Logan Daily News

Net Watch
by Bob Green

Last week I was asked what appeared to be a simple question. Answering the question proved to be quite a challenge. The query regarded the difference between CompuServe, an online computer service, and the Internet. I stumbled around for several minutes trying to explain and I think I confused the inquirer as much as I did myself. To recapture my confidence, I've decided to study deeper into the issue and do a writeup on it. Just a couple of months ago, my answer was relatively simple; the Internet is a local call with a local access provider in Logan, and CompuServe is long distance. Even though CompuServe offers some very attractive services, those long distance phone bills can kill you. That was my complete summary in a nutshell. Internet wins hands down, forget CompuServe.

The waters have been muddied with the fact that you can now connect to CompuServe through most Internet access numbers. For details, you'll have to contact your local Internet service provider or CompuServe customer support. Of course Logan residents have to have an account with Hocking Internet or Hocking Hills Net which runs less than thirty dollars per month at the current time. CompuServe will charge you around ten dollars per month for basic service, but without the long distance bills, it might be a good bargain for you or your business.

Getting down to what the differences are between the two networks, one of the first and most obvious differences is size. CompuServe has a limited number of sites and computers, compared to the hundreds of thousands of computers (millions maybe) and sites that span the globe with the Internet. The second major difference is how the two networks were started.

The Internet was started by the Department of Defense in 1969 and by 1972 had fifty universities and research facilities connected together into what was then called ARPANET. It has expanded exponentially over the years and a unique Internet "community" developed consisting mainly of scientists, professors, upwardly mobile college students, and of course the ever present government entities. For the most part this group of individuals relished the freedom from commercialism that existed for many years on the Net. The thought that some day their precious land of enchantment would someday be despoiled by crass commercialism and ignorant people was utterly appalling. In other words they were an elitist bunch that didn't have to worry about the cost because it was being supported by the tax dollars of the rest of us. When business did begin to appear on the Net, many of the "elitists" fought long and hard to prevent it. When newbees (beginners) ventured into the Internet and began to make their voices heard, they quite often became the objects of well educated scorn and flames (typed verbal abuse). Much has changed over the past few years and businesses are moving in droves to stake a place in the Net. User friendly search services like Search.com that I talked about in last weeks column are making the Internet a much more friendly and productive experience for even relatively inexperienced users. One thing to keep in mind with the Internet is that business and entertainment for more "common folk" was not the original intention. If either of these pursuits are your main purpose, you can expect roadblocks and difficulties along the way. If pillaging the domain of those who hold themselves higher than anybody else interests you, perseverance on your part will expose many riches to be had in their land of virtual reality.

CompuServe on the other hand was designed from the ground up to serve the needs of business people and families. It is designed to help the common person get quickly to the areas of their particular need. For an example, at the top of the welcome screen is a button with a sun and some clouds that a user can press to get an up to the minute weather report. In addition, you can get today's headline news, or go to several different entertainment sections, etc. Seldom ever do users run into the slowdowns that are experienced regularly in the Internet. I personally keep an account with CompuServe along with my Internet account. I've found that if I need information about a particular company's software or hardware, I can quickly go to that company's personnel and ask them whatever questions need asked. Within an hour or two, I'll typically get my answer. As an example, last week I couldn't get one of my software programs to start up. It came up with this stupid unintelligible message about a file that was missing in the software. I copied the message and opened CompuServe. I typed in the company's name and low and behold, within a minute or two that company's logo appeared on the screen and I was able to type in the error message. Within an hour, technical support personnel typed a response that solved the problem. Whereas the Internet probably houses the same information somewhere, it's much easier to get it quickly from a specialized service like CompuServe.

I'd like to digress for a moment or two onto something that I saw on TV last week that really provoked me. First of all, I am a marketing person by trade and I know what goes into developing an "image" and how powerful those images can be in our subconscious minds. The show was about the Ruby Ridge incident. One masterfully crafted scene showed some rough looking bikers on Harleys revving their engines, skinheads with swastika arm bands and fists raised in the air, and in the very center of that scene was a group of comparatively normal people singing a Christian hymn. Now I don't know about you, but all of the Christians I know would have avoided joining efforts with a group like that like the plague. In my estimation, this was one of a continuing series of pathetic attempts to connect Christians in people's minds with radical right wing hate groups. When I think of wonderful people of faith like my Aunt Helen, her sweet spirit, her strong faith, and the many people of all colors she helped and influenced with a life of giving, it makes me ill to think others like her are being classified with Nazis. Maybe you have an Aunt Helen, or an Uncle Jim, or a brother or a son that holds a strong Christian faith. Is it just me or do these subliminal attacks sicken you as well? Send me an E-mail (mdpine@brutus.bright.net).

Elitists of all flavors would like to have control over others "less fortunate" than themselves. They would like to pick your words and your actions and your beliefs (and your pockets) for you. Don't you dare encroach upon their world, either. . .NOT!! Speak the truth you know and let your voice be heard! My space is up, so surf safe and I'll see you next week.