Global Computer Networks

Fees listed are merely for joining the network, not for the network software, or additional services such as EchoMail. Typically sysops wanting to pick up conferences pay the bill to call the system carrying the conference. In addition, hubs may require connecting systems to pay a share of their phone bill as well. 

WWIVNet
                                                            Free for Registered WWIV SysOps
                                                                                      
$20 for Non-Registered WWIV SysOps

WWIVNet is an association of over 1000 WWIV systems organized by Wayne Bell, the Network Coordinator and author of WWIV and WWIVNet. The network is split into groups of approximately 50 systems, each administered by a Group Coordinator. The Group Coordinator handles the administrative duties such as distributing the nodelist, and handing out network ID numbers. Within Groups, Area Coordinators coordinate systems within a given telephone area code. 

All WWIVNet systems must run the WWIVNet software. Most WWIVNet systems also use the WWIV BBS software, although a few use VBBS or other packages. Each node is assigned a 4 digit ID number by the Group or Area Coordinator, of which the first two digits are the first and last digit of the system’s telephone area code, and the last two digits are chosen by the Group or Area coordinator. The ID numbers are used to identify systems in netmail conferencing areas, which on WWIVnet are known as “subs.” 

WWIVNet systems set up their own links, deciding which subs carry and when to poll each other. Sysops are not required to carry an conferences, and if they want to, they can create their own Subs.  WWIVNet therefore offers flexibility similar to FidoNet. Currently there is no organized file distribution system.

WWIVNet maintains FidoNet/WWIVNet gateways. The gateway systems all have WWIVNet addresses in the 600’s. To send mail to someone on WWIVNet from FidoNet, you need to send a message to a gateway system (such as 1:105/25) and address the message to:

n<WWIVNET system #> u<User #> 
                                   or 
n<WWIVNet system #> <User Name>. 

For example, to reach User 684 at WWIVNet system 5054, send a message to:

 n5054 u684 

WWIVNet members may also be reached over the Internet. For example, to reach User 684 at WWIVNet system 5054 over the Internet, send a message to: 

n5054.u684@f25.n105.z1.fidonet.org. 

WWIV software, PO Box 720455, McAllenn, TX 78504-0455; BBS: (310)-208-6689, Support Systems: The Funny Farm, (704)554-1496. WWIVNet software is available for download as NETxx.ZIP where xx is the latest version number. In addition, a list of WWIVNet systems is available from any WWIVNet member system by typing //Net at the main menu. 

FirstClass Net
                                                     Free with FirstClass v2.0

FirstClassNet is a networking add-in for the FirstClass graphical user interface BBS software developed by SoftArc. FirstClassNet allows FirstClass 2.0 systems to exchange mail, conferences, and message routing information (known as histories). Since FirstClass messages can include varying text styles and colors, as well as enclosed pictures, sounds, and files, FirstClassNet supports these enhancements in transfer of messages between systems. These advanced features, in addition to improved ease-of-use, are FirstClassNet’s greatest advantages.

FirstClass supports an advanced protocol called FirstClass Protocol (FCP) which supports transfer of messages between systems, as well as communication between the client software and the BBS (server). Since FCP is an upper layer protocol, it is in principal compatible with several physical media (LocalTalk, serial lines, Ethernet, or Token Ring) and local area networking technologies (AppleTalk and TCP/IP).  

However, it should be noted that although the FirstClass Server v2.0 supports TCP/IP connections over MacTCP, the client software does not presently support such connections, at least as of v1.9. Therefore FirstClass Internet support could not be verified. 

FirstClassNet supports bi-directional file transfers, which in the case of balanced transfers means that it can be up to twice as fast as competing protocols such as FidoNet ZedZap or UUCP. This capability is what allows FirstClass users to upload and download at the same time in version 2.0. To establish a link between two systems, sysops fill out a short form asking half a dozen questions asking about system phone numbers, how they are to link (Appletalk or dialing), and when to call. 

FirstClass Net/USENET, FirstClass/Internet, and FirstClass Net/FidoNet gateways are in development by third parties. The FC/USENET and FC/Internet gateway, called Postal Union, is from Information Electronics, former vendor of QuickMail gateways (they gave up supporting QuickMail recently, and switched to FirstClass). Discounts are available for user groups, and a mail-only version is also available (Postal Union lite). An ftp gateway (outgoing only) is also supposedly in the works.  

SoftArc Inc., 805 Middlefield Rd. Suite 102, Scarborough, Ontario MIV 2T9 Canada, (416)299-4723, Fax: (416)754-1856, BBS: (416)609-2250, email: SoftArc@aol.com. 

Intelec
                                                                       Free

The Intelec Network includes over 300 systems relaying messages via QWK and PC-Relay technology. Files conference are not supported. The network is based on a four-level hub system in which the Net Host BBS is at the root, with Regional Hubs, Hubs, and Nodes at successively lower levels of the tree. Systems connect to their hosts,  open the appropriate door (either QWK or PC-Relay) and transfer messages. 

Intelec offers excellent technical support conferences, with Microsoft and vendors of shareware products such as  QEDIT and COMMO participating. Discussions display remarkable intelligence and self-restraint.   

A short newsletter is distributed every month (In Basket), along with a number of supplementary files including a nodelist, conference list, application form, and policy statement. The In Basket newsletter is available on many systems as IN-yymm.ZIP, where yy is the year and mm is the month. For example, IN-9204.ZIP is the newsletter for April 1992.

Cliff Watkins, Network Administrator, Intelec, (516)-867-4448; alternatively, you can contact one of the Regional Hubs such as Lobster Buoy (207-941-0805, QWK format) or Network XXIII (805-962-0122, PC-Relay Format).

RBBS-Net
                                                             Free

The RBBS-PC Network (known as RBBS-Net) was founded in 1989 as a way for RBBS-PC systems to exchange messages. It has since grown to over 500 systems. RBBS-Net utilizes FidoNet networking technology, and as a result its administration is similar to FidoNet’s, with local “nets” and member “nodes”. RBBS-Net systems use Zone 8 to prevent their node numbers from conflicting with established FidoNet zones.   

Although RBBS-PC is by far the most popular BBS software used in RBBS-Net, RBBS-Net systems do not need to run RBBS. RBBS-Net has echomail and netmail gateways to FidoNet, giving RBBS-Net systems access to all the FidoNet echomail conferences. To reach an RBBS-Net system from FidoNet, send a netmail message to the local FidoNet/RBBS-Net gateway (such as 1:10/8). Address the message to:

<user> @ <RBBS-Net address>

For example, to send a message to Kelly Schwarzhoff at 8:914/201, send a netmail message to 1:10/8, addressed to:

Kelly Schwarzhoff @ 914/201 

Of course, Fidonet systems can also compile the RBBS nodelist and send mail directly to RBBS-Net systems. In addition, RBBS-Net has Smartnet, Internet, and Alternet gateways. 

Rod Bowman, RBBS-Net Network Coordinator, BBS:  (714)381-6013, FidoNet 1:10/8, or contact, Don Smith, Membership Services, at (419)-448-1452. For more info, you can file request RBBS-NET from 1:10/8. A nodelist is updated, distributed, and available weekly from many RBBS systems as RBBSLIST or RBBSLIST.ARC.

Eggnet
                                                                       Free

Eggnet is a FidoNet technology-based network of over 300 systems. The major difference between Eggnet and FidoNet is that Eggnet fancies itself a democracy. Any changes in policy or leadership require a vote, with a majority carrying the issue. Eggnet offers it’s own conferences (known as eggomail) and maintains gateways with other networks such as FidoNet. 

Steve Kruzich, Eggnet Network Coordinator, BBS: (901)367-0837, FidoNet 1:123/69. For more info, file request EGGPOL2.ZIP from 1:123/17, or contact Hays Turner, FidoNet/Eggnet  gateway operator, at (901)324-2024.

Smartnet                                                                 
Free

Smartnet is a QWK-packet based network run to provide product support. Smartnet contains over 250 systems and a wide range of conferences including product support areas maintained by Quarterdeck, Hayes, and Practical Peripherals. Smartnet is heavily oriented toward PC users and only a few Macintosh-oriented conferences are available. 

Smartnet, Paul Waldinger, BBS (516)-536-8723, voice (516)-764-5328, or one of the Regional hubs such as Toad Hall (415-595-2427)