On-Line #35 05 мая 1996

ZXNet     Интервью

ZXNet - Teleconference interview with the coordinator of the network ZXNet.

                  ZXNet


(C) ZX-SHADOW

(C) ALEX (Research)


   Hi everyone, everything and everyone!


   ZX-SHADOW wants to share his thoughts on the topic NETWORK
Sisopov and users of the network. This article - something like
small teleconference interview with the coordinator of the 
network ZXNet. 


   ZX-SHADOW: THE FIRST THOUGHT, and hopefully not the last 
one: I have (yes and not only for me) happened quite strong 
opinion that ZXNet almost does not work, and recalls the 
paralytic from birth, ie, stable brain works intensively 
feeding signals to all parts of body, the rest will all work 
discordantly, if ever, works. All the body occasionally cringe 
because of the presence of different kinds of parasites. In 
general, want to cry! 


   ALEX: You are 90% right. When you create a network of many 
of the chase romance of the network life. Result: Several 
stations were closed, and there are 15 of their network 
functions are performed at full volume, only 8. 


   ZX-SHADOW: THE SECOND THOUGHT (resulting from the first): As
This system is not working, it is logical to ask - why? And why 
it works FIDO? Why I'm running FIDONET nevponyatkah, why not 
work ZXNet you might think. 


   In my opinion, the reason lies in the basics of network 
devices. Explain, simply, everything is based on honesty sysop, 
in the sense of that he (sysop) must be such as Alex, that is, 
very responsible, serious, and should find somewhere in time 
for the BBS. And since Alex one like him quite a bit, I would 
say there is little, the network does not work. Strict 
discipline is not and every attempt to kill her no one to 
prevent, from a ZXNet chills and cringe, and assaults on Alexa 
- highly rudeness, this Anonym feet so the kidneys. 


   ALEX: The device networks have similar FIDONET, but it works
FIDONET just because there are before you sign
station checks its hardware and software (postal and 
telecommunications) equipment and how it all works. Naturally, 
that anyhow, who the network will not be included on the Rights 
of the station. We have the immediately rushed to register the 
network station. 


   A good example - STS (the very first clock BBS in Moscow and 
is still (!) Works). Man, as I understand, is responsible. He 
did not log into the network, because a sober look at their 
opportunities. And in terms of survivability stations (as 
computers and modems were asleep) - this is a true sysop with a 
capital letter! 


   Like I said - in the network, we do not keep. Better at once 
to themselves to decide: whether to give their resources for a 
common cause and deal with it seriously, and then negotiate a 
registration station name in the. Maybe easier to just open the 
BBS is not included in network?



   ZX-SHADOW: THOUGHT THREE (global): (Gorbachevsky voice)
We should seek a consensus! In other words have come up with 
another scheme exchange of information. The ideal would be nice 
to all automated, ie trust the machine. To organize something 
in the nature of the index, or the file name, or at the very 
beginning of the text. And something come up until I find it 
difficult to throw a concrete idea for automatic sorting and 
shipping. Although this is impossible, but that anything to 
facilitate sorting. 


   Now, reach me a rumor that dead hour, many do not comply. I 
propose a solution - a rough and rude I think. Add extra half 
an hour before work and then BBS sysop be able to throw the 
post immediately before the server.



   ALEX: ... now get some consensus ... The third thought just 
two questions for which answers (and some moments of the first)

have little to draw your attention.


   - In the email there is such a thing as Routing
(Routing e-mail). Postal exchange set
so as to reduce the number of hops between stations.


   How is the writing on the network - the user should not be 
interested. Most important for him that the letter came. That's 
what she and the network so that the user was comfortable. We, 
as in FIDONET, there is a map of parameters, and routing mail 
exchange between stations, there is also a list of users with 
their e-mail addresses. Network lists (as in FIDONET) weekly

adjusted coordinator network. Availability of such information 
gives opportunity to send e-mail (again, as in FIDONET) 
directly, bypassing intermediate stations. The general post 
office (for all) is sent to all stations on the routing sheet, 
ie chain (To unload sisopov).



   Hence, users have the illusion that the network does not 
work. They do not see how the exchange station between them. On 
the other hand, I, as the regional coordinator, there were no 
signals that someone's personal letter never reached the 
addressee. Under the Charter of the network - a crime the 
number one and sysop is responsible for this. 


   Once again (as the frequent changes in routing individuals I 
reproached and consider this inability to cope with the 
network): correction of routing - the main duty of the 
coordinator. In all networks, even in the INTERNET, such 
adjustment shall be reviewed weekly or as if necessary (cable, 
for example, interrupted) - immediately. 


   About an hour postal network: as We have a lot less than 
daily stations according to a new routing, the next station 
themselves among themselves agree on the time information 
exchange. Here's to you and answer the question of the exchange 
scheme. By the way, I personally have really set aside for 
manual exchange it before the server. 


   - About automation ... Vexed question. It should be noted 
that all networks postal exchange is automated. In addition to 
terminal programs, BBS installed on all the so-called 
program-mailer (from angl.MAIL - mail). They who are engaged in 
e-mail exchange. Mailer is responsible for the calls, and calls 
himself, handles incoming and outgoing mail. All operations are 
performed automatically. When configuration is given: when and 
where he will call himself when will respond to calls. Well 
established and ED COMMUNICATIONS ECHO PROCESSOR. As you can 
see that the station operates, we must have three to four 
interrelated and debugged program. Mail is not as a text file 
and the file is a special format (the newsgroups - the original 
database, sorted by item Title Subject).



   That was when we lose, because on the Spectrum do
virtually impossible. The only thing that can be improved - to 
enter into the program a little vever to view the first six 
rows text (left to rely on conscious users, correctly 
indicating the address in the header file). Incidentally, in 
this case, the sysop may not even be reading your letter, and 
immediately send it on. 


   ZX-SHADOW: FOUR THOUGHT (Classic): Well, thinker - you sigh, 
but it is bigotry, so do not judge strictly. Now will express 
their thoughts about parasites: 


   Parasites are vermin, and Africa, but against the low 
activity of ZX people, and what disturbance they cause in all, 
just a diva Give! But it is evil and must be eradicated. A 
complete control over user experience, while preserving the 
information anywhere else, will help evaluate pest and disrupt 
his criminal activities. 


   As you can see, without the appearance of appropriate 
software and improvements there are not enough. Should also be 
an idea. Alex will have to somehow all this is to coordinate 
and direct brightest minds in the right direction.



   ALEX: The issue of software is very complicated. Although I 
have collected some material and suggestions. From all this, 
given the reality of placing on the ZX and the feasibility of, 
worked out the easiest way to improve the C-DOS to deal with 
bullies. Efficiency - 100%. 


   A steeper freaks (automatic registration of new
users, setting limits exchange for a particular user, etc.) to 
interfere with our good TR-DOS, which does not allow for 
segmented files and leaves a "hole" on the disk the destruction 
of the file. 


   As for network management can be sure, I work (co-ordinators 
and sysops who are really "plow" will confirm this). On 
Fortunately, the shaft post exchange is not observed. And what 
about network BBS (no offense) - better fewer stations, but 
better. 


   And finally, a short digression concerning the registration 
of users on the network ZXNet. To call on the BBS networks, not 
necessarily have a network address. Call, swing, etc. But for 
forwarding your mail (if you are not registered and have a 
network address) network is not responsible. Moreover, Your 
Message, and so the servers will be erased. The right 
correspondence via external global network will be registered 
users ZXNet, under 16 years of age (or younger, but known to 
all on the positive side). About the beginning of a periodic 
e-mail exchange you will learn from ONLINE. 


   About the exchange of information: The network of stations 
will be placed a list of areas and topics. You can choose the 
section you are interested in and through the sysop to request 
information. 


   ZX-SHADOW: This enable otklanyatsya!

                      Thinker - ZX-SHADOW
                      ZXNet 095:4789108 .. 5556189
                      Being questioned - ALEX (R.)
                      ZXNet 095:1641684 ..