SSSSSS FFFFFF NNN NN EEEEEE TTTTTTTTT SS FF NNNN NN EE TT SSSSSS FFFFFF NN NN NN EEEE TT SS FF NN NNNN EE TT SSSSSS FF NN NNN EEEEEE TT (tm) ==================================================================== SCIENCE -- ENGINEERING -- EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL MESSAGE NETWORK Introductory Information File ==================================================================== Release: MARCH 1993 ----------- DESCRIPTION: Science Factor Network [SFNET] is a highly specialized international network devoted to educational message exchange with many specific areas for topics in Science/Engineering and general education. The purpose of this system is to offer a dedicated professional education based network that can be accessed from any home modem from any participating BBS service that carries SFNET. SFNET's other goal is to provide a resource and assistance group for High School students/College Students and Professionally employed Engineers. ------- PACKETS: [SFNET] uses either QWK or PCRelay packets. ---- COST: [SFNET] is free to verified systems (only phone call cost) no monthly network connect charge. ---------------- CURRENT COVERAGE: United States and Selected International Sites. REGIONALS located at CA, AZ, FLA, AL, ONTARIO, BC, MA, WA, IL, VA, AUSTRALIA. ----------------------------- CENTER HUB ADMINSTRATION INFO: SCIENCE FACTOR BBS - Science/Engineering/Education/Technology DATA Node 1: (206) 562-7083 1200-14400 HAYES V.32bis/V.42bis DATA Node 2: (206) 644-4569 1200-9600 ATI V.32/V.42bis DATA Node 3: (206) 747-5329 1200-16800 USR Dual Standard (V.32bis/HST/V.42bis) SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR: Bruce N. Baker - Voice : (206) 562-7011 ================================================================= ================ GENERAL REQUIREMENT INFORMATION =============== ================================================================= NODES: --------------------- NODE REQUIREMENTS --------------------- 1) UPLOAD the APPLICATION form to me (SF BBS) or your desired regional hub (see mainhub.lst) and either call back or wait for verification of access. If you call back and check it is usually a little quicker. (In some cases HUB preauthorization by a Regional may occur). 2) CARRY the SFNET conference (#27) and monitor it periodically if you are a node (for announcments and changes). 3) INCLUDE the word [SFNET] in your tag line. 4) !IMPORTANT! Separate [SFNET] from other networks in your conference/message base structure if you carry other network systems. (ie: don't mix them alphabetically) HUB: ---------------- HUB REQUIRMENTS: ---------------- Extra HUB requirements in addition to nodes. 1) HUB VERIFICATION: You must be verified directly with SF BBS before going on line as a hub system. 2) CARRY SFHUB CONFERENCE: You must carry the SFHUB conference. (UUCP feeds are not required). 2) NODE APPLICATIONS: Should be sent to SF BBS via the SFHUB conference #40. ================================================================ ================================================================ ================================================================ ------------------------------------------------------- UNATTENDED MAIL RUNS - LANGUAGE CHOICE - SF BBS DIRECT ------------------------------------------------------- All system transferring mail directly from Science Factor BBS should use LANGUAGE OPTION #2 for the Unattended mail transfers ([SFNET] original CDC prompts). Robocomm is a suggested method of auto mail transfers, you can write a script for your comm package, or modify one of the scripts available at Science Factor BBS. ----------------------- MESSAGE CONTENT REQUEST ----------------------- 1) HELP keep improper use of the system to a minimum. I'm pleased to report that all has been going well with this aspect of [SFNET] but I'd like to have it remain that way. All I ask is that you, as a sysop, please frown upon users that would misuse the system and reduce the quality of the message base. 2) PROFANITY: Not Necessary, just use big words instead ;-) ----------------------- INCORRECT POSTING ----------------------- If a node or Hub misposts messages (also know as cross posts) they will be notified in the SFNET and/or SFHUB conference. If they fail to respond and continue misposting their connection to the network will be suspended until they correct the problem. Occasional misposts in not a major source of concern. Continous misposting is a concern. All nodes/hubs should check SFNET, SFHUB and MAIN for personal messages if they cannot access the system for any reason. ================================================================== ======================== MISCELLANEOUS =========================== ================================================================== ------------------------------------ OTHER NETWORK CONNECTIONS into SFNET: ------------------------------------ In the event that other systems want to participate in SFNET this should be verified though the respective HUB system responsible for the connection or directly to SF BBS. Access can be given via the hub without requiring sub node registrations in that system. (ex: Another net wants to share a conference) The HUB system sponsoring the inter network connection will be responsible for monitoring it's content. --------------------------- NET SOFTWARE (QWK PACKETS): --------------------------- I have available the following software (for PCBoard systems) QNET - For sending and recieving messages (nodes/hubs). QMAIL - For Hub use (PCBOARD). TNET - For sending and recieving messages (WILDCAT!). TOMCAT- For Hub Use (WILDCAT!). ALSO any QWK package that you are happy with is fine, there are others out there as well. Science Factor highly recommends QNET & QMAIL from Sparkware for PCBoard and TOMCAT and TNET for Wildcat! systems. QNET and QMAIL are very easy to setup. -------------------------------- NET SOFTWARE (PCRELAY): -------------------------------- PCRELAY connection is available from the NORTH WESTERN REGIONAL and the SOUTH EASTERN REGIONAL Hubs as of this writing. ---------------------------------------- SFNET CONFERENCE: [** ALL MUST CARRY **] ---------------------------------------- This is the global network conference and should be carried by all participating nodes so you can follow any additions and changes to conferences and network issues that might come to light. ---------------------------------------- SFHUB CONFERENCE: [** HUBS MUST CARRY **] ---------------------------------------- ALL HUBS must carry this conference. Post your node applications and information directed to the Bruce Baker in this conference instead of the more general sysop conference (SFNET Sysop). --------------- SOURCE SYSTEMS: --------------- Definition: A source system is one that is considered the ORIGIN of a particular conference and is responsible for it's content and message traffic and occasional posting of seed messages. The SYSOP of the Source system is usually responsible for message content of sourced Conferences even is one of his users is acting as a HOST of it. SOURCE SYSTEMS must be cleared with SF BBS. ---------------- CONFERENCE HOST ---------------- Definition: A user in a particular Node or Hub system may want to Host or monitor a conference to answer questions and post information that might be of interest to other users. Hosts are not required to post messages but should monitor the message base for correct message threads. ALL HOSTS must be cleared with SF BBS. =================================================================== ** CONFERENCE LIST ** SEE: CONF.LST for COMPLETE list of Current Conferences and descriptions. =================================================================== We HIGHLY ENCOURAGE college systems to join SFNET, and welcome any technical related and professional systems as well research based systems. If you are personally not interested in the message content of SFNET and know of a system who might be please pass on this file or tell them to give me a call for more information. =================================================================== ! Thanks for looking into this educational network ! ------------------------------------------------------------------- Hope to hear from you soon - :: Bruce N. Baker - Science Factor BBS ===================================================================