AVCNet FAQ

(Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the purpose of AVCNet?
The Androscoggin Valley Community Network is a collaborative organization composed of information providers and information consumers in the Lewiston/Auburn area. The purpose of AVCNet is to facilitate the electronic dissemination of information between area residents, educational institutions, community organizations, and businesses, to promote the growth of telecommunications, and to foster a greater sense of community through communication.

What is AVCNet?
AVCNet is a free, shared computer service. By coordinating existing services and supplementing them as needed, AVCNet improves residents' access to local information and builds a local electronic community.

How does it work?
1. Local Bulletin Board Systems (BBSs) receive support from Bates College in the form of a "store and forward" e-mail and newsgroup transfers. This allows all participants in the system to share information, files and resources.

2. AVCNet runs its own servers providing:

• An organized single starting point for finding local information on World Wide Web servers around the area, state, and country.
• Low cost space where residents can set up personal "home pages".
• Free e-mail accounts at the Lewiston Public Library for patrons who don't have computers and modems at home.
• Electronic mailing lists where residents can discuss topics of local interest or receive up-to-date information in their mailboxes.

How can I access AVCNet?
To access AVCNet, you need a computer and a modem hooked to your telephone, or similar computer-to-computer communications. You dial a local telephone number that connects you to an AVCNet system, or you can get a connection to a local Internet Service Provider (ISP). Each system is unique to itself, but all share resources and capabilities.

Is AVCNet just another bulletin board?
AVCNet makes use of the shared resources of a number of people and services in central Maine. While users do connect to local BBS's or ISPs, they have the ability to share resources with all AVCNet members. In this way, local services operators can have flexibility, and all users can share services.

How can I try out AVCNet?
The following agencies are active participants in AVCNet. You can sign up with any of the following systems and be able to send and share information. You will need to set your computer and modem to contact these systems, and you may want to try more than one before making your final decision. If you want access to the Internet, not just to e-mail and electronic newsgroups, you may want to get an account with a local ISP.

BBS                       Sysop                      Modem Telephone Number

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L/A PC-Forvm              Bob Leduc and Dave Grondin 777-1317



Oak Hill High School      Roger Fuller               375-4930



Leavitt Area High School  Wendy Fazio                225-3069

97.03.23 jah