There are three ways you can reduce your long distance calling charges to BBSes. The first are to use the discount calling plans offered by your local telephone company and your long distance telephone company. In addition, some BBSes throughout the world can be accessed via networks, where you call a node toll-free, and pay an online charge which is often much less than the direct long distance tlephone charge. Two such networks are Starlink, and PC Pursuit D ... Discount Calling Plans P ... PC-Pursuit Information S ... StarLink Information For long distance callers (ie outside the Ventura/Camarillo area) the cheapest way to call the Final Front Ear BBS on 805-649-5314 appears to be using Tymnet/Starlink all day Saturday and Sunday or between 11 pm and 5 am Pacific Time, when the rate is $ 1.50 / hr Starlink rate plus $ 1.80 /hour toll from the nearest node (Port Hueneme/Ventura) to the Final Front Ear line; this assumes you have toll-free access to a local Tymnet node. (Total $ 3.30 / hour + tax). __________________________________________________________________________ Discount Calling Plans ====================== This is right from the Pacific Bell "White Pages", Catalog of Residence Services. Check with your local Pacific Bell office for the availability of these Discount Calling Plans in your area. CALL BONUS(sm) COMMUNITY PLANS ------------------------------ If you often call one or more particular communities outside your immediate local calling area, but within your Service Area, these plans allow you to call those selected communities at a savings of up to 30% off regular long distance rates. CALL BONUS COMMUNITY CIRCLE PLAN -------------------------------- With this plan you receive a 30% discount on all calls placed to any community located within 16 to 40 miles of your home. [ A monhtly subscription is required which is generally much less than the savings you will make ] { Your sysop, Charles Radley, has an Oxanrd/Camarillo plan which reduces his bills to those communities when calling from his Ventura home} CALL BONUS WIDE AREA PLANS -------------------------- With this service you can make non-local calls anywhere within your Service Area at a reduced rate. This reduced rate is in effect during off-peak times on weekdays (9:00 P.M. to 8:00 A.M. and 12:00 Noon to 2:00 P.M.) and on weekends (9:00 P.M. Friday to 8:00 A.M. Monday). [A monthly subscirption is required which is usually much less than the savings you will make ] { Your sysop Charles Radley has the Pacific Bell LACA Wide Are Plan, which saves on calls to anywhere in the 213, 818, 714 and some of the 619 area code numbers when called from Ventura } OPTIONAL CALLING MEASURED SERVICE --------------------------------- This service is available in some locations. It's designed for residence customers with one party service who call neighboring communities frequently. This plan also provides service to certain communities within 40 miles that includes unmeasured calling during weeknights (8:00 P.M. to 8:00 AM) and weekends, and either one, two, or three hours of cumulative calling each month during weekdays (8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.) { Your sysop has an unmetered rate plan; in plain language, for a small monthly charge it allows unlimited toll-free calls within your immediate vicinity } Long Distance Plans ------------------------- There are many long distance companies, the big three right now seem to be AT & T, MCI and US Sprint. It is up to you to compare the rates of the different plans of the various companies, and compare them with your calling habits or desires. The big three companies all offer an equivalent of the AT & T Reach out America plan, which is described below: (1) A full hour of out-of-state AT&T long distance calls every month, dialed direct from your home. Anytime Saturday, Sunday till 5pm, and Sunday through Friday, from 10pm (11pm in certain areas) to 8am. (2) A 5% daytime discount on calls made from 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. (3) A 15% evening discount on calls made from 5pm to 10pm, Sunday through Friday. Cost: $10 set-up charge and then $9.60 per month. There is also a more extensive AT&T REACH OUT(r) America plan for a little more money. Call 1-800-356-3311 to sign-up or for more information. PC-Pursuit (good even if you are in Southern California) -------------------------------------------------------- Don't forget to check the PC-Pursuit Information in the next menu! If you can reach any PC-Pursuit access number with a local phone call, then you can many BBS's across the nation) for a flat $25 per month. PC-Pursuit access numbers in this particular area are located in Bakersfield, Colton, Compton, Escondido, Garden Grove, Glendale, Los Angeles, Marina Del Rey, Norwalk, Oceanside, Pomona, San Diego, San Pedro, Santa Ana, Santa Barbara, Thousand Oaks, Ventura, West Covina, and Woodland Hills. The above information is by no means definitive. It is provided for your convenience only. Contact your local telephone business office for information on availability and cost of the above and other discount services. If you learn of other discount calling plans that may be of interest to our other users, please send e-mail to the sysop. Thank you. ___________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ WHAT IS PC PURSUIT ? Telenet's PC Pursuit is a long distance PC - PC communications service that can save you the cost of long distance data calls. And you won't sacrifice quality. In fact, PC Pursuit Service provides clearly superior data transmission, because it routes your call via the Telenet Public Data Network, known worldwide for its accuracy and reliability. By placing a local call to the Telenet network FROM nearly 18,000 U.S. cities and towns (eg Ventura), you can access a wealth of online resources IN 34 of America's largest business and information hubs. {in Ventura/Oxnard the Telenet nodes are 656-6760 (1200) and 650-1070 (2400) } Currently, computer resources are accessible in the following 34 cities via PC Pursuit: (ie you can dial your local node, then dial a number in any of these cities toll-free, paying only the low PCPursuit rate $ 1 /hr anywhere off-peak): 404 Atlanta 617 Boston 312 Chicago 216 Cleveland 214 Dallas 303 Denver 313 Detroit 818 Glendale 713 Houston 213 Los Angeles 305 Miami 414 Milawaukee 612 Minneapolis 201 Newark 212 New York 602 Phoenix 215 Philadelphia 503 Portland 919 Research Triangle Park 801 Salt Lake City 415 San Francisco 408 San Jose 206 Seattle 813 Tampa 202 Washington, DC 714 Colton 203 Hartford 816 Kansas City 415 Oakland 415 Palo Alto 714 San Diego 714 Santa Ana 314 St Louis 916 Sacramento Effective July 1, 1989, for just $30/month, you can make 30 hours of data connections weeknights (from 6 pm to 7 am) and all day weekends and Telenet holidays. The rate above the 30 hours is $3.00 per hour. If you sign up for our family membership, you will have 60 hours of weeknight and weekend usage for $50 and $3.00 for every non-prime hour over 60. You can also use PC Pursuit during the day from 7 am to 6 pm for $10.50 per hour and that is less than half the cost of standard long distance dialing or WATS. (Until July 1, 1989 PC Pursuit service is available for $30 per month, unlimited usage on weeknights (6 pm to 7 am) and all day on weekends and Telenet holidays.) With PC Pursuit, you can: ---> Transfer files - such as spreadsheets, word processing documents, and graphics - to business associates ---> Upload and download public domain software from thousands of Bulletin Board Systems in each PC Pursuit city ---> Correspond with friends who have communicating PC's ---> Access valuable business information and databases for research ---> Shop and advertise in electronic catalogs. All PC Pursuit charges are conveniently billed to your MasterCard, VISA, or American Express account. There is a one-time $30 registration fee. Sign up today - and SAVE on your long distance PC communications! FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PC PURSUIT, CALL: 1-800-TELENET - (voice) Information, registration, and learn where is your closest Telenet local access number 1-800-424-9494 - (modem) Get up to date listing of Telenet local access numbers. Call at 7-E-1, enter 3 carriage returns, and enter your area code and local exchange. Then at the "@" prompt - type: MAIL (cr) USERNAME: Phones PASSWORD: Phones PC-Pursuit Signup BBS This BBS allows you to signup for the reknowned PC-Pursuit Long-Distance Service for modem users. This system will allow you to call BBS's all over the country, in a variety of major cities. Calling this BBS will allow you to signup for this service. Number of Lines: Unknown Data Number: (800) 835-3001 (1200 baud) Credit Consumption: FREE Connect Time Also, PC Pursuit subscribers can use their Pursuit ID and password to connect to the Net Exchange BBS for tech support and to exchange information and files with other PC Pursuit users -- simply type at the "@": C PURSUIT (cr). _______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ STARLINK! What is it? STARLINK is an asynchronous outdial service that uses the superior TYMNET Data Communications Network. There are presently over 130 cities that can be reached through the outdial service and over 1000 local access numbers in most U.S. cities and Canada. With STARLINK you can connect to Systems all over the Continental US via the STARLINK MENU. With one keystroke, you can be playing games, chatting online , using a supporting system's file library or choosing the outdial host of your choice. Worried about outdial nodes beinging busy? Don't be. TYMNET is constantly upgrading the already superior service daily. Access and Outdial listings are kept up-to-date via GALAXY INFORMATION NETWORK and the TYMNET INFORMATION MENU. STARLINK is a computer communication service that uses the asynchronous outdial feature of TYMNET. It is an ideal alternative to calling Bulletin Board Systems through the telephone network and can save the caller a considerable amount of money. Any of the outdial cities listed elsewhere on the TYMNET information area can be reached via STARLINK. The service ranges from $1.50 to $4.00 per hour for night time and weekend service and $14.00 per hour for business day use. The Tymnet number in ventura/Pt Hueneme is 805-985-7843, when connected hit A , then type INFORMATION The Tymnet voice number is 1-800-336-0149. The Main Starlink numbers are: Albuquerque, New Mexico Contact: Customer Service 1 (505) 881-6988 (Voice) 1 (505) 881-6964 (Data) STARLINK CHARGES ---------------- REGISTRATION STARLINK registration is a one-time NON-REFUNDABLE fee of $35.00 if the payment method you select is Visa or Mastercard. The registration fee is $50.00 if you choose Checkfree direct checking account debit. USAGE* All STARLINK accounts are charged a monthly $10.00 service fee. Users in the Continental US are charged $1.50/hr and NO KCHAR fee. STARLINK Hawaii accounts are charged $1.50/hr and $.02/Kchar. STARLINK Alaska accounts are charged $2.50/hr and $.05.Kchar. STARLINK Canada accounts are charged $3.00/hr and $.02/Kchar. These charges are for usage from 7pm - 6am Monday - Friday, all day Saturday , Sunday, and major US holidays based on your local access time zone. Charges for prime time are $14.00/hr. OTHER FEES Change of Password, ID, or Username: $20.00 Copy of Detailed Billing : $5.00 Dishonored Checking Debit or CreditCard Charge: $20.00 Change of payment method: $25.00. TELCO CHARGES, IF ANY, WILL BE ADDED TO YOUR BILL. PLEASE CONTACT THE TELCO OPERATOR OF THE OUTDIAL CITY IN QUESTION FOR ASSISTANCE. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Note the following rate change for Continental US users effective 09-01-89 The monthly account fee will remain $10.00. Two different accounts will be offered either singularly or in combination. The service fee will be applied per account. $1.50/hr with a 200kchar/hr limit. Any account with an adverage monthly usage over 200 will be charge $.01/kchar for each session. Multiply hours used by 200. If less than total kchars used then no charge. If usage is greater than hours x 200 then it is $.01/kchar on the difference. $4.00/hr with no Kchar charge. STARLINK INFORMATION Select an Option (RETURN for Menu): INFORMATION ABOUT GALAXY INFORMATION NETWORK -------------------------------------------- As you can see from our main menu, Galaxy is loaded with fun and interesting features. From Live multi-player games to interesting Special Interest Groups, to a file library loaded with public domain files and shareware.... Outdial from Galaxy to other BBS systems by checking out menu item "7" on the More Features Menu. Like to chat? Check out our inter system linkups on Friday nights at 9pm Eastern Time. The Chat Lounge is menu item "C" at the main men Galaxy Information Network is home for STARLINK & CONNECT-USA members. Galaxy is free to those members except for the connect time charges. HOW TO SIGN UP FOR GALAXY There are three ways to sign up for unlimited access to Galaxy. Sign up for CONNECT-USA. Charges are $3.00 per hour 24 hours per day, every day of the year. Signup fee is $35.00 ($50.00 for CheckFree). 2. Sign up for STARLINK. The base rate for STARLINK is $1.50 per hour for night and week-end use. Sign up fee is $35.00 ($50.00 for CheckFree). 3. Sign up for GALAXY only. Charges are $2.50 per hour for night and week-end use. Both STARLINK and CONNECT-USA also have a $10.00 per month account maintenance fee which is charged regardless of you use of those services. GALAXY only service has no monthly charges other than the time you actually use. CALL 800-477-1788 TO REQUEST A SIGN UP KIT (9 am - 5 pm Mountain Time) GALAXY INFORMATION NETWORK Galaxy Telecomm Corporation announces...... CONNECT-USA!! During the next few months, Galaxy Telecomm Corporation will be building an all new data network across the United States known as CONNECT-USA!! CONNECT-USA will consist of 9600 baud access and outdial facilities in the 60 largest cities. The first twelve cities to have full access and outdial ability are: ATLANTA, GA BOSTON, MA SAN FRANCISCO, CA DALLAS, TX HOUSTON, TX SAN JOSE, CA LOS ANGELES, CA FAIRFAX, VA PHOENIX, AZ FAIRFAX, VA CHICAGO, IL HONOLULU, HI In addition, to the above cities, the following national BBSes will be directly connected to the network: EXEC-PC CHANNEL ONE GALAXY RUSTY AND EDIE'S BBS (Milwaukee) (Boston, MA) (ABQ, NM) (Youngstown, OH) These "direct connect" systems will be accessable directly through the network without going through an outdial port. During "Phase One" of the network development, the "direct connect" systems will be the only systems reachable through the network. We expect the "Direct Connect" systems to be online and accessable by July 15th, 1990. These "Direct Connect" systems will be accessable by calling any CompuServe local access number in the United States (800 service not included) at 2400 baud. CompuServe will be adding 30 9600 baud access numbers no later than September 30, 1990 and another 30 before the end of October, 1990. At that time, all "Direct Connect" systems will be accessable at 9600 baud. During the next six months, the twelve cities mentioned above will become accessable as both access and outdial ports at both 2400 and 9600 baud. As this happens, CONNECT-USA members will stop using the CompuServe access numbers and start using the CONNECT-USA numbers. The charges for using the CONNECT-USA service is as follows: Access to CONNECT-USA from a city with NO CONNECT-USA ACCESS via CompuServe access numbers: $3.00 per hour Access to CONNECT-USA from any CONNECT-USA Access number $3.00 per hour Access to CONNECT-USA via CompuServe from a city WITH CONNECT-USA ACCESS: $6.00 per hour Basically, this translates to mean that if your city has a CONNECT-USA access number, you are expected to use it. If you do, you will pay $3.00 per hour. If it doesn't have one, you may use the CompuServe access numbers at the same price. If your city has a CONNECT-USA access number and you continue to use the CompuServe access number, you will pay $6.00 per hour. THESE RATES ARE 24 HOUR PER DAY RATES! There is no such thing as "prime time" and "leisure time" with CONNECT-USA!! There are also NO Character charges or "telco" charges associated with the use of CONNECT-USA!! All outdial ports will be located in the "central city" area of each city and any call that is a local call to that telephone number can go through. If the call has any sort of "telco" charge associated with it, the call will be rejected. We will shortly make available a list of telephone exchanges that may be reached from each outdial port. Each outdial port and access number will be connected to both 2400 and 9600 baud NMP5 modems that support V.32, V.42 and V.42bis. We cannot guarantee that the 9600 baud modems will be in operation before September 30, 1990 although they will become available after testing. During the initial "startup" period, the signup fee for CONNECT-USA will be $15.00. After the "startup" period is over, the signup fee will be $35.00. There is a monthly maintenance fee of $10.00. Monthly charges will be charged to either VISA, MasterCard or direct checking account debit. Certain corporate clients may qualify for direct billing (with substantial deposit). If you would like additional information about CONNECT-USA you may call 1-800-477-1788 (voice) between the hours of 9AM - 5PM Mountain Time. No information will be given out over the phone. It will be mailed to you. This service is operated totally seperate from Galaxy Telecomm Corporation's other network service, StarLink although StarLink members may sign up for CONNECT-USA with NO signup fee. BBS Sysops are invited to inquire about becoming "Direct Connect" CONNECT-USA systems. GALAXY STARLINK USERS GUIDE r05-02-90 ======================================= A SERVICE OF GALAXY TELECOMM CORPORATION 2625 PENNYSLVANIA AVE NE SUITE 225 ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO 87110 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES 505-881-6988 (VOICE) I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION GALAXY STARLINK is an asynchronous outdial service that permits members to make long distance modem-to-modem calls from various points around the United States and Canada to computers in remote cities at a low hourly cost. There are, as of this date, over 1000 local access numbers in the United States and Canada and 220 outdial cities in the United States. A complete list of both local access numbers and outdial cities are included with this guide. GALAXY STARLINK uses the facilities of TYMNET, one of the world's largest and most powerful networks, a division of McDonnell-Douglas and soon to be a division of British Telecomm. II. SIGNING UP FOR SERVICE GTC maintains a multiline signup and information bulletin board system with up-to-date local access and outdial port city lists which may be accessed by calling your local TYMNET access number (available by contacting TYMNET at 1-800-336-0149 or calling directory assistance in your city and asking for TYMNET). Enter an "a" (with no return) at the connect and at the PLEASE LOG IN prompt type "starlinkinfo". You are now on the information and registration system. Those who sign up are sent a GALAXY STARLINK member's contract to sign and return with 10 days. Only when we have receieved the contract, can a username be assigned. If you signup with Checkfree, you are required to send back one voided check, another check for your registration and, if required, your completed CheckFree form. III. COST FROM WITHIN THE UNITED STATES ----------------------------- For members within the contiguous 48 states, there is a one-time NON-Refundable registration fee ($35 for credit card and $50 for Checkfree), a $10 monthly account maintenance fee and a $1.50 per hour charge for use of the network between 7PM and 6AM (your local access area time), all day Saturdays and Sundays, and the six major U.S. holidays. The cost for daytime use is $14 per hour. Starting 09-01-89, StarLink will have a two tier structure for leisure hours as follows: The monthly account fee will remain $10.00. Two different accounts will be offered either singularly or in combination. The service fee will be applied per account. $1.50/hr with a 200kchar/hr limit. Any account with an adverage monthly usage over 200 will be charge $.01/kchar for each session. Multiply hours used by 200. If less than total kchars used then no charge. If usage is greater than hours x 200 then it is $.01/kchar on the difference. $4.00/hr with no Kchar charge. Rates are higher from Alaska, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada and are available upon request. In addition to these rates, some cities are subject to local telephone company "Zone" or "ZUM" rates. These are the so-called "meter rates" that apply when calling to an out-lying area from the outdial modem. These charges can range from ten cents per call upwards and Starlink has no choice but to pass those charges on to the member. The worst areas affected by these rates are Chicago, Los Angeles and the entire states of New Jersey, New York and California. STARLINK provides the ability to make long distance calls to BBSes outside the outdial local area and neither promotes the use of nor restricts your ability to make these calls. Just be aware that in some cases intrastate calls can be more expensive than calls across the country. You should also be aware that it is possible to dial out of a local area without putting a "1" in front of the number. The best source of information about whether a call is long distance to a BBS is the Sysop of that BBS. Every sysop is well aware of what exchanges can reach his BBS with a local call. Ask him when you make your first call to his BBS. Please don't ask STARLINK! We don't know! There are thousands of exchanges in the United States, we couldn't possibly be aware of the rates in every city in the U.S. PLEASE NOTE THAT TYMNET SUBSCRIBES TO THE MOST ECONOMICAL BUSINESS RATE FOR THE OUTDIAL. FROM SELECTED FOREIGN COUNTRIES ------------------------------- For members residing in foreign countries whose postal and telegraph services (PTT) permit gateway connections to TYMNET (International access number 3106989), STARLINK service is also available. Foreign members must establish an account with STARLINK via telephone or mail before receiving a STARLINK Username and Password. The only payment method that STARLINK will accept from foreign members is MasterCard or VISA (Interbank Cards). The registration fee for foreign members is $50.00, monthly service fee is $20.00, off-peak hourly fees are $3.00 per hour and day-time usage is $35.00 per hour. This is in addition to the fees charged by your local PTT to reach the TYMNET gateway. Local Telephone company charges, as described above, apply to callers from foreign countrys. FOR ALL MEMBERS --------------- Members who request reprints of bills are charged $5 and there is a $20 dishonored check or credit card charge. Any monies owed (usage and fees) must be paid before an account can be reactivated once it is suspended. Passwords and handles may be changed at the members request for a $20 processing charge. IV. GALAXY INFORMATION NETWORK GTC maintains the GALAXY INFORMATION NETWORK Bulletin Board System for the use of it's members and others. GIN contains a file library, special interest groups, on-line games, electronic messaging, and other services. STARLINK members receive unlimited usage of GIN each month. There is no charge to the member for time spent in the Special Interest Groups on GIN whether the member is using the teleconference feature or the message bases. Some areas of GIN may have a surcharge implimented by the sysop for special function. A complete GIN User's Guide is included with this file. V. SIGNUP PROCEDURE LOCAL PHONE LINE ---------------- A potential member calls the STARLINK registration system by modem at 2400 bps with the settings of 8 data bits, No parity, and 1 stop bit and signs up as a new user selecting a "handle" and password of his choosing. Automated processing then sends a signup package based on the letter you selected. ***** ALL REGISTRATION FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE ***** VIA STARLINK ------------ A potential member calls STARLINK via his TYMNET access number which may be obtained by calling TYMNET at 1-800-336-0149. Dial the access number and wait for a connect, enter an "a" with no carrige return and at the "log in" prompt type "Starlinkinfo", proceed as you would with a local call. * NOTE: The Galaxy User-ID or "handle" should not be confused with the STARLINK Username. These are two altogether different and distinct identification measures. The GALAXY User-ID or "handle" is used to access GIN. The STARLINK Username is used to gain access to the STARLINK service on TYMNET. The password initially selected on GIN will be the same for your StarLink account. Changing your password on GIN WILL NOT change your StarLink password. Once the contract is received in our office the handle and password are validated on the GALAXY INFORMATION NETWORK FOR FULL USAGE and customer service contacts the member with his/her username. INTERNATIONAL MEMBERS MUST CALL 505-881-6988 BY VOICE TO REGISTER. VI. USING STARLINK As of May 2, 1990 there are 222 outdial "cities". A "host" is a port on the TYMNET network that may be reached through the network from a local access number. As of April 1, 1989 there are over 1,000 local access numbers throughout the United States and Canada. The member first determines, from the access number list, the local access or "in-dial" number to the TYMNET network. These are 1200 and 2400 bps modems in the members home town reachable by a local telephone call. << SEE FOOTNOTE BELOW>> The member, using a computer and communications program or terminal, dials the local access number and is connected to the network. The first indication of connection is either a string of garbage or the phrase "enter your terminal identifier". Members using a personal computer should type the "a" key with no carraige return at which point a "Please log in:" prompt will be displayed. The member then enters his/her STARLINK username and password seperated by a semi-colon. EXAMPLE: STA000000;password. This procedure will result in the STARLINK menu being displayed. Note: In most cases, a communications setting of 8 data bits, No parity and 1 stop bit will work perfectly. If it doesn't work on your local access number, use 7 data bits, Even parity and 1 stop bit. VII. GALAXY INFORMATION NETWORK VIA STARLINK At the please log in prompt type: STARLINKUSERNAME;STARLINKPASSWORD You will then see the following: Auto-sensing ANSI ........ Follow normal menu prompts. VIII. OUTDIAL SERVICES Selecting the number corresponding to "Manual Logon" will result in you being prompted to re-enter your logon again. with. For example, if you wish to connect with the outdial port in Norfolk, Virginia, you would enter Username:6896;password. The following information would then be displayed: TYMNET ASYNC OUTDIAL 6986 (804) 857 NORFOLK , VA > At the ">" prompt, you may type "help" and receive the following screen: >help Set [Half] [Rxon] [Xon] [Even|Space] [Crdelay] Half - sets half-duplex communications. Default is full-duplex. Xon - sets flow control for data you send. Default is no xon. Rxon - sets flow control for data you receive. Default is no rxon. Even - sets even parity for data sent. Default is no parity. Space - sets space parity for data sent. Default is no parity. Crdelay - set printer carriage return delay. Default is no delay. Bps [300|1200|2400] Sets one of the baud rates indicated above. Default is 2400 bps. Dial [Tone] [Pulse] {phone number} Dials the requested phone number. Parameters are: Tone - activates touch-tone dialing. Default is tone. Pulse - activates pulse dialing. Optional commas - provide a one second pause. Default is no pause. Retry - Redials last phone number. Logout - Exits Outdial. Help or ? - Prints this screen. NOTES: * Dialed number need not be preceded by "9". * In some locations, long-distance numbers must be preceded by "1". If, at this point, you wish to connect with a BBS whose phone number is, for example, 555-1212, you would enter at the ">" prompt, the string "d 5551212". This causes the outdial modem to dial the number and connect you at 2400 bps. If the host BBS only has 1200 bps modems, you would need to first enter "bps 1200" at the ">" prompt. This sets the outdial modem to call the host at 1200 bps rather than 2400 bsp. If the BBS is busy you will usually receive a "BUSY" indicator, at which point you can type "r" to redial the number or "logout" to disconnect and return to the "please log in" prompt. At the "please log in" prompt, you may simply disconnect. What does the connect string mean? TYMNET ASYNC OUTDIAL 6986 (804) 857 NORFOLK , VA : : : Outdial Port # Area Code Local exchange STARLINK permits you to make long distance calls from the outdial port. You can determine if a BBS can be reached with a local call from an outdial local call from the exchange. For example: Virginia Beach exchange 495 is a local call from Norfolk exchange 857. If the BBS is outside the local dialing area, you can still reach it by putting a "1" in front of the number at the ">" prompt. Example: "d 15551212". ALL LONG DISTANCE TOLL CHARGES WILL BE CHARGED TO YOU! IX. ERROR MESSAGES AND PROBABLE CAUSES The following are common error messages and some causes: HOST OUT OF PORTS All available outdial modems at the outdial city are in use. BUSY The host BBS's phone lines are all busy. CALL FAILED FOR UNKNOWN REASON Usually indicates that a voice answered the phone call. Call the number by voice to determine if it is still a viable number. Can also be caused by low quality modem on the BBS or the BBS only operating at 1200 bps. Try the "bps 1200" cure mentioned above. Can also mean the BBS has all lines in use and the modem did not detect the busy signal. MODEM TIMED ITSELF OUT - CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE Modem malfunction or all BBS lines are busy. Please report this to TYMNET at 800-336-0149 immediately. X. SUGGESTIONS There are some methods you can use to improve the STARLINK service from your end. The two most common complaints and the easiest to cure are file transfer speedups and interactive response speedups. To improve file transfers: Enter a control-V before typing in your STARLINK username. Example: "STA000000;password". This means hold down your control key and tap the "V" key before entering your Username. This opens up the band width and imporves transfer time. To improve interactive response time: Enter a control-I before your STARLINK username. Example: " STA000000;password". Enter this the same way as the example above and the response time through the network will be faster. Perfect for chatting or e-mail, etc. Members calling a 2400 Baud BBS using a 1200 Baud modem can improve file transfers and reduce error messages by putting control-X control-R before the Username when logging on to the network. This enables X-on, X-off flow control and prevents the BBS from sending data to you faster than you can accept it. Never use Control-X, Control-R together with Control-V. It will really make a mess of things. FILE TRANSFERS Almost all BBS software requires that you transfer files at 8 data bits, No parity and 1 stop bit. If you are having trouble with file transfers this will usually be the problem. If you cannot access the network from your local number at 8-N-1 and must log on at 7-E-1, have your software switch to 8-N-1 after you have entered the ">d #######" command and before the BBS connects. Some BBS software doesn't care what settings you use until you try to transfer a file. To prevent wasting valuable network time, it's best to assume that you need 8-N-1 and change to that setting prior to attempting a transfer. Please be sure that if you have striped your high bits, you now turn them back on before transfers! XI. REPORTING STARLINK PROBLEMS (NOT BILLING) We value your business and will attempt to resolve any problem with the network as quickly as possible. The fastest way to let us know that a problem exists is to post a message to "Galaxy" on GALAXY INFORMATION NETWORK. You will receive a reply to your message within 24 hours. If you are having trouble logging on, you may call 505-881-6988 by voice between 9AM and 5PM Mountain time. Someone will usually be available to answer your calls on weekends but this is not guaranteed. E-Mail is faster and not time dependent. If you are having a problem after 10 PM and cannot wait until the next day, you may call TYMNET customer service at 800-336-0149. TYMNET will help you with network problems only, they will not get involved with billing questions, help with your communications program, or anything other than network communications. Please don't ask them to. XII. BILLING QUESTIONS Bills for network time are sent to you via US Mail and contain the total of the bill and will be researched for a period of 60days from date on statement by written request ONLY. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you have problems, please read this complete file again before calling customer service. We have found that 99% of all problems are caused by improperly entering the Username, outdial port number and password. Please also note that we are not versed in "orphan" communications programs. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- STALINK ACCESS NUMBERS A ... States Beginning with "A" C ... States Beginning with "C" D ... States Beginning with "D" F ... States Beginning with "F" G ... States Beginning with "G" I ... States Beginning with "I" K ... States Beginning with "K" L ... States Beginning with "L" M ... States Beginning with "M" N ... States Beginning with "N" O ... States Beginning with "O" P ... States Beginning with "P" R ... States Beginning with "R" + ... ******* MORE STATES ********* Select an option, or ? for help: c 04175 ALAMEDA/OAKLAND CALIFORNIA HIGH 415/430-2900 05341 ALAMEDA/OAKLAND CALIFORNIA HIGH 415/633-1896 2400/MNP 03407 ALHAMBRA CALIFORNIA MED 818/308-1800 10244 ALHAMBRA CALIFORNIA MED 818/308-1994 2400/MNP 02631 ANAHEIM/NEWPRT BEACH CALIFORNIA HIGH 714/756-8341 04236 ANAHEIM/NEWPRT BEACH CALIFORNIA HIGH 714/852-8141 2400/MNP 06457 ANAHEIM/NEWPRT BEACH CALIFORNIA HIGH 714/852-8141 2400/MNP 05350 ANTIOCH CALIFORNIA LOW 415/754-8222 03407 ARCADIA/ALHAMBRA CALIFORNIA MED 818/308-1800 10244 ARCADIA/ALHAMBRA CALIFORNIA MED 818/308-1994 2400/MNP 03657 BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIA LOW 805/325-0371 04603 BELMONT/REDWOOD CITY CALIFORNIA HIGH 415/366-1092 04411 BELMONT/REDWOOD CITY CALIFORNIA HIGH 415/361-8701 2400/MNP 04175 BERKELEY/OAKLAND CALIFORNIA HIGH 415/430-2900 05341 BERKELEY/OAKLAND CALIFORNIA HIGH 415/633-1896 2400/MNP 03410 BEVERLY HILLS/SHR OK CALIFORNIA MED 818/789-9002 04353 BEVERLY HILLS/SHR OK CALIFORNIA MED 818/789-9557 2400/MNP 02443 BURBANK CALIFORNIA LOW 818/841-4795 300-2400/MNP 04504 BURLINGAME/SO. S.F. CALIFORNIA LOW 415/588-3043 300-2400/MNP 03410 CANOGA PARK/SHRM OAK CALIFORNIA MED 818/789-9002 04353 CANOGA PARK/SHRM OAK CALIFORNIA MED 818/789-9557 2400/MNP 11271 CATHEDRAL CITY CALIFORNIA LOW 619/324-0920 300-2400/MNP 03307 CHICO CALIFORNIA LOW 916/343-4401 02655 COLTON/RIVERSIDE CALIFORNIA MED 714/370-1200 05325 COLTON/RIVERSIDE CALIFORNIA MED 714/422-0222 2400/MNP 04556 CONCORD/WALNUT CREEK CALIFORNIA LOW 415/935-0370 10436 CONCORD/WALNUT CREEK CALIFORNIA MED 415/935-1507 2400/MNP 05362 CONCORD/WALNUT CREEK CALIFORNIA MED 415/935-1507 2400/MNP 07652 CORONA CALIFORNIA LOW 714/737-5510 04263 COVINA/DIAMOND BAR CALIFORNIA MED 714/860-0057 300-2400/MNP 07434 DAVIS CALIFORNIA LOW 916/758-3551 04263 DIAMOND BAR CALIFORNIA MED 714/860-0057 300-2400/MNP 03407 EL MONTE/ALHAMBRA CALIFORNIA MED 818/308-1800 10244 EL MONTE/ALHAMBRA CALIFORNIA MED 818/308-1994 2400/MNP 04755 EL SEGUNDO CALIFORNIA MED 213/643-2907 10363 EL SEGUNDO CALIFORNIA MED 213/643-4228 2400/MNP 04262 ESCONDIDO/VISTA CALIFORNIA MED 619/941-6700 300-2400/MNP 11052 EUREKA CALIFORNIA LOW 707/445-3021 11052 EUREKA CALIFORNIA LOW 707/445-9271 10072 FAIRFIELD CALIFORNIA LOW 707/426-5900 07117 FREMONT CALIFORNIA MED 415/490-7366 300-2400/MNP 04107 FRESNO CALIFORNIA LOW 209/442-4328 300-2400/MNP 02443 GLENDALE/BURBANK CALIFORNIA LOW 818/841-4795 300-2400/MNP 04175 HAYWARD/OAKLAND CALIFORNIA HIGH 415/430-2900 05341 HAYWARD/OAKLAND CALIFORNIA HIGH 415/633-1896 2400/MNP 05242 INGLEWOOD/VERNON CALIFORNIA HIGH 213/587-0030 05241 INGLEWOOD/VERNON CALIFORNIA HIGH 213/587-0030 06575 INGLEWOOD/VERNON CALIFORNIA HIGH 213/587-7514 2400/MNP 10325 INGLEWOOD/VERNON CALIFORNIA HIGH 213/587-7514 2400/MNP 02631 IRVINE/NEWPORT BEACH CALIFORNIA HIGH 714/756-8341 04236 IRVINE/NEWPORT BEACH CALIFORNIA HIGH 714/852-8141 2400/MNP 06457 IRVINE/NEWPORT BEACH CALIFORNIA HIGH 714/852-8141 2400/MNP 02614 LANCASTER CALIFORNIA LOW 805/945-4962 300-2400/MNP 03406 LONG BEACH CALIFORNIA MED 213/435-0900 07404 LONG BEACH CALIFORNIA MED 213/436-6033 2400/MNP 07205 LOS ALTOS/SAN JOSE CALIFORNIA HIGH 408/432-3430 06605 LOS ALTOS/SAN JOSE CALIFORNIA HIGH 408/432-8618 2400/MNP 05241 LOS ANGELES/VERNON CALIFORNIA HIGH 213/587-0030 05242 LOS ANGELES/VERNON CALIFORNIA HIGH 213/587-0030 06575 LOS ANGELES/VERNON CALIFORNIA HIGH 213/587-7514 2400/MNP 10325 LOS ANGELES/VERNON CALIFORNIA HIGH 213/587-7514 2400/MNP 04755 MAR VISTA/EL SEGUNDO CALIFORNIA MED 213/643-2907 10363 MAR VISTA/EL SEGUNDO CALIFORNIA MED 213/643-4228 2400/MNP 10363 MARINADELREY/EL SGND CALIFORNIA MED 213/643-4228 2400/MNP 04755 MARINADELREY/EL SNGD CALIFORNIA MED 213/643-2907 10036 MERCED CALIFORNIA LOW 209/383-7593 11402 MODESTO CALIFORNIA LOW 209/527-0150 300-2400/MNP 10474 MONTEREY CALIFORNIA LOW 408/375-2644 300-2400/MNP 11272 MOORPARK CALIFORNIA LOW 805/523-0203 300-2400/MNP 07632 NAPA CALIFORNIA LOW 707/257-6810 02631 NEWPORT BEACH CALIFORNIA HIGH 714/756-8341 04236 NEWPORT BEACH CALIFORNIA HIGH 714/852-8141 2400/MNP 06457 NEWPORT BEACH CALIFORNIA HIGH 714/852-8141 2400/MNP 03406 NORWALK/LONG BEACH CALIFORNIA MED 213/435-0900 07404 NORWALK/LONG BEACH CALIFORNIA MED 213/436-6033 2400/MNP 04175 OAKLAND CALIFORNIA HIGH 415/430-2900 05341 OAKLAND CALIFORNIA HIGH 415/633-1896 2400/MNP 04263 ONTARIO/DIAMOND BAR CALIFORNIA MED 714/860-0057 300-2400/MNP 04154 OXNARD/PORT HUENEME CALIFORNIA MED 805/985-7843 300-2400/MNP 04556 PACHECO/WALNUT CREEK CALIFORNIA LOW 415/935-0370 10436 PACHECO/WALNUT CREEK CALIFORNIA MED 415/935-1507 2400/MNP 05362 PACHECO/WALNUT CREEK CALIFORNIA MED 415/935-1507 2400/MNP 11271 PALM SPRNGS/CATH CTY CALIFORNIA LOW 619/324-0920 300-2400/MNP 04603 PALO ALTO/REDWD CITY CALIFORNIA HIGH 415/366-1092 04411 PALO ALTO/REDWD CITY CALIFORNIA HIGH 415/361-8701 2400/MNP 03407 PASADENA/ALHAMBRA CALIFORNIA MED 818/308-1800 10244 PASADENA/ALHAMBRA CALIFORNIA MED 818/308-1994 2400/MNP 04014 PLEASANTON CALIFORNIA LOW 415/462-2101 04556 PLEASNTHILL/WALNT CK CALIFORNIA LOW 415/935-0370 10436 PLEASNTHILL/WALNT CK CALIFORNIA MED 415/935-1507 2400/MNP 05362 PLEASNTHILL/WALNT CK CALIFORNIA MED 415/935-1507 2400/MNP 04263 POMONA/DIAMOND BAR CALIFORNIA MED 714/860-0057 300-2400/MNP 04154 PORT HUENEME CALIFORNIA MED 805/985-7843 300-2400/MNP 07653 POWAY CALIFORNIA LOW 619/679-0200 04722 REDDING CALIFORNIA LOW 916/241-4820 04603 REDWOOD CITY CALIFORNIA HIGH 415/366-1092 04411 REDWOOD CITY CALIFORNIA HIGH 415/361-8701 2400/MNP 02655 RIVERSIDE CALIFORNIA MED 714/370-1200 05325 RIVERSIDE CALIFORNIA MED 714/422-0222 2400/MNP 03300 SACRAMENTO CALIFORNIA HIGH 916/448-4300 10130 SACRAMENTO CALIFORNIA HIGH 916/447-7434 2400/MNP 03412 SALINAS CALIFORNIA LOW 408/754-2206 02655 SAN BERNADINO/RIVRSD CALIFORNIA MED 714/370-1200 05325 SAN BERNADINO/RIVRSD CALIFORNIA MED 714/422-0222 2400/MNP 11273 SAN CLEMENTE CALIFORNIA LOW 714/240-9424 300-2400/MNP 04360 SAN DIEGO CALIFORNIA HIGH 619/296-3370 02665 SAN DIEGO CALIFORNIA HIGH 619/296-8747 2400/MNP 05646 SAN DIEGO CALIFORNIA HIGH 619/296-8747 2400/MNP 03410 SAN FERNANDO/SHM OAK CALIFORNIA MED 818/789-9002 04353 SAN FERNANDO/SHM OAK CALIFORNIA MED 818/789-9557 2400/MNP 03036 SAN FRANCISCO CALIFORNIA HIGH 415/974-1300 03706 SAN FRANCISCO CALIFORNIA HIGH 415/974-1300 07377 SAN FRANCISCO CALIFORNIA HIGH 415/543-0691 300-2400/MNP 07420 SAN FRANCISCO CALIFORNIA HIGH 415/543-0691 300-2400/MNP 07205 SAN JOSE CALIFORNIA HIGH 408/432-3430 06605 SAN JOSE CALIFORNIA HIGH 408/432-8618 2400/MNP 04255 SAN LUIS OBISPO CALIFORNIA LOW 805/549-0770 04504 SAN MATEO/SOUTH S.F. CALIFORNIA LOW 415/588-3043 300-2400/MNP 03406 SAN PEDRO/LONG BEACH CALIFORNIA MED 213/435-0900 07404 SAN PEDRO/LONG BEACH CALIFORNIA MED 213/436-6033 2400/MNP 11270 SAN RAFAEL CALIFORNIA LOW 415/453-2087 300-2400/MNP 02631 SANTA ANA/NEWPRT BCH CALIFORNIA HIGH 714/756-8341 04236 SANTA ANA/NEWPRT BCH CALIFORNIA HIGH 714/852-8141 2400/MNP 06457 SANTA ANA/NEWPRT BCH CALIFORNIA HIGH 714/852-8141 2400/MNP 11371 SANTA BARBARA CALIFORNIA MED 805/564-2354 11372 SANTA BARBARA CALIFORNIA MED 805/965-1612 2400/MNP 07205 SANTA CLARA/SAN JOSE CALIFORNIA HIGH 408/432-3430 06605 SANTA CLARA/SAN JOSE CALIFORNIA HIGH 408/432-8618 2400/MNP 03505 SANTA CRUZ CALIFORNIA MED 408/475-0981 06022 SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA LOW 805/922-3308 300-2400/MNP 04755 SANTA MONICA/EL SGND CALIFORNIA MED 213/643-2907 10363 SANTA MONICA/EL SGND CALIFORNIA MED 213/643-4228 2400/MNP 04153 SANTA ROSA CALIFORNIA LOW 707/527-6180 300-2400/MNP 03410 SHERMAN OAKS CALIFORNIA MED 818/789-9002 04353 SHERMAN OAKS CALIFORNIA MED 818/789-9557 2400/MNP 04504 SOUTH S.F. CALIFORNIA LOW 415/588-3043 300-2400/MNP 03522 STOCKTON CALIFORNIA LOW 209/467-0601 07205 SUNNYVALE/SAN JOSE CALIFORNIA HIGH 408/432-3430 06605 SUNNYVALE/SAN JOSE CALIFORNIA HIGH 408/432-8618 2400/MNP 05046 UPLAND CALIFORNIA LOW 714/985-1153 300-2400/MNP 03120 VALLEJO CALIFORNIA LOW 707/644-1192 03410 VAN NUYS/SHERMAN OAK CALIFORNIA MED 818/789-9002 04353 VAN NUYS/SHERMAN OAK CALIFORNIA MED 818/789-9557 2400/MNP 04154 VENTURA/PORT HUENEME CALIFORNIA MED 805/985-7843 300-2400/MNP 05242 VERNON CALIFORNIA HIGH 213/587-0030 05241 VERNON CALIFORNIA HIGH 213/587-0030 06575 VERNON CALIFORNIA HIGH 213/587-7514 2400/MNP 10325 VERNON CALIFORNIA HIGH 213/587-7514 2400/MNP 06147 VISALIA CALIFORNIA LOW 209/625-4891 04262 VISTA CALIFORNIA MED 619/941-6700 300-2400/MNP 04263 W.COVINA/DIAMOND BAR CALIFORNIA MED 714/860-0057 300-2400/MNP 04556 WALNUT CREEK CALIFORNIA LOW 415/935-0370 10436 WALNUT CREEK CALIFORNIA MED 415/935-1507 2400/MNP 05362 WALNUT CREEK CALIFORNIA MED 415/935-1507 2400/MNP 03410 WEST L.A./SHRMN OAKS CALIFORNIA MED 818/789-9002 04353 WEST L.A./SHRMN OAKS CALIFORNIA MED 818/789-9557 2400/MNP 07434 WOODLAND/DAVIS CALIFORNIA LOW 916/758-3551 ________________________________________________________________________