################################################################
   #                                                              #
   #           BTN:  Birmingham Telecommunications News           #
   #                                                              #
   ################################################################

   ----------------------------------------------------------------
   COPYRIGHT 1993                                    ISSN 1055-4548
   ----------------------------------------------------------------
   Volume 7, Issue 9          Issue #72                October 1994
   ----------------------------------------------------------------


                          TABLE OF CONTENTS
                          -----------------

   article title                                             author
   ----------------------------------------------------------------
   Disclaimer/Statement of Policy.............................Staff
   From The Editor.................................Scott Hollifield
   PARTY ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!PARTY ANNOUNCEMENT
   Submission Guidelines......................................Staff
   Letters To BTN.......................................BTN Readers
   What Do These Letters Mean?..........................Mark Maisel
   Review: Compaq Aero 4/25...........................Dean Costello
   Local Music in October..............................Judy Ranelli
   Shotgun..............................................Damion Furi
   SEC '94 Schedule......................................David Moss
   Special Interest Groups (SIGs).........................Eric Hunt
   Known BBS Numbers.......................................Tim Cook
   ----------------------------------------------------------------


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=


   ################################################################
   DISCLAIMER
   AND STATEMENT OF POLICY
   FOR BTN
   ################################################################


   We at BTN try our best to assure the accuracy of articles and
information in our publication.  We assume no responsibility for damage
due to errors, omissions, etc.  The liability, if any for BTN, its
*editors and writers, for damages relating to any errors or omissions,
etc., shall be limited to the cost of a one year subscription to BTN,
even if BTN, its editors or writers have been advised of the likelihood
of such damages occurring.

   With the conclusion of that nasty business, we can get on with our
policy for publication and reproduction of BTN articles.  We publish
monthly with a deadline of the fifteenth of the month prior to
publication. If you wish to submit an article, you may do so at any time
but bear in mind the deadline if you wish for your work to appear in a
particular issue.  It is not our purpose to slander or otherwise harm a
person or reputation and we accept no responsibility for the content of
the articles prepared by our writers.  Our writers own their work and it
is protected by copyright.  We allow reprinting of articles from BTN
with only a few restrictions.  The author may object to a reprint, in
which case he will specify in the content of his article. Otherwise,
please feel free to reproduce any article from BTN as long as the
source, BTN, is specified, and as long as the author's name and the
article's original title are retained.  If you use one of our articles,
please forward a copy of your publication to:


                             Mark Maisel
                            Publisher, BTN
                       606 Twin Branch Terrace
                         Birmingham, AL 35216
                            (205) 823-3956


We thank you for taking the time to read our offering and we hope that
you like it.  We also reserve the right to have a good time while doing
all of this and not get too serious about it.


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=


   ################################################################
   FREEBIE!!!
   GET IT WHILE IT'S HOT!               Systems That Offer Free BTN
   ################################################################

   The following boards allow BTN to be downloaded freely, that is
   with no charge to any existing upload/download ratios.

   ADAnet One              Alter-Ego               Bone Yard
   Bus System              The Castle              Channel 8250
   C.A.B.                  The Comfy Chair!        Crunchy Frog
   DC Info Exchange        Final Frontier          The Guardian
   Hardware Hotline        Homewood's Hell Hole    Joker's Castle
   Leaping's Lounge        Lemon Grove             Lion's Den
   Martyrdom Again?!       The MATRIX              Milliways BBS
   The Outer Limits        Owl's Nest              Playground
   Safe Harbor             Southern Stallion       Starbase 12
   Thy Master's Dungeon    Weekends BBS


(This list includes some systems which are not local to Birmingham and
therefore not included on our BBS Numbers list.)

If you are a sysop and you allow BTN to be downloaded freely, please let
me know via The Matrix or Crunchy Frog so that I can post your board as
free BTN distributor.  Thanks.


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=


   ################################################################
   NEWSFLASH!
                              NEWSFLASH!
                                                         NEWSFLASH!
   ################################################################


                            #############
                            #    BTN    #
                       !!!! # HALLOWEEN # !!!!
                            #   PARTY   #
                            #############

                    See the ANNOUNCEMENT elsewhere
                      in this issue for details.



                               NEW BBS
                             LISTMONGER!!
                       Tim Cook takes over the
                          Known BBS Numbers
                           List this month.




-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=


   ################################################################
   FROM
   THE EDITOR                                      Scott Hollifield
   ################################################################


   Well, we're running late this month, so all I have are a few
content-related matters.

   First off, please welcome Tim Cook to these pages.  As of this
month, he bravely/foolishly takes over the duties behind the desk
of the Known BBS Numbers list.  We sincerely hope that Tim knows what
he's getting into.

   Next, note the Halloween party announcement!  A grand old BTN
tradition returns: people getting together and making fools of
themselves, usually in the flash of a camera lens.  Trust me, we
invented it before anyone else did.

   Judy Ranelli returns after a well-deserved vacation, with her
superior recommendations for local music.  If you're the type to see
bands in clubs, (1) read her column and (2) obey her advice.  If you're
not the type, turn of the television set, put on some shoes, then follow
(1) and (2).

   David Moss' SEC schedule was inadvertently left out of last month's
issue.  I know, the season is nearly half over now, but I thought I'd
include it anyway.  It's a short issue.

   That's it!  See you at the party.  I'll be the one dodging the
camera.


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=


                    ANNOUNCING BY POPULAR DEMAND!!

       ---===***>>>  BTN HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY  <<<***===---
                               !!!!!!!

                            Date:  10/29/94

                           Time:  6:00 p.m.

               Place:  Home of Mark and Kathy Maisel
                       606 Twin Branch Terrace, Vestavia

               What:   BTN Halloween Costume Party

If you need further directions, please call (205)-823-3956.  If you
reach the answering service, do leave a message.  Your call will be
returned, provided you leave a valid phone number in the message.

We will probably have some snack foods on hand and soft drinks. If you
have a preference as to food, then be sure to bring it. If you are of
legal age, you will be expected to bring your own alcoholic beverage,
should you desire them. If you are not, then don't bring any as you will
be asked to leave.  Do not bring any illegal substances or items or you
will also be asked to leave. The Vestavia Police are not known to be as
forgiving as have been the Birmingham Police.

Due to complications from the last party, I must ask that you remain on
my property, preferably near or in the house.  If you wander, are overly
loud, or litter, especially while on the street or on other property, my
neighbors have been advised to call the Vestavia Police since I cannot
possibly police you.  It is unfortunate that I must give such advice,
but past experience and complaints demands it.

A primitive map follows.

MM, Pub

The easiest route is to get on Columbiana Road via either US HWY 31 or I-65N
exit to Vestavia/Hoover.  Proceed up Columbiana to Tyler Road.  Take Tyler
Road to Twin Branch Drive.  Take the left fork to Twin Branch Terrace.  Our
House is the next to last on the right side of the street.  The "X"'s mark
the location.  The asterisks refer to traffic lights.  The first is at the
I-65N exit and goes directly onto Columbiana.  The second is Columbiana�    �
and Tyler.  The third is Hackberry/Southland and Tyler.                � US �
                                                                      � HWY�
This map is not drawn to scale!                                        � 31 �
                                    �                   �Columbiana   �    �
                           Hackberry��    \         \   ��Road        �    �
                           Lane      ��     \  I-65   \  ��           �    �
                                      ��      \         \ ��          �    �
__________Tyler Road____________________*3_______\_________\*2         �    �
    �               �      �            �         \         �\        �    �
    �Twin Branch    �Donna �Paden       ��          \       ��   \    �    �
    �Drive          �Drive �Drive        ��Southland   \     ��    \  �    �
    �               �      �              ��Drive        \    ��������\ *1 �
    �                                      �����Ŀ          \            \ �
    �                                            ��������������\�����Ŀ    \
 ����                                                             \  �    � \
��   �Twin Branch                                                    \�\   �
�� 606�Terrace                                                         �   \�
�  XXX�                                                                �    �
�_____�__________________Swiss Lane_____                               �    �


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=


   ################################################################
   SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

   ################################################################


I. ARTICLE LENGTH

   Right now, there's no strict enforcement of a length restriction,
but if your submission is somewhat short, I may request that you make it
longer.  Anyone can sit down and type out a screen's worth of stuff.  I
have yet to encounter an article that was too *long*, so don't worry
about that.


II. SUBJECT MATTER

   Again, there's no hard-and-fast rules about subject matter.  I'm
interested in seeing material on a wide variety of topics.  That
includes BBSs, politics, music, books, or better yet, something that
doesn't neatly fall into any one category.  Next to that, my favorite
articles are the ones that have something to do with BBSing, since that
is supposedly what we're sort of about.  Technical reviews are also
good.  I tend to kind of frown on fiction, but I'm willing to take a
look at anything you've got.  If it's interesting enough, your chances
are good.
   Politics is fine, but try not to rant--and make whatever you have to
say original.  I can go out and find ten Rush Limbaughs if I want.
   Also refrain from "This Is What Happened To Me Today" slice-of-life
articles unless it's leading somewhere good.
   Reviews should be both informative and opinionated.  Don't be too
objective, but still tell us about what you're reviewing.


III. FILE FORMAT

   Plain and simple ASCII is preferred, but we can convert WordPerfect
files if need be.
   Do not use ANSI characters or special graphics.


IV. STYLE GUIDELINES

1.  Use a right margin of 72 columns.
2.  Indent paragraphs at the fifth column.
3.  Put two spaces after each sentence.
4.  Skip a line after each paragraph.
5.  Refrain from using BBS-specific devices like "<grin>" and ":-)".
6.  Be sure to give your article a title.
7.  Try to use correct grammar, spelling and capitalization!  My staff
   proofread as best as we can, but a well-typed article makes our job
   easier.
8.  The dash is correctly typed as two hyphens, like "--".  Use it to
   set apart phrases and clauses--as with this sentence.
9.  To emphasize a word, place a pair of asterisks around it, like
   *this*.  This takes the place of italics (except for titles; see
   12).
10. If you have to emphasize a group of words, use capitals, AS IN THIS
   EXAMPLE.  I generally don't like the way that looks, so use it
   sparingly, if at all.
11. If you're unsure whether to spell out a number or not, leave it in
   numeral form.
12. Titles of books, films, plays, albums and works of art are
   surrounded by underlines, like: U2's _The Joshua Tree_.  This takes
   the place of italics in this regard; I call it "title-cizing".
   On the other hand, television shows, songs, poems, article titles
   and short stories are surrounded by quotation marks.


V. HOW DO I SUBMIT AN ARTICLE?

   The easiest way is to upload it as a private file on one of two
systems: The Matrix and the Crunchy Frog.  (Their phone numbers are
listed at the end of this feature.)  To upload a file privately, begin
your file description with a slash ("/").  Then leave me (SCOTT
HOLLIFIELD) a private message telling me what the file name is, so that
I can have the sysop make it available for me.
   Another way is to leave me the article as a private message, or a
series of private messages.
   If you become a regular contributor to BTN, you can get access to
the private BTNWA conference, which is for BTN writers.  There we
discuss articles, policy, ideas, etc.  The BTNWA conference also
contains a private file directory which I can access more easily than a
private file outside BTNWA.
   Finally, as an alternative, if you live outside of the local
Birmingham area and you don't wish to call long distance, you can submit
an article via Internet e-mail.  My address is [email protected].

   That's it!

   Get to work!


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=


   ################################################################
   LETTERS TO
   THE EDITOR                                      From BTN Readers
   ################################################################

[Editor's note: This letter, from our own publisher, was intended to
appear in last month's issues, but somehow slipped through the cracks.
Sorry!]

From: Mark Maisel
BBS: Crunchy Frog


   Scott, I read issue 70 with great interest to see what you would
say in regards to the delay in getting it out.  I feel compelled to
respond to some articles that caught my eye.  I thought the entire issue
was very good, though I will admit to having skipped Dean's review; my
interest in cinema being what it is.

re: Editorial

"    Oh, one final note.  It has come to my attention that a certain
publisher whose initials are the same as Marilyn Monroe may have placed
BTN's name in a national, Internet-distributed catalog, where it sits"

You really ought to ask about these things before you plant the seeds of
innuendo.  My participation on Internet consists of lots of e-mail, a
few lists to which I subscribe, and a couple of bizarre news groups.  I
am excited to hear about requests for BTN over the network.  I wish you
had said something to me.  I do not think it would be too difficult to
set up a site for BTN.

re: Gary Hasty

"    Ya know...I used to read BTN and the Frog's main board, and giggle
(like a little party girwl) over the BBS-geek wars y'all seem to always
have in Birmingham."

They are cute.  Cute like boils that are ripe.  It is a pity that folks
delight in pettiness.  I have mixed feelings at hearing of other places
similarly afflicted.

re: OPPRESSION

"no longer think for ourselves.  Society has given us its standards and
told us to conform to them or else.  But I say forget conformity; it is"

Society is a reflection of the individuals who share common traits
and/or circumstances in a population.  Part of that reflection is
standards for our behavior.  For good or bad, all societies reflect
standards.

There are any number of means you might employ to your benefit in
regards to your stance toward the society in which you currently reside.
Whining isn't one of them.

Maisel

[Editor's reply: Regarding the new interest in BTN over the Internet,
I was under the mistaken impression that Mark had submitted BTN's name
to a national Internet-distributed electronic publication list.  I
believe I misremembered something that was said to me at some point;
however the error happened, I regret publishing it before verifying its
accuracy.  The list in question is edited by John Labovitz and is
posted at regular intervals on nine different Usenet newsgroups,
including alt.zines and alt.internet.services.  John's email address
is [email protected].  The list is also available via anonymous
FTP as well as WorldWide Web.

The description for BTN looks like this:
"It is a nebulous zine that covers things from computer reviews to
 industry articles to general fiction to whatever the editor feels
 like putting in. It also contains the monthly BBS listing for the
 Birmingham metro area. BTN has been published for over 5 years."

More or less accurate, I suppose.  I'd appreciate it if whoever gave
our name to the list would let me know, just to satisfy my curiosity.
-s.h.]


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=


   ################################################################
   WHAT DO ALL THESE
   LETTERS MEAN?                                        Mark Maisel
   ################################################################



"From: GEOFF TAYLOR
To: ALL
Subject: 486 chips..

I have one of those universal questions floating in my head... What's
the difference between 486DX, 486SLC, and 486DLC chips?  Also, what
about chips made by Cyrix and AMD?  Are they really comparable to
Intel?"


   I saw this one a while back and grabbed it and waited for an
opportunity to expound.  Here goes!

   I make no guarantees as to the completeness nor absolute accuracy of
this article.  It is solely based on what I have read, heard, and seen
at trade shows, company literature, and at parties after the shows.

   Intel designed and produces the 486DX microprocessor.  It is a true
32 bit processor, that is, it is capable of sending and receiving 32 bit
instructions and hunks of data.  What this means for you, provided you
aren't strapped by an antiquated peripheral bus, less than optimal
support hardware, and an old 8 bit operating system, is that you can
process data real fast.  Even with the aforementioned handicaps, you can
still work a useful pace.  The 486DX has a number of useful features
including 8 kilobytes of cache for pre-fetching data and instructions so
as to speed up processing, a floating point processor, and compatibility
with previous microprocessors of X86 vintage.  That last may not be
considered an advantage to some but it is for most desktop computer
users.

   For completeness, I will describe the 486SX, also designed and
produced by Intel.  This microprocessor was introduced to fill a niche
market, low end machines for the cost conscious consumer with little to
spend.  The primary difference, as I understand it, between the SX and
DX series is that the SX lacks the floating point processor.  This means
that software requiring or preferring such a processor will either not
run or run much more slowly.

   The SLC and DLC series were not designed by Intel, at least not
exclusively.  I understand that the SLC was designed in part by IBM.
Its original and still most frequently used purpose is for notebook and
laptop computers.  The reason for this is that it consumes less power
than the SX or DX chips designed by Intel.  The SLC resembles the SX in
many ways save that it, as I recall, has a smaller cache for pre-
fetching instructions.  The DLC was designed by IBM or Cyrix. Memory
fails me.  It is a low power chip that is similar to the SX.  It is used
in desktop machines at the low end as are the SLC and SX.  These
processors will not, as I understand it, operate with a true 32 bit
operating system such as OS/2 or Windows NT.  I don't think you'd want
to try either, even if you could, as the speed would be impractical...as
in lack of...

   The chips that Cyrix sells are, for all practical purposes,
compatible enough with Intel's 486 series to run MS-DOS and MS-Windows,
and applications for both.  In the case of AMD, the chips I've seen and
used, 486SX and 486DX models, are completely compatible with those made
by Intel.  They also run faster and at lower temperature.  As machines
using these microprocessors are generally less expensive than comparable
machines using Intel microprocessors, I consider them a better buy.  It
is for these reasons that Intel has taken AMD to court repeatedly in an
effort to stop them from making their microprocessors.  Each time, they
have been thwarted.  Many years ago, Intel and AMD signed a licensing
agreement and that agreement gives AMD access to much of Intel's
technology.  That they have exploited it so well is what angers Intel.
It also forces Intel to lower their prices much more quickly than they'd
like.  I hope this helps.


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=


   ################################################################
   REVIEW: Compaq Aero 4/25
   (plus a personal history
   of personal computers)                             Dean Costello
   ################################################################


   I have been involved with computers since about 1978, when I saw my
first real computer.  I had always been an afficionando of a Radio
Shack : vaguely cool electronic stuff, digital watches, calculators; the
kinds of things that lead to wet dreams for the pre-adolescent coming of
age in the late '70s/early '80s.  One fine day, I noted that the local
Radio Shack had a new display in its front window, with a big sign
saying "Home Computer!"  What was this marvel?  I pressed an oily nose
to the display window, and noted The Computer : A TRS-80 microcomputer
with a whopping 4k of ram.  Entranced with the concept of "computer", I
strode into the Shack with the most aplomb that I could gather in my
twelve-year old personality, and asked to try using The Computer.  And I
tried using the computer, and found out that it used Basic to do, well,
anything.  I started paging through the manual that was next to the
computer and found little to help me with the computer, except for a
simple program that went something like:

10 PRINT "HI!"
20 GOTO 10

   The pages of "HI!" that I got from my programming effort were, to
say the least, a tad underwhelming.  You see, I was weened on such
computer-heavy things as _Colossus: The Forbin Project_, "Star Trek",
and _2001: A Space Odyssey_.  Hell, I remember in 1974 when _2001_ was
re-released, my father came and took my brother and I out of fourth and
second grade (respectively) to go down to the Cumberland Mall and see
it.  Computers were supposed to be these big lumbering beasts, lots of
lights, switches, and buttons, maybe a tape drive or two cranking away
in the background; steel as far as the eye can see.  This is a computer,
and the TRS-80 wasn't exactly what I was expecting.

   In my senior year of high school, I took a computer science-like
class that was being offered by the local high school.  We worked on
TRS-80s with...<drum roll>...floppy drives.  It was a very good time for
technology.  The only thing that I really got from this class is that
there is some kind of 'language' that controls the computer, from which
you can run stuff or do stuff like run the interactive Basic
application.  This was called a disk operating system, or in this
particular case, TRS-DOS [phonetic spelling].

   Those were heady times, when the big microcomputer competition was
between the mighty TRS-80 (black and white screen attached to keyboard,
crappy applications, but with a more Science-like sensation) and the
Apple II (better graphics, but you had to dick around with something
called a shape table).  For more than $1500, neither of these options
really appealed to me, so I choose to wait.

   I soon had something better, though.  My father got caught up in the
"Every Home Needs a Computer" craze, as well as a finely orchestrated
advertising campaign helmed by Bill Cosby, and he bought a TI-99.  For
Christmas 1982, I got the Peripheral Expansion Box.  Goddammit, this
looked like a computer.  Burnished metal finish, a deep, throaty hum,
large slot-like things.  This thing said "TECHNOLOGY" in no uncertain
terms.  This device contained the floppy drive, a mighty 32K memory
expansion card, disk controller card, communications card (sounding
familiar to you IBM jox yet?).  Wonderful little computer, but
unfortunately, the keyboard was about 1/4 smaller than average, and
typing on it became a bitch.  It was at about this time that programming
and fun became on oxymoron for me.

   We fast-forward to college.  The school I attended had just bought a
brand-new mainframe, an upgrade from the PDP-11 that had served so well
for so many years, more or less.  It was a DEC VAX 11/780 (the first or
second year they were released, I believe).  This was my "home computer"
for several years.  Now this looked like a computer.  Many large metal
boxes containing Computer Equipment: tape drives, large banks of
blinking lights that I don't think really did anything.  The computer
was placed in an glass-encased computer center that was smack in the
middle of my campus.  On cold winter Central Pennsylvania evenings, it
was neat to see the technological glow of the Vax eminating from the
across the campus.  Now this was a computer.

   There were several IBM microcomputers floating around the campus,
but they were judged to be little more than toys, to be used very
infrequently, and only when absolutely necessary.  I tried my hand on
the great beige beast with the very manly red power switch, using a
small word processor called Volkswriter, which struck me as silly and
user-hostile.  And as a result, I didn't really fool around with IBMs
at the time.

   Sometime around my junior year, the college decided that micro-
computers were Good Things, and since they were satisfied with the
Mighty Vax, they figured that the people at DEC would make a pretty good
microcomputer.  It was called the DEC Rainbow, and the school bought
about fifty of them.  Another of the beige brand of computer, it was
unique in that it had a blue monochrome monitor, and twin floppy drives
that were reversed in respect to each other.  Two weeks after the
purchase was completed, and we accepted delivery, DEC called a news
conference that stated that they would no longer support the Rainbow.
There was a lot of wailing/gnashing of teeth in the Mathematics
department that evening (yes, the days when the computer geeks were in
the Math department, and not vice versa). This was my first experience
with a company killing a product, and it made me wary.

   I graduated from college in 1987 with a molecular biology-kind of
degree.  My grandmother gave me $1000, and I knew I was going to buy a
computer.  My brother bought an Atari 520ST, and I liked what I saw. So,
a year after my brother bought his, I bought the upper-end model: The
1040ST, packing an entire meg of memory, an internal 720K floppy drive,
a mouse (Mouse?  What's a mouse?), a combined CPU/keyboard console
encased in a tasteful beige plastic container, and nice software right
out of the box.  What a nice computer, and it kept me satisfied until
about 1993 or so.

   People at the office were mocking me for continuing to use my Atari.
"Hey, I saw a good game of "Asteroids" for your computer a couple of
days ago", one of my colleagues would say [like there's no "Asteroids
knock-offs for the PC]; "How can you type so fast on a membrane
keyboard?" another would ask [that's the Atari 400]; "Where does the
game cartridge fit?" said a third [Confusing my computer with a 2600
game machine].  Basically, they were mocking my machine, for no good
reason.

   "It does everything I want it to do," I would whine back to them,
knowing deep in my heart-of-hearts that technology had left the ST
behind.  I had to get a new computer, but what kind?

   PC: I had lead so many attacks against the PC-slaves that it would
hypocritical to use one of those bastards at this stage of the game.
There sure was a lot of software for them, though, and at reasonable
prices.  But what about those expansion slots?  Or system interrupts?
Or the interleave questions?  The above scared me, especially since I
could only think of one person (Chris Mohney) who has owned a PC
without it crash-and-burning on him.

   Mac: Very smug owners.  Reading Mac magazines was like reading "Spy"
magazine and not living in New York City : A lot of in-jokes, and a
feeling of "eventually, you will choose the right machine, the
Macintosh". Basically, a creepy sensation.  The software was god-awful
expensive, and it was a bitch to find it.  The mouse is nice, though.  A
damned sight better than Windows.

   So what did I do?  I kept the Atari for about two years longer than
necessary.  Eventually, I did pick up a PC.  It was a Compaq Aero 4/25.
What necessitated it is unclear even now.  Look, whenever I decided to
buy what is generally considered to be a big-ticket item (more than
about $200, in my terms), I usually dilly-dally about it for about a
month, then decide I don't want it after all.  One day I called Mark
Maisel and said, "This is it.  Find me a portable.  Make it cheap.  Get
back to me."  He recommended the Compaq.

   The company I work for has a plan through which you can get a
no-interest loan for a computer and peripherals.  I had debated for
several years in buying about $3500 worth of computer paraphenalia since
if you go over $3000, the cost is spread out over 2 years.  I
discovered, though, that once I started on the road to More Things (ie.
more and more peripherals, faster microprocessor, more memory than the
NSA requires), it will never end.  I ended up with Mac systems that were
running in the $5000 range.  Hell, for a stretch there, I was debating
getting a Silicon Graphics Indy work station (base price $5000).  This
was just getting silly.  One of the Artificial Intelligence people at
the office, after I told him I was getting a computer, said, "Look,
Dean, I have been hearing this for three years now.  Show me the owners
manual, and we'll talk.  Until then, don't say a fucking word."

   So I didn't.  I did wander down to a place called Microcenter near
my apartment.  Nice enough place; kind of the like the K-mart of the
computer crowd : Pretty good prices, pretty good selection of stuff.  I
ambled into the portable department, and saw one of the Aeros that Mark
recommended.  Sat down at it.  Keyboard felt nice.  Matte-black plastic
container that matches my stereo equipment.  Trackball a tad silly, no
buttons on it to make it do anything.  "They're on the side," said a
tired salesperson.  I didn't know she was talking to me, so I kept
fiddling around, trying to imitate a button-push action, and she got up
closer and repeated herself.  Realizing that she was indeed talking to
me, I found the buttons, and immediately realized that it was an
ergonomic disaster.  Alas, I thought, for $1000, what do you expect?
Perfection?  On the whole, I like the way it worked.  The screen was
nice and clear, bright enough to read under the unrelenting fluorescent
bulbs of your typical showroom.  This would do.

   You see, I wasn't looking for the end-all, be-all of computers.  I
was looking for something to serve me right now.  I cannot personally
justify having a portable computer that has a 486 microprocessor, or a
gigabyte drive, or 30-odd megs of memory.  I just need a computer that
can do word processing so I can write, a nice communications package,
and maybe a game or two.  As a result, the Aero was just about perfect
for my purposes.

   So, I got up the gumption to buy the bloody thing.  They gave me a
quote of $999 for the computer, and $149 or so for the external floppy
drive (I have been amazed at how little I really need a floppy disk).  I
took the quote back to the office and got the loan paperwork in motion.
The money in hand, I called the nice people at MicroCenter and asked
whether or not they had any computers.  For two weeks they played coy
with me.  Two weeks!  I finally called them once again and begged for
something, anything; I was no longer proud.  They told me that there was
a computer that was brought back to the store.  Hold that bitch for me,
I'll be there at about 6 p.m.

   Well, to make a very long story just long, I got the computer at
home, and played with it.  Wasn't too bad, except it defaulted to
Windows.  I fixed that problem, and noted that the 81 meg harddrive only
had about 20 megs free.  Hmmm, things will have to die.  I have, in the
meantime, ravaged an awful lot of the "productivity software" that came
with the computer.  Lotus Organizer died early on.  Microsoft
Entertainment Pack 4 died as well.  Microsoft's shell for Windows has
gone to meet its electronic maker.  It was brutal, but room had to be
made for the hometown software.

   So, now I have Qedit and Telix, Norton Utilities and Word Perfect
(long story, so be quiet), Doom and Boloball.  Good software.  Useful
software.

   Complaints: Though the customer service is pretty good, it took me
over 50 minutes to get through to a human.  I spent over two hours on
the phone determining that a video text accelerator I found doesn't
want to play with the video drivers onboard the Compaq.  I also am not
getting the battery life that the advertisement claims I am getting (I
have the setting at pretty much maximum power saving, but I am getting
little more than 2 hours out of it).

   Praise: It has a very nice keyboard.  Not quite as good as some of
them, but it feels similar to my Atari, and I have clocked myself at the
low 80s cps.  There is a clever function called "Hibernate".  Basically,
it shuts the power to the computer down, and at the same times saves the
place you are so that when you turn the power back on the computer
doesn't have to reboot.  It comes with MS-DOS 6.2 (which I upgraded to
6.22), and it appears to be pretty bulletproof (I have heard Bad Things
about the disk doubler thing).

   Bottom line: Go forth and buy it.  It is a useful beast for being on
the road.  It is pretty inexpensive, and the screen is pretty sharp.



-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=


   ################################################################
   LOCAL MUSIC
   IN OCTOBER                                          Judy Ranelli
   ################################################################


   This month I have decided to actually deliver a column on time.  M.
Hollifield can take credit for ahem, reminding me a few times to Get
Finished.  A lot happened during my "break".  I had the honor of being
one of three lonely acts to NOT get rained out at the Southside
Festival, and The Ticks got a song played on the Bear's local show (on
(Sunday evenings).  I didn't attend Bearstock '94 but understand it was
a popular event, with lots of bikers showing up.  I am very glad for the
existence of the Bear--give me Cygnus X-1 over Phil Collins any day--and
the alternative offerings are most welcome.  Eight years ago, I knew a
bunch of folks who tried to do something about the lack of alternative
radio here, a lack I myself whined about countless times.  Well, they
never did anything, and out of the blue comes the Bear.  While their
format has occasional comedic overtones, like playing "Children of the
Sun" or mid-eighties soft metal, I enjoy hearing songs that aren't on
mainstream playlists for a change.

Wed. 10/5
   COLD GIN at Louie Louie
   There are two Kiss cover bands, and this is one of them.  I don't
know if they wear makeup or are becostumed, but I'm sure if you go,
you'll hear Kiss songs you forgot back in '82.  Of course, that might
have been on purpose.

Thu. 10/6
   Battle of the Bands at the Rockinghorse
   Ever been to one of these?  They can be awful or awfully funny or
good.  If I could afford the $1.50 fountain drinks, like I was served
there recently, I'd go.

Fri. 10/7
   AUTUMN LORDS at The Nick
   Gosh, I can't believe it, but their stage names are sticking.  They
answer to them and everything.  They are all nice fellas and fit the
metal-ish genre.  If you enjoy the company of people who try to look and
live like "rock stars", here's your band.

Sat. 10/8
   SHALLOW/THE TICKS at Zydeco
   Yee Haw!

Sun. 10/9
   Country Night at the Oasis
   ?????

Wed. 10/12
   ##### SHOW OF THE MONTH #####
   THE DICKEYS at The Nick
   GO to this show and you'll have a recharge on your cool-o-meter to
last until December.  I am quite stunned that they are touring and are
gonna play our humble town.

Fri. 10/14
   SHAME IDOLS at The Nick
   Haven't seen them in awhile, but I know they're grrreat.  Also, at
Zydeco it's Col. Bruce Hampton with a new band.  He's a nutty guy.  At
Louie it's the Back Doors, which I think is a Doors coverband.  What is
this with these Tribute Bands?

Sat. 10/15
    Avoid Phish at Oak Mountain Amphitheatre, because your coolness
might never recover; go see anything else, maybe Labrea Stompers at
the Nick or drink homebrew at the Mill and see Roger Moore and Those
Wildcats, not these, THOSE I said.

Thu. 10/20
   ZEN COWBOYS/ALLIGATOR GUN at The Nick
   Zen Cowboys were named one of the best bands in the U.S. by
_Musician_ magazine in a contest.  Thus they decided to reform (they had
changed members and formed a different band) and I think they have a
showcase soon.  Also on the 20th is Henri's Notion at the 22nd St. Jazz
Cafe--Irish music and poetry too.

Fri. 10/21
   STRUTTER at Louie Louie
   I haven't washed out the blood that the Gene Simmons guy spit on my
backpack yet, not out of any sort of homage, but because I'm lazy.
Funny, loud, club-sized Kiss,  with pyro, elevator shoes, proper
grimaces and puckers, even a drum solo and an acoustic "Beth".

Sat. 10/22
   THE PRIMITONS at Zydeco
   Another reunion by the progenitors of the Sugar La La's, and, in my
opinion, a better band.  Hope Don Tinsley is playing bass.

Sun. 10/23
   MICHAEL HEDGES at the Five Points South Music Hall
   Grab yer granola.  I found him to be rather rude when I gave him a
ride from the airport for Center Stage Productions back in 1990, but
he's nevertheless a great, fantastic guitarist.  Ecologically profound,
too.

Thu. 10/27
   SEATTLE at Louie Louie
   I include this because they are a SEATTLE "scene" Tribute Band.
Surely no comment is necessary.

Fri. 10/28
   Don't go out.  Instead, do as I'm planning, and serve fondue while
watching Easy Rider.  Also, this could be a great inspiration for
costumes.  Stock up on candy for impish visitors, make buckets of stage
blood with Karo Syrup and red food coloring, get brain-shaped Jello molds
at Toyss 'R' Us, and make jello shooters.  Prepare for winter, replace
batteries in your smoke alarms.  Whatever.

Sat. 10/29
   SHALLOW/THE TICKS/PHANTOM 5 at The Nick
   Hopefully, you're at some halloween parties.  Plural, yes.  Also
Shallow and us Ticks and Phantom 5 will be at the Nick, lotsa costumes
for sure there.  Don't forget to track down Katherine Tucker Windham this
October!  I've still got to think of a costume... shall I be Bride of
Sulu yet again?

Mon. 10/31
   Zydeco Halloween Party
   Hey, here's one on a Monday!  Dress up some more.  Bye!


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=


   ################################################################
   SHOTGUN
   (Song lyrics)                                        Damion Furi
   ################################################################


I've stared down a shotgun,
I managed to survive,
But the man that came to kill,
Didn't make it out alive,

When the cops came,
They said it was murder, self-defense,
I said the man forced my hand,
A cure for his offense,
They took the body away,
Victim of a brawl,
Left me to my conscience,
And the blood on the walls,

It's eight years later,
And I'm feeling no better,
Had nothin' better to do,
So I wrote the dead man's mother a letter,

I said, I'm sorry about your son,
There was really nothin' you could've done,
He was mad and had a gun,
And he gave me no place to run,

His head shattered like a melon,
Fallen to the street,
Blood dripped off the ceiling,
To a standard beat,

And the stains on the walls,
Have never quite gone away,
Your son was a bastard,
He's better off dead,
Though I know you'd be much happier,
If it had been me instead,

   Shotgun,
   Kiss it, make it better,
   Shotgun,
   Kiss it, make it deader,
   Shotgun...shotgun...shotgun...

I've still got the gun,
I've still got the shell,
That sent your crazy fucking son,
Straight to bloody hell,

I signed it most sincerely,
Posted it in haste,

   Shotgun,
   Kiss it, make it better,
   Shotgun,
   Kiss it, make it deader,
   Shotgun...shotgun...shotgun...

   Shotgun,
   Kiss it, make it better,
   Shotgun,
   Kiss it, make it deader,
   Shotgun...shotgun...shotgun...

   ����������������������������������������������������������������
   Copyright 1991 Damion Furi                   All Rights Reserved
   ����������������������������������������������������������������


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=


   ################################################################
   1994 SEC
   FOOTBALL SCHEDULE                                     David Moss
   ################################################################



     ------------------------------------------------------------
                               Alabama
     ------------------------------------------------------------
       Date                      Opponent                 Site

     Sept.  3                  UT Chattanooga        Legion Field
     Sept. 10                  Vanderbilt            Tuscaloosa
     Sept. 17                  Arkansas              Tuscaloosa
     Sept. 25                  Louisiana Tech.       Legion Field
     Oct.   2                  South Carolina        Columbia
     Oct.   9     ( Open )
     Oct.  16                  Tennessee             Legion Field
     Oct.  23                  Ole Miss              Oxford
     Oct.  30 ( Home Coming )  Southern Miss         Tuscaloosa
     Nov.   6                  LSU                   Tuscaloosa
     Nov.  13                  Mississippi St.       Tuscaloosa
     Nov.  20                  Auburn                Auburn



     ------------------------------------------------------------
                               Arkansas
     ------------------------------------------------------------

     Sept.  4                  SMU                   Dallas
     Sept. 11                  So. Carolina          Fayetteville
     Sept. 18                  Alabama               Tuscaloosa
     Sept. 25                  Memphis State         Little Rock
     Oct.   2                  Georgia               Athens
     Oct.   9                  Tennessee             Little Rock
     Oct.  16                  Ole Miss              Jackson
     Oct.  23   ( Open )
     Oct.  30 ( Home Coming )  Auburn                Fayetteville
     Nov.   6                  Miss State            Little Rock
     Nov.  13                  Tulsa                 Fayetteville
     Nov.  20   ( Open )
     Nov.  27                  LSU                   Baton Rouge



     ------------------------------------------------------------
                               Auburn
     ------------------------------------------------------------

     Sept   2  ESPN            Ole Miss              Auburn
     Sept. 11                  Samford               Auburn
     Sept. 18                  LSU                   Baton Rouge
     Sept. 25                  So. Miss              Auburn
     Oct.   2                  Vanderbilt            Nashville
     Oct.   9                  Miss State            Auburn
     Oct.  16                  Florida               Auburn
     Oct.  23  ( Open )
     Oct.  30                  Arkansas              Fayetteville
     Nov.   6 ( Home Coming )  N. Mex. State         Auburn
     Nov.  13                  Georgia               Athens
     Nov.  20                  Alabama               Auburn



     ------------------------------------------------------------
                               Florida
     ------------------------------------------------------------

     Sept.  4                  Arkansas St.          Gainesville
     Sept. 11                  Kentucky              Lexington
     Sept. 18                  Tennessee             Gainesville
     Sept. 25  ( Open )
     Oct.   2                  LSU                   Baton Rouge
     Oct.  16                  Auburn                Auburn
     Oct.  23  ( Open )
     Oct.  30                  Georgia               Jacksonville
     Nov.   6 ( Home Coming )  SW Louisiana          Gainesville
     Nov.  13                  So. Carolina          Columbia
     Nov.  20                  Vanderbilt            Gainesville
     Nov.  27                  Fla. State            Gainesville



     ------------------------------------------------------------
                               Georgia
     ------------------------------------------------------------

     Sept.  4                  So. Carolina          Athens
     Sept. 11                  Tennessee             Knoxville
     Sept. 18                  Texas Tech.           Athens
     Sept. 25                  Ole Miss              Oxford
     Oct.   2                  Arkansas              Athens
     Oct.   9                  So. Miss              Athens
     Oct.  16                  Vanderbilt            Nashville
     Oct.  23 ( Home Coming )  Kentucky              Athens
     Oct.  30                  Florida               Jacksonville
     Nov.   6   ( Open )
     Nov.  13                  Auburn                Athens
     Nov.  20   ( Open )
     Nov.  25    ABC           Ga. Tech              Athens



     ------------------------------------------------------------
                               Kentucky
     ------------------------------------------------------------

     Sept.  4                  Kent State            Lexington
     Sept. 11                  Florida               Lexington
     Sept. 18                  Indiana               Bloomington
     Sept. 23  ESPN            So. Carolina          Columbia
     Oct.   2 ( Home Coming )  Ole Miss              Lexington
     Oct.   9  ( Open )
     Oct.  16                  LSU                   Lexington
     Oct.  23                  Georgia               Athens
     Oct.  30                  Miss State            Starkville
     Nov.   6                  Vanderbilt            Nashville
     Nov.  13                  East Carolina         Lexington
     Nov.  20                  Tennessee             Lexington



     ------------------------------------------------------------
                               LSU
     ------------------------------------------------------------

     Sept.  4                  Texas A&M             Coll. Station
     Sept. 11                  Miss State            Starkville
     Sept. 18                  Auburn                Baton Rouge
     Sept. 25                  Tennessee             Knoxville
     Oct.   2 ( Home Coming )  Utah State            Baton Rouge
     Oct.   9                  Florida               Baton Rouge
     Oct.  16                  Kentucky              Lexington
     Oct.  23   ( Open )
     Oct.  30                  Ole Miss              Baton Rouge
     Nov.   6                  Alabama               Tuscaloosa
     Nov.  13   ( Open )
     Nov.  20                  Tulane                Baton Rouge
     Nov.  27                  Arkansas              Baton Rouge



     ------------------------------------------------------------
                               Ole Miss
     ------------------------------------------------------------

     Sept.  2   ESPN           Auburn                Auburn
     Sept. 11                  UT Chattanooga        Oxford
     Sept. 18                  Vanderbilt            Oxford
     Sept. 25                  Georgia               Oxford
     Oct.   2                  Kentucky              Lexington
     Oct.   9  ( Open )
     Oct.  16                  Arkansas              Jackson
     Oct.  23                  Alabama               Oxford
     Oct.  30                  LSU                   Baton Rouge
     Nov.   6                  Memphis State         Memphis
     Nov.  13 ( Home Coming )  N. Illinois           Oxford
     Nov.  20  ( Open )
     Nov.  27                  Miss State            Starkville



     ------------------------------------------------------------
                               Miss State
     ------------------------------------------------------------

     Sept.  4                  Memphis State         Starkville
     Sept. 11                  LSU                   Starkville
     Sept. 18   ( Open )
     Sept. 25                  Tulane                New Orleans
     Oct.   2                  Florida               Gainesville
     Oct.   9                  Auburn                Auburn
     Oct.  16                  So. Carolina          Starkville
     Oct.  23 ( Home Coming )  Arkansas St.          Starkville
     Oct.  30                  Kentucky              Starkville
     Nov.   6                  Arkansas              Little Rock
     Nov.  13                  Alabama               Tuscaloosa
     Nov.  20   ( Open )
     Nov.  27                  Ole Miss              Starkville



     ------------------------------------------------------------
                               So. Carolina
     ------------------------------------------------------------

     Sept.  4                  Georgia               Athens
     Sept. 11                  Arkansas              Fayetteville
     Sept. 18                  Louisiana Tech.       Columbia
     Sept. 23  ESPN            Kentucky              Columbia
     Oct.   2                  Alabama               Columbia
     Oct.   9 ( Home Coming )  E. Carolina           Columbia
     Oct.  16                  Miss State            Starkville
     Oct.  23                  Vanderbilt            Columbia
     Oct.  30                  Tennessee             Knoxville
     Nov.   6   ( Open )
     Nov.  13                  Florida               Columbia
     Nov.  20                  Clemson               Columbia



     ------------------------------------------------------------
                               Tennessee
     ------------------------------------------------------------

     Sept.  4                  Louisiana Tech        Knoxville
     Sept. 11                  Georgia               Knoxville
     Sept. 18                  Florida               Gainesville
     Sept. 25                  LSU                   Knoxville
     Oct.   2 ( Home Coming )  Duke                  Knoxville
     Oct.   9                  Arkansas              Little Rock
     Oct.  16                  Alabama               Legion Field
     Oct.  23   ( Open )
     Oct.  30                  So. Carolina          Knoxville
     Nov.   6                  Louisville            Knoxville
     Nov.  13   ( Open )
     Nov.  20                  Kentucky              Lexington
     Nov.  27                  Vanderbilt            Knoxville



     ------------------------------------------------------------
                               Vanderbilt
     ------------------------------------------------------------

     Sept.  4                  Wake Forest           Winston-Salem
     Sept. 11                  Alabama               Nashville
     Sept. 18                  Ole Miss              Oxford
     Sept. 25  ( Open )
     Oct.   2                  Auburn                Nashville
     Oct.   9                  Cincinnati            Nashville
     Oct.  16 ( Home Coming )  Georgia               Nashville
     Oct.  23                  So. Carolina          Columbia
     Oct.  30  ( Open )
     Nov.   6                  Kentucky              Nashville
     Nov.  13                  Navy                  Nashville
     Nov.  20                  Florida               Gainesville
     Nov.  27                  Tennessee             Knoxville


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=


   ################################################################
   SPECIAL INTEREST
   GROUPS (SIG's)
   [COMPUTER RELATED]                         compiled by Eric Hunt
   ################################################################


   BIPUG                              Alabama UniForum
   Birmingham IBM-PC Users Group      Homewood Public Library
   UAB Nutrition Science Blg          1st Tuesday
   RM 535/541                         Shawn Cleary 870-6130
   1st Sunday (delayed one week
   if meeting is a holiday)
   Marty Schulman 967-5883

   Birmingham Apple Core
   Informal breakfast meeting every Saturday, 9am - 11am
   @ Kopper Kettle, lower level Brookwood Village Mall
   Formal meeting held second Saturday of each month, location
   variable (to be announced at breakfast meetings and in the
   user group's newsletter "The PEEL".)
   President: Sam Johnston - 322-5379
   Vice-Prez: Marie Prater - 822-8135

   The SIG listing is being re-verified. If you know of an active
   Computer Related user's group, please let me know.

   I can be reached via Internet email at
   [email protected] or drop me a note directly on the
   MATRIX.


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=


   ################################################################
   KNOWN BBS NUMBERS
   FOR THE
   BIRMINGHAM AREA
   ################################################################

   Sysops, PLEASE check your listing to make sure everything is
   correct, especially the networks.  Corrections should be mailed
   to Tim Cook or Scott Hollifield, on the Matrix or Crunchy Frog.
   (Tim Cook can also be reached via e-mail on Birmingham Online
   under the name "Prophet".)



4 and 1/2 Dimension     853-4485   2400-14400            VBBS 6.1
   [vi]
ADAnet One (Nodes 1-3)  250-0013   1200-2400             PCBoard 14.5
   [ez, fi, ad]
ADAnet One (Node 4)     254-6050   2400-14400   USR DS   PCBoard 14.5
   [ez, fi, ad]
Alter-Ego BBS           925-5099   1200-9600    USR HST  PCBoard 14.5
   [alt, ez, mn]
Batcave, The            744-0134   2400-14400            VBBS 6.14
   [am, co, cr, fn, ho, hu, vi]
Baudville (Nodes 1-7)   995-0013    300-2400             Major BBS 6.12
   [none]
Birmingham Online       870-0305    300-2400             Major BBS 6.2
   [none]
Birmingham Online       870-5400   300-19200             Major BBS 6.2
   [none]
BulletProof             668-1624   300-19200    ZyXEL    Wildcat 3.90 *RIP*
   [none]
Bus System              987-5419    300-2400             PCBoard 14.2
   [none]
Byte Me!                979-BYTE!  2400-14400   V.32     WWIV 4.12
   [none]
Castle, The             841-7618    300-2400             Image 1.2
   [none]
Cherry Tree             681-1710  1200-14400             TriBBS 4.01
   [wm, ca]
Christian Apologetic    808-0763  1200-14400    V.32bis  Wildcat! 4.00
   [ez, cp]
CompuNet                833-3335  2400-14400             Major BBS 6.2
   [none]
CompuNet (new users)    833-6221  2400-14400             Major BBS 6.2
   [none]
Computer Addicts BBS    933-5360   300-14400             RoboBoard 1.04
   [none]
Crunchy Frog (Node 1)   823-3957   300-14400    USR DS   PCBoard 14.5
   [ez, mn, lu, ll]
Crunchy Frog (Node 2)   823-3958   300-14400    USR DS   PCBoard 14.5
   [ez, mn, lu, ll]
Crystal Village         856-3749   1200-2400             VBBS 6.10
   [cr, cs, al, ho, fn, vi]
Den, The                933-8744    300-14400   USR DS   PCBoard 15.1
   [ez, mn, il]
Digital Publishing      854-1660    300-9600    V.32     Wildcat! 3.60
   [pl]
Dog Patch BBS           669-1705   300-38400    USR DS   PCBoard 15.5
   [none]
Drawing Room, The       951-2391   300=14400    V.32/42  Wildcat! 3.90
   [none]
Electro-BBS             491-8402   300-14400    V.32/42  Maximus 2.01
   [fi]
Enigma                  678-6367   300-28800             VBBS/2 6.14
   [br, cr, fi, fn, ho, vi]
Family Smorgas-Board    744-0943    300-2400             PCBoard 14.5
   [ez, fi, mj, bc, fa, ic, cf, cd, ve, ad, wg, pt, ed, gn]
Final Frontier          838-5634   300-14400             VBBS 6.11 *RIP*
   [co, hu, ho, fn, vi]
Free Enterprise         856-9809   300-14400   V.32/42   Synchronet
   [fi, sz, br, tr, dv]
GenesisOnline (sign-up) 620-9076   300-14400   V.32bis   Major BBS 6.11
   [mr]
GenesisOnline (Nds 1-8) 620-4150    300-2400   V.32bis   Major BBS 6.11
   [mr]
GenesisOnline (Nds 9-16) 620-9076  300-14400   V.32bis   Major BBS 6.11
   [mr]
Guardian, The (Node 1)  425-1951  1200-14400   V.42bis   Synchronet 2.0
   [dv, sp]
Guardian, The (Node 2)  425-1956  1200-14400   V.42bis   Synchronet 2.0
   [dv, sp]
Guardian, The (Node 3)  424-8273  1200-14400   V.42bis   Synchronet 2.0
   [dv, sp]
Guardian, The (Node 4)  428-0805  1200-14400   V.42bis   Synchronet 2.0
   [dv, sp]
Hump Files, The         987-0235  2400-14400             VBBS 6.14
   [co, fn, ho, hu, vi]
Island BBS, The         631-0184    300-2400             WWIV 4.23
   [none]
KickAxis BBS (Node 1)   733-0253  1200-14400    USR DS   PCBoard 15.0
   [he]
KickAxis BBS (Node 2)   733-0299  1200-14400    USR DS   PCBoard 15.0
   [he]
Knight's Castle         631-6668   300-14400             WWIV 4.23
   [qu, dd]
Leaping's Lounge        856-2521  1200-14400             GTPower 18.00
   [gt, ez, mn, wm, di]
Lions Den               871-9668   300-14400    USR DS   Wildcat! 3.90
   [wi, fi]
Lumby's Palace          520-0041   300-14400             VBBS 6.12
   [he]
Magic City (Node 1)     664-9883   300-14400    USR DS   Wildcat! 4.0
   [di, wm, wi, ca, cm]
Magic City (Node 2)     664-0435   300-1400              Wildcat! 4.0
   [di, wm, wi, ca, sk, yr, ms]
MATRIX, The (Nodes 1-10)  252-9888 300-2400              Major BBS *RIP*
   [ez, mn, th, il, in, us, al, sh, sc, gl, ic, ri, fr]
MATRIX, The (Nodes 11-25) 252-5566 9600-14400   USR DS   Major BBS *RIP*
   [ez, mn, th, il, in, us, al, sh, sc, gl, ic, ri, fr]
MetaBoard               854-4814   300-14400    USR DS   Opus CBCS 1.73
   [fi, ad]
MetroMac BBS (Node 1)   323-6306   1200-28800   V.FC     TeleFinder 3.1
   [none]
MetroMac BBS (Node 2)   252-0582   1200-28800   V.FC     TeleFinder 3.1
   [none]
Missing Link            853-1257   300-16800    USR DS   C-Net Amiga 2.63
   [cl, cn]
Neon Moon (Node 1)      477-9352  9600-14400             TriBBS 4.0
   [none]
Neon Moon (Node 2)      477-5894    300-2400             TriBBS 4.0
   [none]
Outer Limits            985-1078   300-16800             Wildcat 4.0
   [fi, pn, it]
Owl's Nest, The         854-4852   300-38400             PCBoard 14.5
   [ez, mn]
Parthenon, The          678-9676  1200-28800             Wildcat 3.9
   [fi, un, wi, ru, me]
Party Line              856-1336   300-14000    V.32bis  TriBBS 4.0
   [cc, wm, di]
Pirate's Cove           665-7924   300-14000             PowerBBS
   [us]
Playground              681-5070  1200-14000    V.32     TriBBS 5.0
   [wm, di, al, ez]
Posys BBS               854-5131    300-9600    V.32     PCBoard
   [none]
Programmer's Shack      988-4695  2400-14400    HST DS   Renegade
   [ws, fi, it]
Quiet Zone              833-2066    300-2400             ExpressNet
   [none]
Safe Harbor (Node 1)    665-4332    300-2400             GTPower 18.00
   [gt, ez, mn, lg, ae, fr]
Safe Harbor (Node 2)    665-4355   300-14400    USR DS   GTPower 18.00
   [gt, ez, mn, lg, ae, fr]
Sam's Domain            956-2757  1200-14400             SL. 3.50
   [da, he]
Safety BBS              581-2866    300-2400             RBBS-PC 17.4
   [none]
Southern Stallion (1)   322-3816   300-16800    ZyXEL    PCBoard 15.1 *RIP*
   [alt, ez, lu, th, rs, un]
Southern Stallion (2)   324-6924   300-16800    ZyXEL    PCBoard 15.1 *RIP*
   [alt, ez, lu, th, rs, un]
Sperry BBS              853-6144    300-2400    V.32/42b PCBoard 15.0
   [none]
StarBase 12             647-7184  1200-14400             TriBBS 5.02 *RIP*
   [ez, mn, wm, sx]
Torch Song              328-1517  1200-14400    V.32/42b Wildcat 3.90
   [pr, st, gn]
Travelog BBS            491-3898  2400-14400             Wildcat 3.90
   [none]
Unknown World, The      853-9359  2400-14400             Renegade
   [it, ws]
Virtual Football        823-2029    300-2400             Hermes II v.3.0.2
   [none]
Weekends BBS            841-8583  2400-16800    USR DS   Wildcat! 3.9
   [ca]
Willie's DYM (Node 1)   664-9902    300-2400             Oracomm Plus
   [or]
Willie's DYM (Node 2)   664-9903    300-2400             Oracomm Plus
   [or]
Willie's DYM (Node 3)   664-9895    300-2400             Oracomm Plus
   [or]
Willie's DYM (Node 4)   664-9896    300-2400             Oracomm Plus
   [or]
Ziggy Unix BBS          991-5696    300-1200             UNaXess
   [none]

*RIP* = BBS Software is RIP Graphics capable. You must be using a RIP
compatible term software to view them. RIPTerm or QmodemPro v1.50 are
the only two I know of that support it at this time. RIPTerm is shareware
and can be downloaded from most BBS's. QmodemPro is a commercial product.

The two-letter abbreviations you see on the line below the names of
many of the bbs' in the list signify that they are members of one or
more networks that exchange or echo mail to each other in some organized
fashion.


ad  = ADAnet, an international network dedicated to the handicapped
ae  = Arts & Entertainment, a national network, multi-topic
ag  = AgapeNet, a national Christian network, multi-topic
al  = AlaNet, a local network, multi-topic
alt = AlterNet, a local network, multi-topic
am  = AmateurNet, a local network dedicated to HAM operators
an  = The Annex, an international network, multi-topic
at  = AdultNet, a national network, adult-oriented
bc  = BCBNet, a local network, religion-oriented
bh  = BhamTalk, a local network, multi-topic
bi  = BitchNet, uncertain at press time
br  = BreezeNet, National network, multitopic
ca  = CafeNet, a local network, restaurant/dining, recipes, etc.
cc  = Coast2Coast, a national network, multi-topic
cd  = CDN, a national Christian network for file distribution
cf  = CFN, a national Christian network, multi-topic
ch  = ChristNet, a national Christian network
cl  = CLink, uncertain at press time
cm  = CompuLink, a national network, multi-topic
cn  = CNet, multi-topic
co  = Collective,a national network, multi-topic
cp  = CAPNet, a national Christian network, multi-topic
cr  = CrystalNet, uncertain at press time
cs  = ChaosNet, uncertain at press time
cy  = Cybernet, uncertain at press time
da  = DateNet, uncertain at press time
dd  = DeadNet, uncertain at press time
de  = DevNet, an international network for programmers and developers
di  = Dixie Net, a regional network, multi-topic geared toward the south
     eastern United States
do  = DoorNet, a national network for the distribution of BBS doors
dv  = DoveNet, uncertain at press time
ec  = EchoNet, an international network, multi-topic
ed  = EduNet, a national network devoted to homeschooling and Christian
     education
er  = ErosNet, an international network, adult oriented, files & messages
ez  = EzNet, a local IBM compatible network
fa  = FamilyNet, an international network, multi-topic
fi  = FidoNet, an international network, multi-topic
fn  = FrontierNet, a local network, multi-topic
fr  = FredNet, a regional network, political discussion
fs  = FSNet, uncertain at press time
ga  = GameNet, a local network, uncertain at press time
gl  = GlobalLink, an international network, multi-topic
gm  = GayCom, an international network, homosexually oriented
gn  = GlobeNet, an international network, multi-topic
gt  = GTNet, an international network, multi-topic
gy  = GayNet, a national network, homosexually oriented
he  = HellNet, a local network, multi-topic
ho  = HobbyNet, a local network for hobbyists
hu  = HumpNet, a local network, multi-topic
ic  = ICDM, an international Christian network, multi-topic
ie  = Intelec, a national network, multi-topic
il  = ILink, an international network, multi-topic
in  = InterNet, an international network of mail, linking businesses,
     universities, and bbs', multi-topic
it  = ITCNet, a national network, multi-topic
lg  = Local GT Net, a local network, connecting GT Power systems
ll  = LlamaNet, a national network, freeform correspondence
lo  = LocalNet, uncertain at press time
lu  = LuciferNet, an international network, adult oriented
ma  = MAXnet, a local network, connecting WWIV and VBBS systems
me  = Medieval-Net, uncertain at press time
mj  = MJCN, an international network for Messianic Jews
mn  = Metronet, an international network which echoes RIME, multi-topic
mr  = MajorNet, an international network, multi-topic
ms  = MSI SupportNet
nl  = NewLife, uncertain at press time
np  = NPN, a national network for new parents
or  = OraNet, a national E-mail network
pe  = Planet Earth Network, a national network, multi-topic
pl  = PlanoNet, a national network, multi-topic
pn  = PoliceNet, an international network, law-enforcement only
pr  = PrideNet, a national homosexually oriented network
pt  = PRNet, a national network devoted to 2nd amendment rights
qu  = QuadNet, uncertain at press time
rf  = RF Net, a national network for ham radio users and hobbyists
ri  = RIME, an international network, multi-topic
rb  = RoboLink, a national network, multi-topic
re  = RealityNet, uncertain at press time
rp  = RPGnet, a local network for role-playing games
rs  = RoseNet, a national network, technically orient*ed
ru  = RushNet, a national network for Rush Limbaugh fans
sc  = Science Factor Net, a national network, science and technology
     oriented
se  = SEC, a regional network, homosexually oriented geared toward the
     southeastern United States
sh  = Shades N Shadows Net, a national network for role-playing games
sk  = SeekNet, uncertain at press time
sl  = SearchlightNet, a national network, multi-topic
sm  = SmartNet, a national network, multi-topic
sn  = ShadowNet, a national network for role-playing games
sp  = Sub-SpaceNet, uncertain at press time
ss  = SexSations!, a national network, adult-oriented
sx  = SeXXXnet, an national network, adult-oriented
st  = StudsNet, a national network, homosexually oriented
sz  = SCN-Net, uncertain at press time
te  = TECHnet, a local network, hardware and utility oriented
th  = ThrobNet, an international network, adult oriented
tr  = TrekNet, a national network for Star Trek fans
un  = U'NI-Net, an international network, multi-topic
us  = Usenet, an international network existing on the Internet, multi-
     topic
ve  = VETLink, a national network for military veterans
vi  = VirtualNet, an international network, multi-topic
wg  = WGA, an international network devoted to genealogy research
wi  = WildNet, a national network, multi-topic
wm  = World Message Exchange, an international network, multi-topic
ws  = WishNet, uncertain at press time
ww  = WWIV-Net, an international network, multi-topic
yr  = YourNet, uncertain at press time