Section VI
Choosing Communications Software

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1. What are the most popular communications software packages?
2. Can on-line software also be used for off-line purposes (and vice versa)?
3. Where can I get these packages? Are they locally available?

There are a multitude of packages. At least one will meet your needs. Some are called 'shareware' or 'freeware'; many others are commercial. As the name implies, shareware packages tend be cheaper because they are created and distributed specifically for non-commercial use.

These packages provide either on-line or off-line access to networks.

On-line access to networks

Software packages for on-line use are general purpose communications programs which can be used to access more than one network. Users accessing networks on an interactive basis tend to stay connected longer to the network. As a result, these on-line packages tend to be used by countries which have easy access to telephone lines, cheaper or free local calls and to more than one network.

Off-line access to networks

This type of link provides non-interactive access to computer networks. Software for off-line access is configured for a specific network. Off-line access software cannot be used to connect to other networks providing off-line access without significantly changing its configuration. Packages used for this type of link are also known as off-line readers (OLR).

This type of link tends to require very short telephone calls lasting usually just a few minutes, depending on the amount of e-mail being sent and received. The software automates most exchanges with the network. Users who need to make long distance calls to access networks can save money with this type of link. In many cases service providers can help configure the software for your specific modem. Once this is done, only a few commands are needed to start computer communications with the host computer.

Here are some examples of software packages providing:

On-line access
Procomm
Telix
Crosstalk for Windows
MicroPhone II (for Macintosh)
ZTerm (for Macintosh)
Telemate
Qmodem
Panther 2.0

Off-line access
FrontDoor 2.02
PCCorreo
Easy Mail
Waffle
HyperAccess 5
UUPC
Marimba
Pegasus Mail

Can on-line software also be used for off-line purposes and vice versa?

No. As a rule, communications software is designed specifically for either off-line or on-line use. There are a number of exceptions to this rule, however. For example, some Fidonet software packages work both ways, and the CompuServe Information Manager allows the user to write mail on-line as well as off-line.

Where can I get these packages? Are they locally available?

E-mail service providers

They often provide free software for users. All you may have to do is register with them.

BBSs

There are thousands of public access bulletin boards, or BBSs. Many of these store communications packages (mostly shareware). You may want to check with others who use these systems and order similar packages for yourself.

The Internet

Some computers accessible via the Internet store various kinds of publicly available software. These programs can be accessed via Gopher by e-mail. Since accessing these sources requires some practice, your first communications package is unlikely to be one which is downloaded from the Internet.

Commercial outlets

Finally, if the package you want is not available as shareware, many commercial software packages are sold in computer shops. One of them is bound to suit your communications needs.

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@t ease with email Copyright NGLS/UNCTAD, FES, 1995 UNCTAD/NGLS/55

Published by United Nations Non-Governmental Liaison Service (NGLS) and The Friedrich Ebert Foundation, New York