EcoLinking #2
by Don Rittner

Don't be Computerphobic

Let's get the tech talk out of the way so we can get on to learning how to
use our computers to gather environmental information from around the world.
 

Most people fear personal computers. Why?  In the old days -- 10 years
ago--there was good reason.  You needed a degree in computer programming to
get them to work, but that isn't true today.  When Apple Computer introduced
the Macintosh Computer in 1984, it proved most of us wanted to use the power
of computers but didn't want to be a techie to do it.  The Mac, with its
graphic interface and ease of use proved that; it was inevitable that IBM and
the clone makers would soon follow.  Graphical, easy to use, interfaces are
the norm today.  Soon you will talk to your computer having it do all the
menial tasks while you use your brain to actually do constructive work.

So what do we need to get online?  Four things!  A computer with a serial
port in the back, a modem, special communications software, and a telephone
line.  You already have the phone line and access to a computer so you need
to buy a modem and communication software.

Computers do their talking through serial ports.  The port is labeled COM1,
or COM2, Modem, or is a picture of a phone.  You attach a modem to this port.
 A modem is a device that takes the 1's and 0's (electrical pulses) your
computer uses to makes words and pictures and breaks them down into sound.
 It then sends the sound pulses through the phone line to a receiving modem
that's attached to another computer in the next room or thousands of miles
away.   

Special communication software tells your computer to do the work.  Often
when you buy a modem the manufacturer bundles a communications program with
it.  A good fast modem can be purchased for less than $100.  Modem speeds are
measured in bits per second (bps) and 9600 or 14,400 bps is the norm today.
Get the fastest you can afford.

In order for your computer to talk to another computer certain parameters are
set using your communications software.   You will see terms like data bits,
parity, stop bits, and duplex.  Don't worry about what they mean. If you set
the number of data bits to 8; the parity to 0; the stop bits to 1, and duplex
to full, you will be able get on 99% of the computer bulletin boards and
online services we talk about.  If you want a good chapter that explains the
basics of telecommunicating in more detail, check out my book EcoLinking or
any good introductory telecommunication book.  

Many online services and bulletin boards  like America Online, CompuServe,
TogetherNet and others use graphical interfaces and supply the communication
software with the parameters already set. We will talk about each of them in
upcoming columns.

Be sure to read the manuals that come with your communication software and
modem. These will help you understand the terminology and how to set up for
proper communications. 

Get your feet wet by finding a local bulletin board in your area to
experiment with before you start hopping around the world.  You can find
lists of bulletin boards in computer magazines like Computer Shopper and
Boardwatch. You can always call my bulletin board at 518 374 6444 and I will
be glad to help you.