Robin (Tweety) Harrison brought out some excellent questions on the BBS World! Feel
free to add your own comments or suggestions. I will continue to say this in most
messsages. If you have ever heard me give a Regional or Local BBS Seminar, you know I say
this all the time!
> Is Qmodem better, and is it available for download from a CI$ service or
> forum?
>
Qmodem...a communications tool to access the BBS's is one of the best communications tools around. Qmodem Test Drive can be found in the Mustang Incorporated Vender Forum. (Go PCVENA Forum number 9....Lib & Mess Section number 9) Search for File names QM45-TD1.exe and QM45-TD2.exe or maybe even QM26TD.exe as one file. (General rule here is that if a file has a numerical number on the end, there may be more than one. Reading the description should indicate 1 or 2 or similar) I peronsonally like Qmodem for the script management capabilities. There is a key you can activate (Alt + Q = QLEARN) that will record your BBS Session, so that the next time you call with it, it will repeat all of your commands. This is helpfull, seeing that BBS's use different program. Also there is another program called OLXTD.exe (again there maybe files 1 and 2) in the library. This program will assist with reading mail offline and like Qmodem Test Drive is Freeware. The registered Qmodem, Qmodem Pro is has the Communcations Program Qmodem and the Offline Mail Reader OLX built right in. Those who have heard of SLMR (Silly Little Mail Reader) will note that it evolved into OLX via the purchase of Mustang from the owner.
> I hope I don't sound too inept. You're so knowledgable about this Mike!
> Is it ok to pick your brains for BBS 101?..
School's Open!
> *What are some good sources for locating BBS's?
Computer Shopper is excellent, I list with them. It is by areacode. In addition, I
believe the Qmodem mentioned above has included a file called WCLIST.TXT which gives a
listing of BBS's as well. BoardWatch Magazine also provides a list of "List
Keepers" who maintain BBS List. Art McGee
Sort of like Baskin Robins...all flavors!
> *Is BBS navigation pretty standard from one BBS to the next?
This vary from BBS to BBS. It depends on the type of Softwar begin run. WildCat using
one type of command setting while PCBoard uses another. By using the help function (? or
H) you will be given the navigational assistance needed. Some BBS are presenting users
with Graphical User Interfaces (GUI's) to give a "windows" sort of look with the
ability to User a mouse for navigation. This is hand, it's hard to tell you are not using
CIM!
> *Are there any BBS listings/descriptions on file in the library presently?
As mentioned you will find the AA BBS list in Library 12.
> I'm starting to get a grasp of BBS's, but it's an education for sure! Have
> been to the IBM BBS Forum here on CompuServe and got some listings, but many
> seem kinda vague and/or out of date. Can you recommend anything from there?
When you go to the IBM BBS Forum (Go IBMBBS) you will find a variety of Library topics. The most helpfull would be the Topic area for Beginnings/New etc. Also doing a file search on Lists should be of assistance. You might even post a one liner on NC lists in the New/Beginning Message Area.
> be on one of a more intellectual nature that also allows me to link up and
> chat with friends from all over the world/country. Is there such a critter?
A good source would be finding a FREENet BBS in your area. There is also a book called FreeNets that might provide more info. Also with you look up BBS Descriptions in the above mentioned mags, look for the word FreeNet. Others will no doubt have more input on this and the above.
> So, what is the expense involved in picking up the Internet? I understand
> some BBS's provide Internet access, and I frequently see DelphiNet
> advertises as an Internet gateway. Which way is the best way?
The expense here is bascially the charge that the provider has to give the serivice which is usally monthly. With Delphi, it depends on the additonal fees that they are charging for the access. The bottom line "flavor" of the Internet do you require. Internet Email and Newsgroups can be provided minimally on both Commercial and BBS online services. AOL Internet Email is free. Most BBS that are connected to a Network such as FidoNet have Internet Email free of Charge it comes with being member. (BBS Networks coming up soon in a message) The newsgroups are a little more, but can be done. I am getting the Email and Newsgroups pulled in on Holman's World BBS. I get it through a BBS that has a Statellite Connection (another craze moving into BBS Land) Well that Email and Newsgroups.
Further down the line the costs move up. Some (a few) BBS can give you TelNet Access. So you can literally Cyber Traval around the globe one one phone call. Telnet takes you from place to place allowing you to access various systems. FreeNets provide this. So actually this is quite a group doing this. Telnet usually get yo to all that the service has to offer. FTP takes you basically to the File Areas of the services. Even with FTP and Newsgroups some BBS's will allow you to subscribe and FTP Files via Internet Email. You can request files via message instead of FTP'ing to the acutally site.
Other flavors are WWW (Word Wide Web) which you will usually used with a windows based
communication program (Mosaic) to get a variety of info and IRC (Internet Relay Chat)
which will allow to to CHAT with folks around the country. (via IRC I chatted with a
brother in Africa, I might not get there, but I have new friend there) IRC and WWW are
usually found on the Internet Site as they run on variety of Servers. Searching for info
various as you use different tool for searching such as Gopher,Archie and Verionca
(doesn't that ring a bell
Internet Email = BBS's and Commerical Services
UseNet Newsgroups = Same
Telnet = Some BBS more on Commercial Services
FTP/Gopher/Archie,Veronica = Some BBS (reg or email) more on Commerical
WWW = Commerical Servcies
IRC = Commerical Services
Free Internet Numbers?
free.org (715) 743-1600 (As listed in lasted edition of SysOp News)
> Tweety :> <==wannabe cyber-surfer
Change that to GONNABE!
Mike Stay tuned...as continue down the info highway...comments...welcome...we are all learning...stay tuned...