The Fidonet Gateway for FirstClass makes it possible for FirstClass BBS systems to participate in Fidonet, a worldwide public amateur network of personal computers. Over 10,000 BBSs participate in this network. The Fidonet Gateway for FirstClass lets FirstClass systems send and receive Fidonet EchoMail conferences and private NetMail.
What You’ll Need
In order to set up and run the Fidonet Gateway, you’ll need the following:
• FirstClass Server software, version 2.0 or later, with the Gateway option installed. You’ll also need all the applications and forms files that accompany FirstClass, especially FirstClass Client version 2.0 or later and an Admin forms file. If you don’t have the proper software version or Gateway option, contact SoftArc at 416-299-4723 (voice) or 416-609-2250 (FirstClass BBS).
• Tabby software by Michael Connick. Tabby is currently the only complete Fidonet compatible mailer software package for the Macintosh. It is available from M.E.Connick & Company, P.O. Box 307, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720 at a cost of $80. Please be aware that another software product called Formula 1 by Massimo Senna can be used to replace part of the Tabby package (the TabbyNet module). Formula 1, however, does not include all the modules required to communicate with Fidonet.
• Fidonet Gateway software by Michael Connick (this package). This package is distributed as freeware. You’ll find more on what this package contains later in this document.
• A Macintosh running System 6.x or later. If running System 6, MultiFinder must be enabled. In addition, if running System 6, you’ll need a macro utility like QuicKeys to automatically launch mail events. We’ll discuss the special needs of System 6 users later in this document.
• ResEdit or another resource editor to edit LaunchNGo.
• A copy of the most recent Fidonet NodeList.
• Recommended: a Tabby Event utility like Pete Johnson's excellent Gliders. See the Additional Notes and Tips chapter for information on how and why you should use this program.
