An introduction to Comms

Computer communications, modems and serial ports have always had an air of mystique - open only to the 'anorak brigade'. This article provides an introduction to comms for the normal person, and hopefully will make the area more accessable - as it can be a lot of fun!

It all began at the Commodore Xmas show, there weren't many bargins and I wanted to buy something! I saw a modem for £70 and thought, mmmmmm...

What do you need?
A modem, obviously, and a phone line for starters. The modem should ideally be BABT approved. Mine is American, which was cheaper, but has some problems with different signal levels, which makes it a bit 'error prone'. Better to stick with the British ones, which can cost about £100. 2400 Baud rate is pretty standard, and pretty much essential - its also known as v22bis (though I don't know why!). Slower modems are available second hand, but are painfully slow, and lead to higher phone bills! The phone line should have a plug-in type socket, which is pretty standard nowadays.
Software wise you need to run a comms package to interface with the outside world. The three popular ones are Access, JRComm and NComm, which are all PD and have all been on magazine cover disks. All that remains now is the number to dial - and I've given a few in the appendix. Most boards list numbers as well, so just take it from there!

What do you do?
So, you've got your modem and your software, and you know the number you (or rather the modem) are going to dial - but what will happen? Well probably it'll be engaged - keep trying. I usually find Sunday afternoons are best for quick access, but perseverence always gets you through eventually! Once 'on-line' you'll be asked for your name. If this is the first time you've called a board then you won't be recognised, and will have to go through a registration procedure, which asks for your name and phone number, type of computer and chosen password. Registration usually takes 24 hours, but most boards allow you to take a look around while you are still only a guest.
Everything is done from menus - not the pull down type - but the 'enter option x' type. Menus lead to submenus, until you get to the level you want. Searching through the menus is probably the best way to get to know each bulletin board - and to decide which ones you will call back. It's also good confidence building - I was terrified when I first went 'on-line'!
I suppose most people are interested in exchanging software. Most boards give you 8-10 times worth of downloads for anything you upload. Uploads must be archived - which means running all the related files through a program like Lharc, which compresses them. Likewise downloaded programs should be run through Lharc in 'unpack' mode, to extract the individual files - you soon get the hang of it! To upload a file you go to the file area of the bulletin board and select 'upload'. You are usually asked for a brief description and are then asked to choose your protocol and send the file. There are lots of protocols, but Zmodem is the fastest!
Downloading is almost the same, except you choose the files you want from the boards file list, and tell the board when you are ready to receive.

What can you get?
This obviously depends on the boards you call, but all have private mailbox areas where people can leave you messages (please...!) and file transfer areas where freeware software can be uploaded and downloaded at will. Some boards also have private file areas where people can leave you files for your own personal use (which you alone can download), others have special interest groups (which don't look very interesting) and on-line games. A lot of boards have specific programming areas. It really is a case of deciding what you want, and then finding a board that offers it!

What does it cost?
Ha hah! Not too much actually, as long as you stick to local calls. These work out at about 5p for every 4 minutes. You can do quite a lot in about twenty minutes, so we're looking at about 25p per session. Obviously if you make longer calls or call long distance the costs rocket! Most areas of the country have a few local boards, especially the cities. Fortunately you can download a nice piece of software called 'Call' which monitors the cost of each call you make.

What are the problems?
Well you get a bit of an 'egghead' reputation, and possibly drink more Budweiser. Late nights are an occupational hazard, and noisy phone lines are a bitch. I share my phone line with four other people, and get cut off every time they pick up the phone - but thats all part of the fun!?

Conclusions
As I hope I've got across, comms is good fun, a good source of software, and maybe one of the special interest groups would meet you're interests. I have no regrets about buying my modem, and would recommend anyone with a hundred spare pounds to do the same.
Just one final point - always ask a grown up before using their phone!

Cheers,     
Iain Barclay. 

Appendix
A few (London) phone numbers. These are some of the boards I use, and are all worth a try:

01 for Amiga - 071 377 1358.
Arkham - 081 952 5128.
Big Bang Burger Bar - 081 420 6356.
Amiga Connection - 081 503 0593.