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- Electronic Bulletin Boards
-
- If you need quick information on microcomputers, highway construction, or
- even national weather trends, electronic bulletin boards may have the
- answers. Electronic bulletin boards can offer you low-cost, online access
- to unique information and resources not normally available through
- commercial database vendors. And what is more important, the information
- on electronic bulletin boards is often updated daily, providing you with
- the newest information not yet available in larger, conventional databases.
- Another advantage to electronic bulletin boards is their relative easy
- access. Where accessing conventional online databases may require special
- knowledge of computer languages, bulletin boards are frequently driven by
- simple, user-friendly menus.
-
- One of the nicer features of these bulletin boards which most online
- databases lack is that they often allow dialogue to take place between the
- user and the system operator (sysop), and even between different users.
- The Air Force's Small Computer Technical Center, for example, allows you to
- leave a message on the bulletin board outlining, say, a computer software
- problem you are having, and if the system operator or one of the other
- users can help, they can leave you a message, sometimes on the same day.
- While some bulletin boards require a subscription fee, many do not, which
- means you pay only for any long distance telephone charges.
-
- Listed below are a sampling of the principal bulletin boards available.
- Additional online systems are identified in the preceding section on
- federal government databases.
-
- * Agricultural Library Forum (ALF)
- National Agricultural Library (NAL)
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Data: 301-344-8510
- 10301 Baltimore Blvd. Data: 301-344-8511
- Beltsville, MD 20705 Voice: 301-344-1204
- ALF provides a convenient, low-cost tool for electronically accessing
- information about NAL products and services and for exchanging agricultural
- information and resources. ALF supports three types of communications: NAL
- bulletins, messaging and conferencing between users, and file transfers.
- 24 hours/day; 7 days/week.
-
- * Automated Data Service
- U.S. Naval Observatory
- Time Services Department
- Department of the Navy
- 34th & Massachusetts Ave., NW Data: 202-653-1079
- Washington, D.C. 20392-5100 Voice: 202-653-1522
- ADS is designed to provide a means for the exchange of information among
- members of the precise time community. The data available on ADS provide
- measurements of the offsets of various systems of precise time transfer
- from the U.S. Naval Observatory Master Clock and information about the
- operational status of these systems.
-
- * BXR Information Corner
- Internal Revenue Service
- U.S. Department of the Treasury
- Systems Services Branch Data: 703-756-6109
- Washington, D.C. 20224 Voice: 703-756-6280
- The main message base for this bulletin board concerns technical
- computer-related topics such as hardware, software, graphics,
- word-processing and computer security. There are 11 areas for users to
- discuss ways to enhance productivity. 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. Sysop:
- Marianne Crockford.
-
- * Climate Analysis Center Bulletin Board
- U.S. Department of Commerce
- National Weather Service
- 5200 Auth Road, Room 805 Data: Fee-based, call for details
- Washington, D.C. 20233 Voice: 301-763-4670
- This bulletin board provides weekly and monthly summaries of temperatures,
- precipitation, and other climatic conditions, primarily for agricultural
- and energy applications. Sysop: Vernon Patterson.
-
- * Detroit-Area Office of the Office of Personnel Management Bulletin Board
- Service
- Detroit Area Office
- Office of Personnel Management
- 477 Michigan Ave., Room 565 Data: 313-226-4423
- Detroit, MI 48226 Voice: 313-226-7520
- Federal job information for the 14 states in the Chicago region is
- available via this board. Listings include some qualifications and pay
- scale information, job applications, opportunities for college graduates,
- and other specialized topics. The board is used by libraries, college
- placement offices and other schools as well as by individuals. 24
- hours/day; 7 days/week. Sysop: Dave Nason.
-
- * Eximbank Bulletin Board Service
- Export-Import Bank of the United States
- 811 Vermont Ave., NW Data: 202-566-4699
- Washington, D.C. 20571 Voice: 202-566-4490
- The bulletin board offers descriptions of some of the bank's lending
- programs and the Foreign Credit Insurance Association's policies. It
- includes application forms, press releases, seminar schedules, a referral
- list of banks in the EIB programs and a EIB staff directory.
-
- * Fannie Mae Information Service
- Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae)
- 3900 Wisconsin Ave., NW
- Washington, D.C. 20016-2899 800-752-6440 (fee-based)
- The quasi-government agency Fannie Mae utilizes MORNET electronic bulletin
- boards to broadcast information and provide a message exchange network to
- meet the needs of the mortgage industry. Topics include pricing, regional
- office contact lists, news, analysis, legislative reports, debt information
- and updates to Fannie Mae guides. 7 days/week; 24 hours/day.
-
- * FCC Public Access Link (PAL Online)
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
- 1919 M. St., NW
- Washington, D.C. 20554 202-632-7581
- Manufacturers and importers who submit applications for equipment approval
- by the FCC can track the status of their applications with this bulletin
- board. Confidentially assigned code numbers limit access of each user to
- information on its own application. Limited Access.
-
- * FEBBS (Federal Highway Administration Remote Bulletin Board System)
- Federal Highway Administration
- U.S. Department of Transportation
- 400 7th St., SW Data: 202-366-3764
- Washington, DC 20590 Voice: 202-366-9022
- FEBBS provides information on FHWA topics including traffic, highways,
- construction, paving and other related subjects. 24 hours/day; 7
- days/week. Sysop: Carl Shea.
-
- * Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Electronic Bulletin Board
- Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Data: 202-371-9578
- Washington, D.C. 20429 Voice: 202-898-8966
- The FDIC Bulletin Board was established to provide a means for FDIC
- personnel to practice transferring files. The Board can be accessed by the
- general public and does not contain bank information. 24 hours/day; 7
- days/week. Sysop: Richard Campbell.
-
- * Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Issuance Posting System(CIPS)
- Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Data: 202-357-8997
- Washington, D.C. 20426 Voice: 202-357-5570
- CIPS provides the full text of the FERC daily issuances, press releases,
- the Commission agenda, and a daily listing of all filings made to the
- Commission. 23 hours/day (down 8 AM - 9 AM) Monday - Friday. Sysop: Sid
- Barinder.
-
- * FE TELENEWS
- Office of Fossil Energy
- U.S. Department of Energy Data: 202-586-6496
- Washington, D.C. 20585 Voice: 202-586-6503
- FE TELENEWS is a free online service for coal, oil, gas and petroleum
- reserves information, including news announcements, congressional
- testimony, fact sheets, speeches, federal research and development programs
- facts. A free user guide is available from TELENEWS Staff, FE-10, Room
- 4G-085 at the above address. 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.
-
- * Hay Locator Bulletin Board
- Rick Westerman
- Operations Manager AG Communication Network
- Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service
- Smith Hall, Room 105
- West Lafayette, IN 47907 317-494-8333
- This up-to-date, computerized listing of hay and straw for buyers and
- sellers across the nation can be searched by hay types, location, sellers,
- and buyers. Available free with 500, 1200, or 2400 baud connection. The
- system operates on a single user dial-up computer that provides access to
- the information and some of the programs available in the Indiana FACTS
- network. Extension newsletters, news stories from Purdue's Agricultural
- Communications Service and other sources are put on the system daily in
- preassigned groupings called "topics." Users can search for items of
- interest and then globally or selectively display items on their terminal
- screen or to a printing terminal. Subject areas include agricultural,
- agribusiness and home management. Intended users are any private citizens
- normally served by the extension. Users pay only for the phone call.
-
- * Information Resource Management Electronic Bulletin Board
- Information Resources Management Office
- General Accounting Office Data: 202-275-1050
- Washington, D.C. Voice: 202-275-5327
- This is a newsletter and message center bulletin board directed toward
- users of various information management programs, including word
- processing, spreadsheets, databases and communications. 24 hours/day, 7
- days/week. Sysop: Sheryl Gee.
-
- * Information Resources Service Center
- Information Resources Services Office Data: 202-535-7661 (1200 baud)
- General Services Administration Data: 202-786-9014 (2400 baud)
- Washington, D.C. 20405 Voice: 202-566-1683
- Nationwide users can access information on contracts awarded by General
- Services Administration --Information Resources Management Service by
- accessing this bulletin board. 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. Sysop: Chuck
- Massey.
-
- * Information Systems Engineering Bulletin Board Systems (ISE BBs)
- National Institute of Standards and Technology Data: 301-948-2048
- A257 Technology Building Data: 301-948-2059
- Gaithersburg, MD 20899 Voice: 301-975-3272
- The ISE BBS provides access to information on NIST National Computer
- Systems Laboratory and ISE program activities; summaries of standards
- reports; publications lists; and a listing of other bulletin board systems.
- Users can leave messages for each other and questions for the sysop. 24
- hours/day, 7 days/week.
-
- * National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Bulletin Board
- System
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Information Technology Center Data: 202-453-9008
- Washington, D.C. 20546 Voice: 202-453-9009
- NASA's wildcat bulletin board system was established to provide an
- information service for messaging and filing, to be used by both NASA
- employees and the general public. 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. Sysop: Nader
- Ghabadi, John Walker.
-
- * Naval Aviation News Computer Information (NANci)
- Department of the Navy
- The Pentagon Data: 202-475-1173
- Washington, D.C. 20350 Voice: 202-433-4407
- NANci provides a source of aviation news and historical facts for naval
- buffs. Messaging is available. Access is sometimes limited during working
- hours. 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. Sysop: Commander John A. Norton.
-
- * Navy Regional Data Automation Center Remote Bulletin Board System (NARDAC
- RBBS)
- Navy Regional Data Automation Center 804-445-1121
- Department of the Navy, VA 23511-6497Voice: 804-445-4157, (804)
- 445-1627
- NARDAC RBBS is designed to promote the dissemination and exchange of
- microcomputer-based public domain software for the Department of the Navy.
- Included are Navy applications, database management systems, word
- processing, communications, electronic spreadsheets, barcoding and system
- utilities. The latest information on the microcomputer contracts and
- conferences can be accessed.
-
- * NOAA FIDO (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
- Information Technology Center
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- U.S. Department of Commerce Data: 301-770-0069
- Washington, D.C. 20230 Voice: 301-443-8225
- Designed for non-technical purposes, NOAA FIDO provides for the exchange of
- information about office automation. NOAA employees and other users
- interested in PC's usually discuss ways to get the most out of their
- machines. The public will find NOAA FIDO helpful in that scientists use
- the board and will often answer questions. 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.
- Sysop: Tom Murphy.
-
- * Office Automation Bulletin Board (OMSD Bulletin Board)
- Bureau of the Census
- U.S. Department of Commerce Data: 301-763-4576
- Washington, D.C. 20233 Voice: 301-763-4950
- This system was designed to provide for an exchange of information between
- Bureau employees and other users of office automation. Members share ideas
- and experience about word processing, graphics, electronics and other
- utilities. 24 hours/day; 7 days/week. Sysop: Nevins Frankel.
-
- * Office of Program Planning and Evaluation Bulletin Board
- Office of Program Planning and Evaluation
- U.S. Department of Commerce Data: 202-377-1423
- Washington, D.C. 20230 Voice: 202-377-2949
- Designed as an internal communications mechanism for Commerce Department
- budget and planning officers, bulletins contain information on schedules,
- staff assignments, and related information. It is also used to transmit
- documents and spreadsheets to and from Bureaus outside the H.C. Hoover
- Building. The board is open and users may leave messages requesting help in
- identifying appropriate contact persons for Commerce Department matters.
- 24 hours/day; 7 days/week. Sysop: Patricia Spencer.
-
- * OPEnet
- U.S. Department of Education
- Office of Postsecondary Education
- OPEnet Coordinator
- c/o Dialcom Services
- 6120 Executive Blvd., Suite 150
- Rockville, MD 20852 301-770-4280
- The Office of Postsecondary Education network provides information exchange
- with financial aid services and administrators, institutions, and the U.S.
- Department of Education. Included are regulations, notices of proposed
- rulemaking, news bulletins, calendars, workshop and meeting notices, press
- releases, and messaging. Subscription required.
-
- * Personnel
- Bureau of the Census
- U.S. Department of Commerce Data: 301-763-4574
- Washington, D.C. 20233 Voice: 301-763-7448
- This service lists Bureau vacancies and describes the positions giving pay
- plan and other information. Users may leave a message with their name and
- phone number. 24 hours/day; 7 days/week. Sysop: Nevins Frankel.
-
- * Remote Bulletin Board System
- U.S. Department of Energy-Germantown Data: 301-353-4892
- Washington, D.C. 20545 Voice: 301-353-2500
- DOE RBBS offers information and public domain utility software for
- microcomputer users. RBBS allows users to look at bulletins and listings,
- download information, and post or read messages. 8:30 am to 5:00 pm,
- Monday-Friday.
-
- * Science Resources Studies Electronic Bulletin Board System
- National Science Foundation
- Division of Science Resources Studies Data: 202-634-1764
- Washington, D.C. 20550 Voice: 202-634-4250 (SRS Technical Service)
- The SRS Electronic Bulletin Board provides up-to-date statistical data and
- other information on financial and human resources related to science,
- engineering and technology. The board contains brief narrative reports on
- current studies and announcements. 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. Sysop: Jean
- Deans.
-
- * Small Computer Technical Center
- Department of the Air Force Data: 618-256-6510
- Scott Air Force Base, IL 62225 Voice: 618-256-4206
- This board provides an information exchange network for users of small
- computers. Discussions usually focus on how to enhance the productivity of
- computer hardware and software. There is no military information exchanged
- on the board. 24 hours/day; 7 days/week.
-
- * The Economic Bulletin Board
- U.S. Department of Commerce
- Office of Business Analysis and Economic Affairs Data: 202-377-3870
- Washington, D.C. 20230 Voice: 202-377-1986
- Users may tap in to the latest releases from the Bureau of Economic
- Analysis, Bureau of the Census, Bureau of Labor Statistics and other
- federal agencies. Included are GNP, CPI, employment, income, foreign trade
- data, studies and reports, listings of publications and data bases.
- Subscriptions and a limited free try-out service are both available. 24
- hours/day.
-
- * United States Information Agency Bulletin Service (USIA BBS)
- U.S. Information Agency Data: 202-376-2901
- Washington, D.C. 20547 Voice: 202-376-7778
- This is a specialized bulletin board service established to facilitate
- message traffic between USIA and its overseas posts, contractors and
- clients, and also for the exchange of information between broadcasters.
- The service is open to USIA employees, clients and contractors; the media;
- and other BBS operators. Sysop: Pat Pasco.
-
- * Veterans Administration Foreclosed Property Listing Remote Bulletin Board
- Veterans Administration
- Washington, D.C. 20420
- Regional Veterans Administration offices provide online listings of local
- property foreclosures via remote bulletin board systems. The participating
- regional offices are listed below. Except where specified, the bulletin
- boards operate evenings and weekends. The following number for each office
- is the remote computer bulletin board for property listings. LGO = Loan
- Guaranty Officer; PMC = Property Management Chief.
-
- Montgomery, AL
- Voice: 204-832-7193
- Data: 205-832-7202
-
- Anchorage, AK
- Voice: 907-271-4562
- Data: 907-271-2249
-
- Phoenix, AZ
- Voice: 602-241-2748
- Data: 602-241-2371
-
- N. Little Rock, AR
- Voice: 501-370-3758
- Data: 501-370-3881
-
- Denver, CO
- Voice: 303-980-2847
- Data: 303-980-2984
-
- Hartford, CT
- Voice: 203-244-2897
- Data: 203-240-3021
-
- St. Louis, MO
- Voice: 314-425-5144
- Data: 314-539-3145
-
- Fort Harrison, MT
- Voice: 406-442-6410
- Data: 406-442-7024
-
- Waco, TX
- Voice: 817-757-6869
- Data: 817-757-6308
-
- Salt Lake City, UT
- Voice: 801-588-598
- Data: 801-524-3550
-
- Manchester, NH
- Voice: 603-666-7656
- Data: 603-240-3021
-
- Newark, NJ
- Voice: 201-645-3607
- Data: 201-645-3953
-
- Los Angeles, CA
- Voice: 213-209-7838
- Data: 213-209-7920
-
- Washington, D.C.
- Voice: 202-275-0611
- Data: 202-275-5622
-
- St. Petersburg, FL
- Voice: 813-893-3404
- Data: 813-822-3821
-
- Atlanta, GA
- Voice: 404-881-3474
- Data: 404-347-7768
-
- Boise, ID
- Voice: 208-334-1910
- Data: 208-334-9696
-
- Chicago, IL
- Voice: 312-353-4068
- Data: 312-353-2382
-
- Louisville, KY
- Voice: 502-582-5866
- Data: 502-582-5134
-
- New Orleans, LA
- Voice: 504-589-6459
- Data: 504-589-3871
-
- Togue, ME
- Voice: 207-623-5434
- Data: 207-240-3021
-
- Baltimore, MD
- Voice: 301-962-4467
- Data: 301-962-7876
-
- Boston, MA
- Voice: 617-223-3052
- Data: 203-240-3021
-
- San Francisco, CA
- Voice: 415-974-0204
- Data: 415-974-9510
-
- Lincoln, NE
- Voice: 402-471-5031
- Data: 402-471-5034
-
- Indianapolis, IN
- Voice: 317-269-7827
- Data: 317-269-7527
-
- Des Moines, IA
- Voice: 515-284-4657
- Data: 515-284-4869
-
- Wichita, KS
- Voice: 316-269-6311
- Data: 316-269-6739
-
- Winston-Salem, NC
- Voice: 919-761-3494
- Data: 919-761-3585
-
- Cleveland, OH
- Voice: 216-522-3583
- Data: 216-522-7664
-
- Muskogee, OK
- Voice: 918-687-2161
- Data: 918-687-2556
-
- Detroit, MI
- Voice: 313-226-7561
- Data: 313-226-4227
-
- St. Paul, MN
- Voice: 612-725-4054
- Data: 612-725-3050
-
- Jackson, MS
- Voice: 601-965-4826
- Data: 601-965-4825
-
- Houston, TX
- Voice: 713-660-4154
- Data: 713-660-4140
-
- Albuquerque, NM
- Voice: 505-766-2214
- Data: 505-766-8335
-
- Buffalo, NY
- Voice: 716-846-5295
- Data: 716-846-4702
-
- New York, NY
- Voice: 212-620-6424
- Data: 203-240-3021
-
- Portland, OR
- Voice: 503-221-2481
- Data: 503-221-6884
-
- Philadelphia, PA
- Voice: 215-951-5509
- Data: 215-951-5514
-
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Voice: 412-644-6979
- Data: 412-644-4755
-
- Columbia, SC
- Voice: 803-765-5154
- Data: 803-765-5407
-
- Nashville, TN
- Voice: 615-251-5241
- Data: 615-736-2100
-
- San Juan, PR
- Voice: 809-766-5216
- Data: 809-766-3000
-
- Huntington, WV
- Voice: 304-529-5047
- Data: 304-529-5434
-
- Honolulu, HI
- Voice: 808-546-2160
- Data: 808-541-1476
-
- Downloaded From P-80 International Information Systems 304-744-2253
-