Welcome again to the column, and this month I will “shift gears in midstream”, so to say. Originally I had planned to review the new SMART II software for the Westridge 2050 modem. Anchor finally released it, and many of you may already have it.
I was promised a review copy of SMART II from Anchor the day it was shipped to the dealers. However, as I am writing this column, that was over THREE weeks ago, and I still have not received my copy!
To make matters worse, I am receiving numerous calls, letters, and messages on the RIVER CITIES SMART BBS, asking for an explanation on how to use the Upload and Download features of the software. It seems that the Instruction Manual included with SMART II lightly brushes over what I feel is the most important feature of the program. I have been in contact with whom I feel are the most knowledgeable people on the T/S, and none of them have been able to get it to work, either.
This brings me to two conclusions on this subject: 1) I hope that Anchor recognizes this oversight, and will remedy the problem of the explanation of how to use the UL/DL in SMART II, and they will see clear to allow me to review the program as they promised. 2) I hope that someone will find the solution in the meantime, and will get in contact with me so that I can share the answer with everyone else.
Enough for now on that subject. I want to tell you about a few sources you can contact with your modem, and these will not put a strain on your long-distance telephone bill, because they are TOLL-FREE!!! You got it, through the magic of “800” numbers, you can telecommunicate across the country for free (or almost).
The first source is MCI Mail. The same guys that are saving you $$ on long-distance phone calls are at it again. This time you are able to send Instant Letters electronically anywhere in the country for almost nothing (your first letter IS free!), and you pay only for the letters you send. No membership fee, no minimum, TOLL-FREE calling, and it includes a FREE membership to Dow Jones News/Retrieval (a $75.00 value).
If you want more information on MCI Mail, call TOLL-FREE (voice) 1-800-624-2255.
The other TOLL-FREE number is a National BBS called ONLINE. Based near Atlanta, ONLINE provides free online newsletters and product information for numerous brands of computers, including Timex/Sinclair. John Murray, owner of ONLINE, has told me that he already has a big contingent of T/S users. Let’s show him we’re ALL behind him!!!
The board is now open Monday-Thursday from 6 p.m. – 1 a.m. Eastern Time, and from 6 p.m. Friday – 6 a.m. Sunday. John assures me that by the first of the year he expects to extend the hours on weekdays.
The number for ONLINE is 1-800-438-2438, outside of Georgia. Be sure to check out the T/S newsletter…you should recognize the editor!!!
Well, that’s it for another month. If you know of any BBSs that have a T/S SIG, let me know. I will give the board the exposure it deserves. Also, keep those cards and letters coming!
My address is:
Bill Ferrebee
MOUNTAINEER SOFTWARE
115 North 7th Avenue
Paden City, West Virginia 26159
‘Til next month, HAPPY TELECOMMUNICATING!!!