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%% BIX - Byte Information Exchange %%
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BIX is the premier online service for computing professionals and en-
thusiasts. While other online services cater to computer novices, BIX is
the place for knowledgeable people to go for answers to tough questions.
You're likely to find many others in similar situations who can offer
advice, give technical assistance, or point you in the right direction.
BIX is divided into areas called conferences, each devoted to a
particular area of interest. They range from algorithms to windows,
from writers to Amiga. Conferences are categorized into groups,
usually referred to as exchanges, so that you can browse through
whatever groups interest you and see a list of the conferences it
contains.
These are some of the exchanges on BIX:
amiga.exchange - the place for Amiga developers and enthusiasts
byte - the full text of each issue of BYTE magazine; source code too
e.and.l - Entertainment and Leisure; music, pets, games, more
ibm.exchange - everything from OS/2 to PC clones
mac.exchange - Mac news, support, software, advice
professionals - consultants, engineers, financiers gather here
programmers - some of the best brains in the business!
wix - the Information Exchange for Windows; Windows Magazine online
writers.ex - the professional and amateur writer's exchange
*** FULL INTERNET ACCESS! ***
BIX also features access to the Internet - you can use FTP to transfer
files from sites all over the world, telnet to log on to other online
services, schools, and research sites, and send Internet mail to millions
of people at services like DELPHI, CompuServe, America Online, MCI Mail,
and other sites and services. Services like "WHOIS" and "Finger" are
also available, with more features on the way (like USENET newsgroups;
our newsreader is currently being tested and should be available very
soon!) There are no usage fees or special charges for Internet access -
it's all part of your BIX subscription.
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Rates and Connect Information:
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BIX membership costs $13 per month, plus connect time. There are several
different ways to connect:
SprintNet* $3/hour evenings/weekends $9/hour weekdays
Tymnet:** $3/hour evenings/weekends $9/hour weekdays
(SprintNet and Tyment rates shown are for 48 contiguous US states only.)
Tymnet Canada: $4/hr eves/wkends $9/hour weekdays
Tymnet Hawaii: $10/hr eves/wkends $20/hour weekdays
Telnet(via Internet): $1/hour, round the clock
Direct dial (Boston): $2/hour, round the clock (up to 9600 bps)
* SprintNet daytime hours are from 6am to 7pm, M-F, ET.
** Tymnet daytime hours are from 7am to 6pm, M-F, ET.
To find your local SprintNet number, call SprintNet at (800) 877-5045,
ext. 5. Internationally, call (404) 859-7700.
To find a local Tymnet number, call Tymnet at (800) 937-2862.
Internationally, call (703) 442-0145.
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There is no surcharge for 9600 bps access via either telecom carrier.
There is no surcharge for up to 10mb of Internet mail per month (sent
and received). There will be a charge of $1 per 100,000 bytes
thereafter.
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20/20 PLAN OPTION (for USA-48 users only):
Volume users can choose the 20/20 Advantage Plan, which is $20 per month
and includes the first 20 hours of access by any combination of methods
from the contiguous United States. Additional use is $1.80 per hour
(additional use for telnet access is $1 an hour). The 20/20 Plan's cost is
in addition to the $13 monthly fee.
INTERNATIONAL USERS:
If you wish to connect internationally through Tymnet or SprintNet,
please contact your local PTT. BIX accepts prepaid international calls,
direct dial, or telnet connections. In order to make a "collect" (not
prepaid) call to BIX, your account must be verified before the charges
are accepted. When you complete the registration, we'll mail you a BIX
Membership Agreement by regular US Mail. Whe you receive it, sign it
and return it to us by mail. When we receive it here, we'll authorize
your account to make reverse charged calls.
If you want to access BIX right away, contact your local PTT to set up a
prepaid account. You'll pay your local carrier for your calls to BIX in
advance, so there's no waiting period or verfication needed. Or, connect
at BIX via telnet to x25.bix.com.
SprintNet international calls from most locations are $24 an hour.
Tymnet international charges vary, but are generally between $20-$30 an hour.
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Billing Information:
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You can charge your monthly BIX membership fees to your Visa,
Mastercard, Discover, or American Express card.
You may have your company invoiced for one or more BIX memberships with
a BIX Corporate Account. To do so, send by US Mail or fax a Purchase Order
including a Purchase Order number, invoice address, contact person, a
phone number where we can reach the contact person, and the company's
fax number. Please direct it to the attention of Connie Lopes, who
handles corporate accounts. Our fax number is 617-491-6642. Your
corporate account will generally be set up within 24 hours.
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To Sign Up For BIX:
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Dial by modem 1-800-695-4882 or 617-491-5410 *
(use 8 data bits, no parity, full duplex)
Press a few carriage returns until you see the Login:(enter "bix")
prompt, then type bix
At the Name? prompt, type bix.amrpt
* Users already on the internet can telnet to x25.bix.com instead.
At the USERNAME: prompt enter bix, then bix.net at the Name? prompt.
Once your account is registered, you can connect the same way, except
at the Name? prompt you'll enter your BIXname and then your password.
Using the above procedure will allow users in the 48 contiguous United
States to take advantage of our special "5 for $5" offer. This offer
lets you use up to 5 hours of evening/weekend time on BIX during the
current calender month (whatever month you sign up in), for $5.
Additional time is $1.80 per hour ($1 per hour for telnet). At the end
of the calender month, you will be placed into our standard rate plan,
at $13 monthly plus connect charges. You may also join the 20/20 Plan
at this time.
If you have other questions, please contact BIX Member Services
at (800) 695-4775; send a fax to BIX at (617) 491-6642; or send Internet
mail to info@bix.com.
BIX Member Services hours are 12pm - 11pm, Monday through Friday, ET.
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