Floppyshop 2/Floppyshop - 2.zip/Floppyshop - 2.iso/diskmags/0022-3.564/dmg-0139/news.txt/st_pd.asc

Text File | 1997-04-16 | 6KB | 114 lines

--SitComm-May-1990--------------------------------------------------------------

      There are many sources of Public Domain software,  mostly it
      is  spread  through  the use of  Bulletin  Boards,  specific
      Public  Domain  disc  libraries and  swapping  software  with
      friends.  There  are advantages and disadvantages to choosing
      one particular method or another.

      Bulletin Boards

      The  software  on  Bulletin Boards tends to  vary  from  the
      excellent  to  very poor.  If you are lucky enough  to  have
      access  to usenet then you are in a position to obtain  some
      of  the latest software before it gets to the public  domain
      libraries  as many authors also have access to usenet  - such
      as  the excellent comms package Uniterm and the Double Click
      series  of software.  Unfortunately it seems that the use  of
      usenet  has  to  be paid for,  and if your only  reason  for
      subscribing  is  to get public domain  software  and  totally
      ignore  the varied and interesting messages then you are best
      to  avoid  it.  However saying this "Tharr"  Bulletin  Board
      (0234  261804  -  V21 to 22bis  -  24Hours)  does offer free
      access  to  usenet.  If you do call this  BB,  and  download
      software - please enter a few messages as well.
      There are other BBs that offer good downloads as  well,  but
      as a general rule, leave plenty of messages. Most SysOps get
      annoyed if all their effort in putting a BB up goes to waste
      in users who just wish to download software.
      However if the thought of a large phone bill deters you, and
      believe me large phone bills are very common - especially if
      all you download much software at slow speeds,  then you may
      need to turn to Disc Libraries.

      Public Domain Libraries

      Public   Domain  Libraries  differ  greatly  in  their  disc
      collection,  service and prices.  I think that,  to show  my
      point,  it may help if I compare a couple contributors to the
      Public Domain Library scene.

      SoftVille:  SoftVille  take their service very seriously and
      don't  offer  a home run service.  Their disk collection  is
      large and covers a range of different types of software.
      The Catalogue is well held together,  bound and a nice touch
      i  thought was the pages at the back which showed print outs
      of clip art - you can see exactly what you will buy.
      Their  prices are quite expensive - roughly   2.50  per disk,
      Single Sided and   4.00 disk double sided.  Members of  their
      club  get  reductions.  However,  I think that the price  is
      justified in that you receive a complete service, they offer
      a  lot  more  than just  Public  Domain  software  - Labels,
      Printer  paper,  blank disks,  commercial software and  even
      hardware.

      When  I  asked them why they thought that they  were  better
      than  other Public Domain Libraries,  the reply - we receive
      more  disks than other libraries,  400 orders each and  every
      day.  Well,  they certainly have a following - but does this
      mean that they are better?

      16/32:  16/32  is  a home run public  domain  library,  the
      owner, Nick Harlow, is known among several bulletin boards
      and  offers a good service.  They make it to every  computer
      show  that  is possible,  always willing to  help  out  with
      something that you may be having problems with.
      The  catalogue  isn't  that well presented a  few  photocopied
      sheets.  Although  this is understandable when you  look  at
      their  price list.  The cheapest price is 50p for  every disk
      (this  is if you supply the disk and are a member -   1.00 if
      you don't supply the disk),    1.50 for a disk if you are not
      a member. Very cheap i think you'll agree.
      They specialise in Demo's from a look at their list,  a  very
      good  collection.  Which not only covers product demos,  but
      amazing demos from crackers and demo makers,  some which are
      excellent but surprisingly rare. You will also find plenty of
      utilities and comms stuff.
      Whilst  it may not look as flashy as SoftVille,  if you  are
      prepared  to  have a good scrummage around i think  that  you
      will find plenty of interesting disks.
      Comparing these two libraries I came to the conclusion that
      in  all they differ for different  people.  SoftVille  deals
      with those who like a complete service - beginners,  but are
      prepared to pay for it.  16/32 on the other hand tends to be
      for  those  who know their public domain and like find  that
      rare  piece,   possibly  before  other  libraries,  and  are
      prepared to do quite a bit of the work themselves.
      I think you'll find that a lot of libraries are similar  in
      this,  and you would be well advised to keep up to date with
      all of them, then i think you'll find one which suits you.

      Friends

      Well not everyone is blessed with plenty of mates with ST's.
      One  way to gain them is to use BBs,  enter messages and you
      will find a whole load of people out there who are  prepared
      to swap software with you.
      Although,  it  is worth pointing out that in general  SysOps
      and  Library owners check for viruses,  friends tend not  to
      bother,  and  the more you swap software the greater  chance
      you have of getting a virus on a disk.

      Matthew Miles

      Details:

      SoftVille  -  Tel.  [phone].  Unit  5,  Stratfield Park,
      Elettra Ave, Waterlooville, Hants. PO7 7XN. England.

      16/32 - Tel.  [phone].  35 Northcote Road, Strood, Kent.
      ME2 2DH.