Volume 5, Number 51 19 December 1988 +---------------------------------------------------------------+ | _ | | / \ | | /|oo \ | | - FidoNews - (_| /_) | | _`@/_ \ _ | | International | | \ \\ | | FidoNet Association | (*) | \ )) | | Newsletter ______ |__U__| / \// | | / FIDO \ _//|| _\ / | | (________) (_/(_|(____/ | | (jm) | +---------------------------------------------------------------+ Editor in Chief Dale Lovell Editor Emeritus: Thom Henderson Chief Procrastinator Emeritus: Tom Jennings Contributing Editors: Al Arango 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. 1:1/1 is available for network mail between NMH-1 hour to NMH+1 hour. At all other times, netmail is not accepted although submissions can be uploaded. Copyright 1988 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. IFNA may also be contacted at PO Box 41143, St. Louis, MO 63141. Fido and FidoNet are registered trademarks of Tom Jennings of Fido Software, 164 Shipley Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94107 and are used with permission. The contents of the articles contained here are not our responsibility, nor do we necessarily agree with them. Everything here is subject to debate. We publish EVERYTHING received. Table of Contents 1. ARTICLES ................................................. 1 Twas The Byte Before Computing ........................... 1 2. COLUMNS .................................................. 3 RegComm - Communications From RegCon ..................... 3 3. FOR SALE ................................................. 5 MSO 80386-SX System on Sale .............................. 5 4. NOTICES .................................................. 6 The Interrupt Stack ...................................... 6 Telephone Professional Related Echos ..................... 6 Latest Software Versions ................................. 6 5. COMMITTEE REPORTS ........................................ 8 And more! FidoNews 5-51 Page 1 19 Dec 1988 ================================================================= ARTICLES ================================================================= Twas The Byte Before Computing by Bert Happel (with apologies to Clement C. Moore) Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a circuit was working not even in my mouse; The files were all loaded on the hard disc with care, In hopes that the FAT would list them as there. The backups were nestled all snug in their sleeves, To keep the bytes from dropping off them like leaves; And the disc drive was quiet, taking a rest Just waiting to run the next boot-up test. When out of the speaker there arose such a clatter I sprang to my desk to see what was the matter. Away to the keyboard I flew like a flash, Threw open the drive-door and heard a loud crash. The lights on the breast of the new-fallen dust Gave a luster of mid-day to a CRT covered with crust. When what to my wondering eyes did appear, But a miniature sleigh and the eight data registers I fear. With a little old driver, so lively and gloss I knew in a moment he was a master of DOS. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled out and called them by name "Now Fido! Now Opus! Now QuickBBS and TBBS! On, ConfMail! On, XlatList! On, Bark and WaZoo! To the top of the memory! To the top of the stack! Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!" As leaves before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle mount to the sky, So up on the screen the coursers they flew, With a sleigh full of utilities, and DOS commands too. As I drew back my head and was turning around, Out the RS-232 port he came with a bound. He was dressed all in ROM, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with bytes and some soot; A bundle of data he had flung on his back, And he looked like he had a program he wanted to crack. His eyes -- How they twinkled! His dimples, how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose was a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow; The stump of a pipe he held in his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath; He had a broad face and a round little belly That shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly. He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself; A flash of the CRT and a twist of his head Soon gave me to know I had lost programs to dread; He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, FidoNews 5-51 Page 2 19 Dec 1988 And filled all the RAM; then turned, the big jerk, And laying a finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, in the RS-232 port he goes. He sprang to the sleigh, his team they all whistled, And away they all flew like they had sat on a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he faded out of sight, "Bug-free programs to all and to all a good night!" Best wishes for the Holidays to everyone. Bert Happel Sysop, The I.O. Board 1:231/60 ----------------------------------------------------------------- FidoNews 5-51 Page 3 19 Dec 1988 ================================================================= COLUMNS ================================================================= RegComm - Communications From RegCon. Recently one of the nodes within FidoNet was excommunicated twice within a very short period of time. In both cases there were definite policy violations, there was more than sufficient warning given before action was taken and everything was done by agreement between the RC and NC involved. Sounds like a pretty simple case history, but nothing ever is. The node filed an appeal to the second excommunication, and during the appeal process the RC became quite ill. As there had been some delay in the appeal process prior to the illness the ZC, in all fairness, requested the NC reinstate the node until the appeal could be completed. The NC refused the request. The ZC restated the request a little more strongly and the NC again refused the request. The ZC was forced to change the request to an order. (Keep in mind that at ANY time the ZC could have removed the node himself!) The order was ignored and when the nodediff was sent in by this NC it was accompanied by a message that the change had still not taken place. Now with regret, but little choice, the ZC had to remove the NC from the nodelist and because there was now no NC for the net the entire net was placed on hold. Our present policy was followed to the letter. Evidently the NC in question did not understand the management structure within FidoNet and thought, with the RC responsible incapacitated by illness, there was no management. The ZC, well aware of every- thing that had transpired and feeling that there could be no success in the appeal of the node STILL followed due process and asked for reinstatement until policy could be followed. But failure to recognize the management chain resulted in an entire net being placed in limbo. We all need to realize there is a management chain within this network. That chain starts at the IC/ZC level and ends at the node level. Oh, yes, the node is a part of management. The management of one's own node is an important part of net manage- ment as an error in software implementation at the node level can impact the local net, the region and even the entire network. As in any organization, there is a need for management within FidoNet and the *C structure IS that management. Failure to follow the requests of management within FidoNet will result in the same actions you might expect for failure to follow the requests of management in any business or organization. Now that our regional management team has improved their communi- cations you can expect to see actions taking place much more quickly than in the past. We will do all we can to enforce present policy while we continue to work towards updating that policy to better address the problems created by a network that is expanding at the rapid rate that FidoNet is demonstrating. FidoNews 5-51 Page 4 19 Dec 1988 We don't ask you to follow blindly, as in any management team we still have the infamous `middle management' and we have managers who have had little training. All the problems of the *C team and all problems we will constantly be addressing. We do ask that you communicate with management, let us know problems as you perceive them and give us the opportunity to act on your requests. But please do not make our job more difficult by failing to recognize the requests of the management team, as to do so leaves that team little choice as to the course of action it must follow. ("RegComm" will be a weekly column in FidoNews and your comments are welcome. Please address your concerns and comments via NetMail to your Net or Regional Coordinator, you should receive an answer within a few days. It's your net and we are in need of your input in order for us to fairly represent you.) ----------------------------------------------------------------- FidoNews 5-51 Page 5 19 Dec 1988 ================================================================= FOR SALE ================================================================= Jim Deputy (aka Sir Dep) 204/40 204/386 MSO Computers is announcing special pricing on their Jet-386/SX System. The system includes: Intel 80386-SX Microprocessor, 1 MB of 100ns SIM Modules, 2 Serial/1 Parallel Ports, 1:1 Interleave (FD/HD) Controller, Either a 1.2 MB or a 1.44 MB Floppy Drive, 230 Watt Power Supply, Real-time CMOS Clock/Calendar, 101-key tactile key- board, Amber monitor with mono video card. The System Features are: Full 32-Bit Internal Architecture, Runs under MS-DOS, OS/2, UNIX, or PICK. Virtual Memory Support (EEMS 4.0), Page Mode Interleave Support, Mother board will handle up to 8MB in 1MB SIM Modules. Fully IBM Compatible. 20 MHz operating speed. On 204/386 this machine (286 version) does a complete nodediff update (using Xlaxnode) in less than 1.5 minutes. The price is: $2386.00 (plus applicable tax) This price is for a limited time. Those interested should con- tact me at either 204/40 or 204/386, or call either 408-945- 4270 or 800-YES-4MSO, and mention my name. ----------------------------------------------------------------- FidoNews 5-51 Page 6 19 Dec 1988 ================================================================= NOTICES ================================================================= The Interrupt Stack 24 Aug 1989 Voyager 2 passes Neptune. 5 Oct 1989 20th Anniversary of "Monty Python's Flying Circus" If you have something which you would like to see on this calendar, please send a message to FidoNet node 1:1/1. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Jim Deputy (aka Sir Dep) 1:204/40 Telephone Professional Related Echos I am attempting to organize two Echos for those who work in the Telephone Industry. I am in a PC-Pursuitable area. The first Echo, Telephone Professionals (TELEPRO) for those who are actively working in the telephone industry in any capacity from telemarketing to system sales. Where informa- tion can be passed between users on various topics of inter- est. The second Echo, Telephone Consultants, (TCONSULT) for those who are selling, consulting etc on various types of telephone systems. A place to pick-up tips, locate equipment, etc. Let me know if you would like to link into either of these echos. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Latest Software Versions BBS Systems Node List Other & Mailers Version Utilities Version Utilities Version Dutchie 2.90b EditNL 4.00 ARC 5.32* Fido 12i MakeNL 2.12 ARCmail 1.1 Opus 1.03b Prune 1.40 ConfMail 4.00 SEAdog 4.10 XlatList 2.86 EchoMail 1.31 TBBS 2.1* XlaxNode 2.22 MGM 1.1 BinkleyTerm 2.00 XlaxDiff 2.22 TPB Editor 1.21 QuickBBS 2.03 ParseList 1.30* TCOMMail 1.1 TPBoard 4.2 TMail 8812* TComm/TCommNet 3.2 UFGATE 1.02* Lynx 1.10 GROUP 2.0* D'Bridge 1.10 FidoNews 5-51 Page 7 19 Dec 1988 FrontDoor 2.0 * 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 5-51 Page 8 19 Dec 1988 ================================================================= COMMITTEE REPORTS ================================================================= Don Daniels 1:107/210 Request for Members of IFNA Committees Three of IFNA's Committees are presently in need of additional volunteers. There is need for both workers and leaders. If interested, review the material below and, if you are prepared to take on part of the effort described, please send a message to Don Daniels at 1:107/210. Nominations and Election Committee - IFNA BYLAW 34: "The Nomination and Elections Committee shall be responsible for: a) finding and qualifying candidates; b) reviewing voting procedures and recommending modifications as necessary; c) performs other duties as described in applicable By-Laws." As indicated, this committee runs and oversees the entire election process. It has various tasks to do between now and FidoCon relative to the election. The Chairman will present the election results to the BoD at FidoCon. Bylaws and Rules Committee - BYLAW 35: "The By-Laws and Rules Committee shall be responsible for review and any suggestion of changes to these by-laws." There still is a fair amount of work that needs to be done to bring our by-laws into shape. Also, it can be expected that the current by-laws election may produce a few inconsistencies which will require revisions, and changes in IFNA's direction may also have to be provided for. If you can write well and have a feel for how things should be, this might be for you. Most of the committee's work will have to be done before mid-June. Security and Individual Rights - This is a new committee, in the process of being formed at this time. It will be concerned with any and all matters related to security and to privacy. As many conflicts between individuals typically occur when their respective individual rights come in conflict, this committee will look at such areas and provide guidelines as they deem best. Work on this committee could continue throughout the year, but there are concerns related to the Security and Privacy Committee of the Electronic Mail Association which this committee will need to address prior to meetings Feb 28 - Mar 1 in Scottsdale AZ and in late June in San Francisco. Sorry that we can't promise fame, wealth or glory - just work towards the common good! Again, if interested in helping, please FidoNews 5-51 Page 9 19 Dec 1988 contact Don Daniels at 1:107/210. ----------------------------------------------------------------- FidoNews 5-51 Page 10 19 Dec 1988 OFFICERS OF THE INTERNATIONAL FIDONET ASSOCIATION Hal DuPrie 1:101/106 Chairman of the Board Bob Rudolph 1:261/628 President Matt Whelan 3:3/1 Vice President Ray Gwinn 1:109/639 Vice President - Technical Coordinator David Garrett 1:103/501 Secretary Steve Bonine 1:115/777 Treasurer IFNA BOARD OF DIRECTORS DIVISION AT-LARGE 10 Courtney Harris 1:102/732? Don Daniels 1:107/210 11 Bill Allbritten 1:11/301 Hal DuPrie 1:101/106 12 Bill Bolton 3:711/403 Mark Grennan 1:147/1 13 Rick Siegel 1:107/27 Steve Bonine 1:115/777 14 Ken Kaplan 1:100/22 Ted Polczyinski 1:154/5 15 Larry Kayser 1:104/739? Matt Whelan 3:3/1 16 Vince Perriello 1:141/491 Robert Rudolph 1:261/628 17 Rob Barker 1:138/34 Steve Jordan 1:102/2871 18 Christopher Baker 1:135/14 Bob Swift 1:140/24 19 David Drexler 1:19/1 Larry Wall 1:15/18 2 Henk Wevers 2:500/1 David Melnik 1:107/233 ----------------------------------------------------------------- FidoNews 5-51 Page 11 19 Dec 1988 __ The World's First / \ BBS Network /|oo \ * FidoNet * (_| /_) _`@/_ \ _ | | \ \\ | (*) | \ )) ______ |__U__| / \// / Fido \ _//|| _\ / (________) (_/(_|(____/ (tm) Membership for the International FidoNet Association Membership in IFNA is open to any individual or organization that pays a specified annual membership fee. IFNA serves the international FidoNet-compatible electronic mail community to increase worldwide communications. Member Name _______________________________ Date _______________ Address _________________________________________________________ City ____________________________________________________________ State ________________________________ Zip _____________________ Country _________________________________________________________ Home Phone (Voice) ______________________________________________ Work Phone (Voice) ______________________________________________ Zone:Net/Node Number ____________________________________________ BBS Name ________________________________________________________ BBS Phone Number ________________________________________________ Baud Rates Supported ____________________________________________ Board Restrictions ______________________________________________ Your Special Interests __________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ In what areas would you be willing to help in FidoNet? __________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ Send this membership form and a check or money order for $25 in US Funds to: International FidoNet Association PO Box 41143 St Louis, Missouri 63141 USA Thank you for your membership! Your participation will help to insure the future of FidoNet. Please NOTE that IFNA is a general not-for-profit organization and Articles of Association and By-Laws were adopted by the membership in January 1987. The second elected Board of Directors was filled in August 1988. The IFNA Echomail Conference has been established on FidoNet to assist the Board. We welcome your input to this Conference. ----------------------------------------------------------------- FidoNews 5-51 Page 12 19 Dec 1988 INTERNATIONAL FIDONET ASSOCIATION ORDER FORM Publications The IFNA publications can be obtained by downloading from Fido 1:1/10 or other FidoNet compatible systems, or by purchasing them directly from IFNA. We ask that all our IFNA Committee Chairmen provide us with the latest versions of each publication, but we can make no written guarantees. Hardcopy prices as of October 1, 1986 IFNA Fido BBS listing $15.00 _____ IFNA Administrative Policy DOCs $10.00 _____ IFNA FidoNet Standards Committee DOCs $10.00 _____ SUBTOTAL _____ IFNA Member ONLY Special Offers System Enhancement Associates SEAdog $60.00 _____ SEAdog price as of March 1, 1987 ONLY 1 copy SEAdog per IFNA Member Fido Software's Fido/FidoNet $100.00 _____ Fido/FidoNet price as of November 1, 1987 ONLY 1 copy Fido/FidoNet per IFNA Member International orders include $10.00 for surface shipping or $20.00 for air shipping _____ SUBTOTAL _____ MO. Residents add 5.725% Sales Tax _____ TOTAL _____ SEND CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN US FUNDS: International FidoNet Association PO Box 41143 St Louis, Mo. 63141 USA Name________________________________ Zone:Net/Node____:____/____ Company_____________________________ Address_____________________________ City____________________ State____________ Zip_____ Voice Phone_________________________ Signature___________________________ -----------------------------------------------------------------