Atari 400 User Manual page 78

CHAPTER6
YOUR COMPUTER'S NETWORK
In addition
to
obtaining information from your
local computer dealer and buying commercial
software programs, there are other sources that
you can use for extra help :
• Local users' groups
• Magazines specializing in Atari news
• Computer networks
• Electronic bulletin board systems
This chapter discusses how you can use each of
these sources of information to your advantage.
USERS' GROUPS
Lo.:::al users' groups and clubs can be an impor-
tant source of information. Users' groups are
loosely knit clubs of computer enthusiasts,
usually all owners of one specific type of com-
puter. Many users' groups publish newsletters
that provide unbiased reviews of new programs,
programming tutorials, and current news about
Atari computing.
Users ' groups typically hold monthly meetings
where you can socialize and ask questions of
other Atari owners. The more often you come to
meetings, the more you can learn. Before you
know it. new members will be looking
to
you for
advice as an old hand.
Users' groups have done a great deal
to
dispel
the myth that computers pull people apart.
These groups bring people together to teach
and help one another. Some users' groups even
teach classes in programming for a small token
fee. You can meet other Atari owners interested
in areas you are curious about in special interest
groups called SIGs. SIGs are subgroups of the
users' groups and they meet informally at
members homes.
Users' Groups and Public
Domain Software
Users' groups can be a valuable source of non-
copyrighted public domain software. These pro-
grams are typically written by more experienced
users, who then donate them to the users'
group's club library While these programs usu-
ally are not as polished as commercial programs,
many of them are quite good. Also, because few
of these programs are protected, many people
who use them will add their own improvements.
When you are more familiar with programming,
you may want to make your own modifications
to make a particular program better fit your
needs.
Program diskettes and cassettes from users'
group libraries will vary in price, depending on
the group. You can expect to pay anywhere from
76
$3 to $10 per library volume. Each volume is a
diskette or cassette t ape full of programs.
Because users' groups exchange their members'
programs with other users' groups, you can
benefit from the labors of Atari owners from all
over the country
Where You Can Find Users' Groups
Here are the names and addresses of some of
the larger Atari users' groups. You may contact
them for membership information, or call Atari at
1-800-538-8543 to see if there is an Atari users'
group closer to y our home. (You can also get
technical help from Atari at this number.) The
lines are often busy, but be patient and even-
tually you 'll get through .
CALIFORNIA
San Diego Atari Computer Enthusiasts
5853 Baltimore Drive #39
La Mesa, CA 92041
Bay Area Atari Users ' Group
4029 Payne Street
San Jose, CA 95117
COLORADO
STARFLEET
6191 South Forest Court
Littleton, CO 80121
ILLINOIS
Computer Squad
5 Patrick Court
Chicago Heights, IL 60411
LOUISIANA
The New Orleans Atari Computer Users' Group
8223 Plum Street
New Orleans, LA 70118
MICHIGAN
MACE
P.O. Box 2785
Southfield, M148037
MINNESOTA
Twin City Atari Computer Interest Group
6824 Queen Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55423
NEW JERSEY
Jersey Atari Computer Group
58 Dewey Avenue
High Bridge, NJ 08829
OKLAHOMA
Atari Computer Club of Oklahoma City
P.O. Box 32672
Oklahoma City, OK 17120