¢NETWORK, TO THE WORLD¢¢By Joseph E. Hicswa, President JACG, member Ol' Hackers A.U.G.¢¢Reprinted with thanks from Ol' Hackers Newsletter, Nov/Dec 1995.¢¢¢ A new entrant into ATARIWORLD wanted to learn, and asked me, "WHAT IS NETWORKING?". To answer that question, I, as president of Jersey Atari Computer Group had recently received a disk with a textfile in it. The sender of that disk is unknown. The file was the copy of an article from June 1991 Jersey Atari Computer Group newsletter written by Stan Lowell, SYSOP--Blank Page BBS (Bulletin Board Service). After studying that article I wrote the following:¢¢ A network can be described as a spider web or grid of lines connecting two or more points. A BBS is somewhat like a point in that web or grid. A BBS allows computer operators with a modem to upload (send) and download (receive) messages.¢¢ A modem is the instrument that permits two computers to communicate via telephone lines. BBS networks receive messages from local computer operators. The BBS then passes that message along to one or more BBS systems who in turn post it for the benefit of their local computer users. If there is a response to the message by another computer user, it is put into their local BBS which then networks (passes it along) to the original BBS.¢¢ Writers of original messages check their local BBS for responses as well as other messages on their Board, and in this way make new friends and gain knowledge on how to get the most from their ATARI. Questions are usually answered within a day or two, and there is usually more than one answer. This can be exciting when messages and responses flash back and forth from many points.¢¢ There is E-mail and F-mail messages. E-mail is like Letters to Newspaper editors and may be read by the general public. F-mail, however, is more like Post Office mail. It is received and read specifically by the addressee. There are also General-information menus. It's like sections of a newspaper: local, state, national & world news; business news, sports, cooking section, comics, advice colums, etc. Whatever the BBS SYSOP finds to be of interest to users.¢¢ The menus are also like the reference section of a library. When you need information, it's right there in the menu. Should you have a problem finding something, there is always someone on the Board, usually the SYSOP, (like the reference librarian) who can direct you to the proper location.¢¢ Operators may have visual computer typed messages (as long as the operator wants, and without interruption) as opposed to voice-phone.¢¢ Anyone who reads this but does not have a modem should consider getting one and LEARN to use it. Check computer clubs and magazines for lists of BBS's in your area. Explore and view the world on your monitor via BBS-telephone lines at electronic speed without having to leave your home.¢¢ Not all BBS's are networked. Usually members on that BB know of others that are networked. Once logged-on (connected) to a networked BBS, it is possible to send messages or make inquiries about friends and family around the country--even throughout the world.¢¢For example: Does anyone know Bill Hicswa of Oceanside, California who is president of a radio-controlled, gas-model airplane club?¢¢ Hope you enjoyed my article? Hope you write something for me to enjoy.¢
