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To: NFB R&D Committee
From: Curtis Chong
USIDS002 AT IBMMAIL
Internet: USIDS002@IBMMAIL.COM
Subject: Internet Access for NFB
Greetings:
I take it from the letter sent to us by Dr. Cranmer that our access
to the big "Internet" will be via dial connection and that its
purpose is to receive and print incoming mail only. My assumption
here is that no electronic replies are planned to be forthcoming
from the National Center.
Here are some questions that we need to consider (I'm really good
at asking questions as opposed to answering them):
1. Are we saying that NFB should obtain its own Internet address
and symbolic address (such as NFB.ORG)?
2. Currently, NFB receives some Internet mail via its connection
to Fido Net. Do I take it correctly that this connection may
be regarded as too slow or too closely related to NFB-NET?
3. A variety of support issues need to be considred. It is one
thing to set up the system. (I personally recommend Brian
Buhrow to accomplish the task in view of his experience
setting up the Internet connection in California that is used
by this committee.) However, who will be responsible for the
day-to-day operation of our Internet mail receiver? This is
not something that can function as a "lights out" operation.
Will the server run under DOS or UNIX? If UNIX, does this
mean that someone at the Center will have to learn how to use
this operating system or will the Committee commit to having
someone available who can be reached by phone should the
server run into problems?
Frankly, I think it would be really neat for NFB to have its own
Internet address--as long as we properly implement the support
function that will be necessary. Other large organizations can be
reached by Internet. There is no reason why we shouldn't emulate
their example.
Cordially, Curtis Chong (CURTC)
Communication Software Support Group (CSSG) Phone: 612/671-2185
IDS Financial Services, IDS Tower-10, OP4/591
Minneapolis, MN 55440
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