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THE JOY OF MODEMS
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Using a computer for telecommunications is perhaps the most
addictive and powerful reason for using a computer in the first
place.
The productivity payoff is the ability to use an ordinary
telephone line to accomplish a variety of tasks quickly and
effectively from your keyboard. Modem communications allows you
to converse with other computer enthusiasts; research databases
of demographic, medical or strategic markeing data; send faxes;
read the news of the day; purchase airline tickets; obtain
shareware software; play games; obtain a university degree; scan
a weather report; order merchandise; trade stocks; consult a
continuously updated encylopedia; locate a restuarant or hotel
in a foreign country; send flowers to your mother. You can do
all of this without leaving the comfort of your computer
keyboard. Let's examine the pieces of the puzzle.
First a short tour of the hardware and software required for
modem telecommunications followed by a detailed listing of
online services which can open the door to a world of business,
hobby and technical information.
Computer telecommunications, simply stated, is the process of
hooking one or more computers together via a telephone line to
exchange information, transmit and receive software programs or
carry on a live conversation. Your computer will need a device
called a MODEM which allows data to be converted into a special
signal which can be transmitted over phone lines to another
computer.
Two types of modems exist: internal and external. External
modems are slightly more expensive than internal modems and are
housed in an external box or enclosure. External modems require
a socket on the computer or port - usually the serial port on the
back of your computer. The serial port is also called a COM
port, COM for communications.
Most PC's arrive with a serial port, a few must have it installed.
If you are already using the serial port for something else
(e.g., mouse or pointing device) you may need to install an
additional port or temporarily unplug the device using the
existing serial port.
External modems take up a bit more space and add a bit more
clutter while internal modems mount inside the computer. Some
people like an external modem with its blinking lights which
instantly displays call status - something a hidden internal
modem cannot do unless special display software is also
installed or activated. In addition, external modems are
portable, you can move from machine to machine by simply
unplugging the external modem and taking it to the next job
site.
Some basic terminology: The HOST COMPUTER refers to the computer
your PC is calling. Sometimes this is a commercial service such
as The Source or Compuserve which are large interactive online
services. Other times the host may be a computer on the other
side of town or perhaps a BBS (bulletin board system) which is a
computer operated by a private individual or company with files
and messages having general public access.
Another important term is the BAUD rate associated with the
modem transmission process. Essentially baud (or bits of
information transmitted per second) is a reference to the speed
at which your modem and the host modem exchange information.
Some common rates are 300, 1200, 2400 and 9600 baud. A 1200 baud
modem is roughly 4 times faster than a 300 baud modem. And since
you may be transmitting information via long distance lines,
speed and brevity of the modem link is important. Some BBS
systems will not allow access to slower 300 or 1200 baud modems
since this ties up the BBS for other users. As an aside, most
modems automatically switch to transmit and receive at slower
baud rates when needed so there is automatic "downward"
flexibility in purchasing a high speed modem which automatically
swtiches to lower baud rates when required. Thus a 2400 baud
modem will automatically decrease its baud rate to match a 1200
baud modem, for example.
Most BBS systems are capable of 9600, 2400 and 1200 baud speeds.
A 2400 baud modem is an economical compromise for most casual
users although heavy modem use probably dictates a 9600 baud
modem for increased savings in time and long distance costs.
Newer modems also incorporate FAX transmit and receive
technology at most attractive prices.
While DOS controls the internal workings of your computer,
you'll need communications software (sometimes called terminal
software) to enable the PC, modem and telephone line to work
together. A modem will not function without software.
Commercial, shareware and public domain packages are available
and many can be obtained from BBS systems via modem! Some of the
more dependable software packages include Qmodem, Procomm,
Boyan and Telix. Good communications software is flexible and
powerful without being difficult to start and use. The best
packages have help screens and tutorials as is common with
application software in general.
Telix, for example asks a few simple setup questions then
attempts to set the variety of initial configuration settings
needed without operator intervention. Modem software allows
sending and receiving files, capture of screen information to
disk or printer, scrollback buffers (view what just went by on
the screen), dialing directories, macros (automated sequences of
keystroke instructions), terminal emulation for links to
mainframe computers, password protection and other features. Two
of the most popular terminal packages are Procomm and Telix
which are both available as "try before you buy" shareware disks
from most computer clubs and shareware vendors for a few
dollars.
Although baffling at first, the modem software setup process
allows configuring the modem to your specific PC and use. The
modem software needs to be told if you are using serial port
(com port) one or two. You will need to tell the communications
software which directory or drive where files will be sent or
downloaded. The baud rate must be set as well as noting if the
modem is Hayes compatible. Hayes compatibility refers to a
standard set of transmission instructions which many modems
share. In some ways this is similar to the DOS standard within
operating systems for IBM compatible computers. Most modems
today are Hayes compatible.
The modem software must also be told other basic details such as
PARITY, and DATA BITS which refers to how the data is "grouped
or packaged" during the actual modem transmission. Generally
data bits are set to 8. Parity is usually set to NO. Commercial
services such Compuserve offer exception to these settings and
will tell you these settings in their literature.
An example: If parity is required, set data bits to 7. Set stop
bit to 1. This is a total of 1 + 7 = 8 Bits. The final bit is
usually used to check parity/accuracy. The above setting is
somewhat cryptically referred to as 8N1 which means 8 bits, no
parity, one stop bit. The 8N1 setting is a standard which is
common to most communications links throughout America and large
parts of the world. Don't worry about this too much now -
frequently this is a one time setup which you will not have to
adjust once the software has been configured.
Other settings can include ANSI terminal emulation (a standard
choice you should select). ANSI terminal emulation is usually
the default setting and should only rarely be changed.
Software PROTOCOLS must also be specified. In simplest terms a
protocol is a method of checking for errors between modems as
data transmission progresses. In a precise fashion, these
protocols tell the first modem to transmit a small packet or
"chunk" of data then the receiving modem will play back a short
verifcation "checksum" or "password." The transmitting modem
stops, listens for the checksum and if that item matches the
information which it originally sent, it then transmits the next
packet or chunk of data. This continues, one small chunk of data
at a time. The concept here is to protect data integrity over
noisy, static-prone telephone lines. Several common protocols
include Xmodem, Ymodem, Xmodem-CRC and Zmodem.
Xmodem is generally offered by most BBS systems and is a safe
bet if you are not sure. Introduced in 1977 by Ward Christensen,
this protocol is slow, but reliable. Two variants of Xmodem are
used: Checksum and CRC. The CRC method is more reliable at
detecting errors during transmission and should usually be
selected if given a choice. Mistmatching the two variants of
Xmodem during file transfers is usually the reason for transfer
problems. Xmodem-1K refers to the Xmodem CRC protocol method but
with data blocks 1024 bytes in size. Many BBS systems can
automatically detect Xmodem variations and may simply present
you with a single Xmodem choice. Newer protocols are faster and
more dependable, but Xmodem will usually do the job. Trial and
error or simply logging onto the BBS system and then inspecting
the menu of protocols available will give you more detailed
information and clues about other possible protocols.
Ymodem offers a faster transmission rate than Xmodem, better
data security through a refined CRC checksum method and finally
a method for "batching" or sending/receiving several files one
after another unattended. Choose Ymodem over Xmodem for
increased speed and data security if both your software and the
host computer can provide it and if telephone lines are
relatively unnoisy. In reality, basic Ymodem (without the batch
file feature) is CRC Xmodem with 1024 byte data packets. Or
simply Xmodem-1K. Ymodem with batch file handling is sometimes
also called "true Ymodem."
Zmodem is faster still, somewhat more secure with respect to
data loss, offers batch transmission of files and additionally
allows part of a file to be stored if transmission connections
are lost and then completed when the connection is restablished.
If your transmission is interrupted and you have transferred
only part of the file, you can call up the host computer and
continue the file transfer from where you left off. Finally,
Zmodem can detect excessive line noise and automatically drop to
a shorter, more reliable data packet size when necessary. Data
inegrity and accuracy is assured by the use of reliable 16 bit
CRC (cyclic redundancy check) methods rather than less reliable
CRC checking of Ymodem and Xmodem.
UPLOADING data to the host (you transmit data to the other
computer) and DOWNLOADING data (you receive data from the other
computer) require selection of one of the protocols above.
General considerations in selecting software for modem use
include:
* The dialing directory is of crucial importance. The idea is
that the package will store and dial your most frequently used
numbers. Some packages hold only a few, some quite a lot. Does
the package store your individual password and comments next to
each number? You may wish to use different passwords for each
BBS system you call.
* Consideration of transfer protocols offered. Xmodem is basic,
but you may want more efficient protocols later. Make sure the
package supports several or can be upgraded to more protocols later.
* How does the package dial numbers from the dialing list? Will
it call back and continue trying? Can it dial numbers from the
list in a certain order. Can it do circular dialing (several
numbers are called in a row, then the program jumps from the
bottom of the list and starts at the beginning again). This type
of dialing efficiency is important if you deal with busy
communications services and BBS systems where it may take
several attempts to log on to a system especially during busy
evening peak time.
* Does the package offer scripts or macros? Simply stated a
script is a way of having the package automate several steps
with only one or two keystrokes. At the touch of a key, the
package can call a BBS system, type in your password and then
continue typing further keystrokes as if you were entering them
from the keyboard - in essence a script or macro capability is a
programming language which gives the communications software
package a customized capability. Many programs let you record
the sequence of keystrokes during a communications session for
playback and retrieval later. Beware though, if the system which
you are calling changes log on sequences or you may have to go
back and later revise your original script - not a major
problem, just a concern.
* Is it possible to capture screen information to your disk
drive? Can you output screen information to your printer? Long
communication sessions produce endless screens of information
which scroll by quickly. The ability of your software package to
output all or selected parts of your session to permanent disk
file or printer output can be a tidy bonus.
Neighborhood BBS systems offer the most entertainment and
information for the first time user. The cardinal rule of
behavior when you call a private BBS system: act as if you are
in someone else's home. Courteous behavior is a must.
How do you find telephone numbers for local BBS systems? Consult
local computer clubs, then call those BBS systems with your
modem for lists of more telephone numbers. Once on line, you can
usually download the popular "Darwin list" which is a listing of
BBS telephone numbers throughout America. Another popular
national list of BBS systems is contained within the back pages
of Computer Shopper Magazine, available on most newsstands. That
list is compiled by FOG, PO Box 3474, Daly City, CA 94015. Tel
415/755-2000.
BBS operators and users are quick to answer questions for new
users and can serve as helpful "experts" on any computer
question no matter how arcane. Operators of these BBS systems
are called SYSOPS and many provide BBS systems as a hobby
activity much as other hobbyists enjoy short wave radio
operation. In a sense, SYSOPS are a modernized version of the
"ham radio operator."
Most BBS systems will allow you to tour within the various parts
of the "board" or system for 30 minutes to an hour on your first
call. After that you are expected to leave your name and a phone
number where you can be reached for verification. Some boards
are free, some request a nominal use fee (usually around $25 per
year.) Some boards request that you upload (send to them via
modem) shareware files or public domain software in order to
download their software. The process is something like two kids
with bubble gum trading cards: "I'll trade you 125,000 bytes of
this shareware file for 200,000 bytes of your files."
On your first visit into a BBS board you usually are allowed
access only to certain "low level" but interesting areas of the
BBS. The SYSOP (system operator) may be available to
come online if you experience difficulty. The software of the
BBS system itself will prevent you from damaging the host
computer even if you hit an incorrect key. You may leave
messages for the SYSOP, leave messages of a general nature, ask
for help on a specific question, download shareware programs,
play a game, or just generally explore the information within
the system of the host computer.
Downloading files is easy. For many boards the file download
command is a simple D, ALT-D or page down key. The BBS will ask
you the name of the file you wish to download and then give you
an estimate of how long it will take and the modem protocol you
will be using. When the transfer is complete, the BBS presents
the main menu of choices or selections so you can continue to
browse as before.
Most public domain and shareware software from BBS systems is
stored and transmitted in a compacted form as either an ARC or
ZIP file format. You will need a small public domain program
(ARC or NARC or PKZIP) also available from the BBS to unpack the
software. This archiving or "arcing" process is done to compact
the software thus saving time and disk space for both the BBS
and your computer. The easiest way to visualize arc'd or zip'd
software is to think of the many files of a typical software
package compacted in size and then placed into one single file.
You might also wish to compact other files for storage on a hard
drive aside from the modem process. File compaction is a useful
tool unto itself.
Working with modems and telecommunications software sounds
daunting at first, but is a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding
pastime - and also a nice way to make friends and delve deeper
into the global network of information and friendships this new
form of communication represents.
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GENERAL USE ONLINE SERVICES
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Compuserve. Telephone: 800/848-8199 or 800/8488990. 5000
Arlington Centre Blvd, Columbus, OH 43220. Claiming that more
than 800,000 members can use the service at any one time,
Compuserve is without doubt the most extensive online service in
existence. The vastness can be overwhelming with literally
hundreds of conferences including gardening, coin and stamp
collecting, legal research, music, games, foreign language
training, desktop publishing, travel planning, banking, ecology
and more. Over 1,400 databases are contained online and users
can send and receive messages and files from anywhere in the
world.
Compuserve users can use an attractive basic monthly service
plan, costing $7.95 per month, which includes messaging limited
but useful services such as Consumer Reports, News, Weather,
Encyclopedia, Peterson's College search and others. Additional
forums and advanced services are charged on a per minute connect
time basis with additional surcharges for advanced services.
Connect time rates for forum access and advanced services cost
about $6.30/hour at 300 baud, $12.80/hour at 1200 or 2400 baud
and $22.80/hour at 9600 baud. Depending on services accessed,
Online databases, such as the IQuest service of Compuserve
provide access to corporate financial data, full text magazine
articles, legal data, medical topics and more - although a
surcharge of between $2 to $100 per search on advanced database
searches can make Compuserve expensive but cost effective if
vital data is needed quickly. An online member directory and
national telephone and address database is also available.
Although Compuserve can be used with standard terminal packages
such as Procomm or Telix, special proprietary software is
available which eases the process of using Compuserve and
minimizes connect time. Tapcis, a popular shareware package,
automates Compuserve sessions while CIM (Compuserve Information
Manager), a commercial product developed by Compuserve, provides
similar features including slick pulldown menus and windows.
A Compuserve starter kit is available from most retail software
stores ($39.95) or can be ordered from Compuserve via their toll
free telephone number. The starter kit includes a $25 credit for
online time which more than pays for the included software and
reference materials. Compuserve also publishes a richly detailed
monthly magazine for members which includes articles on travel,
research, shareware, forums of interest, shortcuts and news for
members which is well worth the price of basic subscription
services described above. Compuserve is owned by H&R Block Company.
America Online. 8619 Westwood Center Drive, Vienna, VA 22182.
703/893-6288. Featured services include news and finance, online
messaging, software upload and download, games, travel,
shopping, online encyclopedia, research databases, stock market
information and more. Monthly fee is $5.95. One hour of free
connect time upon membership and one free hour per month.
Connect charges are $8/hour, 6AM - 6PM Monday through Friday with
$4/hour at all other times. A relative newcomer to commercial
online services, America Online offers good value and a colorful
menu driven interface with mouseable control for computers so
equipped. Owned by Quantum Computer Services.
Prodigy. Telephone: 800/Prodigy. Billed as a family oriented
service, this joint venture between IBM and Sears features a
monthly flat rate charge of $12.95 with savings if you pay one
or two years in advance. Prodigy uses a proprietary software
package, featuring colorful menus which guide the user through
services such as online shopping, games, encyclopedia, news,
colorful weather maps, airline ticket purchasing, banking, stock
and bond trading and message send/receive capabilities. Prodigy
hosted Summer picnics for members in several dozen American
cities in August, 1991! It does not offer software upload and
download capability as well as more advanced topics, however
the first time telecommuter will appreciate the varied Prodigy
offerings at reasonable flat rate prices. Prodigy startup kits
are available at most Sears stores and many software retail
outlets.
GEnie. For a flat fee of $4.95 per month, GEnie offers many
similar features as Compuserve at a fraction of the cost. The
user will pay extra for features such as computing forums,
software libraries, banking services and learning center
capabilities. As with most online services, the lowest rates are
during non-peak evening and weekend times. The subscriber base
and local access telephone listing of GEnie is neither as
extensive nor as convenient as that of Compuserve, but the
capabilities are reasonably similar. To connect: use your modem
and call 800/638-8369. After connecting type HHH. At the U#
prompt type XTX99432,GENIE then press return. Provide a credit
card number when requested. Follow additional prompts as
appropriate then log off (hangup). After about two days you will
be given full access after credit card information is checked
and user information is configured within the system.
Delphi. Although the user will not find as many shareware files
or forums as Compuserve, Delphi is similar in design and
content. Monthly subscription is $5.95 which includes the first
hour of usage. Each additional hour is $6.00. To connect: with
your modem call 800/695-4002. When connected, press return key
twice. At the Username prompt type JOINDELPHI. At the password
prompt type SHAREFREE. Additional info: call 800/544-4005.
PC-Link. Owned and managed by Tandy Corporation - the Radio
Shack people - PC-Link is extensive and family oriented. Two
levels of service are available: PC-Link and PC-Link Plus. $9.95
per month provides unlimited access to PC-Link and one hour of
access to PC-Link Plus. After the first hour the user is billed
fifteen cents per minute in PC-Link Plus. News and reference
services are located on the first level with more advanced
computer hardware and software forums on the PC-Link Plus level.
The service features a good graphic interface for ease of use
and a variety of offerings, classes and conferences. File
uploads and downloads are available. Call: 800/827-8532.
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SPECIALIZED ONLINE SERVICES
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A 1990 Small Business Association survey revealed that of 2,000
business owning a PC, few were using it for marketing research
with business and marketing databases available via modem. These
databases can reveal new customers, potential geographic
marketing concepts, foreign trade possibilities, suppliers,
competitors and key executive contacts. Online census data
can be accessed to determine a precise geographic area which is
ideal for a new product introduction.
Next, a listing of specialized online database services. Calling
a specialized database directly may yield more detailed
information since gateway services such as Compuserve obtain
only a portion of the entire database. Realize that there are
over 4,250 online databases of specialized research and business
data!
Two master indexes are available which describe each online
service. The directory of Online Databases is available for $75
from Cuadra Associates and can be found on the Orbit service at
800/456-7248 or DataStar at 800/221-7754. You might also
consider the more detailed Computer Readable Databases index for
$165 from Gale Research which is available through Dialog at
800/334-2564.
BRS Gateway. 800/345-4277, 800/289-4277. Accesses many business
and special research databases described within this tutorial.
Business Dateline. 800/626-2823 or 502/589-5575. Complete text
articles of over 200 US and Canadian business magazines. Also
available on CD ROM. Also available through Dow Jones News,
Nexis and other services.
Businessline. 800/866-2255. Statistical reporting service on over
8 million businesses, including number of employees, sales line,
number of businesses in a geographical area in a specific
product line.
BusinessWire. 800/227-0845 or 415/986-4422. Carries announcements
and press releases about new products, services, research
findings, financial reports. Also available through Delphi, Dow
Jones, and other services.
Cendata. 301/763-4100. Economic data on domestic and foreign
business trade including retails sales, building permits,
employee staffing levels, etc.
Conference Board Abstract Data base. 317/872-2045 or 800/421-
8884. Specialized research areas on business management,
decision making, case studies in management of individual
companies, speeches by corporate executives, management
consultants and government researchers. Topics also cover labor
relations, merit pay, executive compensation.
Consumer Spending Forecast. 215/660-6300. Forecasts and past
historical trends on consumer spending, credit use patterns,
retail sales.
Consumer Trends. 212/725-4550 or 212/725-5954. Contains
references, citations and cross referenced bibliography
regarding consumer trends articles and research.
Corptech. 617/932-3939 or 800/333-8036. Profiles of small and
emerging growth companies or those with innovative technology.
Useful for identifying customers for your product or candidates
for stock purchase, merger, technology transfers or mutual
research arrangements.
Daily Developments. 317/872-2045 or 800 421-8884. Contains over
180,000 articles concerning governmental actions, pending
legislation, environmental developments, international trade,
tax rulings and similar topics. Track the evolution of a
regulation which may affect your business from introduction
through final enactment. Useful for personnel professionals
needing latest insights on legislation concerning employee
rights, unions, urban planning, drug and alcohol abuse. Superb
up to date information on tax legislation.
Dialog Information Services. 800/334-2564. Accesses many
business and financial database services.
Disclosure Database. 212/581-1414. Updated financial reporting
data on over 14,000 publicly owned companies whose stocks are
traded on the NYSE and other public exchanges. Also available
through Compuserve, BRS, Dow Jones and other services.
Donnelly Demographics. 203/353-7474. Contains US census data
which is highly valuable to marketing and sales analysts. Useful
for planning expansions of retail stores or analyzing a region's
labor pool by age, education and race. Includes Arbitron Press
Areas of Dominant Influence, AC Nielsen Designated Market areas.
Also includes current and five year projected estimates and
demographic analysis of US census data.
Dow Jones News. 609/520-4000. Timely business, financial and
government news bulletins which include articles from Wall
Street Journal and Barrons National Business. Business and
market professionals can learn about emerging legislation,
business mergers, economic forecasts, financial disclosures and
banking regulations hours before general media report the story.
DRI/NPDC County Business Patterns Service. 800/541-9914 or
617/860-6385. US county employment data including SIC code and
business patterns census data. Includes payroll, staffing,
number of firms referenced by number of employees.
Dun's Million Dollar Directory. 800/526-9018. Contains
financial, marketing and address data for over 190,000 companies
whose net worth exceeds $500,000. Also available on Dialog.
EconBase. 215/667-6000. Unique analytical database with state by
state or industry tabulations of foreign currency changes over
time, electricity use, agricultural output or use of aluminum.
Useful for forecasting, business relocation planning, raw
materials planning, economic trends, manufacturing output. Data
recorded back to 1948.
Encyclopedia of Associations. 313/961-2242 or 800/521-0707. As
its name suggests this online service lists national and
international associations, trade groups, unions, societies,
non-profits, clubs and patriotic groups. Over 77,000 groups in
all. Knowing the right organization can point you in the right
direction to authorities on a given topic or field.
Harvard Business Review Online. 212/850-6000. Contains full
transcript of all articles of the esteemed Harvard Business
Review from 1976 to the present. Business topics include
statistics, marketing, ethics, automation, robotics, foreign
trade, forecasting, negotiating and employee training.
Insiderline. 301/738-1400 or 800/231-DATA. Provides up to the
minute specialized information on corporate executive stock
trades as required by SEC forms 3 and 4. Trader name, company
position, share volume traded, value, total shares owned.
Market Analysis and Information Database. 212/245-3513. Over
36,000 reports on marketing methods and trends for specific
industries and countries. Electronics, agriculture, silk screen
printing, food and beverage, consumer habits, demographics and
more. Covers over 730 business and trade publications in 22
languages - all translated into English. Newsline service offers
fast breaking trends and is updated daily.
Mead Data Central. Nexis Research Service. 800/277-9597.
800/277-8379.
Moody's 5000 Plus. News and financial reporting data on 14,000
companies which are publicly traded. Also available on CD ROM.
NewsNet. 800/345-1301. News and business database service.
Newsearch 800/227-8431 or 415/378-5329. Index of over 4,200 news
stories, books, reports and libraries on businesses, products,
finance, marketing trends.
Standard and Poor's News Service. 212/208-8622. High level
financial reporting data on over 18,000 companies to include
mergers, aquisitions, management and staffing, earnings.
Telescan Financials. 713/952-1060. Allows investors to scan over
10,000 stock offerings for particular investment profile such as
SIC code, profits to earnings, price, etc. Historical data
reveal a target company profile and growth. Complete transcripts
and analysis of trade shows, investment seminars, wire service
news.
Thomas Register. 212/290-7291. Who makes what and where in the
U.S. Over 160,000 businesses, 50,000 classes of products and
over 100,000 trade names of products. Also available on
Compuserve.
Trade and Industry Index. 800/227-8431 or 415/378-5329. Index to
over three million articles on industry, trade, commerce. Also
available on CD ROM.
TriNet. 201/267-3600 or 800/874-6381. Information on over
200,000 private and public companies. Arranged by conventional
SIC code categories. Private company information is especially
difficult to obtain and TriNet seems to the best at locating it.
Western Union. 800/527-5184 Gateway for most major business
databases.
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QUICK TIPS
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Use telecommunications scripts or macros (many keystrokes stored
and then later replayed) to automate log on, moving around to
various forums and downloading. This saves time and reduces
errors while online.
Draft all letters and messages off-line, save them as text
messages and upload them quickly and efficiently when connected
online.
With Compuserve, connect at 300 baud while searching for file
titles, so you can inexpensively spend many minutes connected.
Then log off and reconnect at a higher baud rate to accomplish
the actual file download. Uploads on Compuserve are at no charge.
Within Compuserve, use the IBM forum file finder. This feature
allows you to RAPIDLY locate files available in different forums
and search by key phrases, names, keywords or file types.
GO IBMFF.
Download library file lists from most services - complete lists
of available files. These indexed lists are updated daily on most
services and allow you to browse and search inexpensively
offline, then reconnect and obtain the files you desire quickly.
Watch Compuserve magazine for advertised special offers on
selected databases, telephone directory services, merchandise,
and selected services. This information may also be available
when you first log on.
For additional reading materials on modems and
telecommunications, refer to the reading list/bibliography
elsewhere in PC-Learn.
Tutorial finished. Have you registered PC-Learn to receive your
bonus disks? Registration is encouraged. Shareware works on the
honor system! Send $25 to Seattle Scientific Photography,
Department PCL5, PO Box 1506, Mercer Island, WA 98040. Latest
version of PC-Learn and two bonus disks shipped promptly!