Volume 4, Number 34                              7 September 1987
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    |                                                 /  \          |
    |                                                /|oo \         |
    |        - FidoNews -                           (_|  /_)        |
    |                                                _`@/_ \    _   |
    |        International                          |     | \   \\  |
    |     FidoNet Association                       | (*) |  \   )) |
    |         Newsletter               ______       |__U__| /  \//  |
    |                                 / FIDO \       _//|| _\   /   |
    |                                (________)     (_/(_|(____/    |
    |                                                     (jm)      |
    +---------------------------------------------------------------+
    Editor in Chief:                                   Thom Henderson
    Chief Procrastinator Emeritus:                       Tom Jennings

    FidoNews  is  published  weekly  by  the  International   FidoNet
    Association  as  its  official newsletter.  You are encouraged to
    submit articles for publication in FidoNews.  Article  submission
    standards  are contained in the file ARTSPEC.DOC,  available from
    node 1:1/1.

    Copyright 1987 by  the  International  FidoNet  Association.  All
    rights  reserved.  Duplication  and/or distribution permitted for
    noncommercial purposes only.  For  use  in  other  circumstances,
    please contact IFNA at (314) 576-4067.



                            Table of Contents

    1. EDITORIAL  ................................................  1
       Copyrights  ...............................................  1
    2. ARTICLES  .................................................  2
       ONE TO ONE - The Newest Communications Software  ..........  2
       IFNA Committee Information  ...............................  5
       DIPLOMACY via BBS  ........................................  8
       CORRECTION  -  Recent Articles on PC-Write  ...............  9
       Fido Offer for IFNA Members  .............................. 10
       The first INTERNATIONAL user conference  .................. 11
       PC-Write Now Checks Spelling!  ............................ 12
       IFNA Welcomes Poland to FidoNet  .......................... 14
       Tandy User Group Newsletter... September 87  .............. 15
       FidoNet Node ID's: Names or Numbers?  ..................... 20
       WaZOO File request available for Fido or SEAdog  .......... 22
    3. COLUMNS  .................................................. 26
       Origin: Angevin Empire  ................................... 26
    4. NOTICES  .................................................. 29
       The Interrupt Stack  ...................................... 29
       Latest Software Versions  ................................. 29
       IFNA Order Form  .......................................... 30
       IFNA Membership Application  .............................. 31
    FidoNews 4-34                Page 1                    7 Sep 1987


    =================================================================
                                EDITORIAL
    =================================================================

                                Copyrights


    Have you looked at the top of the node  list  lately?  More  than
    half  of  the  first  page  is taken up with jawbreaking legalese
    that's supposed to be our copyright notice.  And it just recently
    got worse!

    The original intent was clear enough.  We wanted to  keep  people
    from  selling  the node list.  Somehow in the process we ended up
    forbidding all commercial use.

    What's wrong with that,  you ask?  Well,  what about the  various
    product  support  conferences?  What  about the various companies
    who transact business,  announce new  products,  and  do  product
    support  over the net?  Doesn't that constitute commercial use of
    the node list?

    The Interim Board concluded that it did,  and was in the  process
    of working out  a  commercial  license.  The  new  Board  decided
    otherwise, and chose to amend the copyright notice to allow those
    types  of commercial activity that have always taken place on the
    net.

    That's cool.  Whatever they want.

    The thing that bothered me is that they ended up with a copyright
    notice even more convoluted than before!  Now I realize  that  it
    was a quicky "band-aid" job to hold us over.  I didn't understand
    it  myself  on a first reading,  but I understood what the lawyer
    who wrote it said it meant,  and  I  have  no  objection  to  the
    intent.  I object to the wording!

    Speaking ex-officio from the Peanut Gallery  I  objected  to  the
    language,  and  suggested  that  the  Board  at  least  have  the
    Executive Committee work on something a little closer to English.
    I heard the lawyer who drafted it tell all  sysops,  in  essence,
    "get a lawyer!" I heard a member of the Executive Committee state
    that  of  course  that  was  one  of  the  many things they would
    continually think about.  I did NOT  hear  anything  to  make  me
    think  that  we  can expect a comprehensible copyright notice any
    time in the forseeable future.

    This thing is supposed to be protecting us sysops, right?  So why
    can't it be worded so that we can understand it?

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    FidoNews 4-34                Page 2                    7 Sep 1987


    =================================================================
                                ARTICLES
    =================================================================

    Jean Coppola, 107/246


             ONE TO ONE - The Newest Communications Software

    ONE TO ONE is a telecommunications package designed for those  of
    us   who   sometimes  call  friends  with  computers.   The  many
    sophisticated programs that are currently available  do  a  great
    job  for accessing bulletin boards,  information services,  etc..
    HOWEVER,  they all are less than desirable when it comes  to  two
    human beings trying to communicate with each other over the phone
    lines via computers.

    ONE  TO  ONE  is  the first communications program available that
    attempts to address the special needs  of  people  that  need  to
    share data with other people.

    What does ONE TO ONE offer that the others  don't?  With  ONE  TO
    ONE, you and your friend can...

     1) Type  messages  to  each  other  while  a file transfer is in
        progress!

     2) Never worry about garbled text caused by two people typing at
        the same time.  Incoming and Outgoing text appear in seperate
        windows on screen.

     3) "Share"  a text file.  You and a friend can be looking at the
        same text file at the  same  time.  Both  of  you  will  have
        control over scrolling the files contents in a window. At any
        time,  you  can  pause and type notes to each other about the
        file that you are sharing.

     4) Enjoy   the   snazziest   "user-interface"    in    all    of
        telecommunications.


    System Requirements

        - IBM Compatible Computer
        - PC-DOS Or MS-DOS (version 2.0 or later)
        - One Floppy Disk Drive (hard disk not required)
        - At Least 192k Of RAM.
        - One RS-232 Serial Port
        - A HAYES COMPATABLE modem (must support the Hayes AT
          command set)
        - Someone To Call

    ONE TO ONE works with Monochrome as well as Color video cards. If
    you  have  an Enhanced Graphics Adapter,  ONE TO ONE will use the
    CGA mode.

    FidoNews 4-34                Page 3                    7 Sep 1987


    When you install ONE TO ONE,  you will be asked whether you  have
    Touch  Tone  or  Pulse  phone service.  ONE TO ONE will work with
    either.


    ONE TO ONE version 2.2 is distributed in an  archived  form.  The
    "ARC"  archiving utility by System Enhancment Associates was used
    to compress the files in order to  keep  downloading  time  to  a
    minimum.  ARC  has  become  the standard file compression program
    used for electronic software distribution.

    You should have no problem obtaining a copy of the latest version
    of ARC from your friendly  neighborhood  bulletin  board.  Please
    remember that ARC is not free. It will save you money in the long
    run so why not go ahead and pay for it?

    The name of the archived file is 121-V22.ARC.  After "un-arching"
    this file you will see the files below:

        121.EXE      - The program.
        121.DOC      - The documentation for the program.
        121READ.ME   - Notes reflecting any last minute changes.
        WHATSNEW.121 - Notes describing improvements in 2.2

    The  only  file  required  to  start ONE TO ONE is the file named
    121.EXE.  When you run the program for the first time ONE TO  ONE
    looks for other files and creates them if they cannot be found.

    Terminal Mode And Menu Mode

    ONE  TO  ONE has somewhat of a split personality.  You are either
    in TERMINAL MODE where you are waiting for  the  phone  to  ring,
    typing  messages to a friend,  etc.,  or you are in the MENU MODE
    where you are pulling down menus and making selections from them.

    The first screen you see when ONE TO ONE executes  is  the  title
    screen.  This  screen tells what this program is,  warns you that
    this is not free software, begs for compensation, tells who wrote
    it,  and waits for you to press a key.  Just  your  typical  User
    Supported software title screen.

    When you press a key to continue, the modem initialization string
    will be sent to the modem. After this is accomplished, you are in
    TERMINAL  MODE.  This is where you will spend most of your ONE TO
    ONE life.  TERMINAL MODE is where you perform communications with
    your  friends.  Each key you press will be sent out the comm port
    to whoever's out there.  (The exception to this occurrs when  the
    keys that you press are menu selections.)

    All  of  the vital choices from the menus have been mapped to the
    keyboard.  You could call a friend (or be  called),  establish  a
    connection,type  messages,  send  and receive files,  and hang up
    without ever once pulling down a menu.

    Once the computers have started transferring the  file,  you  can
    just sit back and relax if you like.  BUT, if the other person is
    FidoNews 4-34                Page 4                    7 Sep 1987


    also using ONE TO ONE,  you can continue to type messages to each
    other  while  the  file transfer takes place!  In either case you
    will see a status report of the file transfer  displayed  on  the
    Dividing Bar.  After the file transfer is complete, you will hear
    a beeping sound indicating that the transfer is complete.

    Share A File - This is a nifty feature!  Share A File  gives  you
    the  ability to share a text file with a friend.  One of you acts
    as the Sender and the other acts as the Receiver. BOTH USERS MUST
    BE USING ONE TO ONE FOR THIS FEATURE TO WORK PROPERLY.  When  you
    and a friend Share A File,  your screens change into a large area
    at the top two-thirds of the screen.  The bottom portion  of  the
    screen  is split into 2 sections so that you may continue to type
    to each other while sharing the file.

    Available  on  107/246  as  121-V22.ARC  for  SEAdog  request  or
    download.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    FidoNews 4-34                Page 5                    7 Sep 1987


    Don Daniels, 107/210

                          COMMITTEE INFORMATION


    One of the areas  in  which  we  have  discovered  some  start-up
    problems is  that  of  Committee  Membership.  According  to  the
    Bylaws,  the President is supposed to name the various members of
    the standing committees at the annual meeting.  However,  due  to
    the fact that:

     o So many other priorities had to be addressed during the annual
       meeting,

     o We don't have any real track record as to who can do what,  or
       who wishes to do what,

     o We wanted to open the committees to as many  qualified  people
       as possible,

    what  we  decided  to  do  was to name provisional members of the
    various committees and  then  provide  the  opportunity  for  the
    Chairman  of each commmittee (as appointed by the Chairman of the
    Board of Directors,  Ken Kaplan) to select more members from  the
    additional volunteers.

    What  I am also suggesting to the Committee Chairman is that they
    consider a two-tiered arrangement when it  comes  to  membership.
    The reason for this is based on a combination of things: In order
    for each committee to operate in session,  it is necessary that a
    quorum be present.  With all of us scattered all  over  not  only
    the U.S.,  but the world as well, this could present difficulties
    if all recommended parties and volunteers are automatically  made
    members.  In  certain cases then,  it may be advisable to make up
    the committee of those who do not have constraints  of  time  and
    distance,  while  at  the same time utilizing the services of the
    other volunteers as either "associate members" or as  workers  on
    special projects.

    The  point  is  to  try  to  open  up participation to as many as
    possible,  provide opportunities for them all to contribute  (and
    receive appropriate recognition),  and yet not be encumbered with
    an inoperable arrangement.  I hope that the membership will  bear
    with  us  as  we  all  learn how to deal with a new and sometimes
    complex situation.

    Below I am providing the list  of  those  individuals  that  have
    either  voluntereed  or been recommended for the various standing
    committees.  We expect to add to this list with other  volunteers
    from  throughout  the  Net.  We  hope that each of our supporters
    will consider carefully the opportunities and will  volunteer  to
    participate  in those areas in which they feel they could be most
    productive.

    Please make your request directly to the Chairmen of the specific
    committee(s)  in  which  you   are   interested.   Indicate   any
    FidoNews 4-34                Page 6                    7 Sep 1987


    constraints  you  may  have  and whether you think that you could
    best participate as a full member or as an  "associate",  perhaps
    handling  a  special  project or requirement.  Also,  if you have
    been suggested for a particular  committee  but  feel  that  your
    participation  there  would  not be in our mutual best interests,
    don't hesitate to say so.  In any event, please get in touch with
    the Committee Chairmen by September 15th.  At that time  we  want
    the  Committee  Chairmen  to provide the Secretary with a list of
    their recommendations for both full and "associate" members.

    Note: If you volunteered before but we  lost  your  name  in  the
          hassle, DON'T FEEL BAD - just volunteer again!



                  PROVISIONAL COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP LIST

    The individuals listed below have volunteered or been recommended
    for the following committees (*Current Chairman is listed first):



    ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

    (We need a good administrator to be Chairman of this Committee!)

    Ken Kaplan* (Acting) 100/22
    Gene Clayton       Leonard Mednick     Wynn Wagner



    NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS

    Dave Dodell* 114/5
    Hal DuPrie
    (Bob Morris has offered to be a 'consultant' to this committee)



    TECHNICAL STANDARDS

    Ryugen Fisher* 220/1
    Chris Baker* (FTSC Sub-committee Chairman)
    Bob Hartman* (9600 Sub-committee Chairman)
    Jim Cannell        Mark Grennan        Ray Gwynne
    Vince Perriello    Tom Jennings        Thom Henderson
    Henk Wevers        Ben Baker           Wynn Wagner
    Randy Bush         Steve Sullivan      Michael Connick
    Hal DuPrie         Mike Johnson        Jim Cannell
    Marshall Presnell  Gee Wong            Bob Morris
    Amnon Nissan





    FidoNews 4-34                Page 7                    7 Sep 1987


    INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

    Don Daniels* (Zone 1 Liaison) 1:107/210
    Henk Wevers* (Zone 2 Liaison) 2:500/1
    ???????????* (Zone 3 Liaison) 3:?????
    Mark Grennan       Joop Mellaart       Allwyn Smith
    Raymond Richmond   Rob Barker          Michael White
    Randy Bush



    BY-LAWS AND RULES

    Steve Jordan* 102/2871
    Dave Drexler       David Bodman        Gerrie Blum
    Mark Peters



    PUBLICATIONS

    Brian Hughes* 109/634
    Thom Henderson     Irene Henderson     Brad Hicks
    Kurt Reisler       Wynn Howard         Wes Cowley



    MEMBERSHIP SERVICES

    Phil Ardussi* 157/1
    Irene Henderson    Chris Baker         Randy Bush
    Neal Curtain       Dave Dodell         Brian Hughes
    Chuck Sanders      Jim Cannell



    Also, as all Directors are required to be on at least one
    standing committee, the following are available:

    Larry Wall         Ted Polczyinski     Rick Seigel
    Bob Swift

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    FidoNews 4-34                Page 8                    7 Sep 1987


    Les Casey,  163/13


                            DIPLOMACY via BBS

        Diplomacy,   the  popular  Avalon-Hill  boardgame,   is   now
    available  for  play  in  an  e-mail format.  As of this writing,
    there are two BBS's (163/13 124/109), where games are available.

         163/13 Diplomacy Online Ottawa,Ont Fido (613)225-5836 is the
    only BBS in North America dedicated solely to  the  play  of  the
    popular  war game.  At any time,  up to six games are in progress
    at once,  thus permitting users to join more than  one  game,  if
    desired.   Additionally,  several  online  features  enhance  the
    playability, making, in this writer's opinion,  the e-mail format
    the best alternative to "live" play.

         The game is best played in a live, round-table scenario, but
    it  is  not always easy to obtain seven experienced players,  who
    have several hours to participate.  Thus,  many other formats  of
    play have evolved (eg. E-mail, telephone, mail).

         The   main   feature  of  playing  Diplomacy  on  163/13  is
    convenience.  Players can login and receive  all  of  their  mail
    immeditely,  dwell  upon  the offers and suggestions of the other
    players,  then return comments at another time  when  convenient.
    Assuming  a  deadline  of once per week,  the average player will
    require 10 - 20 minutes per week per game  on  the  BBS  to  post
    messages  and to receive results from the previous week's orders.
    Add to this approx.  10-20 mins to determine  strategy.  Thus,  3
    sessions at 10 mins. each is all that is required.

         Other benefits derived from on-line play:

     1. Online help files of strategy
     2. Access to other players, and the sysop for advice
     3. No fees
     4. BBS operates 24 hrs/day - all year
     5. A competitive rating system
     6. Access to a N. A.  Diplomacy E-mail conference as coordinated
        by (124/109)

         There are  other  BBS's  who  host  Diplomacy.  If  you  are
    interested as either a sysop or player, I suggest you contact the
    Diplomacy   conference  coordinator  -  Robert  Eskridge  at  THE
    DIPLOMAT BBS (124/109).  Those players wishing to participate  on
    Diplomacy   Online   will   be  pleased  to  learn  that  several
    individuals in the U.S.  presently are regular users on this BBS.
    A diplomacy echomail is available from the 124/109 as well.

    There is always a gamestart available.  Login today and take part
    in the mayhem!

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    FidoNews 4-34                Page 9                    7 Sep 1987


                CORRECTION  -  Recent Articles on PC-Write

          John Herro, 1083 Mandarin Dr. NE, Palm Bay, FL  32905

    Are  you  wondering  why on earth FidoNews  4-32  (24  Aug  1987)
    reprinted  a review of PC-Write version 2.6,  when 2.7  with  its
    spelling checker has been out for some time now?

    The  review  must  have  be re-mailed  to  FidoNews  by  mistake.
    Recently  I  uploaded,  to a bulletin board that happens to be  a
    Fido node,  an archive containing two reviews of PC-Write.  These
    were my review of version 2.6  from FidoNews 3-30,  and my review
    of  version 2.7  from FidoNews 3-48.   The Sysop,  unpacking  the
    archive,  probably thought that I wanted these articles mailed to
    FidoNews now.  By the time you  read  this,  my review of version
    2.7 may also have been inadvertantly "reprinted" in FidoNews.

    Interestingly,  at the end of my review of 2.6, I  mentioned that
    PC-Write lacks two  features  found  on  some expensive word pro-
    cessors:  it  can't  handle  very large  files,  and  there's  no
    spelling checker.   We all know that a spelling checker was added
    in version 2.7.  The newsletter from Quicksoft says that  version
    3.0, now being written, will handle large files.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    FidoNews 4-34                Page 10                   7 Sep 1987


                       Fido Offer for IFNA Members

    IFNA is proud to announce that it will make  Fido  version  12.00
    available to its members (limit one per member) for only $65.00.

    As you may already know.  Tom Jennings of Fido Software announced
    at FidoCon 87 that IFNA would be permited to  sell  Fido  version
    12.00 under a special arrangement.  So here are the restrictions.
    IFNA must not  compete  for  sales  with  Fido  Software  or  its
    authorized  distributors.  This means that we may offer Fido only
    to IFNA members, and only one copy to each registered member.

    Members must understand and  agree  that  Fido  Software  is  NOT
    prepared  to  offer  technical  support  to IFNA purchasers.  Tom
    Jennings has agreed to  participate  in  an  Echomail  Conference
    called "FIDO" if a volunteer comes forward to Host it.

    To  order,  send  $65  (Missouri  residents  add $3.72 sales tax.
    Overseas members please make payment in US dollars,  and  include
    $5.00  for  surface  shipping  or  $15.00  for  air  shipping and
    handling) to:

        IFNA
        PO Box 41143
        St. Louis, MO 63141

    Sorry we are not prepared to handle credit card  or  COD  orders.
    Only  prepaid orders will be accepted.  Orders received by Friday
    of each week will be shipped prepaid via UPS-ground the following
    Monday (provided that sufficient inventory is available).

    If you are not an IFNA member yet,  but would like to participate
    in  the offer,  fill out the membership application at the end of
    this newsletter and include it and an additional $25.00.

    Fido Software has indicated that this is a LIMITED TIME OFFER  at
    this terrific price.  Orders postmarked by midnight October 31st,
    1987 will be filled.  Orders received on or after  November  1st,
    1987 will cost $100 for IFNA members so order TODAY!

    Ken Kaplan
    1:1/10

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    FidoNews 4-34                Page 11                   7 Sep 1987


    Joaquim Homrighausen
    FrontDoor BBS (Opus 1:135/20)

                 The first INTERNATIONAL user conference

    After all these echo mail areas and debates I got very  tired  of
    the  simple  fact that there wasn't any REALLY INTERNATIONAL user
    conference.  And I feel that this is one of the  major  drawbacks
    with  the net today,  the lack of respect for other nations.  Not
    just BY the Americans,  not just FROM the Americans,  but from  a
    lot of other nations as well.

    So  what  I did was a very simple thing.  I established the first
    truly international user echo  mail  conference.  The  first  two
    nodes  to  be  included  in  this  were  1:135/20  (my  own)  and
    2:501/4607 (Mats Knuts, host of Sweden).  Then,  a couple of days
    ago ... some other sysops seemed to be noticing what was going on
    and requested the conference from me, and the heat was on.

    If  you want to be serious about carrying user echo mail,  please
    contact the INTERUSER Zone coordinators for more  information  on
    where  you  could  pick up this conference.  It's very simple ...
    keep the politics,  flames and general BULL out of there  and  we
    all got what we wanted in the first place.

    Joaquim


         Coordinator USA:                Coordinator Europe:

        Joaquim Homrighausen                  Mats Knuts
          FrontDoor BBS                          SSF
          Opus 1:135/20                    Opus 2:501/4607


    (PS.  I  blame  all spelling errors in the above text on my flaky
    power equipment and the fact that it is 3:25 in the morning Ds.)

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    FidoNews 4-34                Page 12                   7 Sep 1987


    John Herro
    Fido 107/211

    NOTE:  This  article first appeared in FidoNews,  Vol. 3, No. 48,
    15 Dec., 1986.  The author  now  lives  at  1083 Mandarin Dr. NE,
    Palm Bay, FL  32905, and is a Staff Software Engineer for Grumman
    Aerospace.  He is no longer at Fido 107/211.


                 User's Review of PC-WRITE With Spelling

    (The author has no connection with Quicksoft,  the  producers  of
    PC-WRITE, except for being a registered user of that Shareware.)

    The  long-awaited  version  2.7 of the PC-WRITE word processor is
    out.  Since PC-WRITE is Shareware, you can download it and try it
    for free.  If you have an older version of PC-WRITE, it will def-
    initely be worth the time to download the latest  version.  Since
    I  recently reviewed version 2.6 in FidoNews 330,  I will discuss
    only new features here.

    The biggest new feature is the spelling  checker.  This  is  very
    handy not only for poor spellers, but for bad typists like me.

    I've  used three different spelling checkers from bulletin boards
    before, but none of them compares with the one built into version
    2.7 of PC-WRITE.  For one thing,  the PC-WRITE  spelling  checker
    handles  words divided by a hyphen at the end of a line,  and the
    other spellers I've tried do not.  I was tired of being told that
    "tion" is not a word.  Also, the dictionary resides in memory, so
    the checking is very fast.  Finally,  the  dictionary  is  large:
    50,000  words.  I'm impressed that the program manages to squeeze
    50K English words into fewer than 110K bytes of memory.

    Alternate-F2 brings up the spelling menu.  You can check spelling
    in three ways.  The program can check words  as  you  type  them,
    beeping at you like some of the newer typewriters.  You can check
    an entire document, or check only the word at the cursor.

    When  you  check  an entire document,  the program highlights the
    first unknown word.  You can ignore it, add it to a personal dic-
    tionary,  edit it,  or ask the program to guess the correct word.
    In  the  last  case,  I've found that some of the guesses seem to
    bear little relation to the word typed,  while other guesses  are
    very  useful.  After  you  select one of these four options,  the
    program highlights the next unknown word, etc.

    The  same  four options are available when you check  the  single
    word at the cursor, or when you ask PC-WRITE to beep whenever you
    type an unknown word.

    You can have as many personal dictionaries as you like,  but only
    one  can be in memory at a time,  along with the main 50,000-word
    dictionary.    The personal dictionaries are not compressed  like
    the main one.  A separate program is provided to merge a personal
    dictionary  with the main one,  producing a new main  dictionary.
    FidoNews 4-34                Page 13                   7 Sep 1987


    Dictionaries are lower case; the speller ignores capitalization.

    Working with a large dictionary in memory is a pleasure.   I  was
    surprised  that  the program  accepted  "Boise,"   "elaboration,"
    "esc,"  "Hoover," "identifier," "Qatar," and "Terre Haute."   The
    catch is that you can't use the speller if your computer has less
    than 320K of memory.

    There  are a few new features besides the spelling checker.   You
    can  now  define a single keystroke to insert  the  current  date
    and/or time in any format you like.   (Date first, spell the day,
    abbreviate the month,  two-digit year, 24-hour time,  etc.)   The
    help  file  is now loaded only when you need it,  giving  a  fast
    startup.   Word wrapping can be disabled without  disturbing  the
    right margin.   More printers are supported, including those with
    XON/XOFF  protocol.    Finally,  PC-WRITE can now "import"   text
    placed on the screen by another program.

    PC-WRITE now includes a pamphlet, ready for you to print out, ex-
    plaining the differences between versions 2.6  and 2.7.   This is
    in  addition to the familiar tutorial manual and quick  reference
    guide.

    If I may say so,  some of you FidoNews authors out there urgently
    NEED a spelling checker!  Version 2.7 of PC-WRITE can be found on
    Daniels-Fido  107/211,  (516) 367-9626,  300/1200/2400  baud.   I
    uploaded the program in two files, PCWRITE1.ARC and PCWRITE2.ARC.
    PLEASE download it and improve the appearance of FidoNews!!

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    FidoNews 4-34                Page 14                   7 Sep 1987


    Don Daniels, 107/210

    The following is the  text  of  my  message  titled  "Welcome  to
    FidoNet!"  that  was  sent  to  our  "Fellow  Sysops and Users in
    Poland" via the Zone 2 Coordinator Henk Wevers.




    As  IFNA's  (International  FidoNet  Association)  first  elected
    President,  it  gives  me  special  pleasure  as  one of my first
    official acts to extend  a  welcome  to  those  nodes  that  have
    recently begun operation in Poland.

    All  FidoNet  Sysops  the  world  over  are dedicated to the free
    exchange of information.  That is why we are all  so  pleased  to
    learn  of  the existence of FidoNet systems beyond the barrier we
    in the West refer to as "The Iron  Curtain".  We  hope  that  the
    future exchange of information,  ideas, and even feelings through
    FidoNet will be an aid to the removal of other barriers that have
    traditionally kept all of us from enjoying a world-wide peace and
    understanding.

    The other officers and members of IFNA join me in  welcoming  all
    of  you  to  FidoNet.  Many  of  us  here in America and in other
    countries  have  become  personal  friends  solely  through   our
    contacts   in   FidoNet.   We  look  forward  to  extending  such
    friendship to those of you who are joining our Network in Poland.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    FidoNews 4-34                Page 15                   7 Sep 1987


    Bill Crawford
    Chattanooga, TN
    OpusNODE 1:362/1.0

                               NEW PRODUCTS
         This month, I'm going to "cop out" to a degree, but I think
    you'll forgive me. With the amount of work to be done to prepare
    for our August 3 product announcement, there just isn't time to
    put together my usual newsletter information. Since the big news
    is our new products, I'm going to reprint our news release on
    these items, with a few comments (( in double parens )).

                      RADIO SHACK ANNOUNCES NEW PRODUCTS ON
                        TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THEIR FIRST
                                PERSONAL COMPUTER
         NEW YORK, NY - In a "Nationwide Anniversary Celebration",
    today, personal computer pioneer Radio Shack unveiled four new
    and two upgraded PC-compatible Tandy computers, plus three new
    printers, giving the company the industry's most extensive line
    of personal computers.  The new computers are additions to
    Tandy's line. No existing models have been discontinued. Also
    introduced were two new cellular telephone models. The
    Waldorf-Astoria press conference was satellite-linked to Dallas,
    Texas and Anaheim, California, where more than 1600 Radio Shack
    managers were attending annual meetings of the company's business
    products and western consumer divisions. (( In attendance in New
    York were a number of industry chief executives including Paul
    Brainard of Aldus, Mark Eppley of Traveling Software, Ed Esber of
    Ashton-Tate, Bill Gates of Microsoft, Fred Gibbons of Software
    Publishing, Trip Hawkins with Electronic Arts, Roger Johnson from
    Western Digital, and Bill Krause and Bob Metcalf of 3-Com.
    Brainard, Gates and Krause spoke.))
         Tandy President, CEO, and Chairman John V. Roach expressed
    Tandy's commitment to product value, unique technologically
    innovative products, and providing compatibility with existing
    and future operating systems, user-interface and connectivity
    environments and applications software. He spoke of key strategic
    directions including simplification of computer use and a
    "building block" selection of system configuration options.
                             TANDY 4000 WITH 80386
         Stating, "The 80386 is now an affordable option for all
    users," Roach introduced the new Tandy 4000 personal computer.
    This 16Mhz, 80386-based PC, priced at $2,599, uses software based
    on the latest MS- DOS and UNIX operating systems, and is "OS/2
    ready" for future applications. The 4000 comes with one 3.5-inch
    1.44-megabyte (Mb) floppy disk drive. Two additional storage
    device slots let the buyer choose the options needed from a broad
    range of 3.5-inch and 5.25-inch floppies, hard disks, and
    internal cartridge or tape backup systems.
         Also included are nine expansion slots, 1Mb RAM (expandable
    to 16Mb), serial and parallel ports, and keylock. Currently-owned
    and widely available expansion options are supported through two
    "XT" and six "AT"-compatible slots.  One 32-bit slot is dedicated
    to memory expansion.
                         TANDY 3000 AND 3000 HL UPGRADED
         The popular 80286-based Tandy 3000 computer received a speed
    FidoNews 4-34                Page 16                   7 Sep 1987


    increase to 12 Mhz, a keylock/chassis locking system, and a lower
    price of $1,999. At $1,499, the lowest priced of Tandy's "OS/2
    Ready", 80286- based 3000 family is the Tandy 3000 HL computer.
    It now includes a 101- key enhanced keyboard, and keylock system.
    (( Although there is no longer officially a "3000 HD", our 1988
    catalog lists system prices for the 3000 and 3000 HL when
    purchased with a 20 or 40 Mb hard drive and controller.))
         Roach revealed reliability statistics (held in confidence by
    most manufacturers) for Tandy's 3000 family, which included a
    calculated Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) of over 58,000 hours,
    and end user out-of- box failure rate of less than one percent.
                  DYNAMITE SOFTWARE AND NEW LOW-COST NETWORK !
         ((This is one you won't find reviewed in the monthly
    magazines... we kept a few things up our corporate sleeve when we
    previewed products to them.))
         Roach announced a new Professional DeskMate integrated
    software product scheduled for bundling with Tandy 3000 operating
    system options in the fourth quarter of this year. It will be
    available for other PC- compatible products as well. This new
    version of a Tandy-designed favorite uses pull-down menus, pop-up
    dialogue boxes, and features mouse, joystick or simple keyboard
    control. New and considerably enhanced features have been
    tailored specifically to office use.
         The most significant change is a utility called DeskLink
    which allows small workgroups to share a common calendar, phone
    directory, an electronic mail system, file transfers, and even
    share a printer. Connectivity options range from a simple RS-232
    cable for two users, to sophisticated networks such as the one
    Radio Shack offers from 3Com Corporation.
         Available along with the Professional DeskMate software will
    be a very low-cost network hardware interface called TandyLink.
    This "twisted-pair" system is ideal for connecting Professional
    DeskMate workgroups.  TandyLink is not only compatible with the
    AppleTalk network system but can run three times faster than
    their normal speed. (( Yes, this means using the proper
    third-party software such as TOPS from Centram, Macintosh and
    Tandy computers can network together.))
         Delivering on the company's promise to make networking
    simple ((and inexpensive)) enough for everyone, these products
    provide a "plug in and go" workgroup system, requiring no special
    training or expert user to install, implement and use.
                             PC-COMPATIBLE LAPTOP
         The company's entry into the PC-compatible laptop market,
    the new Tandy 1400 LT computer answers a common MS-DOS laptop
    complaint of short battery life by providing a unique, removable
    rechargeable battery pack. The $1,599 unit is based on a
    high-performance NEC V-20 microprocessor and features the latest
    high-contrast "backlit supertwist" liquid crystal display
    technology, two 3.5-inch 720-kilobyte (Kb) disk drives, and 768Kb
    memory. Additional standard features include 76-key keyboard,
    real time clock, parallel and serial ports, input socket for a
    101-key enhanced keyboard, and outputs for RGBI and composite
    video monitors. (( One visiting editor - who happens to be a
    laptop computer devotee - told me our screen is by far the best
    he has seen yet.))
                TWO ADDITIONAL TANDY 1000 COMPUTERS PROVIDE SPEED,
    FidoNews 4-34                Page 17                   7 Sep 1987


                         NEW DIMENSION IN EASE OF USE
         Two additions to Tandy's best-selling 1000 family were
    shown. Operating at three times the speed of IBM's latest PS/2
    Model 30, and over six times the speed of the PC/XT, the new
    $1,199 Tandy 1000 TX computer brings 80286 speed to the PC/XT
    market. The TX comes with 640Kb memory, one 3.5-inch 720Kb floppy
    drive plus one open drive slot, joystick, serial and parallel
    ports, enhanced CGA graphics, three-voice sound, headphone jack
    and volume control, MS-DOS and GW-BASIC software, and a new
    enhanced version of Tandy's DeskMate 2 program. The Tandy 1000 TX
    computer offers unmatched speed and value in a low-cost,
    American- made brand name PC. ((One prominent industry analyst
    called the TX an "absolute killer machine."))
         The Tandy 1000 HX computer is a truly functional one-drive
    PC- compatible, designed to provide a new dimension in ease of
    use, without any sacrifice in performance. Tandy executives say
    the $699 HX's unique features represent more technology per
    dollar than any other MS-DOS computer can claim. The MS-DOS
    operating system is contained in read only memory (ROM),
    eliminating the need for an ever-present MS-DOS disk.
         The HX also features an Electrically Erasable Programmable
    (by the user) Read Only Memory (EEPROM), which stores system
    configuration and user-selected start-up information, for "Power
    and Run" operation. The user can specify processor speed, an
    external drive as the primary drive, immediate power-on execution
    of the Personal DeskMate 2 program, a utility menu, or a selected
    application program (in lieu of DOS). A user never has to see the
    MS-DOS "A>" prompt or worry with switch- selected configuration
    options.
         Students can insert a program disk, turn the power on, and
    see their lesson on-screen with no intermediate steps... a unique
    capability available in no other personal computer system.
         Supplied with one 3.5-inch 720Kb drive, the HX will accept a
    second 3.5-inch internal drive, and an external 5.25-inch drive.
    Standard memory is 256Kb, expandable to 640Kb.
         Portions of Personal DeskMate 2 are included in ROM for fast
    operation. The HX also includes printer and joystick ports,
    three-voice sound, headphone jack and volume control, plus
    enhanced CGA graphics.
                      80286 UPGRADE FOR 1000 & 1000 SX
         Citing Tandy's commitment to superior value, Roach announced
    a move rarely seen in the PC industry - a technology upgrade for
    existing products. Owners of existing Tandy 1000 and 1000 SX
    computers will be offered an accessory 80286 board which replaces
    their original 8088 processor for faster performance.
                            PERSONAL DESKMATE IMPROVED
         Enhanced Personal DeskMate 2 software is included with the
    Tandy 1000 TX and 1000 HX personal computers. Especially when
    used with a mouse, it brings a graphics-oriented user interface -
    rivaling the best available today, yet in color - to low-cost PC
    compatible computers. This multi-function software product takes
    advantage of the 1000 family's "enhanced" CGA graphics.
    Simplified keyboard control of pull- down menus and pop-up
    dialogue boxes has been added, along with a music composition
    program. Also, "Paint" is expanded from four to 16 colors. Cursor
    control options include mouse, joystick, or keyboard.
    FidoNews 4-34                Page 18                   7 Sep 1987


                           NEW LASER PRINTER ANNOUNCED
         To fully implement low-cost desktop publishing based on
    Tandy's 3000 family and new 4000, the company introduced the LP
    1000, a $2,199 laser printer. The unit features full-page (1.5Mb)
    memory and on-board controller, and produces six pages per minute
    in Tandy, IBM, and HP LaserJet Plus-compatible modes, with 300 x
    300 dot-per-inch resolution.
                              NEW DOT-MATRIX PRINTERS
         Two new dot-matrix printers were shown. The DMP 2120 is a
    $1,599, PC-compatible, 240 character per second letter-quality
    printer with color ribbon option. A 24-wire print head can
    produce a variety of internal or downloaded fonts. A push-type
    "zero tear" tractor is supplied.
         The DMP 440 is a 300 character per second, PC-compatible
    nine-wire 132-column printer, selling for $699. It also accepts
    downloaded fonts in addition to those supplied.
                  NEW CELLULAR PHONES INCLUDE HAND-HELD PORTABLE
         Included in the announcement were two new Radio Shack
    cellular telephones, giving the company three versatile models.
         The CT-300 portable cellular telephone is an ultra-small,
    battery- powered, hand-held unit no larger than many cordless
    phones.   Advanced features include 40-number memory, one-button
    re-dial, dial lock, and lighted LCD multi-function display. The
    CT-300 is supplied with built-in rechargeable battery pack,
    portable antenna, carrying case and strap, for $1,499.
         The new CT-100 phone is a low-cost, feature-rich mobile unit
    delivering full 3-watt performance. Complete with handset,
    speaker and visor microphone, the CT-100 retails for $799.
         An improved version of Radio Shack's popular 3-watt
    Transportable Cellular Telephone (mobile mount or
    battery-operated portable) continues at $1,199. (Portable adapter
    and batteries optional).
    -----------------------------------------------------------------
         So there you have the news. All of the products are detailed
    in our new 124-page 1988 Tandy Computer Catalog & Software
    Reference Guide.  It should be showing up in your neighborhood
    stores within the next few days. I think you'll be as excited as
    we are about the line.  You'll also see "first looks" in most of
    the major computer trade journals over the next couple of months.
         There is plenty to see in the new catalog.  For example,
    there's a 40-Mb internal tape cartridge (backup) system, selling
    for only $699. Most tape systems are pre-configured to either XT
    or AT formats, and are not interchangeable.  Ours works with
    either. I don't want to spoil your fun, so that's the only
    additional "teaser" I'll give you.
         Yes, this was an MS-DOS announcement.  No, there wasn't
    another version of the CoCo, Model 4D or 6000, but those products
    continue in our 1988 catalog. The only computer not listed in
    this one is the Tandy 2000. See you next month...
    -----------------------------------------------------------------
    Material contained herein may be reproduced in whole or in
    part in user group newsletters. Please quote source as Tandy
    Corporation/Radio Shack.
     Send questions/topic suggestions to:
     Ed Juge, director of market planning
     Radio Shack
    FidoNews 4-34                Page 19                   7 Sep 1987


     1700 One Tandy Center
     Fort Worth, TX  76102
    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    FidoNews 4-34                Page 20                   7 Sep 1987


    From: Robert Heller, SysOp of Locks Hill BBS 321/148

                  FidoNet Node ID's: Names or Numbers?

    1. Introduction.

        Although I am new to FidoNet, I have had some experience
    using other network mail systems (including local DECNet and
    ARPANet (by way of CSNet)).   The big machine mail networks use
    names for nodes at the user level - that is users don't need to
    know the network address numbers for the nodes they send mail to,
    all that is handled by the mailer software at one level or
    another.  It seems to me that FidoNet has gotten big enough to
    also move in this direction.  I don't mean that we should
    eleminate the nodelist and the node numbers, just to phase out
    the use of raw network node numbers as part of user-visible mail
    headers.

    2. Motivation.

        The motivation for going to a named node identification at
    the user level is to help users in understanding the network
    address.  It is usually easier to remember someone (and to refer
    to someone) by name rather than by say a telephone number or a
    zip-code.  The translation from a person's name to their
    telephone number (needed to call them on the phone) is done with
    a telephone directory.  The same can be done with FidoNet node
    names.  We already have the directory - the nodelist itself! With
    named-node addressing at the BBS level users can refer to netmail
    destinations by *name* rather than by network node id numbers.

    3. Proposed Syntax

        Since there are alot of nodes (more than 2100), we will
    probably still need a multi-part addressing scheme.  I propose
    the following syntax (which is much like what is used on
    ARPANet):

           user-name @ point-name.node-name.net-name.zone-name

    with the provision that trailing parts can be dropped when they
    are the same as the parts in the local nodes address.  That means
    that nodes in the same network only need specify the point and
    node names. Point names can also be dropped if the destination is
    a node rather than a point. For example:

         Robert Heller @ Locks Hill BBS.MassNet West.USA Canada

    is the same as

                        Robert Heller @ 1:321/148

    (There are no points under Locks Hill BBS.)

    The ".USA Canada" part can be dropped if sent from a node in zone
    1 and ".MassNet West.USA Canada" can be dropped if sent from
    FidoNews 4-34                Page 21                   7 Sep 1987


    another node in network 321 (MassNet West).

    4. Conclusion

        This scheme can be implemented in future versions of BBS
    programs. It could even be implemented without changing the
    format of message files as they exist on disk.  Fido (or Opus,
    etc.) would simply display the message header with names
    replacing network and node numbers and users entering netmail
    would just enter network and node names, which would be
    translated by the BBS software to *internal* network numbers.
    Users would never see network or node numbers.  The numbers would
    still exist, since they are needed to resolve routing and in cost
    accounting and in the mail packets.  That is, the software
    involved in transporting the mail message would use numbers and
    users would only see names, with the BBS software performing the
    translatation interface.

        This is just a idea of mine that I am tossing out to the
    readership of FidoNews.  If you have comments on this idea send
    me netmail.  Or write a counter-proposal. I am not commited to
    the syntax I proposed.  Other syntaxes are certainly posible.

                                  Robert Heller
        EMail addresses:
              ARPANet:    [email protected]
              BITNET:     [email protected]
              BIX:        Heller
              GENIE:      RHeller
              CompuServ:  71450,3432 <- CIS uses primitive software!
              FidoNet:    321/148, Locks Hill BBS.MassNet West

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    FidoNews 4-34                Page 22                   7 Sep 1987


    The Dallas Mafia
    Opus 124/xxx

      +-----------------------------------------------------------+
      |                                                           |
      |  Chisolm's Third Law, Corollary 2:                        |
      |    If you do something which you are sure will meet with  |
      |    everyone's approval, somebody won't like it.           |
      |                                                           |
      +-----------------------------------------------------------+

                   Making File Requests using Fido<tm>
                   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Opus-Cbcs  v1.03  allows  WaZOO  File  Requests  from   non-WaZOO
    systems.

    For example,  if you run a Fido<tm> system, you can now make file
    requests to an Opus system.  Naturally,  this  assumes  the  Opus
    sysop supports file requests.

    This  file  describes  the  method for making file requests to an
    Opus-Cbcs v1.03+ system.  It can be used by any  netmail  program
    capable of sending/receiving "file attaches".

                      +---------------------------+
                      |                           |
                      |  "Who's LoTek?"           |
                      |  "Not us boss..."         |
                      |                           |
                      |       --- William Gibson  |
                      |                           |
                      +---------------------------+

    It  really is simpler than it looks.  In a nutshell,  you build a
    text file that lists all the files you want.  Then you send  that
    file to the Opus system using the "file attach" mechanism of your
    netmail  software,  and  Opus  will  send  back the files.  There
    really is nothing more  complicated  than  that...  nevertheless,
    here are some step-by-step instructions in agonizing detail:

          1. Create a file called `aaaabbbb.REQ'.

                 `aaaa' is a 4-digit hex number that is the net
                        of the Opus system you are calling.

                 `bbbb' is a 4-digit hex number that is the node
                        of the Opus system you are calling.

          EXAMPLES:

                  00010002.REQ ... a WaZOO request for 1/2.
                  038493e8.REQ ... a WaZOO request for 900/1000.

          2. Use a text editor to list the files you are
             requesting. Put one file name to a line, and end the
    FidoNews 4-34                Page 23                   7 Sep 1987


             line with a <cr> or <cr/lf>. The file name should NOT
             contain a drive or path. You can use wildcards in the
             .REQ file.

             The .REQ file is a garden-variety text file. You can
             create it with any text editor that produces plain
             ASCII files.

          3. Transmit the file to the Opus system like you would
             any other `file attach'.

          4. When the session turns around (ie. when Opus starts
             transmitting to you), it will send any files you have
             requested which are available for transmission.

             NOTE 1: There are two reserved file names. The Opus
                     sysop has to support them, but most do. These
                     two file names are special signals to Opus,
                     and the name of the file you actually receive
                     will be called whatever the Opus sysop wants
                     to call them.

                       ABOUT ... If you request the file "About"
                                 you will probably get a short
                                 summary of the Opus system. You
                                 will also get the file designated
                                 as the Opus system's ABOUT file
                                 if the Opus system can't fulfill
                                 one of your requests.

                       FILES ... If you request the file "Files"
                                 you will probably get a listing
                                 of the files available to file
                                 requests.

             NOTE 2: Some files may be password protected. If
                     that's the case for the file you want, put
                     the password behind a bang character on the
                     same line as the file name in the .REQ file.
                     Like this:

                               filename !pswrd

                     That's the file name followed by a single
                     space, followed by a bang ("!") followed by
                     the password followed by a <cr>.  A password
                     has six or fewer characters.


    NOTES
    -----

    * If your software requires it, don't forget to enable PICKUP.

    * This only works if you initiate the call. If the Opus system
      is calling you, you cannot make a file request. In other
    FidoNews 4-34                Page 24                   7 Sep 1987


      words, the whole thing has to be on your nickle.

    * If there is some kind of fatal transmission trouble while
      you are receiving the requested file(s), just call back with
      a "poll." Assuming the .REQ file made it okay, the Opus
      system will remember what files you have requested.  You
      should not send the .REQ file more than once... unless
      you want two copies of everything.

    * There is a utility available that will do the file-attach for
      you, with a proper .REQ file. it is called WZ_SRC.ARC and is
      available from 124/111, 161/1, and 150/1 (as well as other
      places I don't know about.)

       +-------------------------------------------------------+
       |                                                       |
       |   "Arrogance is the mother of invention."             |
       |                                                       |
       |             --- Guido Palermo                         |
       |                 Opus ByLaws & Covert Action Committee |
       |                                                       |
       +-------------------------------------------------------+

    VOCABULARY
    ----------

             OO ........ "Opus outbound"

             LoTek ..... 1. a street gang in a cyberpunk novel
                         2. the netmail method that involves
                            XModem and TeLink (or TeLink variety)
                            for file transfer.

             WaZOO ..... "Warp-Zillion Opus-To-Opus", netmail
                         system used when one Opus talks to
                         another Opus.

                         WaZOO is a collection of protocols.
                         Right now, Opus supports two WaZOO
                         protocols: DietIfna and ZedZap.

             DietIfna... A streamlined LoTek available to WaZOO
                         systems.  In fact, if you are talking to
                         an Opus sysop, he/she will probably refer
                         to the file request method described here
                         as "DietIfna WaZOO File Request."

             ZedZap..... The WaZOO protocol used most of the time.
                         File transfers are done using ZModem.

             B-) ....... The symbol for a smiling Opus sysop
                         wearing mirror shades.

       +----------------------------------------------------+
       |                                                    |
       |  There are two kinds of people in the world...     |
    FidoNews 4-34                Page 25                   7 Sep 1987


       |    those that divide things into two catagories,   |
       |    and those that don't.                           |
       |                                                    |
       +----------------------------------------------------+

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    FidoNews 4-34                Page 26                   7 Sep 1987


    =================================================================
                                 COLUMNS
    =================================================================

               O r i g i n :   A n g e v i n   E m p i r e

                    Issue #1: Echomail and PC-Pursuit
                        Aaron Priven (1:161/1154)


       _Origin:  Angevin Empire_ commences as a  semi-regular  column
    (semi-regular means that I'll try to write it on schedule, but no
    promises) in this issue of FidoNews.

       Usually,  with the start of a work of this sort,  the whys and
    wherefores of  the  work  are  found,  and  submitted  to  public
    display.  Sadly, I feel this cannot be the case with this column.
    In  looking  for  a  good,  logical  reason to write a column for
    FidoNews,  nothing seems to fit.  I would like  to  entertain;  I
    hope  to  make  people  laugh;  and  I  wish  to  be informative.
    Nevertheless,  I cannot  promise  to  be  any  of  these  things.
    Further,  I  cannot  delude myself that my view is more important
    than,  or has special qualities not found in  the  viewpoints  of
    others.  And  I  cannot believe that I am the only one who wishes
    to write.  So I leave you without a reason.  I hope despite  this
    that you find a purpose in my work.

       _Origin:  Angevin  Empire_ has no one particular subject.  The
    first few columns have already been written,  and are  about  the
    Matrix, but that doesn't mean that a column down the way won't be
    about  the  shapes  of  floppy disks,  or my high school,  or the
    vicissitudes of file cabinet manufacture.

       In any case,  I do hope you  enjoy  reading  _Origin:  Angevin
    Empire_, and please, help me to write better columns by giving me
    feedback.  In  many  of  my  columns  (including this one) I will
    write about ideas I have had, and in all probablility many of the
    ideas expressed will be infeasible or simply dumb; please, always
    feel free to tell me in fine language just how dumb they are.

                                 -------

       Do you all remember the commercials for "Reese's Peanut Butter
    Cups," in which chocolate  lovers  and  peanut  lovers  put  them
    together  and  find  that they're better than they were apart?  I
    hope I can be in the position of catalyzing  the  combination  of
    PC-Pursuit and echomail.

       I  was  reading a bunch of PC-Pursuit ads I found on a BBS the
    other day,  when I started to think about how all my local sysops
    are  routing  things through PC-Pursuit for echomail.  I suddenly
    realized that there was a lot of routing  going  on  that  wasn't
    really necessary.

       Take  a  theoretical  example.  A  local  node routes echomail
    through PC-Pursuit to a nearby city (call  it  Aarongrad);  tolls
    FidoNews 4-34                Page 27                   7 Sep 1987


    are  $0.08/minute.  He  gets PC-Pursuit and routes for free -- to
    Aarongrad.  Aarongrad routes through Bell lines to Fidoville, who
    routes through PC-Pursuit to Opus City.  Opus City routes through
    PC-Pursuit to Seadogtown, on BOC lines to Compaqia, on PC-Pursuit
    to La Computadora ...  It's a long, long chain.

       The problem with the long chain is, of course, that it takes a
    week to get from our "local node" to  "Nomansland".  Now  I  know
    that  this isn't entirely the case -- we have backbones and other
    such things that make it faster.  But nevertheless,  one hears of
    the "10-day limit".  That's too long! And in the main, the reason
    for  this  is because PC-Pursuit is not being used to its fullest
    advantage.

       It seems to me that there is a good alternative  to  the  long
    chain,  using  PC-Pursuit.  A  new  unit  in  the Matrix could be
    introduced:  the Echomail  Distribution  Center.  There  probably
    should be one per echomail conference,  although this is not cast
    in stone; the point is that there would be a _lot_ of traffic. An
    EDC would be:  a Matrix node,  that can both make and receive PC-
    Pursuit  calls,  that  is set up to talk to _all_ PC-Pursuit-able
    nodes  carrying  the  conferences  that  the  EDC  supports.  The
    following would be done by the EDC:

          Keep track of all nodes carrying the conference;
          Make outbound calls to _all_ PC-Pursuitable nodes
       carrying the conference; and
          Accept inbound calls from any nodes carrying the
       conference.

       This  way,  any node either in a PC-Pursuit city,  or who uses
    PC-Pursuit themselves, will have the fastest turnaround possible.

       And to carry a conference, all one has to do is send a netmail
    message to the EDC;  no routing (or weekly pleas  in  SYSOP),  no
    worrying, no hassles.

       In many areas,  even those without PC-Pursuit and outside of a
    PC-Pursuit area will  have  their  service  improved;  more  than
    likely  those  people  get or can get their feeds from PC-Pursuit
    subscribers,  and thus will have if not one-day turnaround,  two-
    or  three-day  turnaround.  In any case there is nothing stopping
    them from continuing their current routing.

       There are some drawbacks to this plan.  Mainly,  PC-Pursuit is
    not  always  "up" and is rather slow.  This is something that has
    already been evidenced;  my local  node  routes  things  via  PC-
    Pursuit and was without TECH, COMM, and ECPROG for quite a while.
    This  will  happen  only  rarely,  however,  and I think will not
    affect the conference all that much; PC-Pursuit is up most of the
    time.  As for slowness, that is largely solved by more up-to-date
    transfer protocols and I think will  not  be  a  problem  in  the
    future. Another drawback is that it isn't possible to extend this
    system internationally; still, it doesn't hurt the overseas nodes
    to have fast US service.

    FidoNews 4-34                Page 28                   7 Sep 1987


       There  is also the fact that for a large conference like TECH,
    it takes a lot of time and disk space to process all  that  mail.
    If  necessary,  there  could  be  two or three EDC's for a single
    conference;  odd-numbered nodes call EDC  #1,  and  even-numbered
    nodes  call  EDC  #2.  The good thing about this plan is that the
    EDC's do not have to be shared geographically,  making two  EDC's
    in  the  same city just as valuable as one in New York and one in
    Los Angeles.

       Finally,  there is the $5 packet/switched network charge  that
    may  come forth in January.  I can only reply that if we all try,
    and write letters, it may not happen; and we can always go back.

       Apologies to all who may have thought of this idea first,  and
    of whom I have not heard (which I'm sure is a lot!)

      (This  was  written  about  a month ago,  and since then I have
    learned more about how  much  traffic  an  Echomail  area  really
    entails;  and more about the "backbone".  I don't now believe one
    EDC per conference is really viable  for  any  but  the  smallest
    conferences.  Nevertheless,  the  major  idea  of  the  column --
    geographic irrelevance -- still stands.)

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    FidoNews 4-34                Page 29                   7 Sep 1987


    =================================================================
                                 NOTICES
    =================================================================

                         The Interrupt Stack


    24 Aug 1989
       Voyager 2 passes Neptune.


    If you have something which you would like to see on this
    calendar, please send a message to FidoNet node 1:1/1.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

                         Latest Software Versions

    BBS Systems            Node List              Other
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    Fido             12*   MakeNL         1.10*   ARCmail         1.0
    Opus          1.03a    Prune          1.40    ConfMail       3.00
    SEAdog         4.10*   XlatList       2.84*   EchoMail       1.31
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    * Recently changed

    Utility authors:  Please help  keep  this  list  up  to  date  by
    reporting  new  versions  to 1:1/1.  It is not our intent to list
    all utilities here, only those which verge on necessity.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    FidoNews 4-34                Page 30                   7 Sep 1987


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    FidoNews 4-34                Page 31                   7 Sep 1987


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