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
