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                               THE JOY OF MODEMS 

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       Using a computer for telecommunications is perhaps the most 
       addictive and powerful reason for using a computer in the first 
       place. 
       
       The productivity payoff is the ability to use an ordinary 
       telephone line to accomplish a variety of tasks quickly and 
       effectively from your keyboard. Modem communications allows you 
       to converse with other computer enthusiasts; research databases 
       of demographic, medical or strategic markeing data; send faxes; 
       read the news of the day; purchase airline tickets; obtain 
       shareware software; play games; obtain a university degree; scan 
       a weather report; order merchandise; trade stocks; consult a 
       continuously updated encylopedia; locate a restuarant or hotel 
       in a foreign country; send flowers to your mother. You can do 
       all of this without leaving the comfort of your computer 
       keyboard. Let's examine the pieces of the puzzle. 

       First a short tour of the hardware and software required for 
       modem telecommunications followed by a detailed listing of 
       online services which can open the door to a world of business, 
       hobby and technical information.
       
       Computer telecommunications, simply stated, is the process of 
       hooking one or more computers together via a telephone line to 
       exchange information, transmit and receive software programs or 
       carry on a live conversation. Your computer will need a device 
       called a MODEM which allows data to be converted into a special 
       signal which can be transmitted over phone lines to another 
       computer. 

       Two types of modems exist: internal and external. External 
       modems are slightly more expensive than internal modems and are 
       housed in an external box or enclosure. External modems require 
       a socket on the computer or port - usually the serial port on the 
       back of your computer. The serial port is also called a COM 
       port, COM for communications. 
       
       Most PC's arrive with a serial port, a few must have it installed. 
       If you are already using the serial port for something else 
       (e.g., mouse or pointing device) you may need to install an 
       additional port or temporarily unplug the device using the 
       existing serial port. 
       
       External modems take up a bit more space and add a bit more 
       clutter while internal modems mount inside the computer. Some 
       people like an external modem with its blinking lights which 
       instantly displays call status - something a hidden internal 
       modem cannot do unless special display software is also 
       installed or activated. In addition, external modems are 
       portable, you can move from machine to machine by simply 
       unplugging the external modem and taking it to the next job 
       site.  

       Some basic terminology: The HOST COMPUTER refers to the computer 
       your PC is calling. Sometimes this is a commercial service such 
       as The Source or Compuserve which are large interactive online 
       services. Other times the host may be a computer on the other 
       side of town or perhaps a BBS (bulletin board system) which is a 
       computer operated by a private individual or company with files 
       and messages having general public access. 

       Another important term is the BAUD rate associated with the 
       modem transmission process. Essentially baud (or bits of 
       information transmitted per second) is a reference to the speed 
       at which your modem and the host modem exchange information. 
       Some common rates are 300, 1200, 2400 and 9600 baud. A 1200 baud 
       modem is roughly 4 times faster than a 300 baud modem. And since 
       you may be transmitting information via long distance lines, 
       speed and brevity of the modem link is important. Some BBS 
       systems will not allow access to slower 300 or 1200 baud modems 
       since this ties up the BBS for other users. As an aside, most 
       modems automatically switch to transmit and receive at slower 
       baud rates when needed so there is automatic "downward" 
       flexibility in purchasing a high speed modem which automatically 
       swtiches to lower baud rates when required. Thus a 2400 baud 
       modem will automatically decrease its baud rate to match a 1200 
       baud modem, for example. 

       Most BBS systems are capable of 9600, 2400 and 1200 baud speeds. 
       A 2400 baud modem is an economical compromise for most casual 
       users although heavy modem use probably dictates a 9600 baud 
       modem for increased savings in time and long distance costs. 
       Newer modems also incorporate FAX transmit and receive 
       technology at most attractive prices. 

       While DOS controls the internal workings of your computer, 
       you'll need communications software (sometimes called terminal 
       software) to enable the PC, modem and telephone line to work 
       together. A modem will not function without software.
       
       Commercial, shareware and public domain packages are available 
       and many can be obtained from BBS systems via modem! Some of the 
       more dependable software packages include Qmodem, Procomm, 
       Boyan and Telix. Good communications software is flexible and 
       powerful without being difficult to start and use. The best 
       packages have help screens and tutorials as is common with 
       application software in general. 
       
       Telix, for example asks a few simple setup questions then 
       attempts to set the variety of initial configuration settings 
       needed without operator intervention. Modem software allows 
       sending and receiving files, capture of screen information to 
       disk or printer, scrollback buffers (view what just went by on 
       the screen), dialing directories, macros (automated sequences of 
       keystroke instructions), terminal emulation for links to 
       mainframe computers, password protection and other features. Two 
       of the most popular terminal packages are Procomm and Telix 
       which are both available as "try before you buy" shareware disks 
       from most computer clubs and shareware vendors for a few 
       dollars. 
       
       Although baffling at first, the modem software setup process 
       allows configuring the modem to your specific PC and use. The 
       modem software needs to be told if you are using serial port 
       (com port) one or two. You will need to tell the communications 
       software which directory or drive where files will be sent or 
       downloaded. The baud rate must be set as well as noting if the 
       modem is Hayes compatible. Hayes compatibility refers to a 
       standard set of transmission instructions which many modems 
       share. In some ways this is similar to the DOS standard within 
       operating systems for IBM compatible computers. Most modems 
       today are Hayes compatible. 

       The modem software must also be told other basic details such as 
       PARITY, and DATA BITS which refers to how the data is "grouped 
       or packaged" during the actual modem transmission. Generally 
       data bits are set to 8. Parity is usually set to NO. Commercial 
       services such Compuserve offer exception to these settings and 
       will tell you these settings in their literature. 

       An example: If parity is required, set data bits to 7. Set stop 
       bit to 1. This is a total of 1 + 7 = 8 Bits. The final bit is 
       usually used to check parity/accuracy. The above setting is 
       somewhat cryptically referred to as 8N1 which means 8 bits, no 
       parity, one stop bit. The 8N1 setting is a standard which is 
       common to most communications links throughout America and large 
       parts of the world. Don't worry about this too much now - 
       frequently this is a one time setup which you will not have to 
       adjust once the software has been configured.

       Other settings can include ANSI terminal emulation (a standard 
       choice you should select). ANSI terminal emulation is usually 
       the default setting and should only rarely be changed. 
 
       Software PROTOCOLS must also be specified. In simplest terms a 
       protocol is a method of checking for errors between modems as 
       data transmission progresses. In a precise fashion, these 
       protocols tell the first modem to transmit a small packet or 
       "chunk" of data then the receiving modem will play back a short 
       verifcation "checksum" or "password." The transmitting modem 
       stops, listens for the checksum and if that item matches the 
       information which it originally sent, it then transmits the next 
       packet or chunk of data. This continues, one small chunk of data 
       at a time. The concept here is to protect data integrity over 
       noisy, static-prone telephone lines. Several common protocols 
       include Xmodem, Ymodem, Xmodem-CRC and Zmodem. 

       Xmodem is generally offered by most BBS systems and is a safe 
       bet if you are not sure. Introduced in 1977 by Ward Christensen, 
       this protocol is slow, but reliable. Two variants of Xmodem are 
       used: Checksum and CRC. The CRC method is more reliable at 
       detecting errors during transmission and should usually be 
       selected if given a choice. Mistmatching the two variants of 
       Xmodem during file transfers is usually the reason for transfer 
       problems. Xmodem-1K refers to the Xmodem CRC protocol method but 
       with data blocks 1024 bytes in size. Many BBS systems can 
       automatically detect Xmodem variations and may simply present 
       you with a single Xmodem choice. Newer protocols are faster and 
       more dependable, but Xmodem will usually do the job. Trial and 
       error or simply logging onto the BBS system and then inspecting 
       the menu of protocols available will give you more detailed 
       information and clues about other possible protocols. 

       Ymodem offers a faster transmission rate than Xmodem, better 
       data security through a refined CRC checksum method and finally 
       a method for "batching" or sending/receiving several files one 
       after another unattended. Choose Ymodem over Xmodem for 
       increased speed and data security if both your software and the 
       host computer can provide it and if telephone lines are 
       relatively unnoisy. In reality, basic Ymodem (without the batch 
       file feature) is CRC Xmodem with 1024 byte data packets. Or 
       simply Xmodem-1K. Ymodem with batch file handling is sometimes 
       also called "true Ymodem." 
       
       Zmodem is faster still, somewhat more secure with respect to 
       data loss, offers batch transmission of files and additionally 
       allows part of a file to be stored if transmission connections 
       are lost and then completed when the connection is restablished.  
       If your transmission is interrupted and you have transferred 
       only part of the file, you can call up the host computer and 
       continue the file transfer from where you left off. Finally, 
       Zmodem can detect excessive line noise and automatically drop to 
       a shorter, more reliable data packet size when necessary. Data 
       inegrity and accuracy is assured by the use of reliable 16 bit 
       CRC (cyclic redundancy check) methods rather than less reliable 
       CRC checking of Ymodem and Xmodem. 

       UPLOADING data to the host (you transmit data to the other 
       computer) and DOWNLOADING data (you receive data from the other 
       computer) require selection of one of the protocols above. 
              
       General considerations in selecting software for modem use 
       include: 

       * The dialing directory is of crucial importance. The idea is 
       that the package will store and dial your most frequently used 
       numbers. Some packages hold only a few, some quite a lot. Does 
       the package store your individual password and comments next to 
       each number? You may wish to use different passwords for each 
       BBS system you call. 

       * Consideration of transfer protocols offered. Xmodem is basic, 
       but you may want more efficient protocols later. Make sure the 
       package supports several or can be upgraded to more protocols later. 

       * How does the package dial numbers from the dialing list? Will 
       it call back and continue trying? Can it dial numbers from the 
       list in a certain order. Can it do circular dialing (several 
       numbers are called in a row, then the program jumps from the 
       bottom of the list and starts at the beginning again). This type 
       of dialing efficiency is important if you deal with busy 
       communications services and BBS systems where it may take 
       several attempts to log on to a system especially during busy 
       evening peak time. 

       * Does the package offer scripts or macros? Simply stated a 
       script is a way of having the package automate several steps 
       with only one or two keystrokes. At the touch of a key, the 
       package can call a BBS system, type in your password and then 
       continue typing further keystrokes as if you were entering them 
       from the keyboard - in essence a script or macro capability is a 
       programming language which gives the communications software 
       package a customized capability. Many programs let you record 
       the sequence of keystrokes during a communications session for 
       playback and retrieval later. Beware though, if the system which 
       you are calling changes log on sequences or you may have to go 
       back and later revise your original script - not a major 
       problem, just a concern. 

       * Is it possible to capture screen information to your disk 
       drive? Can you output screen information to your printer? Long 
       communication sessions produce endless screens of information 
       which scroll by quickly. The ability of your software package to 
       output all or selected parts of your session to permanent disk 
       file or printer output can be a tidy bonus. 

       Neighborhood BBS systems offer the most entertainment and 
       information for the first time user. The cardinal rule of 
       behavior when you call a private BBS system: act as if you are 
       in someone else's home. Courteous behavior is a must. 
       
       How do you find telephone numbers for local BBS systems? Consult 
       local computer clubs, then call those BBS systems with your 
       modem for lists of more telephone numbers. Once on line, you can 
       usually download the popular "Darwin list" which is a listing of 
       BBS telephone numbers throughout America. Another popular 
       national list of BBS systems is contained within the back pages 
       of Computer Shopper Magazine, available on most newsstands. That 
       list is compiled by FOG, PO Box 3474, Daly City, CA 94015. Tel 
       415/755-2000. 
       
       BBS operators and users are quick to answer questions for new 
       users and can serve as helpful "experts" on any computer 
       question no matter how arcane. Operators of these BBS systems 
       are called SYSOPS and many provide BBS systems as a hobby 
       activity much as other hobbyists enjoy short wave radio 
       operation. In a sense, SYSOPS are a modernized version of the 
       "ham radio operator." 

       Most BBS systems will allow you to tour within the various parts 
       of the "board" or system for 30 minutes to an hour on your first 
       call. After that you are expected to leave your name and a phone 
       number where you can be reached for verification. Some boards 
       are free, some request a nominal use fee (usually around $25 per 
       year.) Some boards request that you upload (send to them via 
       modem) shareware files or public domain software in order to 
       download their software. The process is something like two kids 
       with bubble gum trading cards: "I'll trade you 125,000 bytes of 
       this shareware file for 200,000 bytes of your files." 

       On your first visit into a BBS board you usually are allowed 
       access only to certain "low level" but interesting areas of the 
       BBS. The SYSOP (system operator) may be available to 
       come online if you experience difficulty. The software of the 
       BBS system itself will prevent you from damaging the host 
       computer even if you hit an incorrect key. You may leave 
       messages for the SYSOP, leave messages of a general nature, ask 
       for help on a specific question, download shareware programs, 
       play a game, or just generally explore the information within 
       the system of the host computer. 
       
       Downloading files is easy. For many boards the file download 
       command is a simple D, ALT-D or page down key. The BBS will ask 
       you the name of the file you wish to download and then give you 
       an estimate of how long it will take and the modem protocol you 
       will be using. When the transfer is complete, the BBS presents 
       the main menu of choices or selections so you can continue to 
       browse as before. 

       Most public domain and shareware software from BBS systems is 
       stored and transmitted in a compacted form as either an ARC or 
       ZIP file format. You will need a small public domain program 
       (ARC or NARC or PKZIP) also available from the BBS to unpack the 
       software. This archiving or "arcing" process is done to compact 
       the software thus saving time and disk space for both the BBS 
       and your computer. The easiest way to visualize arc'd or zip'd 
       software is to think of the many files of a typical software 
       package compacted in size and then placed into one single file. 
       You might also wish to compact other files for storage on a hard 
       drive aside from the modem process. File compaction is a useful 
       tool unto itself. 

       Working with modems and telecommunications software sounds 
       daunting at first, but is a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding 
       pastime - and also a nice way to make friends and delve deeper 
       into the global network of information and friendships this new 
       form of communication represents. 

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                          GENERAL ONLINE SERVICES

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       Compuserve. See discussion in previous tutorial....

       America Online. 8619 Westwood Center Drive, Vienna, VA 22182. 
       703/893-6288. Featured services include news and finance, online 
       messaging, software upload and download, games, travel, 
       shopping, online encyclopedia, research databases, stock market 
       information and more. Monthly fee is $5.95. One hour of free 
       connect time upon membership and one free hour per month. 
       Connect charges are $8/hour, 6AM - 6PM Monday through Friday with 
       $4/hour at all other times. A relative newcomer to commercial 
       online services, America Online offers good value and a colorful 
       menu driven interface with mouseable control for computers so 
       equipped. Owned by Quantum Computer Services. 

       Prodigy. Telephone: 800/Prodigy. Billed as a family oriented 
       service, this joint venture between IBM and Sears features a 
       monthly flat rate charge of $12.95 with savings if you pay one 
       or two years in advance. Prodigy uses a proprietary software 
       package, featuring colorful menus which guide the user through 
       services such as online shopping, games, encyclopedia, news, 
       colorful weather maps, airline ticket purchasing, banking, stock 
       and bond trading and message send/receive capabilities. Prodigy 
       hosted Summer picnics for members in several dozen American 
       cities in August, 1991! It does not offer software upload and 
       download capability as well as more advanced topics, however 
       the first time telecommuter will appreciate the varied Prodigy 
       offerings at reasonable flat rate prices. Prodigy startup kits 
       are available at most Sears stores and many software retail 
       outlets.                             

       GEnie. For a flat fee of $4.95 per month, GEnie offers many 
       similar features as Compuserve at a fraction of the cost. The 
       user will pay extra for features such as computing forums, 
       software libraries, banking services and learning center 
       capabilities. As with most online services, the lowest rates are 
       during non-peak evening and weekend times. The subscriber base 
       and local access telephone listing of GEnie is neither as 
       extensive nor as convenient as that of Compuserve, but the 
       capabilities are reasonably similar. To connect: use your modem 
       and call 800/638-8369. After connecting type HHH. At the U# 
       prompt type XTX99432,GENIE then press return. Provide a credit 
       card number when requested. Follow additional prompts as 
       appropriate then log off (hangup). After about two days you will 
       be given full access after credit card information is checked 
       and user information is configured within the system. 

       Delphi. Although the user will not find as many shareware files 
       or forums as Compuserve, Delphi is similar in design and 
       content. Monthly subscription is $5.95 which includes the first 
       hour of usage. Each additional hour is $6.00. To connect: with 
       your modem call 800/695-4002. When connected, press return key 
       twice. At the Username prompt type JOINDELPHI. At the password 
       prompt type SHAREFREE. Additional info: call 800/544-4005. 

       PC-Link. Owned and managed by Tandy Corporation - the Radio 
       Shack people - PC-Link is extensive and family oriented. Two 
       levels of service are available: PC-Link and PC-Link Plus. $9.95 
       per month provides unlimited access to PC-Link and one hour of 
       access to PC-Link Plus. After the first hour the user is billed 
       fifteen cents per minute in PC-Link Plus. News and reference 
       services are located on the first level with more advanced 
       computer hardware and software forums on the PC-Link Plus level. 
       The service features a good graphic interface for ease of use 
       and a variety of offerings, classes and conferences. File 
       uploads and downloads are available. Call: 800/827-8532. 
 
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                          SPECIALIZED ONLINE SERVICES

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       A 1990 Small Business Association survey revealed that of 2,000 
       business owning a PC, few were using it for marketing research 
       with business and marketing databases available via modem. These 
       databases can reveal new customers, potential geographic 
       marketing concepts, foreign trade possibilities, suppliers, 
       competitors and key executive contacts. Online census data 
       can be accessed to determine a precise geographic area which is 
       ideal for a new product introduction. 

       Next, a listing of specialized online database services. Calling 
       a specialized database directly may yield more detailed 
       information since gateway services such as Compuserve obtain 
       only a portion of the entire database. Realize that there are 
       over 4,250 online databases of specialized research and business 
       data! 
       
       Two master indexes are available which describe each online 
       service. The directory of Online Databases is available for $75 
       from Cuadra Associates and can be found on the Orbit service at 
       800/456-7248 or DataStar at 800/221-7754. You might also 
       consider the more detailed Computer Readable Databases index for 
       $165 from Gale Research which is available through Dialog at 
       800/334-2564. 
 
       BRS Gateway. 800/345-4277, 800/289-4277. Accesses many business 
       and special research databases described within this tutorial.

       Business Dateline. 800/626-2823 or 502/589-5575. Complete text 
       articles of over 200 US and Canadian business magazines. Also 
       available on CD ROM. Also available through Dow Jones News, 
       Nexis and other services.
       
       Businessline. 800/866-2255. Statistical reporting service on over 
       8 million businesses, including number of employees, sales line, 
       number of businesses in a geographical area in a specific 
       product line.

       BusinessWire. 800/227-0845 or 415/986-4422. Carries announcements 
       and press releases about new products, services, research 
       findings, financial reports. Also available through Delphi, Dow 
       Jones, and other services.

       Cendata. 301/763-4100. Economic data on domestic and foreign 
       business trade including retails sales, building permits, 
       employee staffing levels, etc. 

       Conference Board Abstract Data base. 317/872-2045 or 800/421-
       8884. Specialized research areas on business management, 
       decision making, case studies in management of individual 
       companies, speeches by corporate executives, management 
       consultants and government researchers. Topics also cover labor 
       relations, merit pay, executive compensation. 

       Consumer Spending Forecast. 215/660-6300. Forecasts and past 
       historical trends on consumer spending, credit use patterns, 
       retail sales. 

       Consumer Trends. 212/725-4550 or 212/725-5954. Contains 
       references, citations and cross referenced bibliography 
       regarding consumer trends articles and research.

       Corptech. 617/932-3939 or 800/333-8036. Profiles of small and 
       emerging growth companies or those with innovative technology. 
       Useful for identifying customers for your product or candidates 
       for stock purchase, merger, technology transfers or mutual 
       research arrangements. 

       Daily Developments. 317/872-2045 or 800 421-8884. Contains over 
       180,000 articles concerning governmental actions, pending 
       legislation, environmental developments, international trade, 
       tax rulings and similar topics. Track the evolution of a 
       regulation which may affect your business from introduction 
       through final enactment. Useful for personnel professionals 
       needing latest insights on legislation concerning employee 
       rights, unions, urban planning, drug and alcohol abuse. Superb 
       up to date information on tax legislation. 

       Dialog Information Services. 800/334-2564. Accesses many 
       business and financial database services.

       Disclosure Database. 212/581-1414. Updated financial reporting 
       data on over 14,000 publicly owned companies whose stocks are 
       traded on the NYSE and other public exchanges. Also available 
       through Compuserve, BRS, Dow Jones and other services.

       Donnelly Demographics. 203/353-7474. Contains US census data 
       which is highly valuable to marketing and sales analysts. Useful 
       for planning expansions of retail stores or analyzing a region's 
       labor pool by age, education and race. Includes Arbitron Press 
       Areas of Dominant Influence, AC Nielsen Designated Market areas. 
       Also includes current and five year projected estimates and 
       demographic analysis of US census data. 

       Dow Jones News. 609/520-4000. Timely business, financial and 
       government news bulletins which include articles from Wall 
       Street Journal and Barrons National Business. Business and 
       market professionals can learn about emerging legislation, 
       business mergers, economic forecasts, financial disclosures and 
       banking regulations hours before general media report the story. 

       DRI/NPDC County Business Patterns Service. 800/541-9914 or 
       617/860-6385. US county employment data including SIC code and 
       business patterns census data. Includes payroll, staffing, 
       number of firms referenced by number of employees.

       Dun's Million Dollar Directory. 800/526-9018. Contains 
       financial, marketing and address data for over 190,000 companies 
       whose net worth exceeds $500,000. Also available on Dialog.

       EconBase. 215/667-6000. Unique analytical database with state by 
       state or industry tabulations of foreign currency changes over 
       time, electricity use, agricultural output or use of aluminum. 
       Useful for forecasting, business relocation planning, raw 
       materials planning, economic trends, manufacturing output. Data 
       recorded back to 1948. 

       Encyclopedia of Associations. 313/961-2242 or 800/521-0707. As 
       its name suggests this online service lists national and 
       international associations, trade groups, unions, societies, 
       non-profits, clubs and patriotic groups. Over 77,000 groups in 
       all. Knowing the right organization can point you in the right 
       direction to authorities on a given topic or field. 

       Harvard Business Review Online. 212/850-6000. Contains full 
       transcript of all articles of the esteemed Harvard Business 
       Review from 1976 to the present. Business topics include 
       statistics, marketing, ethics, automation, robotics, foreign 
       trade, forecasting, negotiating and employee training. 

       Insiderline. 301/738-1400 or 800/231-DATA. Provides up to the 
       minute specialized information on corporate executive stock 
       trades as required by SEC forms 3 and 4. Trader name, company 
       position, share volume traded, value, total shares owned. 

       Market Analysis and Information Database. 212/245-3513. Over 
       36,000 reports on marketing methods and trends for specific 
       industries and countries. Electronics, agriculture, silk screen 
       printing, food and beverage, consumer habits, demographics and 
       more. Covers over 730 business and trade publications in 22 
       languages - all translated into English. Newsline service offers 
       fast breaking trends and is updated daily. 

       Mead Data Central. Nexis Research Service. 800/277-9597. 
       800/277-8379.

       Moody's 5000 Plus. News and financial reporting data on 14,000 
       companies which are publicly traded. Also available on CD ROM.

       NewsNet. 800/345-1301. News and business database service.

       Newsearch 800/227-8431 or 415/378-5329. Index of over 4,200 news 
       stories, books, reports and libraries on businesses, products, 
       finance, marketing trends.

       Standard and Poor's News Service. 212/208-8622. High level 
       financial reporting data on over 18,000 companies to include 
       mergers, aquisitions, management and staffing, earnings.

       Telescan Financials. 713/952-1060. Allows investors to scan over 
       10,000 stock offerings for particular investment profile such as 
       SIC code, profits to earnings, price, etc. Historical data 
       reveal a target company profile and growth. Complete transcripts 
       and analysis of trade shows, investment seminars, wire service 
       news. 

       Thomas Register. 212/290-7291. Who makes what and where in the 
       U.S. Over 160,000 businesses, 50,000 classes of products and 
       over 100,000 trade names of products. Also available on 
       Compuserve.

       Trade and Industry Index. 800/227-8431 or 415/378-5329. Index to 
       over three million articles on industry, trade, commerce. Also 
       available on CD ROM. 

       TriNet. 201/267-3600 or 800/874-6381. Information on over 
       200,000 private and public companies. Arranged by conventional 
       SIC code categories. Private company information is especially 
       difficult to obtain and TriNet seems to the best at locating it.

       Western Union. 800/527-5184 Gateway for most major business 
       databases. 
       
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                                  QUICK TIPS 

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

       Use telecommunications scripts or macros (many keystrokes stored 
       and then later replayed) to automate log on, moving around to 
       various forums and downloading. This saves time and reduces 
       errors while online. 
       
       Draft all letters and messages off-line, save them as text 
       messages and upload them quickly and efficiently when connected 
       online. 

       With Compuserve, connect at 300 baud while searching for file 
       titles, so you can inexpensively spend many minutes connected. 
       Then log off and reconnect at a higher baud rate to accomplish 
       the actual file download. Uploads on Compuserve are at no charge. 
       
       Within Compuserve, use the IBM forum file finder. This feature 
       allows you to RAPIDLY locate files available in different forums 
       and search by key phrases, names, keywords or file types. 
       GO IBMFF.

       Download library file lists from most services - complete lists 
       of available files. These indexed lists are updated daily on most 
       services and allow you to browse and search inexpensively 
       offline, then reconnect and obtain the files you desire quickly.

       Watch Compuserve magazine for advertised special offers on 
       selected databases, telephone directory services, merchandise, 
       and selected services. This information may also be available 
       when you first log on.

       For additional reading materials on modems and telecommunications, 
       refer to the reading list/bibliography elsewhere in this package. 

       Tutorial finished. Be sure to order your FOUR BONUS DISKS which 
       expand this software package with vital tools, updates and 
       additional tutorial material for laptop users! Send $20.00 to 
       Seattle Scientific Photography, Department LAP, PO Box 1506, 
       Mercer Island, WA 98040. Bonus disks shipped promptly! Some 
       portions of this software package use sections from the larger 
       PC-Learn tutorial system which you will also receive with your 
       order. Modifications, custom program versions, site and LAN 
       licenses of this package for business or corporate use are 
       possible, contact the author. This software is shareware - an 
       honor system which means TRY BEFORE YOU BUY. Press escape key to 
       return to menu. 
       

