Q:  Is there a NeXT bulletin board for people who don't have access to the Internet?

A:  CompuServe has had a NeXT forum since May 1991.  CompuServe is accessible by modem worldwide.  In most of the United States, it's a local phone call.

Users in France can log on to CompuServe Limited Edition by using the "dial-it" phone number, 3617 COMPU, on the videotex system, Minitel.  They're also able to access the service via the online menus of Le Nouvel Observateur (a media group specializing in online videotex services in Europe).

The following information was provided by David Bowdish of the Rocky Mountain NeXT User's Group.

The NeXT Forum is the FIRST forum to open on CompuServe that is solely dedicated to a single workstation platformÐNEXTSTEP!
  
CompuServe, one of the first computer information services in the country, is accessible from around the world and is accessible by a local phone number by over 90% of the American population. CompuServe has 640,000 members worldwide.

THE FORUM:

The forum contains three parts: Message Section, Library Section, & Conference.

Message Section: This section allows you to leave messages, announcements, questions, answers, and general NeXT trivia.

Library Section: This section (like an archive site) offers a place to upload and download programs and other files in any on of several categories.

Conference Section: This section allows for "live" computer conferences with other NeXTer's from around the country (world). Conferences will be scheduled on a regular basis.

COMPUSERVE ADVANTAGE:

Until now, the only way that NeXTer's could get together via modem nationally, has been through Internet. However, Internet's access is limited and most of the new purchasers of NeXT do not have access to Internet, Usenet, or ftp'ing.  On CompuServe over 90% of the NeXT users will have local number access where they can ask questions, get programs and information, and exchange idea's with other NeXT users. Much like an national user's group, only better.

HOW DO I GET ACCESS?

This is the easy part. CompuServe has set up a special program for NeXTer's.  CompuServe will give you a FREE membership and $15.00 usage credit to get familiar with the system. There is no obligation and you may cancel your account at anytime.

For this special offer call: (800) 848-8199 and ask for representative #235. They will set you up with the free membership and the $15.00 credit.

The menu structure of Compuserve is intuitive and easy to use. If you are looking for something in particular just type "find" and the name and press Return.

ACCESSING THE NEXT FORUM:

After logging on, type "go nextforum" and follow the directions. That's all there is to it.

CONCLUSION:

This is the first CompuServe forum dedicated entirely to a single workstation platform (Sun doesn't even have a forum). If it is to be a success it needs your participation and the participation of other NeXTer's. For many, this is their only access to quick information, freeware programs, special information files relating to the NeXT, and "live" conferencing with other NeXT users.

The NeXT forum is a relaxed, friendly place where both the beginner and the advanced user will find something valuable. So if you want to make better use of your NeXT or if you only want to "meet" with other NeXT users call the number above and join today.

A FINAL COMMENT:

CompuServe has over 200 forums for all kinds of interests, an Electronic Mall that is free of connect time, hundreds of information sources including daily news from AP, Washington Post, Reuter's, and UPI. You also can send email to other CompuServe members or to Internet, MCI, Telex, or by fax. (You can even compose and mail an old-fashioned letter that will be sent from the nearest of seven locations around the country).

David Bowdish
76711.143@compuserve.com
Contact person for the NeXT Users Forum

QA741

Valid for 1.0, 2.0, 3.0