Commodore 64 User Manual page 82

The Commodore Information Network
on CompuServe
Of the new information utilities, as computer
networks are sometimes called, one of the best
for Commodore users is CompuServe. The rea
son is simple: Commodore uses CompuServe to
host the Commodore Information Network.
Though you may also want to use the Source,
Dow Jones, or other services, the easiest way
to get help directly from Commodore is by
contacting them through CompuServe.
If you buy a VICMODEM [described in Chap
ter 4, "Peripherals"), it comes with a free
membership and one hour's free use of
CompuServe, as well as introductory offers for
the Source and Dow Jones. If you buy a differ
ent type of modem, computer stores sell a
combination membership and manual for Com
puServe for approximately S40. You may also
get information about CompuServe by calling
(800) 848-8199. Ohio users must call
(6)4)457-8650.
Talking to CompuServe
Let's assume you have hooked up your
modem and are ready to call CompuServe's
system of large mainframe computers in
Columbus, Ohio.
Your first step is to phone an access point to
the system. Most large cities in the U.S. or
Canada have a number that links directly to
CompuServe as a local call, often through an
intermediary company such as Telenet or
Tymnet. Outside large cities, your cheapest
option will likely be to call a number in the
nearest large city in the next state. (Interstate
phone rates are often lower than intrastate
rates, especially at night.) It may even be
cheapest to phone directly to CompuServe in
Ohio.
When using CompuServe, try to call at night
or on weekends to minimize both phone com
pany and CompuServe rates. In fact, you may
want to limit your use of the system for the
first few months, until you can estimate your
costs for each use of the system. It isn't
unusual for new customers to get carried
away to the tune of several hundred dollars
the first month.
Once you reach CompuServe, you will need a
secret password to get into the system. This
password keeps others from charging their use
of the system to you. [You can change your
password if that ever happens.) You may also
have to type other messages to reach the sys-
80
tern. If you have trouble figuring these out,
the people at CompuServe's toll-free number
can help.
Once in the network, type GO CBM and press
the RETURN key. This transfers you imme
diately into the Commodore Information Net
work. You can take time to read the other
options CompuServe provides later; going
straight to the Commodore section saves both
time and money.
Options on the Commodore Informa
tion Network Section
At this time, the Commodore network includes
ten options:
Introduction
Survival Kit
HOTLINE
4 Announcements
5 Bulletin Board
6 Articles from Commodore magazines
7 Directories of resources
8 Tips on using your computer
9 Current retail prices
10 A questionnaire
Once you are familiar with these options, you
can skip directly to the one you want by
adding its page number to the end of GO
CBM when you first enter CompuServe.
Of the available options, the most impressive is
HOTLINE. Here you simply type any question
you have for Commodore. Commodore prom
ises to answer quickly, and has sometimes
done so even before a user hangs up. Since
the answers are public, you may want to look
through the displayed answers before asking
your own question. Perhaps someone else
already has an answer that will help you.
Another option you may use often is Bulletin
Board, which is much like the local bulletin
boards. It includes a CB radio-like conference
call option, complete with "channels."
Elsewhere in the Commodore Information Net
work, you will find lists of users' groups, of
companies selling products for Commodore
computers, of Commodore dealers, and of arti
cles about Commodore equipment.
By using the bulletin boards, contacting your
local users' group, and reading those maga
zines that offer helpful information, you will
learn new uses for your VIC or 64, and a
great deal about the opportunities that the
growing computer field has to offer.
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