o' to upload and download programs, or 'n' to have it fetch
new message headers and messages.
TAPCIS will dial the number, do the job, and tell you when it's
done. Meanwhile, you can go out to look at the moon, or sing a
song.
Getting started with Procomm
----------------------------
Procomm is cheap and probably the most commonly used communications
program for MS-DOS computers. It's been like this for many years,
though there are many better and cheaper alternatives.
An older version of the program (version 2.4.2) is still being
distributed through bulletin boards all over the world. You may
give copies of this version to anyone. The requirement is that you
pay a contribution of US$25 to the vendor if you like it and start
to use it.
Procomm is simple for novices, can automate the work for
advanced users and be run on almost any MS-DOS computer. Here is
some of the features:
Press ALT-F10 for a pull-down window text listing features and
commands. Press ALT+D to call a number, update the telephone
directory, or select a script file for autologon to a service.
Procomm can emulate (pretend to be) different terminal types,
like IBM 3101 and DEC VT-100/VT-52. Most services covered in this
book may be well served with the setting ANSI.BBS.
It let you use both dumb and intelligent Hayes-compatible
modems. If you have the latter, select numbers from the telephone
directory for autologon. If the number is busy, Procomm can call
back until you can get through.
You can define macros to automate your work. You can have one
keystroke send your user identification, another for your password,
and a third key to send a sequence of commands. Macros make your
communication faster and safer.
You can write script files to automate the online work further.
You can transfer text files and binary files using automatic error
detection/correction protocols, like XMODEM, YMODEM, Telink and
Kermit, at speeds from 300 to 19200 bps. Adding external protocols
like ZMODEM is relatively simple.
Appendix 3:
Online with the world
=====================
- Practical data communication
- Your first trip online
- Typical pitfalls and simple solutions
- Receiving (downloading) letters, text and programs
- Sending (uploading) letters, text and programs
Practical data communication
----------------------------
The first thing novices want to know is how to set up the modem
and computer for communication. This may take more time than
expected and often seems complex for the uninitiated. You can save
yourself much sweat and frustration by asking others for help.
To set up your equipment for communication is a one time job.
Once done, you can almost forget what you did and why.
There are so many different modems, computers and programs out
there. We just cannot give practical advice on the use of all of
them in one short appendix. Instead, we will use one example. Your
job is to "translate" the text into a terminology that fits your
tools.
Once your system is set up for communication, your first job
will be to find what keys to press to get the job done. How you use
your communications program may vary considerably from our example.
In general, however, it will be the same for most people doing
manual communication. Once online, the environment is the same for
all users.
If you plan to use automatic communications as explained in
chapter 16, this chapter may not be that important. Your program
will do the job for you. Still, take a few minutes and browse
through the text. It may enable you to handle unexpected problems
better.
Our example assumes that you have an MS-DOS computer. Not
because this is the best microcomputer in the world, but because
there are more of them than anything else. We assume that you
have an external, intelligent Hayes-compatible modem and the
communications program Procomm (version 2.4.2).
In this example, your modem is tested by calling my bulletin
board at +47 370 31378. Not because this is the best board in the
world, but because I have full control over how it looks and feels
for those using it.
Assembling the equipment
------------------------
You have the modem, the cable (to connect your modem with the
computer), a phone cable (to connect your modem with the phone or
the wall jack), and a communications program.
Check that the modem's power switch is off. Place the modem by
the computer, and plug the power supply cord (or the power adapter
cord) into the AC wall socket. Switch on the modem.
Do NOT use 115-volt equipment in 250-volt sockets!
Connect modem and computer using the modem cable. There may be
several optional sockets on the computer. These are usually marked
RS-232, COMMS, MODEM, or just nothing. The connector may be of a
flat 25-pins, 9 pins, or a round 8-pins type. Use communication
port number 1, 2, or whatever else is available for this purpose.
If you have several options, and the socket for communication
port number 1 seems free, use this. If not, try one of the others.
Next, connect the modem to the telephone line. If in luck, the
modem came with a phone cable that works with your setup. If so, it
is simple:
1. Disconnect the phone cable from the telephone. Insert the
modular plug into the right jack on the modem. This jack is often
marked with the word LINE, with a drawing of a modular wall jack,
or another understandable icon.
2. You may be able to connect the phone to the modem using the
phone cord that came with the modem. This may allow you to use the
phone for voice, when the line is not busy with communication. (You
may have to make changes in this cord to make it work with the
connected phone.)
This concludes the technical assembly of your equipment. Next
step is to install the communications program. When this is done,
we will check it out.
Installing the program
----------------------
Let us assume that you have received Procomm on a diskette, and
that it is set up with its default configuration. PROCOMM.EXE is
the program. The other files have no importance here.
Enter Procomm and press ENTER. Our first task is to prepare it
for communication:
If you are using a monochrome display, use the command
PROCOMM /B
The program will greet you by a welcome text. At the bottom of the
screen, the message "CREATING SYSTEM FILES" may appear (if these
have not been created yet), followed by a message from the creators
of the program.
Press ENTER when you have read the text. The screen will be
blanked, and a text line will appear at the bottom.
Now is the time to test if the technical installation has been
successful.
The dial tone
-------------
Lift the receiver from the phone and check if you can hear the dial
tone. If you can, turn the pages to "Does the computer have contact
with the modem?"
If you hear nothing, there are several possible causes:
* The phone is not working. This is easily checked. Disconnect
it from the modem, and connect it to the wall (using the original
cable!). If you get a dial tone now, then the phone is in order.
* The cable between the modem and the wall jack may be broken,
or wrongly configured. To check this, we must first check the
connection between the modem and the computer.
Once we know that the connection between the modem and the
computer is in order, we can use the modem to check our phone
cable.
* The cable between the modem and the phone may be in disorder.
For example, the modular phone connector may have a cabling that
differs from what is assumed in your country. If there is no dial
tone, then the cable between the modem and the telephone must be
repaired, or replaced.
Does your computer have contact with the modem?
-----------------------------------------------
When you first use Procomm, it is preset for communication at 300
bps, use of port 1 and ANSI-BBS. (The control line at the bottom of
your screen should read: ALT-F10 HELP, ANSI-BBS, HDX, 300 N81, LOG
CLOSED, PRT OFF, CR and CR.)
* If your modem is unable to communicate at 300 bps, you must
change the setup. Press ALT-P (keep the ALT key down while pressing
P) to get the menu LINE SETTINGS. Choice 9 gives 2400 bps with 8
bits word length, no parity and one stop bit. This is a common
setting. Select 24 "Save changes" to make the setting permanent.
* If you know that your modem is not connected to the
computer's port number 1, then change this from the same menu.
Choice 21 gives COM2, and choice 22 gives COM3.
If you don't know what communication port the modem has been
connected to, you have to find out by testing. Do this by entering
(i.e., sending to the modem) the characters AT. Now, the modem is
supposed to respond with an OK (or with the number "0," if the
modem is set to reply with numeric codes).
If you get an "OK" or a "0" on your display, continue reading
from "Does the modem have contact with the phone line?"
If you can see "AT" on your screen while you enter it, you have
contact with the modem. This is true even if it does not send any
confirmation. The modem may have been instructed not to confirm. If
you see the AT characters, read from "Does the modem have contact
with the phone line?"
If there is no contact between the modem and the computer, the
screen will remain blank at all times. Your problem may be the
cable, your choice of modem port, or the modem setup.
First, check if the modem is switched on (the power switch),
and that the plugs are firmly in the jacks.
Then let's check the modem. It may have been set not to respond
to your commands. Let's try to change that. Enter the following
command, and press ENTER:
ATQ0E1V1
This should make your modem: give result codes on your screen (Q0),
show the characters that you enter (E1), and use OK instead of the
numerical result code 0 (V1).
If you still get no OK, the reason may still be in the modem. I
have seen modems get "indigestion problems" when too many commands
are given to them.
Try give a command to return it to its factory setting. This
command is not the same on all Hayes-compatible modems. On most of
them, you can use one of the following: AT&F, ATF or ATZ (on some
modems ATZ is used to reset to the stored configuration). Locate
the correct command to use in the modem's user manual. Then, try
ATQ0E1V1 again.
If you are still without success, check your choice of modem
port. If there are several communication connectors at the back of
your computer, test these. If this doesn't help, connect the modem
cable to the most probable jack.
Now, test the communication port for a response from the modem
using another communications program setting. Press ALT-P, select
another port (choice 20 - 23), press ESC and try "AT" again (or
ATQ0E1V1). If there is still no reaction, test the computer's other
communications connectors.
If you have a mouse connected to your computers, make sure
that it is not using the same port as your communications
program.
Problems with the communications port are often caused by other
equipment. Remove all extra equipment (like a PC-fax card or a
mouse), and all associated software (often represented by a
line starting with "DRIVER=" in CONFIG.SYS, or a resident
program driving a mouse). Remove all resident programs from
memory before testing.
If you are still at the same unfortunate stage, chances are that
the problem is either in the cable or the modem. If you know others
who are into data communication, visit them for help. Bring your
cable and your modem to have them tested in an environment where
things work. It is easier to isolate a problem by testing your
units in sequence on your helper's system.
First, the cable. Connect it between his computer and his
modem. Test the connection to his modem with your cable as the only
foreign element. If the test is successful, your cable is OK.
Next, the modem. If the test is successful, your modem is in
order. The most probable cause of your problems is your computer's
communications port.
In communications, many parts have to work together. You may
have problems with more than one of them at the same time. The
rule is to test step by step to eliminate possible problems.
If you get no reply from your modem, when it is connected to your
friend's computer, chances are that it needs to be repaired. Call
the seller for help.
A last refuge is to buy an extra communications card for your
computer . . .
Does your modem have contact with the phone line?
-------------------------------------------------
You have contact between your computer and modem. The modem answers
"OK" as assumed. We now have to test if there is contact with the
phone line. That is easy.
Enter the following command and press ENTER:
ATQ0E1V1
When the modem answers OK, enter the dialing command:
ATDT37031378
The modem will try to call 37031378, the number to my BBS. (You may
have to prefix the number with an international code, and the
country code for Norway. If international calls require the prefix
009, enter ATDT009-47-37031378).
Your modem will wait for CONNECT a preset number of seconds
(rarely longer than 60 seconds).
If your modem does not detect the dial tone (within the preset
waiting time), it will give you the following error message
NO DIALTONE
All other messages (except ERROR) declare that the modem did detect
the dial tone. If it did, continue reading from "Configuring your
program."
NO DIALTONE
-----------
The most probable causes of NO DIALTONE are that your phone cable
is not connected, that it has been damaged, or that it is the wrong
cable for the job.
The latter cause is common in many countries. For example, a
cable made for a telephone network in the United States, may not
work in Norway. A cable made for connection to a switchboard, may
not work when connected to a domestic phone line.
A standard, domestic American phone cable contains four lines.
Two of these (line number 1 and 4) carry sounds. The others are not
being used. A standard Norwegian domestic cable is set up in the
same way, but here line number 1 and 3 carry sound.
Changing the configuration of such cables is often simple. Just
cut the cable in two, and put the lines together correctly. This is
typically required when your modem assumes that you use it in North
America, while you are in a country with different cabling.
Configuring your program
------------------------
The modem answers. The dial tone is being detected. Procomm is
installed on your hard disk. Now, check if the program has been
correctly configured.
Press ALT-S to get the Setup Menu. Select 1, Modem setup, from
this menu.
Choice 1, Modem init string, is a general setup command. This
command will be sent to the modem each time you start Procomm. You
are free to make is as long and powerful as you want. Our purpose
now, however, is to check if it works.
Most modems do not react if one element in your setup command
is wrong. They respond with ERROR (or the numeric code), and
disregard the rest.
Procomm's standard Modem init string has the following commands:
ATE0 S7=60 S11=55 V1 X1 S0=0!
These work well with most modems, provided the speed is legal.
Go back to the blank screen (using ESC). Test the init command
by entering it manually. (Do not enter the "!" character. This is
Procomm's code for ENTER.)
If the modem reacts with ERROR, check with the modem manual to
find out what is wrong. (Check if the values S7=60 and S11=55 are
not too high.)
If you have to change the init command, go back to the Modem
init string menu choice. Enter the correct commands. Remember to
add the "!" at the end.
Press ESC to get to the main configuration menu and select 2,
TERMINAL SETUP. Check if Terminal emulation is ANSI-BBS. Change
choice 2, Duplex, to FULL. The other factory settings are NONE, CR,
CR, DEST, BS, OFF, ON, 350, OFF.
Return to the SETUP MENU (press ESC). Press "s" to save the
setup to disk. Your setting has now been stored, and Procomm is
ready to be used.
Dialing
-------
Now, test your setup by calling your favorite online service. We
will show how to log on to my bulletin board.
You can call manually by entering ATDT followed by the phone
number. The most practical method, however, is to use the built-in
phone directory.
Press ALT-D to get to the phone directory. Press "R" to revise
the list, and enter Saltrod Horror Show somewhere on the list. I
have it as number 2. Answer the questions like this:
Name: Saltrod Horror Show
Number: 009-47-370-31378
Baud: 9600
Parity: N
Databits: 8
Stop Bits: 1
Echo On? N
Command file: (press ENTER, meaning that you don't want to
use a script file at this point)
Baud can be anything from 300 bps to 9600 bps. It's up to you, and
depends on your modem's capabilities.
When done, enter "2" and press ENTER. The modem will dial the
number (that you have as item 2 on the list), and try to connect.
If the number is busy, you will get a warning. You can now
leave Procomm (ALT+X), or set it for redialing (ALT+R). When set
for redialing, Procomm will call back until a connection has been
made. When CONNECT is received from your modem, Procomm announces
the fact with a beep in the computer's loudspeaker.
Text will start scrolling over your screen. First, a short
welcome text pops up. Your interactive dialog with the bulletin
board can start.
The first question is "What is your First Name?" Enter your
first name. Then, "What is your Last Name?" Enter your last name.
Your dialog with the remote computer will continue like this.
The board will ask you questions, and you will enter your answers.
What may go wrong?
------------------
A setting that works beautifully when calling one bulletin board,
may be a disaster when calling another service. Here are some
typical problems:
When dialing through a switchboard (PBX).
-----------------------------------------
Remember to add 9 or 0 for a city line, when dialing out from a
PBX. If you forget, you'll get nowhere.
Use the following command (assuming that you must enter 0 to
get a city line, and use tone signaling):
ATDT0W4737031378
If you must use 9 for a city line and pulse dialing, use the
following command
ATDP9W4737031378
Register your standard dialing command in Procomm's MODEM SETUP.
Enter ALT+S and then select 1, Modem Setup. Choice 2, Dialing
command. The default entry is ATDT. Replace this with ATDT0W,
ATDP9W or whatever makes dialing work for you.
No answer from the remote computer
----------------------------------
Your computer has to "talk the same language" as the remote host.
If the parameters of your communications program have been set
incorrectly, it may be impossible to set up a connection with the
service.
Sometimes, you get CONNECT, but your screen only gives you
strange, unintelligible 'noise' characters. The reason may be
CONNECT at an incompatible speed, a service's use of special codes
for displaying text (including special language characters), or
that the service requires use of a special communications program
or method (as when a service starts by interrogating for the use of
an offline reader).
Many online services require that you use certain settings.
Most services, however, may be reached when using the following:
Speed: 2400 bps
8 bits word length, no parity, one stop bit
Some services (notably some Unix hosts) demand 7 bits, even parity,
one stop bit.
Sorry, no luck!
---------------
Try again, just in case. The remote computer may have had a
temporary problem, when you called. The PTT may have given you a
particularly noisy telephone line on this attempt.
If this doesn't help, recheck each point in the communications
process. It is so easy to do something wrong.
If nothing helps, read the service's user information manuals.
Only rarely will you be able to blame the communications program
(unless you have made it yourself), or the equipment. Most errors
are caused by finger trouble and misunderstandings.
Testing the Saltrod Horror Show
-------------------------------
First time visitors often experience problems, and in particular if
this is their first time online using a Hayes-compatible modem.
Here are some typical problems with suggested solutions:
* Disable Guard Tones from the modem when dialing. If it has
this feature, you can often turn it off. Put the required command
in your Modem init string.
* Don't press ENTER to "wake" my system. The software will
automatically detect your speed and adjust accordingly. The same
applies for many services. On some, you're just asking for problems
by not waiting patiently (often the case when the remote software
starts by checking if you use an offline reader).
* My BBS accepts from 300 to 9600 bps asynchronous, full duplex
communication. You may not succeed with 1200 bps half duplex, Bell
300 bps or 1200 bps.
* Start with your communications program set for 8 bits word
length, no parity and one stop bit. Try 7 bits, even parity if
there is too much noise on the line (you cannot retrieve programs
using this setting, though).
* When your modem is set at a low transfer speed, it may not
wait long enough for carrier from my modem. Most modems let you
set this waiting time longer by giving a value to a S-register.
(Read in your modem's manual about how to do this).
Partial success
---------------
Some bulletin boards offer colors and music. If your equipment is
set up correctly, you can receive the welcome text in full color
graphics accompanied by a melody in your computer's speaker.
If it is not, chances are that you will get many strange codes
on your screen, and an ugly feeling that something is wrong.
There are two ways out of this problem:
1. Ask the bulletin board to send text only (select U for
Utilities, and then G for Graphics to change setting),
2. Set your computer for colors and graphics. This feature is
only available for callers with an MS-DOS computers. You may need
to add the line DEVICE=ANSI.SYS in your CONFIG.SYS.
Finally, you must have a communications program that allows you
to display colors on your screen. Procomm set with ANSI-BBS does
that.
Downloading programs
--------------------
We call the transfer of programs and files from a remote computer
for downloading. It means "transfer of data to your computer AND
storage of the data (down) on YOUR local disk."
You are downloading, when you call my board to retrieve a
program.
When you, overwhelmed by gratitude, send one of your favorite
programs TO my bulletin board, then we call it uploading.
Data can be many things. It may be news from Washington Post, a
digital picture, an executable program, a pile of invoices, a piece
of music, a voice file, an animated sequence of pictures and music,
or compressed library files.
Downloading "plain text" (also called "plain ASCII" or "DOS
text" on MS-DOS machines) is relatively easy. Such text usually
only contains characters between number 32 (space character) and
126 (the ~ character) in the ASCII table.
Characters with lower numbers have special functions (like the
control characters ESCape and CTRL+C). These may not even be
displayed on your screen. Characters with higher numbers are used
for graphics, special national characters, and other applications.
Special transfer methods are often required, when your data
contains text with characters outside ASCII number 32 through 126.
Read under "Protocol transfers" below for more information about
how to do this.
Downloading text
----------------
Most communication programs require that you begin by opening a
file. They ask you to enter a file name. From this point and
onwards all incoming text will be stored in this file until you say
stop.
Communication programs do this in different ways. Some let
incoming data flow through a temporary storage area using the
principle first in, first out. When you open a file, it starts
storing data from the beginning of the temporary storage area,
though this text may have scrolled off your screen some time ago.
Most communication programs start storing data from NOW.
Procomm works this way. You start downloading of text by pressing
the PgDn key. A window will appear on your screen giving you a
choice between various methods. Select ASCII.
In another window, you are asked to enter a file name. When
done, storage of incoming data starts. You stop the process by
pressing the ESC key.
Procomm has another method called "file logging." You start
this by pressing ALT-F1. Procomm requests the file name, and the
storage process starts. (Read under "Strip" about the difference
between these methods.)
If you forget to tell Procomm to store incoming data, then
you will most probably lose this data for ever.
Do not waste time and money by forgetting to store what you
receive!
The term "append"
-----------------
When downloading text - or anything - it is important to know
whether you are appending information to an existing file, or
overwriting it (i.e., destroying the old text).
Most communication programs complain with an audible signal,
when you try to overwrite an existing file. They will ask you if
you really want to delete it, or append the current data.
The term "strip"
----------------
The purpose of 'strip' is to remove something from incoming data or
to change it on the fly.
When you use ASCII downloading with Procomm, ALL incoming data
are being stored. This includes so-called ESCape sequences. If you
use File Logging, all control characters (except the line feed and
new page characters) are being removed (filtered).
If you download text from a computer that uses other ASCII
characters for linefeed and return, save time by having the
communications program convert them on the fly to their correct
form for your computer.
You define strip procedures through Procomm's SetUp menu (ALT-
S). You can also request automatic conversion of characters to
graphics values, or local language variants.
National characters
-------------------
Special national characters cause problems in many countries. One
reason is that they are represented by different internal codes on
various hardware platforms, and that some networks are unable to
transmit 8-bits data.
Some systems represent these special characters by a 7-bit
code, others by an 8-bit code. Some depend on the computer having
an internal national language ROM, or that it uses a special
(resident) conversion program.
What gives good results on an MS-DOS computer, may give rubbish
on a Macintosh, Amiga, Atari, or a PC using MS Windows.
Many communication programs have features that can help you
solve at least some these problems. They let you make translation
tables for automatic conversion of special incoming and outgoing
characters.
If you call a Scandinavian online service using 7 bits even
parity, many transfer the national special characters using the
ASCII code equivalents of number 91, 92, 93, 123, 124, and 125.
Similar, more or less formal standards are in place in other
countries.
Protocol transfers
------------------
If your purpose is to transfer digitized pictures, a computer
program, a batch of invoices, a piece of music or an animated
sequence of pictures, it's important that each character (bit)
arrives correctly. We achieve this by using protocol transfers.
These files often contain control or binary characters. You
cannot transfer binary files without the use of special methods.
It is easy to understand why we need protocol transfers when
retrieving plain text as tables of numbers, statistics, and
financial reports. Transfer errors may have fatal consequences.
Protocol transfers are also required when transferring word
processor text files having imbedded control codes (like text made
with WordPerfect), and compressed files.
Here is an example:
Downloading public domain software
----------------------------------
First, you need the names and features of the programs that can be
downloaded from a service. On most bulletin boards, you must enter
a command to navigate to the File Library. Here, they normally
greet you with a menu listing available commands.
Try H (for Help!) or ? when you are stuck.
Public domain and shareware programs are stored in subdirectories
on my bulletin board. The directories have numerical names. Utility
programs for MS-DOS computers are stored in directory 10. Games are
stored in directory 17.
Enter L for a list of available directories (other bulletin
boards may use different commands). Enter "L 17" to list the files
in directory 17. This will give file names, lengths in characters
(to help you estimate download time), creation dates, and a short
description of each file.
You can search for files of interest. When looking for programs
that can help you get more out of a printer, you may search using
keywords like "printer."
Some programs are made available in text form. This is the case
with older BASIC programs. (The file name extensions .BAS, .ASC or
.TXT suggest that the files contain plain text.) You can download
these files using ASCII.
Most programs are stored in their executable form, or as one
executable file among several in a compressed transfer file (a
library of files). On my board, most of these files have the file
name extension .EXE or .COM.
What transfer protocol to use, depends on what is available in
your communications program.
The protocol transfer method explained
--------------------------------------
The protocol transfer algorithms use methods to check the transfer
with automatic error correction. In principle, they work like this:
The sending program calculates a check sum based on the
contents of the file. The receiving program does the same
calculation and compares the result with the senders' check sum. If
the figures match, the transfer was successful. If not, all or part
of the file will be retransmitted.
These are some popular protocols:
XMODEM
------
has automatic error detection and correction. Most modern programs
have this feature. XMODEM exists in programs for MS-DOS computers,
CP/M computers, Apple, TRS-80 Model 100, etc. It is the most
commonly used transfer protocol.
XMODEM assumes 8-bit settings in your communications program.
The file to be sent is split up into 128 bit sized blocks (or
"packets") before transfer. The sender calculates the check sum and
adds a check sum bit at the end of each packet. (Packing, sending
and checking is done automatically by the software.)
The receiving program calculates its own check sum and compares
with the sender's. If an error is detected, XMODEM will request
retransmission of the last block.
XMODEM is reasonably good when there is little noise on the
telephone line is low. When the line is bad, however, there is
always a chance that the transfer will stop. You cannot use XMODEM
on computer networks that use ASCII flow control or ESCape codes.
The transfer commands must be given to both computers. You can
only transfer one file per command.
XMODEM's "packet size" (block length) is short. This has an
impact on transfer speed, and especially when downloading from
timesharing systems, packet switched networks, via satellites, and
when using buffered (error correcting) modems.
The control method (8-bit check sum) and unprotected
transactions give a low level of safety against errors in the
transmission. The transferred file may contain 127 bytes with noise
characters (at the end). The creation date of the file is lost in
the transfer.
These weaknesses have given us better methods. Here are some of
them:
XMODEM/CRC
----------
CRC is an abbreviation for Cyclical Redundancy Check. The method
guarantees 99.9969 percent free transfer. It still has the other
weaknesses of ordinary XMODEM transfers.
YMODEM Batch
------------
is faster than XMODEM and gives a high level of safety in the
transfers. When used with some programs, YMODEM can transfer the
files' creation time/date. You can transfer updated documents. This
will replace documents with an older creation date. Only one party
must enter the file name. YMODEM takes care of the rest.
Kermit
------
is used on many computer platforms, and especially where they use a
terminal emulation mode (like VT-100) which makes the use of XMODEM
impossible. Kermit is one of the few asynchronous error correction
protocols that functions well when exchanging files having half
duplex IBM front-end machines.
Kermit can transfer more than one file at the time.
Super-Kermit
------------
is also called Kermit with Sliding Windows. It can transfer many
packets before stopping to check the transfer. The protocol is
much faster than XMODEM.
ZMODEM
------
is currently the fastest transfer protocol for many applications.
All transactions are protected with a 16-bit or 32-bit CRC. ZMODEM
is immune against most error conditions that prevent traditional
protocols to achieve correct transfer.
ZMODEM transfers the creation date of the file and its exact
contents. The file name is read once, and all transfer commands may
be given by the sending program.
Decompression of files
----------------------
If a file has name extensions like ZIP, LZH, ARC, PAK, LQR, LBR,
ZOO, ARJ, or QQQ, you are facing a compressed file. We use such
files to achieve faster transfers.
Files having the extension .EXE or .COM may be compressed files
that have been converted into a self-extract format. To retrieve
the files from a self-extract compressed file, just enter the
file's name.
To decompress files that have not been made self-extract,
you need a utility program. These programs have many names and are
available through most bulletin boards.
Transfer problems
-----------------
Most transfer problems are caused by the communication programs
and their (lack of) features.
Some Procomm users have problems with the Kermit protocol. Tip:
use 8 bit world length and no parity in your program setup. 7 bits
and even parity does not always work (on version 2.4.2).
Uploading
---------
The transfer of data "the other way," i.e., from your disk to a
remote computer, requires that you start by making some decisions.
Is the file to be sent as plain ASCII? Should I compress it in a
distribution file to reduce transfer time, and make it easier to
handle for the recipient?
If you are transferring a text file containing special national
characters, then these may have to be converted to another format.
If your text contains blank lines (like blank lines between
paragraphs), you may have to insert a space character at the start
of all such lines. Some systems interpret a blank line as a signal
telling that transmission is done. The invisible space character
prevents this.
Some hosts have limitations on line length. They may require
that lines be shorter than 80 characters. If you send lines that
are too long, the result may be fatal.
Sending electronic mail
-----------------------
If you send your mail too fast, some online services tend to get
digestion problems. You must be very accurate with the format of
your message. It has to agree with the host machine's rules about
line length, and maximum number of lines per message.
Let's assume that you want to send the following message to an
electronic mailbox:
To: Datatid
cc: Anne-Tove Vestfossen
Sj: Merry Christmas!
Text: Thanks for the box with herring. The taste was
formidable. etc .. etc... etc...
Greetings, Odd
If this is all you have to say, doing it manually may be as fast as
doing it automatically. However, if the line containing "etc .. etc
.." is two full pages of text, you may feel differently. Then, the
best may be to upload a prewritten letter.
Many Procomm users prefer to split the job in two. They enter
the first four lines manually, and upload the body of the text
(when the remote computer is ready to receive).
Press PgUp to get a menu of various uploading protocols. Select
ASCII for transfer of plain text. Procomm will ask for the name of
the file, which contains your letter. Enter the name, and the file
will be sent.
Slow down with "pacing"
-----------------------
Sometimes, the PgUp method is just what you need. On other days,
strange things may stop you in the middle of your transfer. One
typical reason is that Procomm is sending it too fast for the
recipient.
"Pacing" is a method used to slow the speed of the transfer to
a level that the recipient can handle.
Procomm lets you set a tiny pause after each line sent. Another
technique is to ask the program to wait for a given character (a
"Go-character"), before allowing it to send the next line. For
example: the character ":" is often used in the prompts for the
next line on bulletin boards.
Protocol transfers may be easier
--------------------------------
You may find it easier to use a transfer protocol. With Procomm,
press the PgUp key, and the program will ask for a protocol. Select
Kermit or something else. The program will ask for a file name, you
enter it, and off it goes. You will have no problems with blank
lines, or lines that are too long.
At times, even this will fail. The most common reasons are:
* The recipient requires that Procomm be set for 8-bits word
length, no parity, 1 stop bit, when using this protocol, but you
have it set differently.
* You think that the recipient's version of YMODEM is the same
that you have. Wrong! Total failure.
Do the following to upload the file TEST.TXT to my bulletin
board using XMODEM:
1. Navigate to the file area. Tell SHS what you want by using
the following command:
u;test.txt;x
2. Press PgUp, select XMODEM, enter a file name (TEST.TXT), and
the transfer will start. (If you're too slow, SHS may be
tired of waiting for your commands . . .)
3. When the transfer is completed, my board will ask for a
short description of the file. Enter it, and you're done.
Enter G (for Goodbye), and disconnect.
Appendix 4:
Explanation of some frequently used terms
=========================================
We have included some terms that are commonly used in the online
world. For more information, get a copy of "FYI: Internet User's
Glossary." To get this file, send email to SERVICE@NIC.DDN.MIL with
the following command in the Subject of your mail: RFC 1392 .
Address
-------
The string of characters that you must give an electronic mail
program to direct a message to a particular person.
The term "Internet address" often refers to an assigned number,
which identifies a host on this network.
Anonymous FTP
-------------
The procedure of connecting to a remote computer, as an anonymous
or guest user, to transfer files back to your computer. See FTP for
more information.
ANON-FTP
--------
See Anonymous FTP.
ANSI
----
(1) ANSI is an organization that sets standards.
(2) 'ANSI graphics' (ref. the term ANSI-BBS) is a set of cursor
control codes that originated on the VT100 terminal. Many online
services use these codes to help improve the sending of characters
to communication programs. It uses the escape character, followed
by other characters, to move the cursor on the screen, change
color, and more.
Archie
------
An electronic directory service for locating information throughout
the Internet. You can use Archie to locate files on anonymous ftp
archive sites, other online directories and resource listings. It
is useful for finding free software.
Archie offers access to the "whatis" description database.
This database contains descriptions that include the name and a
brief synopsis of the large number of public domain software,
datasets and informational documents located on the Internet.
This book emphasizes email access to Archie. You can also reach
archie servers by telnet to one of the following addresses:
archie.au 139.130.4.6 (Australian server)
archie.mcgill.ca 132.206.44.21 (Canada)
archie.funet.fi 128.214.6.100 (Finland/Europe s.)
archie.th-darmstadt 130.83.128.111 (Germany)
archie.cs.huji.ac.il 132.65.6.15 (Israel server)
archie.kuis.kyoto-u.ac.jp 130.54.20.1 (Japan)
archie.sogang.ac.kr 163.239.1.11 (Korea)
archie.nz 130.195.9.4 (New Zealand)
archie.ncu.edu.tw 140.115.19.24 (Taiwan)
archie.doc.ic.ac.uk 146.169.11.3 (UK/England server)
archie.rutgers.edu 128.6.18.15 (U.S.A.)
Archie server
-------------
An email-based file transfer facility offered by some systems
connected to the Internet.
ASCII
-----
The American Standard Code for Information Interchange. A standard
seven-bit code created to achieve compatibility between various
types of data processing equipment. ASCII, pronounced "ask-key,"
is the common code for microcomputer equipment.
The Standard ASCII Character Set consists of 128 decimal
numbers ranging from zero through 127 assigned to letters, numbers,
punctuation marks, and the most common special characters.
The Extended ASCII Character Set also consists of 128 decimal
numbers and ranges from 128 through 255 representing additional
special, mathematical, graphic, and foreign characters.
ASCII download
--------------
Retrieval of plain ASCII text (without special codes). Normally, it
takes place without automatic error correction, but it is typically
managed by XON/XOFF flow control.
Asynchronous transfer
---------------------
Serial communication between two computers. When signals are sent
to a computer at irregular intervals, they are described as
asynchronous. Data is sent at irregular intervals by preceding each
character with a start bit and following it with a stop bit.
Asynchronous transmission allows a character to be sent at
random after the preceding character has been sent, without regard
to any timing device. Consequently, in case of line noise, the
modem can find out right away where the next byte should start.
Autodial
--------
When a modem dials a telephone number automatically. Autodial may
be started by the user entering the number manually, or the number
may be sent automatically by the communications program (for
example after having been selected from a phone register).
Baud
----
A unit of measurement that shows the number of discrete signal
elements, such as bits, that can be sent per second.
Bits per second (bps) is the number of binary digits sent in
one second. There is a difference between bps and baud rate, and
the two are often confused. For example, a device such as a modem
said to send at 2400 baud is not correct. It actually sends 2400
bits per second.
Both baud rate and bps refer to the rate at which the bits
within a single frame are sent. The gaps between the frames can be
of variable length. Accordingly, neither baud rate nor bps refer
accurately to the rate at which information is actually being
transferred.
BBS
---
Bulletin Board or Bulletin Board System. See Bulletin Board.
Bell
----
Standard frequencies used in older modems made in the United
States. The standard for 300 bps is called Bell 103. The standard
for 1200 bps full duplex is called Bell 212A. Modems using these
standards are normally unable to communicate with CCITT standard
modems at these speeds.
Big5
----
Coding scheme developed in Taiwan for using Chinese on computers.
There are different varieties of Big5 codes, the most common being
ET Big5 (the code used by the Taiwanese program ETen, pronounced
Yi3tian1) and HKU Big5 (the code used for programs developed at
Hong Kong University).
ET Big5 files must be read with the ETen operating system.
Binary
------
The base 2 number system in which only the digits 1 and 0 are used
is called the binary system. The binary system lets us express any
number, if we have enough bits, as a combination of 1's and 0's.
Also used to express conditions like on/off, true/false, yes/no.
Bits
----
Bit is an abbreviation for Binary digIT. Computer words and data
are made-up of bits, the smallest unit of information.
A bit can be either zero or one, represented in a circuit by an
off or on state, respectively. The bits are set on or off to store
data, or to form a code that in turn sends instructions to the
computer's central processing unit.
Bits per second (bps)
---------------------
Bits per second (bps) is the number of binary digits sent in one
second. It refers to the rate at which the bits within a single
frame are sent ('frame' is another term for 'packet'). The gaps
between frames can be of variable length. Accordingly, bps does
not refer to the rate at which information is actually being
transferred.
We usually estimate the amount of characters transferred per
second (cps) by dividing the number of bps by 10. Example: 2400 bps
transfers around 240 characters per second.
Boolean
-------
Search algorithm built on the algebraic theories of the English
mathematician George Booles. Boolean algorithms are used in online
databases to help narrow down the number of hits using the words
AND, OR, and NOT.
Bounce
------
The return of a piece of mail because of an error in its delivery.
Bps
---
Abbreviation for bits per second. See above.
Browse
------
To view and possibly edit a file of data on screen similar to
handling text in a word processing document.
Bulletin board
--------------
A computer, often a microcomputer, set up to receive calls and
work as an online service. The BBSes let users communicate with
each other through message bases, and exchange files. They and may
also offer other services (like news, data base searches, and
online shopping).
Carrier
-------
The tone that the modem sends over a phone line before any data is
sent on it. This tone has a fixed frequency and a fixed amplitude.
It is then modified to indicate data.
Character
---------
Here used about a letter, a number or another typographical symbol
or code.
CCITT
-----
The Consultative Committee for International Telephony and
Telegraphy. An international consultative committee, organized by
the United Nations. Membership includes Telephone, governmental
Post, and Telegraph Authorities, scientific and trade associations,
and private companies. CCITT is part of the International
Telecommunications Union, a United Nations treaty organization
based in Geneva, Switzerland.
CCITT sets international communications recommendations. These
are often adopted as standards. It also develops interface, modem,
and data network recommendations. The X.25 protocol for access to
packet-switched networks was originally a recommendation of CCITT.
A wide range of CCITT documents is available through The
Teledoc database of The International Telecommunication Union
(ITU):
* CCITT and CCIR administrative documents
* lists of contributions (substantive input/proposals)
to CCITT and CCIR study groups
* lists of CCITT reports and Recommendations
(i.e., standards)
* summaries of CCITT new or revised Recommendations
* CCITT and CCIR meeting schedules and other
information concerning Study Groups structures
and activities.
For information, write to shaw@itu.arcom.ch or bautista@itu.arcom.ch
The database is at teledoc@itu.arcom.ch .
COM port
--------
A COM port (or communication port) is a communications channel or
pathway over which data is transferred between remote computing
devices.
MS-DOS computers may have as many as four COM ports, COM1, COM2,
COM3, and COM4. These are serial ports most often used with a
modem to set up a communications channel over telephone lines. They
can also be used to send data to a serial printer, or to connect a
serial mouse.
Conference
----------
Also called SIG (Special Interest Group), Forum, RoundTable, Echo.
A conference is an area on a bulletin board or online service set
up as a mini board. Most conferences have separate message bases
and often also file libraries and bulletins. Conferences are
focused on topics, like politics, games, multimedia and product
support.
Connect time
------------
A term used for the hours, minutes, and seconds that a user is
connected to an online service. On several commercial services,
users have to pay for connect time.
CPS
---
Characters per second. See Bits per second.
Data
----
Information of any kind, including binary, decimal or hexadecimal
numbers, integer numbers, text strings, etc.
Database
--------
A database is a highly structured file (or set of files) that tries
to provide all the information assigned to a particular subject and
to allow programs to access only items they need.
Online services offer databases that users can search to find
full-text or bibliographic references to desired topics.
DCE/DTE
-------
Data Communications Equipment/Data Terminal Equipment. Equipment
connected to an RS232 connector must be either a DCE (like a modem
or a printer) or a DTE (computer or terminal). The term defines the
types of equipment that will "talk" and "listen."
Default
-------
When a value, parameter, attribute, or option is assigned by a
communications program, modem, or online system unless something
else is specified, it is called the default.
For example, communication programs often have prespecified
values for baud rate, bit size and parity that are used unless
alternative values are given. These prespecified values are called
the defaults.
Some services give users a choice between two or more options.
If a selection is not made by the user, then a selection is
automatically assigned, by default.
Discussion list
---------------
See Mailing list.
Domain Name System (DNS)
------------------------
Email addressing system used in networks such as Internet and
BITNET. The Internet DNS consists of a hierarchical sequence of
names, from the most specific to the most general (left to right),
separated by dots, for example nic.ddn.mil.
Doors
-----
A service offered by many bulletin boards to allow the user to
leave the (remote) main software system to use one or several
independent programs, like games and databases.
Downloading
-----------
The transfer of data from an online service and "down" to your
computers' disk.
DTR
---
Data Terminal Ready is a circuit which, when ON, tells the modem
that your computer is ready to communicate. Most modems are unable
to tell your computer that a connection has been set up with a
remote computer before this circuit has been switched off. If your
computer turns this signal OFF, while it is in a dialog with a
remote computer, the modem will normally disconnect.
Duplex
------
Describes how you see text entered by the keyboard. When the
setting is HALF DUPLEX, all characters entered on your computer for
transfer to an online service (or your modem) will be displayed. In
addition, you will normally receive an echo from the online service
(or modem). The result will often 'bbee lliikkee tthhiiss'.
When using the setting FULL DUPLEX, typed characters will not
be shown. What you see, are characters echoed back to you from the
online service and/or your modem.
ECHO
----
(1) When data is being sent, the receiving device often resends the
information back so the sending device can be sure it was received
correctly.
(2) Term used on FidoNet for this network's system of exchanging
conferences (parallel conferencing).
Email
-----
Abbreviation for Electronic Mail.
FAQ
---
"Frequently Asked Questions" about services on the Internet. A list
of FAQ documents is posted every four to six weeks to the Usenet
newsgroup news.announce.newusers.
File server
-----------
A file server is a device that "serves" files to everyone on a
network. It allows everyone on the network to get files in a single
place, on one computer. Typically, it is a combination computer,
data management software, and large capacity hard disk drive.
File transfer
-------------
The copying of a file from one computer to another over a computer
network.
Finger
------
A program on computers directly connected to the Internet that
returns information about a registered user on a system. Finger is
useful before initiating chats, known on the Internet as "talk."
Flame
-----
A "flame" is a conference message sent by someone who generally
disagrees so violently that they are willing to sink to personal
attacks. Flames can be extremely annoying, and can get the writer
banished from several conference networks.
Fractal
--------
A mathematical algorithm from which an image can be created. A
fractal formula generates a fractal picture composed of an image
based on a basic pattern. An outgrowth of chaos mathematics, it is
being used for compressing and decompressing high quality images.
Generally, a fractally compressed image has an extremely small file
size.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
----------------------------
A program on the Internet for sending and receiving files to and
from a remote computer to your local host. FTP lets you connect to
many remote computers, as an anonymous or guest user, to transfer
files back to your computer.
FTP only lets you list file directories on foreign systems, and
get or retrieve files. You cannot browse menus, send email, or
search databases.
Usually, type ftp at your system prompt, login on the remote
system, and ask for the file you want to receive. It transfers to
your local host machine. (For more on this, read under "Internet"
in appendix 1.)
Unless your computer is directly connected to the Internet, the
retrieved software will have to be transferred from your local host
machine to your PC.
Where ftp is not available, you may use FTPMAIL (see chapter
12).
Full duplex
-----------
The term full-duplex means the transmission of data in two
directions simultaneously as from a terminal to a computer or from
the computer to the terminal. Full-duplex is simultaneous two-way
communication.
Full-text database
------------------
A database containing the full text of an article, a chapter in a
book, or a book. The contents are not limited to abstracted
information (indexes, bibliographic information).
FYI
---
"For Your Information." On the Internet, a subseries of RFCs that
are not technical standards or descriptions of protocols.
Gateway
-------
Here, we use the term gateway about an interconnection between two
(or more) online services, set up to allow a user of one service to
use the other service's offerings through the first service's user
interface.
The term also has other meanings:
A gateway provides an interconnection between two networks with
different communications protocols. Gateways operate at the 4th
through 7th layer of the OSI model. For example, a PAD (a packet
assembler/disassembler) is a device used to interface non-X.25
devices to an X.25 network. The PAD serves as a gateway. Protocol
converters are gateways between networks.
The gateway, provided by an adapter card in a workstation,
enables the network to perform as if it were a mainframe terminal
connected directly to the mainframe.
Gopher
------
A world wide information service with many implementations. It
works from a top-level subject-oriented menu system that accesses
other information services across the Internet. Gopher combines a
finding and fetching capability in one tool.
Gopher gets information from certain locations on the Internet
to which it is connected, and brings the information to your
computer. It can also get information via other Gophers at other
locations connected to yet other hosts. The Telneting or file
transfer protocols are transparent to the user.
"Common Questions and Answers about the Internet Gopher" are
posted to the following Usenet newsgroups comp.infosystems.gopher,
comp.answers, and news.answers every two weeks.
The most recent version of this FAQ is also available by
anonymous ftp from rtfm.mit.edu in the /pub/usenet/news.answers
directory. The file is called gopher.faq.
To get it by email, write mail-server@rtfm.mit.edu with the
command "send usenet/news.answers/finding-sources" in the body of
the text.
GuoBiao
-------
Coding scheme for using Chinese on computers developed in mainland
China. For more information, send email to LISTSERV@UGA.BITNET with
one of the following commands in the text of your mail:
GET PC HELP (for PC users)
GET MAC HELP (Macintosh users)
GET CXTERM HELP (X Windows users)
Half duplex
-----------
The term half-duplex means the transmission of data in either
direction but only one direction at a time.
Ham
---
Amateur radio.
Handle
------
An alias used on a bulletin board or online service instead of your
real name. Often used in chats.
Header
------
(1) In an email message, the part that precedes the body of a
message and contains, among other things, the message originator,
date and time.
(2) On a packet switched network, the portion of a package,
preceding the actual data, containing source and destination
addresses, and error checking and other fields.
Host
----
A term for host computer, remote computer or online service. Here,
we use it about a timesharing computer, a BBS system, or a central
computer that controls a network and delivers online services.
Hytelnet
--------
(1) An Internet service offering access to many other services,
including university and library catalogues around the world.
Prefers VT-100 emulation. (telnet herald.usask.ca. Login: hytelnet)
The Hytelnet anonymous ftp archive is at ftp.usask.ca. Get the
README file in the /pub/hytelnet directory.
(2) A memory resident utility (MS-DOS) that provides instant
information on Internet-accessible library catalogues, Free-Nets,
Campus Wide Information Servers, Gophers, WAIS, and much more.
The program is available by ftp from access.usask.ca in the
/pub/hytelnet/pc/ directory. File name is hytelnxx.zip where xx is
the number of the latest version.
HYTEL-L@KENTVM.BITNET is a mailing list for announcements of new
versions.
Information utility
-------------------
A term often used about online services (not unlike the term power
utility).
Internet
--------
See appendix 1.
Internet number
---------------
See IP Address
IP (Internet Protocol)
----------------------
The Internet standard protocol that provides a common layer over
dissimilar networks, used to move packets between host computers
and through gateways if necessary.
For more information, send a message to service@nic.ddn.mil with
the following text in the subject title: RFC 791 .
IP Address
----------
Every machine on the Internet has a unique address, called its
Internet number or IP address. Usually, this address is represented
by four numbers joined by periods ('.'), like 129.133.10.10.
The first two or three pieces represent the network that the
system is on, called its subnet. For example, all of the computers
for Wesleyan University in the U.S.A. are in the subnet 129.133,
while the number in the previous paragraph represents a full
address to one of the university's computers.
IRC
---
Internet Relay Chat is a worldwide "party line" protocol that
allows one to converse with others in real time.
ISDN
----
An emerging technology being offered by many telephone carriers of
the world. ISDN combines voice and digital network services in a
single medium, making it possible to offer customers digital data
services as well as voice connections through a single "wire." The
standards that define ISDN are specified by CCITT.
ISO
---
The International Organization for Standardization. A voluntary,
nontreaty organization responsible for creating international
standards in many areas, including computers and communications.
Its members are the national standards organizations of the 89
member countries, including ANSI for the U.S.
ISO is coordinator of the main Internet networking standards
that are in use today.
ISO@NIC.DDN.MIL is a mailing list focusing on the ISO protocol
stack.
JIS
---
A Japanese industry standard code for presenting the Japanese
character set Kanji on computers. JIS defines special ranges of
user-defined characters. Only the most popular ones are included.
The newer Shift JIS standard sets aside certain character codes
to signal the start of a two-character sequence. Together, these
define a single Kanji metacharacter.
There are many oddities to be found in handling Kanji over the
network. Sending JIS-encoded messages through the Internet is done
using a 7-bit code (standardized on JUNET). Unfortunately, it
incorporates the ESC character, which some systems will filter out.
(This problem can be overcome by using UUENCODing.)
Some services, like APICNET in Tokyo, converts outgoing Kanji
messages automatically to 7-bit format.
JVArcServ
---------
Archive server for FidoNet modelled after Archie for the Internet.
It maintains file lists from FidoNet systems throughout its area
and will do searches on these file lists based on netmail requests
made to it by remote systems.
JVArcServ lets you search through file listings for the program
you are looking for. It will send you an email message back telling
you the BBS name, phone number, and file section of all the systems
in the network that match the given criteria.
KB
--
Kilobyte. A unit of data storage size which represents 1024
characters of information.
Kbits
-----
1,000 bits.
Kermit
------
Protocol designed for transferring files between microcomputers and
mainframe computers developed by Catchings at Columbia University.
There are both public domain, and copyrighted Kermit programs.
Some of these programs are complete programs in themselves offering
the communication functions needed for the particular machine on
which they are running.
The complete Kermit protocol manual and the source code for
various versions are available from:
Kermit Distribution, (212) 854-3703
Columbia University Center for Computing Activities
612 West 115 Street, New York, NY 10025
Knowbot
-------
Experimental directory services using intelligent computer programs
that automate the search and gathering of data from distributed
databases. The concept behind the Knowbot is that it is supposed to
be a Knowledge Robot -- something that goes hunting for information
on the Internet.
To reach a Knowbot: telnet CNRI.Reston.va.us port 70
LAN
---
Local Area Network. A data network intended to serve an area of
only a few square kilometers or less.
LAP-M
-----
Link Access Procedure for Modems is a CCITT standard for modem
modulation and error control. It is the primary basis for the CCITT
V.42 protocol.
Library
-------
is used on online services about a collection of related databases
(that you may search in) or files (that may be retrieved).
List
----
File-viewing program for MS-DOS computers (see chapter 14).
Registration: US$37 to Buerg Software, 139 White Oak Circle,
Petaluma, CA 94952, U.S.A. (1993).
LISTSERV
--------
An automated mailing list distribution system enabling online
discussions of technical and nontechnical issues conducted by
electronic mail throughout the Internet. The LISTSERV program was
originally designed for the BITNET/EARN networks.
Similar lists, often using the Unix readnews or rn facility,
are available on the Internet.
LOOKFOR
-------
Fast and flexible shareware program for boolean searches in text
files. Registration: US$15 plus postage to David L. Trafton, 6309
Stoneham Rd., Bethesda, Md. 20817, U.S.A.
Lurking
-------
No active participation by a subscriber to a mailing list, a
conference, or Usenet newsgroup. A person who is lurking is just
listening to the discussion.
MAILBASE
--------
A program functioning like a LISTSERV. For more information about
the Mailbase at Newcastle University (England), send email to
MAILBASE@MAILBASE.AC.UK containing the following commands:
send mailbase overview (for a general guide to Mailbase)
send mailbase userhelp (for a User Guide)
lists (for a list of available forums)
This mailbase managed 403 mailing lists in July 1993.
Mail Gateway
------------
A machine that connects to two or more electronic mail systems
(including dissimilar mail systems) and transfers messages among
them.
Mailing list
------------
A possibly moderated discussion group on the Internet, distributed
via email from a central computer maintaining the list of people
involved in the discussion. Anyone can send a message to a single
mailing list address. The message is "reflected" to everyone on the
list of addresses. The members of that list can respond, and the
responses are reflected, forming a discussion group.
(See LISTSERVers)
Mail path
---------
A series of machine names used to direct electronic mail from one
user to the other.
Mail server
-----------
A software program that distributes files or information in
response to requests sent by email.
MHS
---
(1) Message handling Service. Electronic mail software from Action
Technologies licensed by Novell for its Netware operating systems.
Provides message routing and store and forward capabilities. MHS
has gateways into PROFS, and X.400 message systems. It has been
augmented with a directory naming service and binary attachments.
(2) Message Handling System. The standard defined by CCITT as X.400
and by ISO as Message-Oriented Text Interchange Standard (MOTIS).
MHS is the X.400 family of services and protocols that provides the
functions for global email transfer among local mail systems.
MNP
---
Microcom Networking Protocol. A proprietary standard of error
control and data compression.
Modem
-----
An acronym for MOdulator-DEModulator. It is a device that converts
digital data from a computer or terminal into analog data that can
be sent over telephone lines. On the receiving end, it converts
the analog data back to digital data.
Most modern modems can handle the dialing and answering of a
telephone call and generate the speed of the data transmission,
measured in bits per second, or baud rates. The telephone industry
sometimes refers to a modem as a dataset.
Moderator
---------
A person, or a small group of people, who manage moderated mailing
lists and newsgroups. Moderators are responsible for deciding which
email submissions are passed on to list.
MUD
---
Multi-User Dungeon. A multi-user, text based, virtual reality game.
NAPLPS
------
North American Presentation-Level Protocol Syntax. A text and
graphics data transmission format for sending large amounts of
information between computers.
It was designed for the encoding of alphanumeric, alpha-mosaic,
alpha-geometric and alpha-photographic constructs. The standard is
resolution independent and device independent, and can easily
accommodate international character sets, bit-mapped images in
color, animation and sound.
NAPLPS was originally developed for videotext and teletext
systems through the Canadian Standards Association (CSA-T500-1983.
It was later enhanced by AT&T, and in 1983 became an ANSI standard
(ANSI-X3.110-1983).
Some videotext systems, including Prodigy (U.S.A.), are based
on NAPLPS. On CompuServe, NAPLPS has been replaced with a newer
protocol called GIF, Graphics Interchange Format.
Netfind
-------
Internet directory services that allow users to get information
about individuals. Search by name and organization/location.
For more information, send email to LISTSERV@brownvm.brown.edu
with the following text in the body of your mail "GET NETFIND
HELP".
Netiquette
----------
A pun on "etiquette" referring to proper behavior on a network.
Netnews
-------
See: Usenet.
Network
-------
A data communications system which interconnects computer systems
at various sites.
NIC
---
Network Information Center. An organization that provides users
with information about services provided by the Internet network.
NREN
----
The National Research and Education Network. A proposed computer
network to be built in the U.S.A.
NUA
---
Network User Address. The network address in a packet data network.
The electronic number that is sent to the network to connect to an
online service. Also, called X.121 address.
NUI
---
Network User Identification. The user name/password that you use to
get access to (and use) a commercial packet switched network.
Offline
-------
has the opposite meaning of "Online" (see below). It signifies
that your computer is not in direct communication with a remote
online service.
Offline Reader
--------------
A computer program making the handling of mail and files from
online services easier (and cheaper). Some also provides automatic
mail and file transfers.
Typically, you first connect to an online service (often a BBS)
to capture new mail in a compressed file (typically through a
"QMail door program.") Many offline mail reader programs are idle
while this goes on, while others can do communications as well.
When disconnected from the service, the offline reader works as
a combination message data base and message editor. It gives you
the feeling of still being connected to the online service, while
actually being completely disconnected.
When you have read and replied to all messages offline, the
offline reader creates a compressed "packet" containing any replies
entered. Some also let you prepare packets containing commands to
join or leave conferences, subscribe to or signoff from special
services, and download files.
Then, you dial back to the BBS to upload (send) the packet,
either using the offline reader's communications module, or another
communications program.
Readers are available for MS-DOS, MS-Windows, Macintosh, Amiga,
Atari ST, Unix, and CP/M computers. The programs may be downloaded
from many BBSes, and commercial services.
Online
------
In this book, it signifies the act of being in direct communication
with a remote computer's central processing unit.
An online database is a file of information that can be directly
accessed by the user.
OSI
---
Open System Interconnection. A set of protocols designed to be an
international standard method for connecting unlike computers and
networks.
OZCIS
-----
DOS-based program that automates access to CompuServe using an
elaborate array of menus. Free for personal use. Contact: Ozarks
West Software, 14150 Gleneagle Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80921,
U.S.A.
Packet
------
(1) A group of bits sent by a modem that comprise a byte of
information.
(2) A group of bytes sent by a file transfer protocol.
Packet data networks
--------------------
Also called Packet Switching Networks (PDN). Value added networks
offering long distance computer communications. They let users
access a remote computer, by dialing a local node, or access point.
The packet data networks use high speed digital links, which
can be land lines or satellite communications, to transmit data
from one computer to another using packets of data. They use
synchronous communications, usually with the X.25 protocol. The
routes are continually optimized, and successive packets of the
same message need not necessarily follow the same path.
Packet switching
----------------
Sending data in packets through a network to some remote location.
The data to be sent is subdivided into individual packets of data,
each having a unique identification and carrying its destination
address. This allows each packet to go by a different route. The
packet ID lets the data be reassembled in proper sequence.
PC
--
Personal computer.
PDN
---
See Packet data networks.
Postmaster
----------
On the Internet, the person responsible for handling electronic
mail problems, answering queries about users, and other related
work at a site.
Prompt
------
Several times during interactive dialogs with online services, the
flow of data stops while the host computer waits for commands from
the user. At this point, the service often presents the user with a
reminder, a cue, a prompt. These are some typical prompts:
?
!
WHAT NOW?
(Read) next letter -
ulrik 1>
System News - 5000>
Enter #, <H>elp, or <CR> to continue?
Action ==> (Inbox)
Command:
Enter command or <RETURN>
-->
Protocol
--------
A formal description of message formats and the rules two computers
must follow to exchange messages. Protocols can describe low-level
details of machine-to-machine interface (e.g., the order in which
bits and bytes are sent across the wire), or high-level exchanges
between allocation programs (e.g., the way in which two programs
transfer a file across the Internet).
ProYam
------
Powerful script-driven communications program. US$139 + $5 for
postage from Omen Technology Inc., 17505-V NW Sauvie Island Rd,
Portland, Oregon 97231, U.S.A. (VISA and Eurocard - 1992)
PSS
---
British Telecom's Packet Switch Stream, an X.25 packet data
network.
PTT
---
Postal Telegraph and Telephone. A telephone service provider, often
a monopoly, in a particular country.
QWK
---
Qwikmail. A common offline message file format for bulletin boards
offering mail through a QMail Door. The .QWK door and file format
has been used to develop entire BBS networks (example: ILINK.)
See "offline reader."
RFC
---
The Internet's Request for Comments document series. Working notes
of the Internet research and development community.
Script files
------------
A set of commands that enable a communications program to execute a
given set of tasks automatically (macro commands).
Server
------
A provider of resources (e.g., file servers and name servers).
SIG
---
Special Interest Group.
Snail mail
----------
A pejorative term referring to the national postal service in
different countries.
String search
-------------
A method for searching a database. Works like the search function
in a common word processor program.
On online services, your commands will often search the full
document (including the title, subtitles, keywords, and the full
text). Sometimes, string searches just return a line or a few lines
around the hit. In other cases, they return the full screen or the
full document.
Sysop
-----
Common name used on bulletin boards for System Operator. This is
the person in charge of maintenance and helping users.
System
------
Generic name for a computer with connected equipment or for an
online service or bulletin board.
Talk
----
A command on the Internet, which may remind of IRC, but is a single
link between two parties only.
TAPCIS
------
A program for automatic access to CompuServe. It lets callers read
and respond to personal email and forum message threads offline,
and download files. Contact: Support Group, Inc., Lake Technology
Park, McHenry, MD 21541, U.S.A. Also: TAPCIS Forum. Internet mail:
74020.10@compuserve.com. On CompuServe: 74020,10. Registration: US$
79.00.
TCP/IP
------
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. Set of
communications protocols that internetwork dissimilar systems
connected to the Internet. TCP/IP supports services such as remote
login (telnet), file transfer (FTP), and mail (SMTP).
Telnet
------
A program on the Internet that allows logins to another computer to
run software there. Telnet allows a user at one site to interact
with a remote system at another site as if the user's terminal was
connected directly to the remote computer.
With telnet, you can browse menus, read text files, use gopher
services, and search online databases. Sometimes, you can join
live, interactive games and chat with other callers. Usually, you
cannot download files or list file directories.
Telnet is not available to users who have email only access to
the Internet.
To telnet a remote computer, you must know its name. This can
either be in words, like "vm1.nodak.edu", or a numeric address,
like "134.129.111.1". Some services require that you connect to a
specific "port" on the remote system. Enter the port number, if
there is one, after the Internet address.
For a list of SPECIAL INTERNET CONNECTIONS, send email to
bbslist@aug3.augsburg.edu. You can also get it by ftp or gopher to
csd4.csd.uwm.edu, and through alt.internet.services on Usenet.
Terminal emulator
-----------------
A program that allows a computer to emulate a terminal. The
workstation appears as a given type of terminal to the remote host.
TRICKLE
-------
Servers on the Internet offering the SIMTEL20 shareware and public
domain files by email (uuencoded). These servers include:
TRICKLE@TREARN.BITNET (Turkey)
TRICKLE@BBRNSF11.BITNET (Belgium)
TRICKLE@TAUNIVM.BITNET (Israel)
TRICKLE@IMIPOLI.BITNET (Italy)
TRICKLE@DB0FUB11.BITNET (Germany)
TRICKLE@AWIWUW11.BITNET (Austria)
TRICKLE@UNALCOL.BITNET (Colombia)
For more information and a list of TRICKLE servers, send a message
to one of these addresses with the command "/HELP" in the body of
your text.
TTY
---
Abbreviation for TELETYPE, a special type of writing terminal
(electrical/mechanical). Also, known as 'dumb terminal'.
TTY mode
--------
This is when a communications program emulates a TTY machine, which
only involves printing characters and recognizing the linefeed,
carriage return and backspace characters.
Unix
----
An operating system that supports multi-user and multitasking
operations.
Uploading
---------
The act of transferring data from your computer's disk (up) to an
online service and storage there.
Usenet
------
A global bulletin board, of sorts, in which millions of people
exchange public information on every conceivable topic. For more
information, see appendix 1.
UUCP
----
See appendix 1.
Veronica
--------
A service on the Internet. Maintains an index of gopher items, and
provides keyword searches of those titles. The result of a search
is a set of gopher-type data items, which is returned to the user
as a gopher menu. The user can access any of these data items by
selecting from the returned menu.
WAIS (Wide Area Information Servers)
------------------------------------
A kind of indexed online search tool to locate items based on what
they contain - usually keyword text searches. It is a powerful tool
for concurrent searches of large databases and/or newsgroups on the
Internet.
Example: Telnet QUAKE.THINK.COM (or Telnet 192.31.181.1). Login
as "wais".
WAN
---
Wide Area Network.
The 'whatis' database
---------------------
Archie (see above) also permits access to the whatis description
database. It contains the names and brief synopses of over 3,500
public domain software packages, datasets and informational
documents located on the Internet.
Whois
-----
An Internet program that lets users query a database of people and
other Internet entities, such as domains, networks, and hosts, kept
at the NIC (see above).
For example, Whois lets you scan through a registry of
researchers in the network field to find an Internet address, if
you have only the last name or part of it. It will give you the
person's company name, address, phone number, and email address. It
had around 70,000 listings in December 1992.
To access the WHOIS, telnet to rs.internic.net. When greeted by
the host, type "WHOIS" and press RETURN. It also has a gopher
service (type "gopher" go access, instead of "wais").
WWW (World Wide Web)
--------------------
is much like Gopher in that it provides top level access down to
other services on the Internet. WWW uses a hypertext interface with
cross links between things. You can use highlighted words to jump
off onto another track.
WYSIWYG
-------
What You See is What You Get.
X.25
----
A CCITT standard communications protocol used internationally in
packet data networks. It provides error-checked communication
between packet data networks and their users or other networks.
Rather than sending a stream of bits like a modem, an X.25
router sends packets of data. There are different packet sizes and
types. Each packet contains data to be transmitted, information
about the packet's origin, destination, size, and its place in the
order of the packets sent. There are clear packets that perform
the equivalent of hanging-up the phone. There are reset, restart,
and diagnostic packets. On the receiving end, the packet
assembler/ disassembler (PAD) in the router translates the packets
back into a readable format.
X.400
-----
The CCITT and ISO standard for electronic mail.
X.500
-----
The CCITT and ISO standard for electronic directory services.
Appendix 5:
Books, articles, newsletters, etc. for further reading
======================================================
Internet
--------
"The Matrix: Computer Networks and Conferencing Systems
Worldwide," John S. Quarterman, Digital Press, Bedford, MA, 719
pages, 1990. (Internet address: mids@tic.com. Gopher service at
gopher.tic.com.)
"Matrix News," a newsletter about cross-network issues. Networks
frequently mentioned include USENET, UUCP, FidoNet, BITNET, the
Internet, and conferencing systems like the WELL and CompuServe.
Matrix News is about all computer networks worldwide that exchange
electronic mail.
Online subscription: US$25 for twelve monthly issues, or US$15
for students. Paper subscriptions: US$30 for twelve monthly
issues, or US$20 for students; for overseas postage, add US$10
(1992).
Contact: Matrix News, Building 2 Suite 300, 1120 South Capitol
of Texas Highway, Austin, TX 78746, U.S.A. Email: mids@tic.com .
"!%@:: A Directory of Electronic Mail Addressing and Networks," by
Donnalyn Frey and Rick Adams (O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., 632
Petaluma Avenue, Sebastopol, CA 95472, U.S.A.). 408 pages, US26.95.
Write to nuts@ora.com for ordering information.
"The User's Directory of Computer Networks" by Tracy L. LaQuey
(Ed.), University of Texas, Digital Press, 12 Crosby Drive,
Bedford, MA 01730, U.S.A. 630 pages, 1990.
"Zen and the Art of the Internet: A Beginner's Guide, Second
Edition" by Brendan P. Kehoe, Prentice-Hall Series in Innovative
Technology, 1993. 112 pages, ISBN 0-13-010778-6, US$22.00.
"The Whole Internet User's Guide and Catalog," by Ed Krol. 1992.
Published by O'Reilly and Associates, Inc., 103 Morris Street,
Suite A, Sebastopol, CA 95472, U.S.A.. 400 pages, US$24.95. ISBN 1-
56592-025-2. Email questions to nuts@ora.com or uunet!ora!nuts .
"A Guide to Electronic Mail Networks and Addressing," by Donnalyn
Frey and Rick Adams. 1989. O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., 103 Morris
Street, Suite A, Sebastopol, CA 95472, U.S.A. Email address:
nuts@ora.com .
"Managing UUCP and the Internet." Published by O'Reilly and
Associates, Inc., 103 Morris Street, Suite A, Sebastopol, CA 95472,
U.S.A. Email address: nuts@ora.com .
"The Internet Companion: A Beginner's Guide to Global Networking"
by Tracy LaQuey, with Jeanne C. Ryer. Addison-Wesley, 1992, $10.95,
p. 196, ISBN 0-201-62224-6. Order direct from Addison-Wesley
Publishing Co., Inc., 1 Jacob Way, Reading, MA 01867, U.S.A.
"Internet: Getting Started," April Marine, ed., SRI International,
Menlo Park, CA, May 1992. ISBN: none, US$39.
"The New User's Guide to the Internet" by Daniel P. Dern, McGraw-
Hill, New York, USA. 1993. ISBN 0-07-016510-6 (hc). ISBN 0-07-
16511-4 (pbk).
"An Internet Primer for Information Professionals: A Basic Guide to
Networking Technology," by Elizabeth S. Lane, and Craig A.
Summerhil, p. 200, Meckler Corp., Westport, CT, USA. US$37.50. ISBN
0-88736-831-X.
"Crossing the Internet Threshold," by Roy Tennant, John Ober, and
Anne G. Lipow, p. 134, Library Solutions Press, 1100 Industrial
Rd., Suite 9, San Carlos, CA 94070, U.S.A. 1993. ISBN: 1-882208-01-
3 . US$45.00 plus shipping and handling.
"The Internet Passport: NorthWestNet's Guide to Our World Online"
by Kochmer, Jonathan and NorthWestNet. 4th ed. 515p. Bellevue, WA,
USA: NorthWestNet, 1993. ISBN: 0-9635281-0-6. Price: US$39.95.
(US$19.95 nonprofit and educational). Fax: +1-206-562-4822.
"Internet: Mailing Lists 1993 Edition." Franklin F. Kuo, SRI
Internet Information Services. Published by PTR Prentice Hall, New
Jersey, USA. ISBN: 0-13-327941-3. Paperback, 356 pages.
"Internet Connections: A Librarian's Guide to Dial-Up Access and
Use" by Mary E. Engle, Marilyn Lutz, William W. Jones, Jr., and
Genevieve Engel. Library and Information Technology Association's
Monographs Series, #3, 1993. 166 pages. ISBN 0-8389-7677-0.
"Internet World magazine", Meckler Corporation, 11 Ferry Lane West,
Westport, CT 06880, U.S.A. (meckler@jvnc.net)
"The Internet Business Journal," 1-60 Springfield Road, Ottawa,
CANADA, K1M 1C7. Fax: +1-613-564-6641. Publisher: Michael
Strangelove <72302.3062@compuserve.com>.
"Netpower: Resource Guide to Online Computer Networks," by Eric
Persson, Fox Chapel Publishing, Box 7948, Lancaster, PA 17604-7948,
U.S.A. US$ 39.95. 1993. 800+ pages. Email: NetPower1@aol.com .
"Information Highways." Magazine. Annual subscription: $98.00CDN.
Information Highways, 162 Joicey Blvd., Toronto, Ontario, M5M 2V2,
Canada. Fax: +1-416-488-7078.
Bulletin Board systems and networks
-----------------------------------
BoardWatch Magazine, 7586 Weat Jewell Ave., Suite 200, Lakewood,
CO 80232, U.S.A. Email: jrickard@boardwatch.com .
CompuServe
----------
"CompuServe from A to Z," by Charles Bowen, Bantam Computer Books,
1991. US$24.95. Paperback, 520 pages.
GEnie
-----
"Glossbrenner's Master Guide to GEnie," Alfred Glossbrenner,
Osborne/McGraw-Hill, 1991, US$39.95, paperback, 616 pages.
Various
-------
"EcoLinking: Everyone's Guide to Online Environmental Information,"
by Don Rittner. Peachpit Press, 1992, US$18.95, paperback, 352
pages, appendices, index.
"Online Information Hunting," by Nahum Goldman, TAB Books, Inc.,
1992, US$19.95, paperback, 236 pages.
"SysLaw: The Legal Guide for Online Service Providers" by Lance
Rose, Esq., and Jonathan Wallace, Esq. Sold by PC Information
Group, 1126 East Broadway, Winona, MN 55987, U.S.A. US$34.95 plus
$3.00 shipping.
"The Information Broker's Handbook," by Sue Rugge and Alfred
Glossbrenner, Windcrest/McGraw-Hill.
"Dvorak's Guide to PC Telecommunications," John Dvorak and Nick Anis
(1992, 1128 pages, US$39.95). Second edition.
Articles
--------
The following articles are available by email from LISTSERV@UHUPVM1
(BITNET) or LISTSERV@UHUPVM1.UH.EDU (Internet). In the TEXT of your
message, write the GET command shown after the article's citation
below:
Bailey, Charles W., Jr. "Electronic Publishing on Networks: A
Selective Bibliography of Recent Works." The Public-Access
Computer Systems Review 3, no. 2 (1992): 13-20. GET BAILEY PRV3N2
F=MAIL.
Harnad, Stevan. "Post-Gutenberg Galaxy: The Fourth Revolution in
the Means of Production of Knowledge." The Public-Access Computer
Systems Review 2, no. 1 (1991): 39-53. GET HARNAD PRV2N1 F=MAIL.
Halbert, Martin. "Public-Access Computer Systems and the
Internet." The Public-Access Computer Systems Review 1, no. 2
(1990): 71-80. GET HALBERT PRV1N2 F=MAIL.
Arms, Caroline R. Review of Library Resources on the Internet:
Strategies for Selection and Use, by Laine Farley, ed. In The
Public-Access Computer Systems Review 3, no. 2 (1992): 29-34. GET
ARMS PRV3N2 F=MAIL.
Barron, Billy. Review of Zen and the Art of the Internet: A
Beginner's Guide to the Internet, by Brendan P. Kehoe. In The
Public-Access Computer Systems Review 3, no. 1 (1992): 57-59. GET
BARRON PRV3N1 F=MAIL.
Cook, Dave. Review of The User's Directory of Computer Networks,
by Tracy L. LaQuey, ed. In The Public-Access Computer Systems
Review 2, no. 1 (1991): 177-181. GET COOK PRV2N1 F=MAIL.
Appendix 6:
International Standard Top-level Country codes
==============================================
Top-level country codes derived from the International Standards
Organization's international standard ISO 3166, except United Kingdom
that should be called Great Britain (GB) instead of UK.
Domain Country Comments
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
AD Andorra
AE United Arab Emirates
AF Afghanistan
AG Antigua and Barbuda
AI Anguilla
AL Albania
AM Armenia Ex-USSR
AN Netherland Antilles
AO Angola
AQ Antarctica
AR Argentina
AS American Samoa
AT Austria
AU Australia
AW Aruba
AZ Azerbaidjan Ex-USSR
BA Bosnia-Herzegovina Ex-Yugoslavia
BB Barbados
BD Bangladesh
BE Belgium
BF Burkina Faso
BG Bulgaria
BH Bahrain
BI Burundi
BJ Benin
BM Bermuda
BN Brunei Darussalam
BO Bolivia
BR Brazil
BS Bahamas
BT Buthan
BV Bouvet Island
BW Botswana
BY Bielorussia Ex-USSR
BZ Belize
CA Canada
CC Cocos (Keeling) Isl.
CF Central African Rep.
CG Congo
CH Switzerland
CI Ivory Coast
CK Cook Islands
CL Chile
CM Cameroon
CN China
CO Colombia
CR Costa Rica
CS Czechoslovakia
CU Cuba
CV Cape Verde
CX Christmas Island
CY Cyprus
DE Germany
DJ Djibouti
DK Denmark
DM Dominica
DO Dominican Republic
DZ Algeria
EC Ecuador
EE Estonia Ex-USSR also via .su domain
EG Egypt
EH Western Sahara
ES Spain
ET Ethiopia
FI Finland
FJ Fiji
FK Falkland Isl.(Malvinas)
FM Micronesia
FO Faroe Islands
FR France
FX France (European Ter.) ???
GA Gabon
GB Great Britain (UK) X.400 address gateway
GD Grenada
GE Georgia Ex-USSR
GH Ghana
GI Gibraltar
GL Greenland
GP Guadeloupe (Fr.)
GQ Equatorial Guinea
GF Guyana (Fr.)
GM Gambia
GN Guinea
GR Greece
GT Guatemala
GU Guam (US)
GW Guinea Bissau
GY Guyana
HK Hong Kong
HM Heard & McDonald Isl.
HN Honduras
HR Croatia Ex-Yugoslavia via .yu
HT Haiti
HU Hungary
ID Indonesia
IE Ireland
IL Israel
IN India
IO British Indian O. Terr.
IQ Iraq
IR Iran
IS Iceland
IT Italy
JM Jamaica
JO Jordan
JP Japan
KE Kenya
KG Kirgistan Ex-USSR
KH Cambodia
KI Kiribati
KM Comoros
KN St.Kitts Nevis Anguilla
KP Korea (North)
KR Korea (South)
KW Kuwait
KY Cayman Islands
KZ Kazachstan Ex-USSR
LA Laos
LB Lebanon
LC Saint Lucia
LI Liechtenstein
LK Sri Lanka
LR Liberia
LS Lesotho
LT Lithuania Ex-USSR
LU Luxembourg
LV Latvia Ex-USSR
LY Libya
MA Morocco
MC Monaco
MD Moldavia Ex-USSR
MG Madagascar
MH Marshall Islands
ML Mali
MM Myanmar
MN Mongolia
MO Macau
MP Northern Mariana Isl.
MQ Martinique (Fr.)
MR Mauritania
MS Montserrat
MT Malta
MU Mauritius
MV Maldives
MW Malawi
MX Mexico
MY Malaysia
MZ Mozambique
NA Namibia
NC New Caledonia (Fr.)
NE Niger
NF Norfolk Island
NG Nigeria
NI Nicaragua
NL Netherlands
NO Norway
NP Nepal
NR Nauru
NT Neutral Zone
NU Niue
NZ New Zealand
OM Oman
PA Panama
PE Peru
PF Polynesia (Fr.)
PG Papua New Guinea
PH Philippines
PK Pakistan
PL Poland
PM St. Pierre & Miquelon
PN Pitcairn
PT Portugal
PR Puerto Rico (US)
PW Palau
PY Paraguay
QA Qatar
RE Reunion (Fr.) In .fr domain
RO Romania
RU Russian Federation Ex-USSR
RW Rwanda
SA Saudi Arabia
SB Solomon Islands
SC Seychelles
SD Sudan
SE Sweden
SG Singapore
SH St. Helena
SI Slovenia Ex-Yugoslavia also via .yu
SJ Svalbard & Jan Mayen Is
SL Sierra Leone
SM San Marino
SN Senegal
SO Somalia
SR Suriname
ST St. Tome and Principe
SU Soviet Union Still used.
SV El Salvador
SY Syria
SZ Swaziland
TC Turks & Caicos Islands
TD Chad
TF French Southern Terr.
TG Togo
TH Thailand
TJ Tadjikistan Ex-USSR
TK Tokelau
TM Turkmenistan Ex-USSR
TN Tunisia
TO Tonga
TP East Timor
TR Turkey
TT Trinidad & Tobago
TV Tuvalu
TW Taiwan
TZ Tanzania
UA Ukraine Ex-USSR via .su domain
UG Uganda
UK United Kingdom ISO 3166 code is GB
UM US Minor outlying Isl.
US United States
UY Uruguay
UZ Uzbekistan Ex-USSR
VA Vatican City State
VC St.Vincent & Grenadines
VE Venezuela
VG Virgin Islands (British)
VI Virgin Islands (US)
VN Vietnam
VU Vanuatu
WF Wallis & Futuna Islands
WS Samoa
YE Yemen
YU Yugoslavia
ZA South Africa
ZM Zambia
ZR Zaire
ZW Zimbabwe
Some other top level codes being used:
--------------------------------------
ARPA Old style Arpanet
COM Commercial
EDU Educational
GOV Government
INT International field used by Nato
MIL US Military
NATO Nato field being replaced by .int
NET Network
ORG Non-Profit Organization
The codes (domains) in this section are special in that some of
them are used in more than one country.
Appendix 7:
About the author
================
Odd de Presno (born 1944) lives in Arendal, a small town in Norway,
with his computers and modems. He has written twelve books. Half
these focus on various aspects of the Online World. The rest is
about practical applications of MS-DOS based personal computers.
Published in Norway and England. His book "The Online World" is
distributed globally as shareware.
Over 700 of his articles have been published in management and
technical magazines in Scandinavia, England, Japan, and the U.S.
Writer. International public speaker. Consultant. Operates an
English-language bulletin board system in Norway (since 1985).
Area of special expertise: applications of global sources of
online information, computer conferencing, global electronic mail,
automation of information retrieval, MS-DOS computer applications.
Founder and Project Director of KIDLINK, an international non-
profit organization promoting a global dialog among the youth of
the world. Since its start in 1990, KIDLINK has involved over ten
thousand kids in the 10 - 15 years range in over 50 countries.
Educational background includes a Diploma Degree in Business
Administration from Bedriftsoekonomisk Institutt (Norway).
He founded the software company Data Logic A/S (Norway) in 1967
and was president for five years. Sales manager Control Data Corp.
seven years (in charge of CYBERNET/Norway, an international online
service). Marketing manager IKO Software Service A/S, two years.
Currently running his own business.
Member of the Computer Press Association (U.S.A.) since 1983,
and NFF (Norway). Listed in Marquis' "Who's Who in the World" from
1991.
Appendix 8:
HOW TO REGISTER YOUR COPY OF THE ONLINE WORLD
=============================================
The online world is extremely dynamic. Services and offerings come and go.
Your registration will support further research, and production of updates.
You can register your current copy, or sign up for six updates of the book
during one year. Details are given below.
==============================================================================
Please send to:
Odd de Presno
4815 Saltrod
Norway (Europe)
Please add me as a supporter of the Online World book:
Name ______________________________________________________________
Company ______________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
City ________________________________State _______ Zip ____________
Country ________________________________
Email address ______________________________________________________
Please mark off your selections with (x) below:
Basic Registration for individuals
----------------------------------
( ) NOK 105.00 For payment by credit card.
(around US$ 15.00)
( ) US$ 20.00 For all other methods of payment.
(or, in Norwegian currency: NOK 140.00.)
Option (for Basic Registration)
-------------------------------
( ) US$ 2.00 Add to have a copy of the most recent version of the
book sent you on diskette. Only with registration!
(In Norway, NOK 10.00)
( ) 5.25" MS-DOS disk ( ) 3.5" disk 720KB MS-DOS
Registration with Six Updates for individuals
---------------------------------------------
Six updates of the manuscript will be sent you during the next 12 months.
( ) US$ 60.00 For all methods of payment.
Registration for businesses
---------------------------
All Corporate site licence options include six updates during the
next 12 months.
( ) US$ 500 Distribution for up to 100 people on a single network
( ) US$ 3.000 Distribution for up to 1000 people on a single network
( ) US$ 6.000 Distribution for up to 2500 people on a single network
( ) US$ 10.000 Distribution for up to 5000 people on a single network
( ) US$ 15.000 Distribution for up to 10000 people on a single network
( ) US$ 25.000 Distribution for over 10000 people on a single network
Discounts for schools and public libraries
------------------------------------------
Special rates are available for schools and public libraries. For details,
send a message to LISTSERV@vm1.nodak.edu (BITNET users can send it to
LISTSERV@NDSUVM1). In the text of the message, use the command:
GET TOW SCHOOLS
GET TOW LIBRARY
( ) Please identify what type of discount you are taking advantage of:
Ref: ______________
Description: ____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Amount ____________________ Date _______________
( ) Check or money order payable to Odd de Presno in U.S. funds enclosed
( ) SWIFT transfer to 6311.05.27189 (Kredittkassen 4800 Arendal, Norway)
( ) VISA ( ) MasterCard ( ) American Express
Credit card number __________________________________ Exp date _______
If you already have an evaluation copy of the book, where did you get it?
________________________________________________ Version number: ____
Comments or suggestions for improvement of The Online World __________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Date ___________________
Signature _________________________________
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