To communicate with another computer, you need a device called a MODEM. There are 2 types of these devices. One is called a DIRECT CONNECT modem, and the other is called an ACCOUSTACAL modem. The direct connect modem plugs directly into the phone line. The accoustical modem is the type you saw on the movie, War Games. With it, you plug the telephone handset into 2 holes. The Direct connect modems are actually better for accuracy in transferring data (the accoustacal modems sometimes give you many errors in a noisy environment or where there is lots of interference (near a tv set for example)). There is a main advantage accoustical modems have over direct connect modems, and that is price. Many people I know also buy an accoustical modem so they can use their computer (if they travel) with a pay phone.
Baud rate is the speed in which data is transferred. 300 baud is actually the same baud rate that the TS 1000 cassette system works. Most modems work at 300 baud (that is the standard baud rate). Other modems can work at 1200 baud, and even 2400 baud. Terminals often work at speeds of 9600 baud.
With a modem, you can call up free bulletin boards and large databases. In the Phoenix metro area alone, there are 30 bulletin boards. On bulletin boards, you can leave private mail to your friends, enter public messages to announce an upcoming event, or join in on a conversation that other users are having. Some good bulletin boards even have free games for you to play.
There are a few large databases. Such ones are Compuserve, The Source, Dow Jones, and a few local ones. With large databases, a user can access a library of information, read newspapers, enter E-MAIL, check the weather, and play many games. The rates for these databases range for $6 per hour to $19.95 an hour. If you want to try Compuserve, you can buy a trail packet in a computer store for approximately $30 (includes 5 free hours on Compuserve).
Telecommunications is an exciting hobby. I spend usually 2 hours on bulletin boards a day. I have also met many new friends on these bulletin boards and have even met them at get-togethers. I am sure there is something in telecommunications for everybody. Many people like the free bulletin boards, others like the databases. I highly suggest a modem to you so you can join the exciting world of telecommunications. Even if you don’t use the modem that often, I’m sure you’ll get your money’s worth plus much more.
If you live in the Phoenix metropolitan area and would like a list of all the bulletin boards, write to or call:
Doug Gangi
[address omitted]
[phone number omitted]