Atari 400 User Manual page 238

the system. If you have trouble figuring these
out, the people at CompuServe 's toll-free num-
ber can help.
Once in the network, type G PCS - 132 and
press the RETURN key. This transfers you im-
mediately from the CompuServe main menu to
the Atari section. You can take time to read the
other options CompuServe provides later; going
straight to the Atari section saves both time and
money. When the list of Atari options appears,
choose the one of interest to you, and you're on
your way to accessing the information you
need.
BULLETIN BOARD SYSTEMS
In addition to commercial computer networks,
there are private electronic bulletin boards dedi-
cated to Atari computing. These are called elec-
tronic Bulletin Board Systems, or BBSs for short.
A BBS is simply an Atari computer that is used as
a bulletin board for computer and modem users
from all over the country. You can post personal
messages into the system by typing them on
your computer keyboard, or you can read mes-
sages left by other callers. Anyone with a com-
puter and a modem can call into a BBS to read
and/or leave messages.
Most of these bulletin boards are run by users'
groups. And one of the benefits of using a BBS is
the cost : there is no charge! The only expense
you'll have is the cost of your telephone calls to
the BBS.
236