UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA - AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER |
Electronic networking is transforming communications and the conduct of research around the world. This transformation, which is now expanding at an exponential rate in much of the industrialized world, is occurring more slowly in Africa; even so, the trend is unmistakable. Electronic networking offers very significant advantages in cost, reliability, security, flexibility, variety of services, and speed over such existing alternatives as voice phone, fax (as fast or faster than e-mail but much more expensive), telex, and the postal system. The limiting factors to date in Africa--including a shortage of full- time, trained system operators as well as people to train trainers and end-users--are being addressed through a combination of donor support and the efforts of some extraordinarily dedicated individuals who have been involved in spreading the technology and the requisite knowledge throughout the region.
Another limiting factor in the spread of electronic networking in sub-Saharan Africa has been a dearth of documentation of various sorts, including information on what exists in terms of electronic networking on the continent; many people, both in Africa and overseas, are still surprised to learn that African networking exists at all. This user's guide is meant as a contribution towards filling the documentation gap. It is designed, first of all, not to be a complete and final document, but rather to be a starting point upon which future improvements can (and should) be made. It is intended to be helpful to novice networkers in Africa who need some basic information on how to participate in this growing area of information technology, as well as to experienced individuals anywhere who simply desire more information on the status of African networks.
The Guide focuses mainly on Fidonet, because that is the technology most widely used in sub-Saharan Africa today. We have decided not to try to provide an operating manual for any particular software package, for several reasons. There are several communications programs in use in Africa, and we do not wish to appear to be favoring one over another. Also, many of these programs are constantly being modified over time, as well as in different places, so that a Fidonet package like FrontDoor, for example, may not even be quite the same thing in Zambia as it is in Kenya. Therefore, rather than giving a detailed and, before long, outdated explanation of an arbitrarily chosen software program, we have decided to focus our efforts on providing a general overview of network services in Africa, with enough particulars about specific network projects to allow anyone who might wish to participate to do so. Although this type of information is by nature ephemeral, it is our hope that any interested person with access to a computer and a modem will be able to use the information in this Guide to electronically navigate sub-Saharan Africa. Jumping in to experiment and ask questions is still the best way to advance one's knowledge.
The Guide is divided into four parts. The first part is a brief explanation of some of the basics of electronic networking, extracted from a longer paper entitled "E-Mail Demystified," by Shem Ochuodho, Director of the African Regional Center for Computing (ARCC) at Kenyatta University in Nairobi; we are most grateful to Dr. Ochuodho for allowing us to utilize this very helpful document here in the Guide. The second part contains descriptions of existing projects in sub-Saharan Africa, culled from the results of a questionnaire sent to the respective system operators (and from many followup inquiries). The third part is a list of all known network nodes on the continent. This list has been compiled and updated by Randy Bush, a Portland-based computer consultant who operates a Fidonet gateway and has worked extensively with African networkers, and is reprinted here with his permission; its latest version is always available electronically (for more information see the Randy Bush section). Finally, there is a brief section on proper network etiquette, or "netiquette." There is also a glossary of some of the pertinent terminology at the end of the Guide.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Sub-Saharan Africa Program invites your comments on this user's guide, and criticisms about specific shortcomings or suggestions for its improvement in future incarnations (see contact information in box below). We have no particular reason to believe that we are the most appropriate organization to revise and reissue the Guide in the future, and are therefore perfectly willing to allow these tasks to be assumed by a more appropriate organization; however, we are also willing to consider doing an annual update if demand justifies. We hope that the Guide serves you well as you enter the world of electronic networking in Africa.
The AAAS Sub-Saharan Africa Program was inaugurated in 1987, representing a concerned response on the part of US scientists and educators to the institutional crisis that their African colleagues were facing, and a commitment on the part of US scientific societies and donors to attempt to work with African institutions in order to address that crisis. To date program activities have centered on improving access for African researchers to scientific and technical information, on encouraging other aspects of capacity-building for universities and related organizations within the region, and on promoting productive collaborative ties between US and African scientists and their institutions.
The Program's two main program areas are "Science and Technology Information" (STI) and "Science and Technology for Development." The latter area focuses on promoting US-African scientific collaboration, providing advice and consultation on science-based problems, and enhancing US understanding of science in Africa; projects have included a multidisciplinary study of malaria in Africa, and an ongoing series of meetings and publications focusing on particular issues under the banner Science in Africa. STI projects include the Project for African Research Libraries (which in turn includes a journal distribution program, several projects relating to CD-ROM technology for scientists and librarians, and other initiatives to strengthen the institutional capacity of research libraries) and Enhancing Electronic Access to STI (which to date has included two workshops on networking in Africa as well as this user's guide).
John Schoneboom
Project Coordinator
AAAS Sub-Saharan Africa Program
* E-mail provides a speedy, inexpensive, and convenient means to communicate. A 50-page document, for example, can be transmitted in less than three minutes for the price of one phone call, while a fax costs 200-600 Kenyan shillings (KShs) per page to send overseas. The e-mail cost currently runs KShs 20-30 per page, and decreases as the number of users increases (more messages transmitted per call). (The exchange rate as of April 1994 is approximately 63 KShs to one US dollar.)
* Messages can be sent at any time regardless of time-zone differences between countries or continents.
* Electronic networking allows the transfer of documents and, depending on the particular protocol used, remote log-in (using a distant computer as if it was on your own desk), allowing sharing of distributed resources.
* E-mail can be targeted to an individual, institution, or other group. It can be publicly "broadcast" at little or no additional cost.
* E-mail provides for blocking undesirable mail or sites. Much e-mail can be read, expedited, and deleted while still on- line, obviating the need for printing, thereby saving on paper costs.
* E-mail can be interconnected with other electronic communication modes, including fax, CD-ROM players, optical scanners, etc.
* E-mail systems, unlike fax machines, do not necessarily need a dedicated phone line.
* The flexibility of e-mail allows for easy data reprocessing/editing and redistribution.
* E-mail, while not entirely foolproof in terms of security, offers better confidentiality than other communications technologies, particularly when encryption/passwords are supported.
* Although other technologies can incorporate value-added services, such as auto redial, redirect, forwarding, conferencing, and so on, most of these facilities are an inherent, built-in component of e-mail.
* Whereas some of the more widely available e-mail packages cannot transmit graphics, the more advanced (and not uncommon) suites can. Indeed, an important emerging communications trend is towards multimedia networking, combining data, audio, video, etc., as normal components of e-mail.
* elicitation and conduct of regional and national collaborative research initiatives.
* source of technology transfer, e.g., by broadcasting technical questions to mailing list ("listserv") subscribers in the developed world.
* gathering, storage, and dissemination of vital information, e.g., on health, food, agriculture, environment, and so on.
* administrative purposes, e.g., for circulating internal memos or minutes of meetings, collecting data on vacancies not taken up by admitted students/staff, accounting and auditing, processing and disseminating personnel information among authorized officers, etc.
* on-line library service and searching.
* computer-aided distant learning and tutoring, e.g., a member of staff on sabbatical may continue to remotely tutor his or her supervisee, or a foreign professor can co-supervise a local postgraduate student. Indeed, this is an excellent way of tapping African brains based in foreign lands. It is also abundantly clear that many Africans/Africanists abroad would be keen to work in Africa if reliable e-mail links and facilities were in place.
* commercial applications: appropriate centers can serve as "consultancy units," e.g., by offering on-line technical advice, allowing remote utilization of computing facilities on a lease or hire basis, selling nonsensitive information, serving as e-mail bureaus, or simply serving as e-mail nodes for other organizations.
A modem essentially works by converting messages from a computer, which are normally in digital form, to analog form for transmission along a phone line, and then back again at the receiving-end computer. But a modem also does a little more than that.
Much of the interaction between computers and/or modems is software-controlled. The major components of any communication software are an editor (for composing and editing messages) and a mailer (for dispatching or picking up messages). Usually, there are other additional features, e.g., for supporting data compression to increase phone line throughput while saving on computer memory, automated error detection and correction of transmitted data, and so on. Fidonet is one such software, and, as we see later, is very attractive for use with poor or expensive phone links. Several software programs of the Fido type are available as public domain, i.e., at low or no cost, provided usage is limited to noncommercial purposes. In general, for an organization or individual with a PC and a phone line (even only an extension, provided automatic dialing through a PABX, e.g., preceded with a "9" or a "0," is supported) need only between US$100-300 to have e-mail start-up. The cost varies depending on whether a modem is already available or not, the type of modem required, available expertise and level of training required, services desired, etc.
Apart from "ordinary" switched public telephone lines, other channels can be used for e-mail transportation: wireless (including satellite, radio, and cellular phone), public service data networks (PSDNs, like KENPAC), leased telephone lines, etc. In Kenya, most of the prerequisites for e-mail outlined above are generally and easily available. Nevertheless, the local PTT authority, Kenya Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (KP&TC), requires that an interface to a public phone network, e.g., a modem, must be type-approved, and installed by an engineer or technician registered by the Corporation.
* The technology is optimized for use on low-quality phone lines (through using a protocol that features high resiliency to line noise and satellite delays, as well as automatic file compression and "crash recovery," i.e., should a connection break while data transfer is in progress, the transfer simply resumes from where it was interrupted on a subsequent call).
* The required hardware and accompanying software operating environment (DOS) are common and therefore well supported even by relatively unsophisticated programmers.
* Software is inexpensive and sometimes free for noncommercial use.
Fidonet has a hierarchical addressing system. "Zones," representing continents or subcontinents, are the highest category in the hierarchy. "Regions" are the next level, and generally designate a subregion, or group of countries. Africa is Zone 5 in the Fidonet system, and East Africa is designated as "73"; thus, the first part of the Fidonet address for any East African country would be 5:73. Each country may have its own "net," represented by a number appended to the region code; Kenya, for example, is 5:731. A net can include one or more "nodes," which are host machines that serve as clearinghouses for messages exchanged between machines within and outside the country or region; nodes are given numbers and are represented in the address following a slash after the net code; thus node 100 in Kenya is addressed 5:731/100. Finally, at the "leaves of the tree," there are points, which are machines not necessarily dedicated to e-mail service, but which are used by individual users or organizations on an ad hoc basis to exchange mail with nodes or other points. In the address, a point follows the node number, separated by a period; point number 200, connecting to node 100 in Kenya is addressed 5:731/100.200. Note that a point can optionally call points or nodes in other zones as well as its own.
ZONE 1 | ZONE2 | ZONE3 | ZONE4 | ZONE5 | ZONE6 N. America | Europe | Australia | S. America | Africa | Asia | | Region 73 East Africa 5:73/0 | _____________________|_______ | | | Net 731 Net 732 Net 733 Kenya Uganda Tanzania 5:731/0 5:732/0 5:733/0 | _________________|_________________ | | | Node 1 Node 4 Node 100 ELCI UNICS ARCC 5:731/1 5:731/4 5:731/100 | ______________|________________ | | | Point 4 Point 11 Point 200 CNST KU_Chem AMREF_Comp 5:731/100.4 5:731/100.11 5:731/100.200Figure 1. A Fidonet Hierarchy
It is expected that this repository of FAQs will grow as Fido matures in the region. Problems and solutions are expected to come mainly from the end-users themselves, not the node operators. Below are a few sample questions commonly asked:
Q: Is on-line library/database searching possible with Fido?
A: No. On-line data searching requires "remote login"
capability, a common feature with the Internet's TCP/IP protocol.
Fido, being batch-based (i.e., non-interactive, hence the cost-
saving effect), does not allow remote login. One may be able to
log into a home host, for example from a guest host to read one's
mail using "file request" features, but this is not the same
thing as what is normally known in the Internet world as
"rlogin." However, a database search can still be performed
semi-manually by making arrangement with the remote host's
postmaster, and sending keywords to him or her to do the searches
and transmit results to the requester. Normally, this is much
cheaper than a true on-line search. Indeed, the high cost of on-
line searching is part of the reason why some of the pioneer e-
mail users in Kenya, especially those using packet data-
switching, had to pay through their noses (and hence had some
unkind words about e-mail!).
Q: Can a Fido message be forwarded to a fax machine?
A: Yes, provided prior arrangement has been made with a gateway
node. This would normally require human intervention, and may
attract additional charges. Nevertheless the cost can never be
as horrendous as a normal fax!
Q: How secure or private are e-mail messages?
A: Though not 100 percent foolproof, e-mail is perhaps the most
secure and private form of communication, especially if passwords
are used. Anybody passing by a fax print-out can read it.
Phones can be bugged, and one can occasionally overhear other
conversations during cross-talk. Regular mail can be intercepted
and read. The "repackaging" of e-mail, e.g., through
compression, encryption (or "secret coding"), etc., makes it less
vulnerable to interference than comparative technologies. The
"information explosion" that naturally comes with e-mail makes it
even more difficult to hack. But even passwords can be cracked!
Q: Can viruses be transmitted over e-mail?
A: Yes and no; more accurately, yes, but they cannot be remotely
activated. An executable file containing a virus can be
transmitted via e-mail, but the virus will only be activated upon
executing the file. It is good sense to virus-scan any files
received, particularly if one is not familiar with the source of
the file. Normal messages are in ASCII text, which cannot
contain a virus. It is therefore not possible for someone to
sabotage another's computer with a virus from a remote location,
unless a virus recipient activates a "tainted" file without first
scanning and cleaning. A good, current scan/clean program is
essential, and should be used regularly (not only for
electronically transmitted files, but for unfamiliar floppy disks
as well).
Q: What networks can I access from Fidonet?
A: These days, there are software "gateways" that allow one
network to talk with literally any other network, except perhaps
with some isolated commercial networks. Fidonet has gateways to
most of the world's major networks, especially academic and
research networks, e.g., Internet (global), Bitnet (mainly US),
EARN (European), JANET (UK), WEB (Canada), PEGASUS (Australia),
and so on, and also to commercial networks like MCI and CGNET.
Q: On what hardware and operating system platforms does
FrontDoor run?
A: FrontDoor will run on any IBM PC-, AT-, or 100 percent BIOS-
compatible machine with at least 256KB RAM and 2.5MB hard disk
memory, and a monitor. An asynchronous modem capable of
sending
alphanumeric messages (most modems are) will also be required.
The operating software environment required is MS or PC DOS,
versions 3.00 or above. FrontDoor also runs under most LAN
software (including Novell and Lantastic). It also runs under
PD-MOS/386, VM/386, and other multitasking environments, such as
DESQview. Versions for the Macintosh have also been recently
announced.
Q: How would I find the e-mail address of a friend in a
particular country, or, rather, are there e-mail directories?
A: Local Fido points/nodes can easily be obtained from the local
host node operator, e.g., by simply requesting for files
containing points lists, normally of the form *.PTS and in the
\FD\NODELIST subdirectory. So can other Fidonet points/nodes
worldwide. Internet addresses are not any more difficult to
obtain. There are software commands that can be used to query
directories of e-mail addresses; to run such commands, however,
normally requires a host connected directly to Internet, or to an
Internet-compatible network, such as UUCP. Besides, such queries
will normally only yield the addresses of the host machines, not
individual users. Fortunately, each host would normally have a
SysOp (or postmaster) to whom general queries can be directed.
Thus a message for Jacinta Were at UoN_Library can be forwarded
to postmaster@UoN_Library, with the subject header "Re: Attn.
Jacinta Werel. There are generally no friendlier or more helpful
people than SysOps!
Q: How do I transmit files created with a wordprocessor like
WordStar or WordPerfect?
A: Documents held electronically in the computer can be
transmitted in a non-transparent form (readable by the software
that made them), be they wordprocessed memos, spreadsheet tables,
graphics, or merely plain ASCII text. The same can also be
requested from a remote hostþprovided, of course, such permission
is granted (sometimes through a password). However, to include a
file as an integral part of a message it must be in plain ASCII
text format. For example, a WordStar or WordPerfect file can be
saved as ASCII text, using the relevant commands within the
particular wordprocessor, and incorporated into the body of your
e-mail message. Alternatively, they can be sent in their
original forms as separate files attached to the e-mail message.
Q: Can graphics be transmitted via e-mail, especially over
Fidonet?
A: Yes, if the graphics are in "postscript" or some other
standard typeset format. To reconstruct the graphics, however,
the recipient must have a device (e.g., a printer) that can
recognize postscript or whatever the format is. In some cases,
(electronic) images can also be transmitted. Nevertheless one
needs to be warned of the high volumes of data they are likely to
constitute when downloading. Unfortunately, Fido does not
support images and graphics of this type. However, if by
"graphics" we simply mean tables, sub/superscripts, arithmetic
symbols, spreadsheets, etc., then (as was noted earlier), such
items can be transmitted as attached files using Fido. However,
they cannot be embedded (or imported) into a message, unless of
course the "graphics" are drawn using ASCII characters.
Emerging technologies now have the capability to transmit video, audio, still images and any other kind of digital data in addition to text. This "multimedia" networking technology exists but is, unfortunately, not yet widely available.
Q: How can I send a message overseas directly without going
through the local node?
A: When absolutely necessary, it is possible to send messages
directly abroad, bypassing the local host node. This method may
be desirable, for instance, in order to deliver a message
instantly or to guarantee a message's privacy. A message can be
flagged as "direct" and sent immediately to its ultimate
destination. In FrontDoor, this is an option under the
addressing menu.
Below are typical approximate startup costs that a prospective user needs to be aware of. However, precise rates will vary from one service-provider (local host node) to another, and from "customer" to another; ARCC (African Regional Centre for Computing), for example, has special rates for University of Nairobi departments, while costs for commercial firms will inevitably be higher.
Although the figures are quoted in US dollars, all currently operative nodes within Kenya will accept equivalent Kenyan Shillings. The figures below assume that an organization already has a PC (with at least 2.5MB of disk memory and 256KB RAM), a telephone or fax line (even an extension, provided it can be dialed through with a leading "9" or "0"), and a modem. A 2400 baud modem (more than adequate for an end-user) costs anything between US$30-300 (excluding transport costs, tariffs, and type- approval costs) depending on whether it is an internal or external modem.
Software and documentation on disk................free Installation and limited on-site training.....US$50.00 Monthly subscription.............................10.00 (payable three months in advance) Subsequent on-site support trips (two hours).....10.00 International traffic, first kilobyte (KB)........0.50 subsequent KBs................................0.20 International conference messages, per KB.........0.20 Monthly modem rental........................5.00-10.00 Local traffic and conferences.....................free
Fidonet, for all its strengths, is not the ultimate in networking. In this section, some of the limitations of Fido are highlighted, and available comparable alternative networking technologies are briefly examined.
Although messages can be exchanged between Fidonet and Internet, Fidonet is not Internet-upgradable; it uses an entirely different protocol. Internet operates in real time, Fidonet is a batch- based store-and-forward system. There is, therefore, normally a requirement for gateway software to translate messages from one network's protocol to the other. Indeed, largely because of the above fundamental discrepancy, Fido-TCP/IP (the Internet protocol) gateways are not widely available. What are found more often are Fido-UUCP gateways. Whereas UUCP also operates in batch mode, it is Internet-upgradable, and in many cases, conversion to Internet simply requires upgrading from a dial-up phone line to a leased line. UUCP and Internet are discussed further below.
Other weaknesses of Fido include: þ Its existence in several software versions; a user who moves from one platform to another may find the retraining bothersome; þ It can be weak in confidentiality (a node operator can browse through private mail) and integrity (node operator can tamper with mail). Fortunately, there are codes of ethics that node operators are required to, and normally do, observe. Furthermore, most node operators would be hard- pressed to find time to delve into others' mail. þ Documentation is hard to come by (a common problem associated with "shareware")þhence the motivation for this guide! The rapid proliferation of newer versions means that updated documentation may not become available in a timely manner. Technical problems Below we summarize a number of technical problems with FrontDoor: þ There are awkward restrictions on e-mail addresses because of Fido's addressing scheme. þ FrontDoor 2.02 can only support up to ten user accounts. Ideally, an organization may want to create accounts for a number greater than that but sharing the same facility. þ Although support for automatic generation of carbon copies exists, "cc:" will only recognize addresses in the Fido format. þ Support for "mailing lists" is poor, and will in any case work only if entries in the relevant file are in the Fido format. Some known "bugs" There are a number of problems that we believe are bugs, i.e., software errors, that will hopefully be fixed in the next releases. These include: þ Although it is purported that when a call breaks during a data transfer session, a subsequent call to the remote machine will begin transmission where it was discontinued, experience has shown us that this is only true if the communication had already gone into the second "phase" when the line disconnected. When a connection is established, the local machine first enters a "sending" mode (or "phase 1"), then proceeds to "receiving" mode ("phase 2"), assuming that the first phase was successful. þ In our FrontDoor implementation, using CTRL-R to generate automatic replies may not work, unless the status of the message is changed to "Direct" (using CTRL-D). In nearly all cases, we have had to do that for such messages to be sent during a next poll.
One other key advantage of UUCP over Fido is the diversity of the network media over which it can run, conveniently adjusting and maximizing throughput. It can be run, for example, on a normal dial-up line, packet-switching X.25 line, or leased line. When used over packet-switched data lines, a more efficient protocol can be selected, thus optimizing performance. In Kenya, where local X.25 tariffs are relatively low, UUCP might be an attractive way to support the bulk of intra-country communication. A further advantage of UUCP is that the "hierarchy" (and bureaucracy?) that is evident in Fido is absent. UUCP operates on a "friend of my friend" basis by allowing one machine to talk to another (which talks to another, etc.) as peers. But that might also be a drawback; control may be difficult! Given Unix's good maintenance facilities, managing a UUCP network should, at least in principle, be easier than Fidonet. Unix systems and related products generally come complete with excellent technical support, adding to their inherent desirability.
Perhaps more importantly, UUCP supports remote command execution, and since the technology is TCP/IP-compatible, it is a straightforward proposition to offer some of the other Internet services, especially news. There is also more documentation available for UUCP than Fidonet.
However, like Fido, UUCP is still batch-based, and may only be suitable for low-volume data transmission. Internet, which has now become the de facto standard network, is accessible by multiple vendors and is supported on nearly all major platforms. Today, even what used to be proprietary networks, e.g., DECNET, IBM's SNA, etc., have some TCP/IP support. TCP/IP runs on various physical links, including leased phone lines, packet radio, satellite links, etc. It supports real-time, interactive communication, remote login, FTP, and has a semantically rich and simple addressing format. At present, Internet access is available in South Africa and in Egypt. It is hoped that Internet services will be available in Kenya soon.
This section contains descriptions of network projects in Africa. A questionnaire was sent out to the system operators of these networks, and most of the responses printed here closely reflect the format of the questionnaire. There are some variations in the responses in terms of style and completeness of contentþin a couple of cases the questionnaire was necessarily disregarded entirelyþbut in each case there is more than sufficient information to enable the reader to investigate further. In some cases we received no response at all from the system operator; for these networks, to the extent possible, we have printed some minimal information culled from other sources. Some have been left out for lack of information. We apologize for any errors or omissions, and, once again, encourage feedback from readers of this guide so that the next version may better suit your needs.
It should be remembered that there are physical networks of hardware and software, and then there are "conceptual" networks of particular communities; the networks listed here are best described as of the latter variety. Since e-mail and other data can be seamlessly exchanged among different systems, all these community networks are in a sense part of one interconnected physical network, or "network of networks": the "little i" internet. A network "node" may be thought of as the point where physical and conceptual networks meet. These two separate but related notions lead to a certain imprecision in the definition of "community" for our purposes here; a single network may comprise university departments and research institutions as well as government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and others. Therefore, although our focus is on academic and research networks, it is neither desirable nor possible to ignore entirely other types of institutions, which may constitute a significant (sometimes primary) presence in some of the networks described.
Network objectives: To provide a platform for high-level computing training and research; promote development and usage of computing and communications technologies in Africa; facilitate coordination of collaborative computing research, teaching, and development in Africa's higher institutions of learning; and foster closer cooperation and linkages between computing industry, academia, and policymaking institutions.
Network administration: African Regional Centre for Computing
(ARCC)
Network coordinator: Shem J. Ochuodho
Postal address: P.O. Box 58638, Nairobi, Kenya
Telephone: 254-2-561000 or 211640
Sysop e-mail address: sysop@arcc.gn.apc.org or
sysop@arcc.kaact.kenya-net.org
Days and hours of operation: 24 hours/7 days
Connected institutions: about 150 university departments, research institutes, NGOs, UN agencies, government departments, and individuals in about a dozen Kenyan towns and cities
Services offered: E-mail, file transfer, conferences, and BBS
Conferences available:
AFYANET: for health institutions and workers
AGRONET: for agroforestry institutions and researchers
EDUNET: for universities and other educational institutions
ENVIRONET: for environmentally conscious
FEMNET: for discussing gender issues
LIBNET: for libraries and information scientists
SSENET: for small-scale business discussions
Fees:
Connection & training: US$50
Monthly subscription: US$10
International traffic: US$0.50 for first kilobyte (Kb), 0.20 for
additional Kb
Local within country: Free
Software: Free
Other user requirements/restrictions: only noncommercial institutions at present
Number of network users: 150
Average number of messages per month: 1,500þ3,000
Average monthly volume (in kilobytes): 3,000
Computer used by node: Intel 386SX
Operating system: MS-DOS 5.1
Communication software: FrontDoor 2.02
Modem speed: 19.2 KBaud
Modem protocols supported: PEP, V32bis, V32, CM, XA
Type of link: Dial-up
Network objectives: ARSO-DISNET is a network of documentation and information systems on standards and related issues in Africa, whose major objective is to promote exchange of information on standards and related issues, and contribute towards the transfer of technology for development in Africa.
Participation: The ARSO node is open up for organizations and individuals doing research and development work in the areas of environment, health, education, and agriculture.
The node supports users from 49 points and offers both e-mail and conferencing services. Plans are under way to introduce the Mail-in/Mail-out service.
Address: PO Box 57363, Nairobi, Kenya
Phone: +254-2-330882/95
Fax: +254-2-218792
E-Mail: arso@elci.gn.apc.org
Network objectives: The following information is adapted from a description supplied by CGNET Services International (CGNET). CGNET is a privately held corporation chartered in the state of California in the United States. Its mission is to provide high-quality technical services, products and support services to international research organizations in developing countries. CGNET focuses on scientific organizations whose research improves the quality of food and health care in developing countries. CGNET's goal is to increase the effectiveness of the scientists, engineers, technicians, educators, and administrators in the international community it serves. It seeks to do these things by:
+ operating an electronic mail network that facilitates rapid and reliable information exchange;
+ providing equipment and software as a Value-Added Reseller (VAR) and computer retailer; and
+ providing support and training as needed, both on site and via the network.
Most of the world's International Agriculture Research Centers (IARCs) are members of the CGNET electronic mail network. In total the system interconnects over 200 agriculture research locations in 60 countries. One special group of clients for CGNET is the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). The CGIAR is an association of over 40 national, international, regional, and private aid organizations and foundations. The CGIAR was established in 1971 to develop and support a system of agricultural research around the world. Twenty international research centers ("CG Centers") are part of the CGIAR system, most of them located in developing countries. African countries with CGNET connections include Burkina Faso, Cameroon, C“te d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, Tunisia, and Zimbabwe.
Costs: CGNET charges an administrative fee of US$50.00 per month for each institution. This allows an unlimited number of mailboxes, charged at US$5.00 per month each, and an unlimited number of directory entries at no cost. The primary charges for the electronic mail service are based on the length of time and the amount of information sent and received on the network. CGNET usage is charged at rates between US$6.00-$9.00 per hour, depending on the time of day. In addition, US$0.095 is charged for every thousand characters transferred to or from the system (approximately 20 cents per page).
CGNET users also pay for the data network that connects them to the CGNET computers. These charges vary depending on the country from which one calls. Within the US, for example, US$4.00-$7.00 per hour is charged. From non-US data networks, charges are generally in the range of US$8.00-$12.00 per hour plus US $0.10-$0.30 per thousand characters. Depending on the network, these communication charges are either paid directly to the national telephone authority, or else they may be "reverse-charged," and put onto the CGNET bill.
There are many additional services available on the CGNET, and some of these carry additional charges. These services include telex, fax, and cablegram transmission, news clipping services, airline reservation information, and database services. These rates change frequently.
Address: 1024 Hamilton Court, Menlo Park, CA 94025 USA
Phone: 415-325-3061
Fax: 415-325-2313
Telex: 490 000 5788 (CGN UI)
E-mail: postmaster@cgnet.com
Network objectives: ELCI (Environment Liaison Centre International) is an institution, not a network itself; however, it serves as the network node for two networking projectsþNGONET Africa and WEDNET. AAAS did not receive a response to our questionnaire from our busy friends at ELCI, so rather than list NGONET Africa and WEDNET separately without any details, we will attempt to describe briefly the basic purpose of both of them, and of ELCI, in this single entry. The following information is adapted from a report by the International Development Research Centre, which has provided support for some of ELCI's activities.
ELCI is a global coalition for environment and development, based in Nairobi, Kenya. It has been very much involved in the promotion of electronic networking in the region, implementing one of the first accounting mechanisms for a Fidonet node, which has served as a model for other nodes and contributed to the move towards independent sustainability of African networks.
ELCI was established in 1974 to:
+ strengthen communication and cooperation among grassroots environment and development organizations, especially in the South;
+ influence policy that impacts on the environment through a strong NGO involvement in the planning and policymaking process, especially through UN systems such as FAO, ECOSOC, WHO, IFAD, and UNEP; and
+ promote and facilitate South-South and North-South networking.
ELCI uses its electronic networking capacity to contact its hundreds of members and some 10,000 organizations worldwide, and publishes information, ideas, and strategies on environment and development issues, and compiles and distributes relevant news clippings. ELCI holds an extensive computerized NGO-activity database on what different groups are doing on various issues. Most of this work is organized around five main program areas: women, environment, and development; food security and forestry; energy for sustainable development; industrialization and human settlements; and international environment and economic relations. The objective in each area is to enhance the capacity of NGOs to implement projects effectively.
The general objective of NGONET Africa is to consolidate and build on initiatives taken by the NGO community to develop a resilient, expandable, directly interconnected electronic NGO network in Africa, in order to share information and enhance research and advocacy work.
The general objective of WEDNET (Women, Environment, and Development network) is to create electronic links among researchers to develop common approaches and methodologies that would highlight women's indigenous knowledge in both historical and contemporary settings.
Address: ELCI, PO Box 72461, Nairobi, Kenya
Phone: +254 2 562 015
E-mail: drigby@elci.gn.apc.org (Doug Rigby) or 5:731/1 (Fidonet)
Network objectives: ENDA-TM (Environment and Development in the Third World) functions as an environmental training program promoting endogenous development in Third World countries. Its activities include supporting grassroots movements, studying and disseminating information on appropriate technology and energy resources, and organizing training seminars. The electronic network based in Dakar was implemented to improve communications in support of the organization's goals.
Network administration: ENDA-TM
Network coordinator: Moussa Fall
Postal address: BP 3370, Dakar, Senegal
Telephone: (221) 21602 or 224229
Fax: (221) 222695
Telex: 51456 ENDATM SG
Sysop e-mail address: moussaf@endadak.gn.apc.org
Days and hours of operation: 24 hours/7 days
Connected institutions: 60 institutions (NGOs, international organizations, governmental institutions, universities, individuals) from Burkina Faso, Gambia, and Senegal
Services offered: e-mail, file transfer, and BBS (Type of files presently available: documents on electronic communications, public domain software, etc. Other documents of different types will soon be added)
Fees: symbolic contribution to the management of the node
Other user requirements/restrictions: n/a
Number of network users: 60
Average number of messages per month: around 1200
Average monthly volume (in kilobytes): 2000
Computer used by node: 386 IBM-compatible
Operating system: DOS 6.00
Communication software: FrontDoor
Modem speed: V32bis
Modem protocols supported: V32bis, V32, PEP, V22bis
Type of link: dial-up
Network objectives: The objective of the network is build a national academic and research network in Ghana to facilitate the global flow of information for scientists and researchers in Ghana.
Network administration: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR/NASTLIC)
Network coordinator: John Villars
Postal address: CSIR, PO Box M32, Accra, Ghana
Telephone: 233-21-773529
Fax: 233-21-777655
Sysop e-mail address:
Mahamuda_Alhaji_Mahamadu@ghastinet.gn.apc.org
Days and hours of operation: Everyday, between 1500 gmt and 1700 gmt
Connected institutions:
Policy Research and Strategy Planning Institute
Association of African Universties
Ghana Standards Board
University of Ghana Medical School
Friends of Earth-Ghana
Canadian Cooperative Association, Ghana
All these institutions are located in Accra
Services offered: e-mail, file transfer
Fees: 500 cedis per page to send and 250 cedis to receive mail, plus a monthly service charge of 500 cedis
Other user requirements/restrictions: none
Number of network users: 10
Average number of messages per month: 30 messages
Average monthly volume (in kilobytes): 60kb
Computer used by node: IBM PS/2 Model 30
Operating system: DOS
Communication software: FrontDoor
Modem speed: 9600 baud
Modem protocols supported: Z-modem, X-modem
Type of link: Dial-up
Network objectives: HealthNet is a telecommunications system that links physicians, researchers, medical educators, and other health care workers in the developing world with their colleagues abroad. HealthNet provides a reliable, inexpensive way for people to share information, even in areas where communication is limited by economic conditions, disaster, or a poor communications infrastructure.
Network administration: SatelLife
Network coordinator: Kerry Gallivan
Postal address: 126 Rogers St., Cambridge, MA 02142
Telephone: 617-868-8522
Fax: 617-868-6647
Telex: n/a
Sysop e-mail address: system@healthnet.org
Days and hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 9:00amþ5:00pm (SatelLife office)
Messages/files can be sent during satellite overpass (six times per day)
Connected institutions: Health centers and libraries in Cameroon, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
Services offered:
Dialogue for Health:
Dialogue for Health provides local and international electronic
mail services to health care workers. Through Dialogue for
Health, users can contact medical libraries and colleagues,
consult about issues of common interest, collect data and share
research findings. This electronic mail service makes it possible
to send messages, documents, computer programs, and data files to
other HealthNet users and to users of worldwide network mail
systems such as the Internet.
Interactive Publications for Health:
HealthNet News features the latest medical information for
academic researchers and clinicians: Journal article summaries,
abstracts, and full text and commissioned articles. HealthNet
News covers a variety of topics, such as infectious diseases,
medicine, obstetrics, gynecology, ophthalmology, pediatrics,
psychiatry, gastroenterology and radiotherapy.
African Medical Librarians Bulletin (AMLB) contains selected tables of contents of local and regional medical publications, abstracts, descriptions of special collections and book reviews. AMLB is edited by medical librarians in Africa and is published monthly.
WHO Library Digest is edited by the staff of the World Health Organization/Geneva Library. This publication includes bibliographical references and abstracts of new WHO material of interest to health workers in Africa, excerpts of recent WHO press releases, quotes from articles in the scientific press concerning WHO summaries of WHO meetings, specialized bibliographies, and news from the Technical Units.
AIDS Bulletin includes clinical abstracts, news updates and data, short articles on AIDS policy and social issues, excerpts from reports, and conference documents from governmental and non-governmental organizations. AIDS Bulletin is edited by Daniel Tarantola, MD, Director of the International AIDS Program, Harvard School of Public Health, in collaboration with an international advisory board.
Fiocruz Bulletin covers various topics of interest to the health care community. Bulletins will inlcude material on tropical diseases, and relevant articles published in the international press. Fiocruz Bulletin is produced under the direction of Dr. Paulo Buss, Vice President of Education and Information at Oswaldo Cruz Institute in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Fees: HealthNet is a distributed network; therefore it depends on the local network node whether or not fees are charged
Other user requirements/restrictions: Usage restricted to health-related matters
Number of network users: Not available
Average number of messages per month: Not available
Average monthly volume (in kilobytes): Not available
Computer used by node: NEC compatible 386 or 486 Computer and Monitor
Operating system: DOS 5.0
Communication software:
Satellite: privately developed software
Terrestrial: BinkleyTerm 2.56; GoldEd; Squish
Modem speed: Varies from node to node
Modem protocols supported: Varies from node to node
Type of link: Packet radio
Network objectives: The objective of MANGO (Micro Access for Non-Governmental Organizations) is to improve communication and access to information for individuals and organizations concerned with development.
Network administration: Nine-member elected Board of Management
Network coordinator: Chairman of Board, Roger Stringer (rstringer@mango.apc.org)
Postal address: PO Box 5690, Harare, Zimbabwe
Telephone: +263-4-303496
Fax: +263-4-333407
Telex: 26035 ZPH ZW
Sysop e-mail address: postmaster@mango.apc.org
Days and hours of operation: 24 hours/7 days
Connected institutions: approximately 200 NGOs, researchers, academics, and individuals
Services offered: Off-line e-mail, newsgroup, and file request; no on-line BBS service
Fees:
Joining fee.................Z$25
Monthly subscription fee....Z$10
Usage fees:
Non-local netmail
Sent.......................Z$0.15 per kilobyte
Received...................Z$0.10 per kilobyte
Local netmail
Send/receive.................free
(Z$1.00 =approximately US$0.12)
Other user requirements/restrictions: No commercial usage permitted
Number of network users: Approximately 200
Average number of messages per month: Approximately 4,250
Average monthly volume (in kilobytes): Approximately 45,500 kilobytes
Computer used by node: 33MHz 486-DX with 212Mb HDU
Operating system: MS-DOS 5.0
Communication software: FrontDoor 2.02nc and GEcho 1.00
Modem speed: Telebit 2500; 9600 baud
Modem protocols supported: Fidonet
Type of link: Dial-up; connect to Fidonet/Internet gateway (WorkNet) three times daily
Network objectives: The objective of MUKLA (Makerere University, Kampala) is to develop, promote, and facilitate usage of electronic network services in Uganda and beyond.
Network administration: Institute of Computer Science, Makerere University
Network coordinator: Charles Musisi
Postal address: Institute of Computer Science, PO Box 7062,
Kampala, Uganda
Telephone: 256-41-559712
Fax: 256-41-530756
Sysop e-mail address: cmusisi@mukla.gn.apc.org
Days and hours of operation: 24 hours/7 days
Connected institutions: There are currently 165 installed sites, mainly within Kampala, but there are also over 50 users in seven others towns in Uganda, and a few users call in from Nairobi, Kenya, as well from Europe and the United States
Services offered: Mainly e-mail and fax, but also conferencing, file transfer, and BBS
Fees: Registration fee of US$5 per user, installation fee of US$50, and a user charge that ranges from US$30þ50 per month for unlimited usage
Other user requirements/restrictions: None
Number of network users: 165 installed sites (January 1994) with over 250 users
Average number of messages per month: Approximately 1500 messages per month (50 messages per day times 30 days), and also 10 conference postings per day
Average monthly volume (in kilobytes): 150 kilobytes compressed per day (includes incoming and outgoing local and international e-mail and conference mail)
Computer used by node: PC (486DX, 33MHz, 200Mb hard disk)
Operating system: DOS
Communication software: FrontDoor
Modem speed: 19200 (PEP)
Modem protocols supported: X, Y, and Z Modem protocols, plus all Fido protocols
Type of link: Dial-up
Description of network objectives: PADIS (Pan African Development Information System) was established in 1980 as a cooperative development information system to serve African member states of the U.N. Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) as a conduit for development information. PADIS established a network to input data into the cooperative system and to allow focal points to benefit from the technical assistance offered by the project. Thirty-six African countries have now named national participating centers for the network; four subregional centers have either been established or are in the process of being established. There are also many institutional participating centers, which are the subject nodes of the network. The PADISNET project is an electronic network established in 1991 as part of the PADIS network. It is aimed towards the advancement of data communications information technology in Africa, to improve the flow of information for socioeconomic development in Africa and to promote the timely utilization of existing information systems.
Network administration: UNECA/PADIS
Network coordinator: Lishan Adam
Postal address: PO Box 3001, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Telephone: 251-1-511167 or 517200
Fax: 251-1-514534 or 514416; 212-963-4957
Sysop e-mail address: padis@gn.apc.org or
padisnet@f1.n751.z5.gnfido.fidonet.org
Connected institutions: Academic, research, government, and private institutions in Botswana, Canada, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, United Kingdom, and Zambia
Services offered: E-mail; file transfer; conferences; database access; fax services; BBS
Sample of (bibliographic and referral) databases available through PADIS:
1. PAD-DEV Socioeconomic development information (ECA/PADIS) 2. LABORDOC Documentation related to labor 3. UNIDO Documentation related to industry (UNIDO) 4. AGRIS Agricultural information (FAO) 5. ILCA Livestock documentation (ILCA) 6. DIESA Socioeconomic information (UN-DIESA) 7. DEVSIS Development information (UN-DIESA) 8. POPIN-AFRICA Documentation on population (ECA-POPIN) 9. ECA Roster of consultation experts (personnel) 10. ECA Roster of African women experts (ATRCW) 11. ECA Roster of African experts (PADIS) 12. ECA Roster of African statisticians (ECA/STAT) 13. ECA Roster of African demographers (ECA/POP) 14. ECA Resolutions from ECA Conference of Ministers
Other user requirements/restrictions: Account required for on-line service, but not for e-mail or BBS (contact PADIS to open user account for on-line access). E-mail can be accessed directly using personal computers and Fido-compatible software; BBS can be accessed using any communications software; on-line services require a personal computer and HP terminal-emulating software such as Advancelink or Reflection.
Fees: Free
Number of network users: over 200
Average number of messages per month: 60
Average monthly volume (in kilobytes): 200
Computer used by node: HP Vectra ES-12
Operating system: DOS 3.3
Communication software: FrontDoor 2.02
Modem speed: 300-19200
Modem protocol supported: V.22; V.22bis; V.32; V42bis; MNP1-5; LAP-M; PEP
Type of link: Dial-up
Network objectives: The following information is adapted from "RINAF goals, project organization, and implementation status," prepared by Stefano Trumpy, the project's technical coordinator. The RINAF (Regional Informatics Network for Africa) project was conceived by the Intergovernmental Informatics Program (IIP) of UNESCO and financed by a grant from the Italian government, and by a contribution from the Republic of Korea; the project implementation phase was started in the second half of 1992 and is planned to last until the end of 1994.
The project is intended to support network nodes in Africa and facilitate their eventual upgrading to full Internet status. RINAF is organized in a combination of regional and national nodes, some of which are already existing and others of which will be new nodes. RINAF relies on cooperation with other initiatives operating in Africa, including RIONET and the IDRC (International Development Research Centre) projects, and plans to use a variety of technical approaches as appropriate to the particular node.
At present there are several hundred network users in sub-Saharan Africa, excluding South Africa, most of whom use nodes activated under grants from IDRC; RINAF, in cooperation with other funding projects, hopes to increase this number up to several thousand. RINAF may also contribute to the establishment of a base of skilled technicians needed to support an increasing user base. Establishing this cadre of technicians will be accomplished through a combination of specialized training courses and, mainly, through the practical experience they will gain in the field, with the continuous help of the RINAF technical staff. RINAF will also increase the awareness among governments and concerned ministries of the importance of data communication networks. It will also contribute to the growth of the institutions where RINAF nodes are maintained.
Network objectives: RIONET (Riseau Inter-tropical d'Ordinateurs) is an international electronic network that participates in the development of the Internet. It has been set up by ORSTOM, the French institute of scientific research for development in cooperation. In Africa, RIONET presently links 25 Unix hosts in 10 countries, with approximately 80 access points (standard terminals or local UUCP nodes).
Network administration: ORSTOM
Project coordinator: Pascal Renaud (renaud@orstom.fr)
ORSTOM/MTI, 213 rue La Fayette
75010 Paris, France
Phone: +33-1-48037609
Technical coordinator: Monique Michaux (michaux@orstom.fr)
ORSTOM, Service RIO
911 avenue Agropolis
34032 Montpellier cedex, France
Phone: +33-67617510
Regional coordinators:
Senegal/Madagascar: Edem Fianyo (fianyo@dakar.orstom.sn)
Burkina-Faso/Niger: Dominique Remy (remy@ouaga.orstom.bf)
Mali: Mamadou Diamoutani (diamoutani@bamako.orstom.ml)
South Pacific: Michel Menezo (menezo@noumea.orstom.fr)
Paris area: Marc Lebris (lebris@orstom.fr)
Days and hours of operation: 24 hours/7 days
Names and locations of connected institutions: In sub-Saharan Africa RIONET includes connections in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo, C“te d'Ivoire, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritius, Niger, Senegal, and Togo. The following organizations have joined RIONET:
International organizations
AUPELF: Association des Universites partiellement ou entierement
de langue francaise
CIRAD: Centre International de Recherche en Agronomie pour le
Developpement
FAO: United Nations, Food and Agriculture Organization
FPH (Swiss NGO): Fondation pour le Progres de l'Homme
GRET (French NGO): Groupe de Recherches et d'Etudes
Technologiques
OSS: International Agency: Observatoire du Sahara et du Sahel
UNITAR: United Nations Institute for Training And Research
Burkina Faso
ARTS: Agriculture Research and Training Support project
CECI: Centre Canadien d'Etude et de Cooperation Internationale
ESI: Ecole Superieur d'Informatique
UERD: Unite d'Etudes et de Recherches Demographiques
Cameroon
ENSP: Ecole Nationale Superieure Polytechnique
OCCGE: Organisme de Cooperation et de Coordination pour la lutte
contre les Grandes
Endimies en Afrique centrale
University of Yaound‚
Madagascar
CIMAD: Conservatoire International de Madagascar
AUPELF-UREP: Association des universit‚s de langue francaise
Mali
ISFRA: Institut superieur de Formation et de Recherche Applique
INRSP: Institut national de recherche en sante publique
CERPOD: Centre d'etude et de recherche sur la population et le
developpement
WHO/OCP: Programme de lutte contre l'Onchocercose
AGETIPE: Agence d'etude des transports
PNVA: Programme national de valorisation agricole
IER: Institut d'economie rurale
Niger
AGHRYMET: Agro-Hydro-Meteorological center
CERMES: Centre de Recherche sur les Miningites et les
Schistosomiases
SEAG: Innovation et reseaux pour le developpement
Senegal
CORAF: Conference des Responsable de Recherche Agronomiques
Africain
CSE: Centre de Suivi Ecologique
ENSUT: Ecole Nationale Superieur Universitaire de Technologie
ISRA: Institut Senegalais de Recherche Agricole
Ministere Senegalais de la Modernisation
PANA: Association de la presse africaine associee a l'OUA
Universite Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar
Togo
URD: Unite de Recherche Demographique (Universite du Benin, Lome,
Togo)
Other organizations working in the field of health, agronomy, and
education are presently engaged in discussions with ORSTOM
concerning participation in RIONET.
Services offered: E-mail, file transfer, listserv, user-directory. TCP/IP link, ftp, and gopher services are being set up in Dakar, Senegal. A gateway to the French Minitel network is provided for all users.
Fees: RIO users sign a contract with ORSTOM and pay "at cost": about two French francs (approximately $0.35) per 1000 characters for mail sent between the North and Africa. Users do not pay for links between Europe and America, because the costs of those leased Internet lines are shared among all universities and research institutions using the network; in Africa dial-up phone or X25 lines, which incur specific costs, are used. RIO users also pay for mail they receive from a non-RIO user (unless this user has signed a RIO contract to pay for sending mail). We suggest to organizations in the North that they sign an agreement with RIO to cover the costs of mail sent to African network users. Contact Monique Michaux (michaux@orstom.fr) for more information about this agreement.
All users pay the same rate, whether they are ORSTOM staff or not. Partners of ORSTOM pay an annual subscription fee to cover a part of fixed costs. This fee is FF100 (US$17) per user for developing country institutions and FF300 (US$50) for those in developed countries.
Other user requirements/restrictions: RIONET is open to all nonprofit establishments
Number of network users: Approximately 400 users in Africa (see Randy Bush's African connectivity listings for more information on individual sites)
Average number of messages per month: 10,000
Average monthly volume (in kilobytes): About 40 Mb are sent every month between North (Europe, America) and South (Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific) part of network. This figure does not include within-country messages.
Computer used by host: The main nodes are Unix workstations. Most of them are linked to packet-switched public networks (X25). The local nodes are PC or Macintosh platforms linked to main nodes with UUCP or IP (SLIP, PPP) on dial-up lines. International communications use UUCP on packet-switched networks. Worldwide Internet connectivity is provided by the RIO hub in Montpellier, France. The latter is linked at 2 Mb/second to RENATER (French academic TCP/IP network).
Operating system: Unix, DOS, MacOs
Communication software: SMTP; UUCP for MTA; EUDORA; MESSOR; X- RIO for UA
Modem speed: Varies by site
Modem protocols supported: Varies by site
Type of link: TCP/IP; UUCP dial-up
SANGONET is a nonprofit network aimed at providing an electronic mail and information service to nongovernmental organizations in Southern Africa.
Network administration: SANGONET
Network coordinator: Simone Shall
Postal address: P.O. Box 31, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
Telephone: +27-11-838 6943/4
Fax: +27-11-838 6310
Sysop e-mail address: System@wn.apc.org or SN0003@connectinc.com
Days and hours of operation: 24 hours/7 days
Connected institutions: User list available on request
Services offered: The system offers two services:
WORKNETþa character-based user interface that offers local and international e-mail, and access to Internet feeds and some APC conferences; and
SANGONETþa graphic user interface that offers local and international e-mail, and access to a large database of local development information and information on South Africa in Transition
Fees:
WORKNET: R50 startup; R35 per month subscription including first
hour, R10 per hour thereafter
SANGONET: R300 startup; R75 per month subscription including
first hour, R40 per hour thereafter
Other user requirements/restrictions: none
Number of network users: 420 users in total
Average number of messages per month: n/a
Average monthly volume (in kilobytes): n/a
Computer used by node: n/a
Operating system: n/a
Communication software: n/a
Modem speed: n/a
Modem protocols supported: n/a
Type of link: n/a
Mission: The mission of the UNINET project, which is based in South Africa, is the development, implementation, and promotion of an academic and research network of computers in southern Africa, where it is required as an essential element of the region's research infrastructure.
Background: The UNINET project started late in 1987 as a result of joint action by the Computer and Network Subcommittees of the Committee of University Principals and the Foundation for Research Development (FRD). The project staff at the FRD gets collaborative support, both academic and technical, from staff of the participating organizations.
Activities and Services: The UNINET project provides a focal point for the many individual efforts that are being put into network development among the participating organizations, as well as for developing and managing a central information base for the operation of the network. It also operates an information and support service for organizations participating in UNINET, as well as for individual users of the network. Basic services include e-mail, conferencing, file transfer, news feeds, and remote login. Access to overseas networks is now implemented via a TCP/IP link to the Internet.
Participation and Payment: Participation in UNINET is on a voluntary basis and is open to research organizations, tertiary institutions, and museums. Participation is formally effected by the organization entering into an agreement with the FRD, which covers matters such as costs and obligations of each party.
The project is financed partly by participating fees from participating organizations, partly from payment for the use of specific data communication channels, and partly from FRD funds.
Other countries with connections to UNINET include Botswana, Ghana, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, and Swaziland. Rhodes University, a part of UNINET, also operates a gateway through which Fido and UUCP nodes in the region, e.g., Zambia and Zimbabwe, exchange international mail.
Contact Persons and Addresses: The first point of approach for information on UNINET should be the computing services section of the interested person's organization. Contact with the UNINET Office is possible by electronic mail for persons on the network; the UNINET office may also be reached by post, telephone, telex, or telefax.
The FRD contact persons and address are:
Manager: Mr. Mike Lawrie
Technical Assistants: Mrs. Gwen Heathfield, Mrs. Annemarie
Goodman
Internet: uninet@frd.ac.za
Telephone: +27 (012) 841-3542/2597
Fax: +27 (012) 804-2679
Telex: 3-21356 FRD SA
Post: UNINET Project, FRD, PO Box 2600, Pretoria 0001, South
Africa
Network objectives: To enable the academic and research communities in Zambia, and specifically those at the University of Zambia (UNZA), to communicate more quickly, easily, and cheaply with each other and with other academics and researchers outside of Zambia. Also, to provide electronic communication services (local and international) to all non-commercial and non-governmental communities within Zambia, with specific support for NGOs (ZANGONET) and health (HealthNet).
Network administration: University of Zambia Computer Centre
Network coordinator: Mark Bennett (Computer Centre Director)
Postal address: Computer Centre, University of Zambia, PO Box
32379, Lusaka, Zambia
Telephone: 260-1-252507
Fax: 260-1-290935
Telex: UNZALU ZA 44370
Sysop e-mail address: postmaster@unza.gn.apc.org
Days and hours of operation: 24 hours per day, 7 days per week
Connected institutions:
Following is our full (current) list of active users:
INSTITUTION (POINT) LOCATION (DISTRICT) Unza Medical Library Lusaka Unza Institute of African Studies Lusaka Unza School of Engineering Lusaka Unza School of Humanities & Social Sciences Lusaka Unza School of Natural Sciences Lusaka Unza School of Education Lusaka Unza School of Mines Lusaka Unza School of Agriculture Lusaka Unza School of Veterinary Medicine Lusaka Unza Rural Development Studies Bureau Lusaka WHO Zambia Lusaka Ministry of Health Deputy Minister Lusaka Tropical Diseases Research Centre Lusaka Unza Computer Centre Director Lusaka Unza Vice Chancellor Lusaka Unza Registrar Lusaka Unza Deputy Registrar Academic Lusaka Unza Bursar Lusaka HealthNet Satellite Groundstation Lusaka Unza Library Lusaka Unza Computer Centre Lusaka Ministry of Health Planning Unit Lusaka SADC Mines Equipment Lusaka Unza Deputy Registrar Administration Lusaka Nkana Mine Hospital Kitwe Unza School of Medicine, TRU Lusaka MOH Universal Child Immunisation Lusaka Churches Medical Association of Zambia Lusaka Unza School of Medicine Paediatrics Lusaka Chainama College of Health Sciences Lusaka Unza Computer Centre Microcomputer Support Lusaka GRZ Tsetse Fly Control Programme (Bugs) Lusaka GRZ Tsetse Fly Control Programme (Cows) Lusaka University Teaching Hospital Central Labs Lusaka Macha Mission Hospital Choma Monze District Hospital Monze Chikankata Hospital Mazabuka Choma Hospital Choma Mazabuka District Hospital Mazabuka Livingstone General Hospital Livingstone Southern Province PMO Livingstone Kafue Gorge Hospital Mazabuka Zimba Mission Hospital Kalomo Maamba Mine Clinic Sinazongwe Siavonga District Hospital Siavonga Mtendere Mission Hospital Siavonga Gwembe District Hospital Gwembe Namwala District Hospital Namwala Kalomo District Hospital Kalomo St. Francis Hospital Katete Pharmacist St. Francis Hospital Katete Kabwe Mine Hospital Kabwe Luanshya Mine Hospital Luanshya Mufulira Mine Hospital Mufulira Nchanga North Mine Hospital Chingola Kalulushi Mine Hospital Kalulushi ZCCM Medical Technical Directorate Kalulushi ZCCM Corporate MIS Data Centre Kitwe ZAMBART - AIDS Related TB Project (Lab) Lusaka Western Province PMO Mongu Western Province Health Information Officer Mongu Western Province Primary Health Care Mongu ZAMBART - AIDS Related TB Project (Clinic) Lusaka Pharmacist Evelyn Hone College Lusaka WHO Zambia CDR Lusaka Kaoma District Hospital Kaoma UNZA Medical Librarian Lusaka Zambia Bureau of Standards Lusaka Voluntary Service Overseas Lusaka UNICEF Zambia (Management Information) Lusaka Family Life Movement Lusaka Zambia Association for R&D Lusaka Kara Counselling (Kara House) Lusaka Oxfam Zambia Lusaka Wildlife Conservation Society of Zambia Lusaka WorldWide Fund for Nature Lusaka World Conservation Union (IUCN) Zambia Lusaka Zambia Meteorological Department Lusaka USAID Zambia Lusaka Ministry of Telecommunications Lusaka UNECA/MULPOC_Lusaka Lusaka UNDP Zambia Administration Section Lusaka UNDP Zambia Programme Section Lusaka UNIDO Zambia Programme Section Lusaka World Vision International Zambia Lusaka World Vision International Accountant Lusaka Care International Lusaka Lusaka UNICEF Zambia Representative Lusaka UNICEF Zambia Health Lusaka UNICEF Zambia Administration Lusaka UNICEF Zambia Programmes Lusaka UNICEF Zambia Health Economist Lusaka Kara Counselling (Hope House) Lusaka FAO Zambia Lusaka Commonwealth Youth Programme Lusaka Natural Resources Development_College Lusaka Flying Doctor Service Ndola ZCCM Hardware Support Kitwe ODA Health & Education Planner Lusaka CCF Agro-Forestry Project Mongu Regional Development & Programme Planning Siavonga Mennonite Central Committee Lusaka Unza Computer Centre Systems Manager Lusaka Zambia Privatisation Agency Lusaka Copperbelt University Kitwe MOH Minister Lusaka MOH Permanent Secretary Lusaka MOH Health Information Officer Lusaka MOH Health Information Unit Lusaka MOH Senior Health Planner Lusaka MOH Epidemiologist Lusaka MOH Primary Health Care Lusaka MOH Data Processing Manager Lusaka Medical Stores Limited Lusaka MOH Pharmaceutical Services Lusaka MOH AIDS Coordinator Lusaka MOH Planning Economist Lusaka MOH Health Reforms Imp Team Lusaka MOH AIDS Epidemiologist Lusaka MOH Primary Health Care Spec'st Lusaka Chief Executive Officer NORSAD Lusaka Farming Systems Programme UNZA Lusaka Smallscale Farming Support Kasama Zambia Christian Mission Mongu Livestock Development Project Mongu UNZA Animal Science Department Lusaka Population Services International Lusaka Habitat for Humanity International Lusaka FAO Chief Technician Legumes Project Lusaka Kalabo Agricultural Project Advisor Kalabo Kalabo Agricultural Project Planning Kalabo Famine Early Warning System Lusaka Sorghum Millet Improvemt Prog Kasama Min. of Works & Supply Govt Valuation Dept Lusaka Ministry of Lands - Lands Department Lusaka University Teaching Hospital Administration Lusaka International School of Lusaka Lusaka Technical Development & Advisory Unit Lusaka American Embassy School of Lusaka Lusaka Natl. Institute for Public Administration Lusaka Zambia Institute of Mass Communication Lusaka
Each of the above represents a separate computer in a separate office. Each computer may in turn serve a number of individual users.
Services offered: E-mail, i.e., Net (personal) Mail and Echo (conference) Mail and file transfers only. No interactive access.
Conferences Available on the UNZANET System: AFRICANA-L: African IT/Comms Issues Discussion AIDS.BULLETIN: AIDS Bulletin from SatelLife AIDS.DAILY.SUM: AIDS Daily Summaries from CDC AIDS.WOMEN: Women and HIV/AIDS Discussion AIDS.ZAMBIA: Zambian HIV/AIDS Discussion AML.BULLETIN: African Medical Librarians Bulletin ECONEWS.AFRICA: African Ecological News EMAIL.HELP: Electronic Mail Questions & Discussion EN.ANNOUNCEMENTS: Environmental Announcements EXPZONE5: African Fido Discussion HEALTH.DIARY: Health Meetings, Workshops, etc. HEALTHNET.NEWS: HealthNet News from SatelLife HEALTHNET.PLANNING: Zambia HealthNet Planning Discussion PHN.FLASH: Population, Health & Nutrition News RINAF-L: Regional Informatics Network for Africa RINAF-T: RINAF Technical Discussion SAFIRE_SUPPORT: Support for Drought Relief Points SAFRICA.DROUGHT: Southern Africa Drought Discussion SANET.LIST.GREEN: Southern African Green Issues TECH.FIDO: Technical Fidonet Discussion TECH.RFMAIL: New FrontDoor Software Discussion TECH.SMALLSYS: SIDA Project Discussion UNZANET.NEWS: UNZANET News & Discussion WEATHER.FORECAST: Weekly Weather Forecast from ZMD WHO.LIB.DIGEST: WHO Library Digest ZAMBIA.NEWS: Zambian Issues Discussion
Fees: For installation and training a flat fee equivalent to US$40 is charged. Currently no usage fees are charged but plans are in place to upgrade the system to provide full Internet access and charge fees for access to that system in the future.
Other user requirements/restrictions: Non-commercial and non-political users only until full Internet access is obtained
Number of network users: 141 currently active points serving an inestimable number of users. Some points serve just one, others, such as some of the hospitals and schools at the university, may serve 50 or more.
Average number of messages per month: 6,000
Average monthly volume (in kilobytes): 21,000 Kb (21 Mb)
Computer used by node: Olidata 486 8Mb RAM and 200 Mb hard disk
Operating system: MS-DOS 6.0 (running DesqView)
Communication software: FrontDoor 2.20 (Fido protocol) on the host, and able to communicate with a range of software products (both DOS- and MAC-based) using the same protocol on points
Modem speed: V32 bis (14,400) using Telebit Worldblazer
Modem protocols supported: V42, V42 bis, and MNP
Type of link: Dial-up voice telephone lines for both point-to-host and host-to-international-gateway links. Connections to international systems are made three times daily (at 04:00, 11:00, and 19:00 UTC) via Rhodes University in Grahamstown for Internet traffic; once daily (at 21:30 UTC) for regional Fido traffic via WorkNet in Johannesburg; via satellite to other HealthNet sites in Africa, plus the United States, Brazil, Cuba, and Australia.
Network objectives: To provide modern computer and communications facilities within the University of Zimbabweþand connectivity to the outside world. A campus backbone is in the planning stage, and financing is being sought.
Network administration: Computer Centre, University of Zimbabwe
Network coordinator: Professor John G. Sheppard, Director, Computer Centre
Postal address: Computer Centre, University of Zimbabwe, PO
Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
Telephone: (263 4) 303211, x1378
Fax: (263 4) 333407 and 335249
Telex: 26580 UNIV ZW
Sysop e-mail address: johnux@zimbix.uz.zw
Days and hours of operation: Zimbix operates on a 24-hour basis, but the modem is only on outside office hours (1245 to 1400 and 1640 to 0800) during the week. On all weekend.
Connected institutions: None at present, but there are outside users who dial in
Services offered: e-mail only, at the moment
Fees: None for UZ staff and approved postgraduate student users. Undergraduates whose place of residence is outside Zimbabwe are allowed to register and pay Z$75.00 per annum. Other, non-UZ, users pay on a per average message basisþabout Z$1.20 per message (US$1=Z$8.2)
Other user requirements/restrictions: No mailing lists without prior approval from sysop. The telephone bills are large enough already!
Number of network users: About 320 at present and growing rapidly
Average number of messages per month: About 10,000 and growing
Average monthly volume (in kilobytes): Probably about 20 Mb
Computer used by node: 386DX, 25 Mhz, 8 megs ram, 100 megs hard drive, which is shortly to be replaced by a 250 meg driveþand later by a SUN Classic
Operating system: SCO Xenix 2.3.4
Communication software: UUCP; ELM; SMAIL
Modem speed: The modem is a Telebit WorldBlazer, which is capable of speeds up to 23,000 bps when talking to another Telebit and using TurboPEP, but the speeds being attained at the moment are only about 4800 bps
Modem protocols supported: V22bis, V23, V32, V32 bis, TurboPEP
Type of link: Dial-up to Rhodes University in South Africa
Orstom UUCP node in Bobo-Dioulasso
Node Name: ouaga.orstom.bf
UUCP/g/v24bis (1 host, 8 users)
Dominique Remy: remy@ouaga.orstom.bf
Voice: +226-971269
Fax: +226-970942
Post: Antenne ORSTOM, 01 BP 171, Bobo-Dioulasso 01
Public FidoNet node, 5:7001/1
John Case
Big Mathata's Fido
Gaborone
Data: +267 373461
9600,CM,XR,V32b,V42b
Public FidoNet node, 5:7021/1
ELNET - Windhoek
Alex Boll
Data: +27 61-239623
Orstom UUCP node in Abidjan
Node Name: cro.orstom.fr
UUCP to abidjan.orstom.fr (about 15 users)
Daniel Begue: begue@abidjan.orstom.fr
Voice: +225 35 50 14
Fax: +225 35 11 55
Post: 29 rue des pecheurs, BP V18, Abidjan
Adiopodoume
Node Name: adiopo.orstom.fr
UUCP to abidjan.orstom.fr (about 4 users)
J. Francois Boyer: boyer@adiopo.orstom.fr
Voice: +225-454170 / 454475 / 453116
Fax: +225-456829
Post: 06 BP 1203 CIDEX 1
APC FidoNet node, 5:7721/1
Node Name: adbabjacos.gn.apc.org
African Development Bank
Post: BP V316 Rue Joseph Anoma
Voice: +225 20 426
Data: +225 20 5111
Joseph Mayega
Node Name: algeria.gn.apc.org
Algeria Net
06 Rue Frederic Mistral Telemly
Algiers
Voice: +213-2-612715
Sid-Ali Bettache: sbettache@algeria.gn.apc.org
Prof. M.A.R. Ghonaimy, EUN Director
FRCU Computer Center
Supreme Council of Universities
Cairo University, Egypt
adeeb@frcu.eun.eg
Voice: +202-5735405
Fax: +202-5728174
Prof. Aly El-Din Hilal
Executive Director, FRCU
Supreme Council of Universities
Cairo University, Egypt
execdir@frcu.eun.eg
Voice and fax: +202-5728174
Cabinet Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC)
Regional Information Technology & Software
Engineering Center (RITSEC)
Dr. Tarek Kamel, Head Communications and
Networks group IDSC/RITSEC
11 A Hassan Sabry Street
Zamalek, Cairo, Egypt
tkamel@idsc.gov.eg (Tarek Kamel, administrative)
ohadary@ritsec.com.eg (Ossama Elhadary, technical)
Voice: +202-3403538
Fax: +202-3412139
Egyptian National STI Network
Academy of Scientific Research & Technology
101 Kasr Al-Ainy St., Cairo
Maged Boulos: mb@estinet.uucp
PO Box 1522, Cairo 11511
Voice: +202-3557253
Fax: +202-3547807
APC FidoNet node
Node Name: ghastinet.gn.apc.org
Ghastinet
Council For Scientific & Industrial Research
PO Box M32
Accra
Voice: +233-31-773315
Mohamed Alhaji Mohamed:
mmohamed@ghastinet.gn.apc.org
Republic of Gambia (GM)
APC FidoNet node
Node Name: achrds.gn.apc.org
African Centre for Human Rights
Raymond Sock
Okairaba Avenue, Banjul
Voice: +220-94525
Hannah Forster: hforster@achrds.gn.apc.org
Public FidoNet node, 5:731/4
Node Name: unics.gn.apc.org
University of Nairobi, Computer Science
Dr G.M. Macharia: gmacharia@unics.gn.apc.org
Data: +254-2-444919
9600,CM,XA,PEP
Public FidoNet node, 5:731/10
ARSO
Nairobi
Edward Chonelwa
+254-2-332944
2400,CM
African Regional Centre for Computing
Node Name: arcc.gn.apc.org
Shem Ochuodho: Shem_Ochuodho@arcc.gn.apc.org
Post: PO Box 58638, Kenyatta University
Nairobi, Kenya
Fido point off Worknet
Transformation Resource Centre
trc@wn.apc.org
probably becoming a Fido node
CNRST in Bamako
Node Name: cnrst.ml
UUCP/g/V22bis to bamako.orstom.fr
Mamadou Diallo Iam: mdiallo@cnrst.ml
Voice: +223-229085
Post: CNRST, BP 3052, Bamako
Public FidoNet node, 5:726/1
Node Name: umcc.gn.apc.org
University of Mauritius Computer Centre
Reduit
Michael Dewson
Data: +230-464-1773
2400,CM
FidoNet node 5:7231/1
Node Name: f1.n7231.z5.fidonet.org
University of Malawi
Post: Chancellor College, Zomba
Data: +265-52241
Paulos Nyirenda: Paulos_Nyirenda@f1.n7231.z5.fidonet.org
For the Mathematics and CS Dept, the address goeth thus:
user@p4.f1.n7231.z5.fidonet.org (usernames take the form
PNyirenda)
University of Eduardo Mondlane
Center for Informatica
Maputo, Mozambique
2400 baud UUCP to Rhodes Univ in RSA
postmaster@dzowo.uem.mz (Americo Muchanga)
venancio@dzowo.uem.mz (Venancio Massingue)
Voice: +258 1 491557
APC node in Nampula
nndc@ugccoop.frcs.alt.za
Voice: +258-6-213980
Fax: +258-6-213975
Post: C/O COCAMO, Box 185, Maputo
Public FidoNet node, 5:7221/1
Maputo
Data: +258 1-415303
Helder Santos
9600 V32bis up 24 hours on a good line
Public FidoNet node, 5:7221/2
Maputo
Data: +258 1-425745
Anibal Maques
9600 V32bis
University of Namibia
Private Bag, Windhoek
Voice: +61-307 2428/9
UUCP node off frcs.alt.za
Eberhard Lisse: el@lisse.na
Katatura State Hospital
Private Bag 13215, Windhoek
Voice: +61 203 2106 / 2107
chung.na Chien-Li Chung
niser.na Namibian Institute of Social and Economic
Research(?)
technam.na Technical College?/Institute of Namibia
pjvdm.na Petrus van der Merwe, in Swakopmund
fuller.na Ben Fuller, at the Univ. of Namibia
Public FidoNet node, 5:7861/104
Lagos
Iyabo Odusote
Data: +234 1-860754
9600,CM,PEP,XA,V32b,V42b
Public FidoNet node, 5:7861/105
Lagos
David Obi
Data: +234 1-523189
9600,CM,XA,V32b,V42b
Public FidoNet node, 5:7861/106
Lagos
Bennett Agbodike
Data: +234 1-832009
9600,CM,XA,V32b,V42b
Unconfirmed UUCP node
Yaba College of Technology, Department of Computer Science, Lagos
UUCP to Italy
Mrs. Iyabo Odusote: root@yaba.cnuce.cnr.it
Post: P.O. Box 2011, Yaba Lagos, Nigeria
Voice: +234 1-860754
Fax: +234 1-823062/860211
FidoNet point, 5:7711/1.25
Bret Harris
Africa Consultants International
Dakar
Orstom UUCP node in Dakar
Node Name: dakar.orstom.sn
UUCP over X.25 (2 hosts, 45 users)
Herve Chevillotte: chevillotte@dakar.orstom.sn
Voice: +221-323476 / 323480
Fax: +221-324307
Post: ORSTOM, BP 1386, Dakar
Orstom/ENSUT UUCP node in Dakar
Node Name: ensut.ensut.sn
UUCP to dakar.orstom.sn (1 host, 4 users)
Christian Clercin: clercin@ensut.ensut.sn
Voice: +221-257528
Fax: +221-255594
Post: Universite de Dakar, BP 5085, Dakar
Orstom/ENSUT-LPA UUCP node in Dakar
Node Name: lpa.ensut.sn
UUCP to dakar.orstom.sn (1 host, 5 users)
Simeon Fongang: fongang@lpa.ensut.sn
Voice: +221-259364
Fax: +221-255594
Post: Universite de Dakar, BP 5085, Dakar-Fann
Orstom/ISRA UUCP node in Dakar
Node Name: belair.orstom.sn
UUCP to dakar.orstom.sn (1 host, 13 users)
Herve Chevillotte: chevillotte@dakar.orstom.sn
Voice: +221-321846 / 326746 / 321063 / 257528
Post: ORSTOM-ISRA, route des Hydrocarbures, Dakar-Hann
Orstom/ISRA-CRODT, UUCP node in Dakar
Node Name: isra.orstom.sn
UUCP direct to orstom.orstom.fr (4 hosts, 15 users)
Andre Pesin: pesin@isra.orstom.fr
Voice: +221-345489
Fax: +221-342792
Post: ISRA/CRODT, BP 2241, Dakar
Orstom/UCAD UUCP node in Dakar
Node Name: anta.univ-dakar.sn
UUCP to orstom.sn (1 host, 4 users)
Richard Emilion: emilion@anta.univ-dakar.sn
Voice: +221-240382
Post: Centre de calcul de l'universite de dakar (UCAD), BP 5005, Dakar
Orstom/RINAUF UUCP node in Dakar
Node Name: mmet.rinaf.sn
UUCP to orstom.sn (1 host, 5 users)
Moustapha Ndiaye: ndiayem@mmet.rinaf.sn
Voice: +221-237068
Orstom/CSE node in Dakar
Node Name: cse.orstom.sn
UUCP to orstom.sn (0 host, 5 users)
Amadou Moktar Dieye: dieye@cse.orstom.sn
Voice: +221-258066
Fax: +221-258168
Post: Centre de Suivi Ecologique, Dakar
Vriezekolk, Eelco
University of Swaziland
Department of Computer Science
Phone Number: +268-84545 / 84011 ext. 211
Fax: +268-85276
Eelco Vriezekolk: eelco@attic.alt.sz
Nejib Abida: abida@tnearn.bitnet
IRSIT
BP 212, Rue Ibn Nadime Cite
Mahrajane, Tunis 1082
Voice: +216-1-787757
Fax: +216-1-787827
APC FidoNet node
Node Name: zango.gn.apc.org
ZANGONET
Zambia Association for Research and Development (ZARD)
Lusaka
Public FidoNet node, 5:7211/1
Node Name: mango.apc.org
MANGO
PO Box 7069, Harare
Rob Borland: rborland@mango.apc.org
Data: +263-4-738692
Voice: +263-4-303211 ext. 1492
*****************************************************************
All methods of communication have their own norms, or rules of etiquette, and e-mail is no exception. In electronic networking, such rules are often referred to as "netiquette." New users may practice poor netiquette without even realizing it, so this section provides a few guidelines, especially for people who want to send long-distance messages to individuals in Africa or to Africa-related mailing lists.
Failure to observe good netiquette can do more than just offend the recipients of your mail; it can waste their money. The reason is that many network nodes must pay long-distance phone bills to exchange international mail, i.e., they pay to receive mail, even if that mail is unsolicited. To make matters worse, these phone bills generally must be paid using scarce hard currency. E-mail abuse has already resulted in more than one node sending out angry messages of objection (in one case, a node administrator saw his communications costs rise to US$300 *per day* as a result of unintentional abuse). Therefore, when sending messages destined for any remote dial-up node, and particularly for those that can scarcely afford to squander any foreign exchange, there are a few things to keep in mind:
+ Try to keep your messages reasonably concise.
+ Try to be quite sure that intended recipients are interested in receiving whatever it is you are sending (e.g., don't send files that haven't been requested by anyone, and try to keep "this is only a test"-type messages to an absolute minimum).
+ Avoid "broadcasting" messages to multiple mailing lists (nobody wants to receive a message 10 times, particularly if it also violates the first two guidelines).
+ To subscribe or unsubscribe from a list, send your request to the administrative address, usually listserv@host, where it will be handled automatically, not to the distribution list itself ("name-of-list"@host), whence it will be distributed to all subscribers and handled indirectly, at best, possibly begrudgingly, and maybe not at all.
These guidelines notwithstanding, don't be afraid to send messages! The whole purpose of bothering with electronic networking is to enhance communication, not inhibit it. Nobody gets involved in networking to become more isolated from the rest of the world; networkers, including those in Africa, want to hear from friends and colleagues around the globe. The point is merely that some sensitivity to economic realities is appreciated.
Other than that, there are just a few additional common points of etiquette to keep in mind when signing on to a bulletin board system and posting messages. Some of these points are peculiar to networking, and others are more like commonsense reminders.
+ If you are new to an electronic conference, it's a good idea to just read it for a little while before adding your own input, so you can get a sense of the style and substance of the "conversation" (remember that these systems are communities like any other).
+ Also, most conferences (and mailing lists) are focused on specific topics. Staying "on topic," or avoiding "topic drift," is good courtesy. Send personal messages to a person, not a list.
+ Only quote from previous messages to the extent necessary in your responses to a mailing list; people don't want to read the same messages over and over to get to the new part at the bottom.
+ Don't type in all capital letters (it's a lot like shouting).
+ This is a common networking admonition: try not to offend, and try not to be easily offended.
+ Similarly, electronic conversations, like their face-to-face counterparts, sometimes get heated. Being critical, even angry, about an idea is fine; acrimoniously attacking people is known as "flaming," and is discouraged.
If these pointers seem obvious to you, your natural thoughtfulness and wisdom will be appreciated throughout the network. When you (inevitably) run into others to whom such courtesies are not so obvious, you can help spread the word.
************************************************************
Glossary
BBS Bulletin Board System. Electronic medium where users dial up and sign on to a host computer, where they can read and post informational items in a "public" area that is accessible to other BBS users, and also can download files of interest, including software programs. Can be organized by subject area. Most bulletin board systems also offer conferences and private e-mail capability. Circuit- Switching system, such as used in a phone call, switching where a dedicated physical circuit path must exist between sender and receiver for the duration of the "call." Conference An electronic discussion format whereby users dial up and sign onto a host computer and can then post items for discussion and respond to those items (and other responses). Responses are shown sequentially, creating an electronic "conversation." Dial-up Switched communications connection established over line the telephone network. DOS Disk Operating System (popular operating environment for personal computers). Download To copy a file from a remote computer to one's own computer. E-Mail Electronic mail. Widely used network application whereby messages are transmitted by various means between sending and receiving computers. Fidonet A PC-based cooperative networking system organized hierarchically by continent, region, node, and point. Gateway A mail routing device that "translates" one set of message protocols to another so that, for instance, Fidonet mail can be forwarded to an Internet recipient. Ground- Set of communications equipment (including a computer station and an antenna) for exchanging data with a satellite. IDD International Direct Dial (telephone line). Internet The world's largest computer network, actually a network of thousands of networks using TCP/IP. LAN Local Area Network. A network covering a relatively small geographic area, such as a campus. Leased A transmission line reserved by a communications line carrier for the private use of a customer. Mailing Similar in some ways to a conference, but messages list are sent to the list's address, which distributes them automatically to all subscribers. Usually focused on a particular topic. Modem A device that converts digital signals into a form suitable for transmission over analog communication facilities and back again into digital form. Stands for "modulator-demodulator." Network Two or more computers (and related equipment) that can communicate with each other over some medium. Node Also known as a host, a computer offering entry to an electronic network, which can route messages and offer other services, such as conferences, for "points" that connect to it. Packet Means by which digital information can be sent using radio radio waves, especially useful where phone lines are very poor or nonexistent. Packet- Means by which nodes share bandwidth by switching intermittently sending units of information (packets). As opposed to circuit-switching, which is data transmission via one dedicated circuit at a time. PC Personal computer. Point In Fidonet, a computer connected to a node. May or may not be able to send messages without the node, depending on particular version of point software used. Protocol Formal set of rules and instructions governing how devices on a network exchange information. SLIP Serial Line Internet Protocol. Allows dial-up telephone link to the Internet. Store-and- Message switching technique whereby messages are forward temporarily held at an intermediate point or points before being passed on to their destinations. Sysop System operator. Individual responsible for running and maintaining a network node. TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. The two best-known Internet protocols, often erroneously thought of as one protocol. Developed by the US Department of Defense in the 1970s. Upload To copy a file from one's own computer to a remote computer. USENET One of the oldest and largest cooperative networks, comprising some 10,000 hosts and 250,000 users. Its primary service is distributing news on an extremely large variety of topics. UUCP Unix to Unix Copy Program. Protocol used for communication between consenting Unix systems, as well as a Unix-based network closely associated with USENET. UUPC A program that emulates the Unix environment for use on DOS-based PCs. WAN Wide Area Network, a network spanning a large geographical area. X25 A digital network standard that defines the packet format for data transfers.
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