[755] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
Access to the Internet
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Public-Access Computer Systems For)
Thu Jul 16 13:15:07 1992
Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1992 12:09:13 CDT
Reply-To: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <PACS-L%UHUPVM1.BITNET@ricevm1.rice.edu>
From: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <LIBPACS%UHUPVM1.BITNET@ricevm1.rice.edu>
To: Multiple recipients of list PACS-L <PACS-L%UHUPVM1.BITNET@ricevm1.rice.edu>
3 Messages, 103 Lines
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From: Ernest Perez <EPEREZ@UTDALLAS>
Subject: Easy access to Internet
There has been vigorous past discussion about the need for economical access
to the Internet for those who don't have an already-installed academic or
other institutional infrastructure. E.g., public libraries, school libraries,
or non-affiliated potential users, etc.
The June 1992 issue of UnixWorld gives a pat on the back to Performance
Systems International (PSI), for providing a link which will make UNIX e-mail
"instantly accessible to the masses."
The service is PsiLink, a DOS front end package that provides UNIX e-mail
service, after quick & easy installation on your PC. Subscription signup is
$35, charges are $19/month for 1200/2400 baud, $29 for 9600 baud. A local
phone call (in most metro areas) gives you access to Internet, UUCP e-mail,
and FTP sites.
The PsiLink package provides organizing and handling of email, using three
pre-defined "folders," plus others that can be user-defined. It handles
transmittal, downloading, forwarding, paging, and ftp retrieval.
Author Andrew Wolfe has a few grumbles about some of the PsiLink operations,
but concludes, "...even in its initial release, PsiLink is a winner."
Wolfe notes PSI contact info as:
Performance Systems International, Inc.
11800 Sunrise Valley Dr., Ste. 1100
Reston VA 22091
800-827-7482 or 703-620-6651
info@psi.com
Many PACS-Lers and their offline colleagues may be interested in this.
Ernest Perez, Ph.D
Access Information Associates
2183 Buckingham, Suite 106
Richardson TX 75081
214-530-4800
INTERNET: eperez@utdallas.edu
BITNET: eperez@utdallas
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FROM: AXPBBGS --UICVMC
From: Bernie Sloan
Subject: "Free" access
Over the past few days, a number of people have written about "the
end of free access to electronic information through the Internet".
I wanted to say a few words about "free" access to the Internet.
David Tyckoson, in referring to the proposed Chilean "tax" on network
use, says "If this should spread, the network will become the domain
of those who can afford high payments for their information, seriously
eroding access by individuals to the information they need". One could
argue that this is already the case, and not just for Chilean network
users.
While Internet access is "free" to many of us on this list, it's only
because we're fortunate enough to be affiliated with an institution
that absorbs the costs of Internet participation. It's "free" to us,
but what about the many people who would benefit from the Internet,
but who can't afford the upfront costs (microcomputer, modem, connect
charges from commercial organizations, etc.). This is as much a fiscal
barrier as a suddenly imposed network use task would be to those of
us who presently have "free" access. If we believe in the potential
benefits of networking, the NREN, etc., we should be as concerned about
improving access for those who aren't as lucky as we are as we are con-
cerned about losing the "free" access we have.
Bernie Sloan
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From: David P Brennan <brennan@pittunix>
Subject: Re: Librarians and the Internet/Cost
I have been following the discussion about the potential (and further)
"commercialization" of the Internet, and the comments by those who wish
it to remain "free", at least free of out-of-pocket expense. I, too, wish
the Internet to be as non-commercial as possible. There are a great many
services already in existence that charge what I consider outrageous fees
for access. But the Internet is not free to many users. I pay a monthly
charge for an "external" account - a monthly charge which I consider to be
well worth it for the resources I can access (without further charges).
I might even consider the access worth it if the charge were doubled.
What I object to is the prospect of turning the net into a gateway to
commercial services. If the commercialization scenario is carried to the
fullest extent, we may see billing software in place so that every time
I telnet or FTP to a site, I may be billed for it. I think that is
directly contrary to what the net is supposed to be for, i.e. free access.
If I want to shell out big bucks, I can call DIALOG.
The net community should be constantly on guard against the subtle erosion
of a valuable resource by commercial interests.
Voice: 412-622-4772
David Brennan, Librarian FAX: 412-622-7169
St. Francis Medical Center Internet: brennan@unix.cis.pitt.edu
Health Sciences Library System USnail: 400 45th St.
- Nursing Library Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Of *course* these are my own opinions!
