RBBS in a Box Volume 1 #2/RBBS_vol1_no2.iso/090z/star_net.pub

Text File | 1987-01-03 | 4KB | 67 lines

              INVITATION to PREVIEW or to JOIN STAR-NET

STAR-NET is a not-for-profit scientific information exchange society
which operates exclusively by, for, and with personal computer tele-
communications.  This pioneering group differs from others in assets,
demographics, and goals.

   * astro, technology, management, and "general library" interests
   * mainly professionals with avocational pursuits & interests
   * a resource group for expertise and tools
   * huge library of public domain astronomy for personal computers
   * major astro databases by telecom & floppy disks
   * all major general public domain software libraries
   * prompt observational alerts of comets, novae, etc.
   * special interest message areas for inquiry & discussions
   * on-line prediction programs & astrophoto aids
   * instruments (telescopes, etc) under development for on-line access

Present assets include the world's largest public domain libraries of
astronomical and other personal computer software, and an outstanding
membership base.  Anyone may join:  individuals who share scientific
tools or pursuits, and are motivated enough to have made personal
investments like small computers are most attracted to STAR-NET.

The mission of STAR-NET is to provide high-quality resources of
several types to this community.  The goal of STAR-NET is an ongoing
development of a set of capabilities and tools which are widely
available through direct and indirect means.  Other organizations and
commercial services serve academic research functions and mass
distribution for popular consumption.  Direct access to STAR-NET is
by 24 hour modem phone lines, while indirect access ("people contact"
for user support & disk exchange) is provided through affiliated
organizations and occasional colloquia.  This approach manages time
and provides easy access.

The project which provides a context and direction for otherwise very
abstract goals is development of remote access to various
astronomical instruments and databases.  From these, graphic displays
and data analysis can be accomplished with the modest means of a
personal computer located anywhere and with the convenience of
telephone access.  This differs from most data center environments by
including primary data capture sources and by having requirements for
geographic decentralization.  The classic capabilities of archives,
message systems, and program execution are included as well, but are
scaled towards the workstation capabilities an individual would
choose.

STAR-NET origins date to 1976.  Continuous, 24 hour operation began
in 1982.  Membership during the initial, three year exploratory phase
of telecommunications operation was free to qualified applicants.  In
1985, membership was opened to all applicants on a dues basis to
provide fair elementary screening and financial support for operating
costs.  The formal, not-for-profit, public identity of STAR-NET as a
scientific group will be announced in late November, 1986.

Most STAR-NET users call long distance.  Calls from as far away as
Australia, England, and Hawaii are surprisingly frequent.  Some
donations for operations have been received.  Access via PC-PURSUIT
makes phone costs very economical to callers.  Preview level access
and membership information is open to all by modem:  [phone]
is a multi-line rotary.  The lines have 2400 baud, but PC-PURSUIT
(through Minneapolis) can only use 1200 baud at present.  You may
leave a private comment to the Director & Chief SysOp, Chuck Cole.