CommunityNet Newsflash - Autumn 1995.

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Summers should be a time for relaxing on beaches, but at the Vancouver Community Network, the region's community information network, hardworking volunteers were busily preparing the most dramatic improvements to the system since it officially came online one year ago this month. The whole system became part of the World Wide Web and became much, much faster, thanks to the addition of a new main computer.

There's also good news for anyone who's found busy signals on the CommunityNet dialup lines to be a problem. Late this year the CommunityNet will be adding 20 new lines, to help address its most common complaint. All in time to celebrate the CommunityNet's first anniversary of serving the community!

By now you've probably heard of the World Wide Web, the exciting new way to use your home or office computer to get information from all over the world. Now, through the CommunityNet, you'll be able to get online information from sources a little closer to home.

As of this September the CommunityNet's entire collection of community information has become part of the Web, the fastest-growing information system on the planet. And this move opens a two-way door - not only can CommunityNet users access the full range of pages on the Web, but anyone with access to the Web can now check out local community information with their favourite Web browser!

This move also makes it easier for community groups in the region to get information online. Any non-profit organization in the Vancouver area will be able to sign up with the CommunityNet to get a free Web page, along with the email access the CommunityNet already offers.

To check out these pages point your Web browser to this address:

http://www.vcn.bc.ca/

Newer, Faster, Better!

The new machine is here! As many of you have noticed, the CommunityNet's old main computer was straining to keep up with tremendous community demand. At peak periods the system's response time was extremely slow because of all the people online, and the CommunityNet apologizes to all of its users for the very trying delays this sometimes caused.

To fix this problem the CommunityNet upgraded its main computer to a brand new box - a top of the line Sun Sparc 20 - eliminating any slowness or waits. The new high-performance machine is now online!

This new server was purchased through the generous support and contributions from CommunityNet members and many donor organizations in the community. The CommunityNet particularly thanks Human Resources Development Canada for their assistance.

This year will also see the addition of 20 new CommunityNet dialup lines, to help relieve the busy signal problem. Once again, the CommunityNet apologizes to its members and users, but unfortunately funding the lines is proving to be a real challenge.

Last year the CommunityNet asked BCTel for the most cost-effective way to run its dialup lines. Following their recommendations the CommunityNet moved its phone lines to a system known as Centrex in conjunction with the Vancouver Public Library.

Then, this summer, BCTel suddenly told the CommunityNet (and various unrelated Internet systems in town) that they weren't allowed to use Centrex systems with modems anymore, and forced everyone to change. The CommunityNet has now lost all of its installation investment, and its phone rates are going up by almost three times. And, unlike a commercial provider, the CommunityNet can't simply pass on this cost to its users.

Naturally this staggering and very abrupt increase in telephone line charges - the Vancouver CommunityNet is being charged some of the highest rates in the country compared with other Canadian community networks - has put a severe dent into the CommunityNet's modem expansion plans, which is why only 20 new lines will be coming on-stream late this year.

Unfortunately there still won't be enough lines to meet demand even with the planned expansion, and so the CommunityNet is eagerly looking for any groups or companies that would like to sponsor a CommunityNet dialup line. Until then, you might want to set your computer to redial automatically and relax over a coffee until you can get in!

What if you don't have a computer at work or home? What if you can't afford to get online? What if you'd like to get your online feet wet without investing in an expensive new computer? The CommunityNet has the answer to all of these questions - CommunityNet public access sites!

The CommunityNet is working with libraries and community groups throughout the Lower Mainland to bring free public access terminals to your neighbourhood. Such public access terminals are a very important part of the CommunityNet's vision of - and commitment to - helping provide equal online access for everyone, not just people who can afford it.

Already you can use the CommunityNet from the central branch of the Vancouver Public Library, Richmond Public Library - Brighouse Branch, Britannia Community Centre and many other locations. Check the CommunityNet for the most recent list. This list will be at the Web address below:

http://www.vcn.bc.ca/vcn/public-access/

If you have a modem and a computer, simply set your computer to dial this number:

(604) 257-8778.

Make sure that your computer is set to VT100 emulation with 8 data bits, 1 stop bit and no parity. (Your computer's modem software manual will explain these terms.) Once you're connected simply log in to the CommunityNet as "guest".

If you already have access to the Internet through work or school, you can telnet directly to the CommunityNet at:

vcn.bc.ca

Either way, welcome aboard the CommunityNet! Remember that although CommunityNet doesn't require payment from its users, it runs on an honour system and expects every user with the means to make a contribution to the system's upkeep.

If you want to visit the CommunityNet's growing collection of Web pages, point your favourite browser to:

http://www.vcn.bc.ca/

If you'd like to consult our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) files, check out:

http://www.vcn.bc.ca/help/non-tech-faq/

Finally, you can send CommunityNet email to [email protected] or, if you absolutely can't reach the CommunityNet by any of these electronic routes, you can phone (604) 257-3811. Good luck, and see you online!

- Neil K. Guy, Vancouver Community Network Association Systems Design Chair and Webmeister.