Subject: FAQ: CFS Electronic Resources
Supersedes: <medicine/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/cfs-electronic-resources_826335481@rtfm.mit.edu>
Date: 8 Apr 1996 18:21:44 GMT
Summary: This posting describes where chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) 
          resources can be found online on all networks, including 
          Internet, Usenet, BBSs, Fidonet, America Online, Compuserve, 
          Prodigy, GEnie, and Free-nets.
X-Last-Updated: 1995/03/04

Posting-Frequency: monthly
Last-updated: 1994/10/1


                         CFS / ME ELECTRONIC RESOURCES
                    The CFS/ME Computer Networking Project

                  "A Guide to the Many Information Resources
                          Available via Computer for
             Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / Myalgic Encephalomyelitis"

                            -----------------------

                       Second Edition:  October 1, 1994

                         ____________________________


                                   CONTENTS


                             *** INTRODUCTION ***
                     1. CFS/ME Information and Networking
                     2. The CFS/ME Computer Networking Project

                           *** USING A COMPUTER ***
                     3. Buying a computer
                     4. Reaching the networks with your computer

                         *** ELECTRONIC RESOURCES ***
                     5. News sources
                          A. News sources.
                          B. Easy access to news sources.
                          C. Self-service access to news sources and
                             other Internet services.
                     6. Physicians' discussion group
                     7. CFS/ME electronic discussion and support
                          A. Fidonet conference
                          B. Commercial services
                                 America Online
                                 CompuServe
                                 GEnie
                                 Prodigy
                          C. Internet
                          D. Usenet
                          E. Free-Nets
                     8. Information files
                          A. BBSs
                          B. Commercial networks
                          C. Internet

                          *** FURTHER INFORMATION ***
                      9. For further information
                     10. Credits and copyright notice

         -------------------------------------------------------------
               The printing and distribution of this edition of
                "CFS/ME Electronic  Resources" is made possible
          through a grant from the CFIDS Buyers Club (800-366-6056).
         Design contributed by Matt Straznitskas of BrainBUG Graphics.
         -------------------------------------------------------------


             ==================  INTRODUCTION  ==================

1. CFS/ME information and networking

A growing number of CFS/CFIDS/ME patients, support groups, and doctors are
exchanging news and information rapidly on computer networks.  The following
CFS/ME-related services are available:

* NEWS SOURCES -- Support groups and other organizations exchange news articles
via electronic mail.  One advantage to this exchange is that when support
groups want to reprint an article in their newsletter, it won't need to be
retyped.

* DISCUSSION GROUPS -- Many individual CFS/ME patients participate in general
discussion groups on the computer networks and on Bulletin Board Systems
(BBSs).  Much information and support are exchanged.  These discussions, which
are an excellent resource for those who are homebound or otherwise unable to
attend support group meetings, take place on many networks, several of which
are accessible at no charge.

* INFORMATION FILES -- There are information files available containing
articles from medical journals and previous editions of the CFIDS Chronicle,
documents from NIH, advice on coping, disability, Social Security, etc.

This document lists where in the electronic world these resources can be found,
and how to find or sign up for the various systems that have them.

Please remember that most of the news and information that appears on the
computer networks is the result of important efforts made by our national and
local support organizations.  If we want to hear good news, and help to create
it, we must support and participate in the organizations that are working to
help us.  Please join and sustain your support and advocacy organizations.


2. The CFS/ME Computer Networking Project

The CFS/ME Computer Networking Project (referred to in this document as the
Project) is comprised of patient volunteers who are the CFS section leaders
from major computer networks.  They assist in exchanging news and information
on computer networks, and offer help in finding electronic CFS/ME resources on
these networks.  They established and operate the CFS Newswire service (see
Section 5 which follows).  The Project's current members are: Roger Burns
(Internet); Lucie Dorais (GEnie); Maryka Ford (Prodigy); Molly Holzschlag
(Project founder); Ed Isenberg (CompuServe); and Sandy Shaw (Fidonet).  The
Project's postal addresses are listed in Section 10.  It can be contacted on
Internet at cfs-me@sjuvm.stjohns.edu and by Fido netmail at CFS-ME at
1:163/221.

     ==============  USING A COMPUTER ==============

3. Buying a computer

There are many things you should know about before buying a computer.  This
guide cannot present all of the advice you should have about computer
purchases, so we suggest that you read a beginner's book such as "Your First
Computer" by Alan Simpson (Sybex publishers, tel. (800) 227-2346 or
1-510-523-8233).  Study up and be prepared to put good questions to your
computer salesmen before making your purchase.

Important questions to consider are: should you buy a PC (i.e., an IBM
compatible) or a Mac? (factors being price, ease of use, compatibility with
systems at your work place); storage needs ("hard disk" size, choose a size
that is bigger than you think you'll need at first); peripheral hardware
(modem, video, printer); and software (programs which enable the computer to do
specific tasks).  To access the electronic resources featured in this guide,
you must have at least a modem and some communication software (discussed in
the next section).

You'll probably need more advice after you've made your purchase. There are
excellent books on most hardware and software.  It will also be extremely
useful to get advice from experienced fellow computer owners.  To find local PC
users' groups, phone the automated information system at 1-914-876-6678.  For
Mac users' groups, USA residents can phone (800) 538-9696.


4. Reaching the networks with your computer

To reach the various network information resources and discussion groups, your
computer will need a device called a "modem", which translates computer data
into signals which can be transmitted through phone lines to other computers,
and "communications software", which enables your computer to operate the
modem.

Some advice on purchasing: a 14,400 baud modem is currently the best buy for
your money.  The higher rates a commercial network might charge are more than
offset by the much faster rate at which the modem operates, therefore saving
you money.  If you use one of the commercial networks (see section 7-B which
follows), they offer communications software that allow you to reach them more
efficiently.  For general communications software which can access most
systems, including local BBSs, some popular brands are Procomm Plus and Cross
Talk.


              ==============  ELECTRONIC RESOURCES ==============

5. News services

A. News sources.  The CFS Newswire service of the CFS/ME Computer Networking
Project enables support groups and others to exchange news articles and other
newsworthy material for use in composing CFS/ME newsletters.  News material
intended for distribution is electronically submitted to the Newswire editors
for review and prospective release.  The Newswire is based on the Internet, the
overall network which connects most other computer networks together.  It is
thus accessible from America Online, CompuServe, Free-Net, GEnie, MCI-MAIL,
Prodigy and other services.  See subsections B and C immediately below for
instructions on how to get the Project's Newswire service.

There is also an informal "newswire" procedure on the Fidonet no-cost network
of BBSs.  Anyone can post material to Fidonet's CFS "echo" (or conference) with
the subject heading of NEWSWIRE, and that material will be posted to all of the
100+ BBSs that carry the CFS "echo".  The Project will exchange messages
between the informal Fidonet newswire and the Project's Internet-based
Newswire.  However, only those items that have been accepted by the Project's
review procedure will be distributed on the Project's Internet-based Newswire.
For a description of the Fidonet CFS "echo", see section 7-A which follows.

The CFS-NEWS Electronic Newsletter provides current medical research updates
and other news for the CFS community.  It is published at least once every
calendar month.  The newsletter is posted to the CFS "echo" on Fidonet, and is
also available as USENET newsgroup bit.listserv.cfs.newsletter although this
may change soon (for current information, contact the editor listed below.)  On
Internet it is available as listname CFS-NEWS at Listserv nodename
LIST.NIH.GOV.  For instructions on getting CFS-NEWS through the Internet, see
section 5-C which follows or send an e-mail inquiry to editor Roger Burns at
address CFS-NEWS@LIST.NIH.GOV.  For access to the Internet, see section 7-C
which follows (and note that the commercial services described in section 7-B
can access Internet).  The newsletter is on file on the Project ENABLE BBS,
tel. 1-304-759-0727, file area 23.  Back issues are also available on Internet
(contact the editor) and on CompuServe and GEnie.

"Catharsis" is a CFS electronic newsmagazine which focuses on personal health,
intellect and creativity for the CFS community.  The magazine is posted to the
CFS "echo" on Fidonet.  On Internet it is available as listname CATHAR-M at
Listserv nodename SJUVM.STJOHNS.EDU.  For instructions on getting Catharsis
through the Internet, see subsection C which follows or send an e-mail inquiry
to the editor listed below.  The newsletter is on file on the MEDBASE/CFS
Tucson BBS at 1-602-790-7420.  Back issues are also available on Internet and
on CompuServe and GEnie.  For inquiries, contact editor Molly Holzschlag via
Internet at CATHAR-M@SJUVM.STJOHNS.EDU or by postal mail at the Electronic
Information Exchange, PO Box 42225, Tucson, AZ 85733-2225, USA or at Fidonet
Molly.Holzschlag at 1:300/23.

B. Easy access to news sources.  Contact the Project (see the last paragraph of
Section 2 above) or any CFS section leader listed in the service descriptions
in Section 7 which follows.  They can arrange for you to get the requested
service.

C. Self-service access to news sources and other Internet services.  Aside from
the "easy" method described above, the more adventurous may arrange to obtain
these resources by themselves by using the following instructions.  (These
instructions are for the Newswire and other message-based services.  For
information files, see Section 8 which follows.)  Access through the no-cost
Fidonet network is described in section 7-A (newswires are posted as messages
to the CFS "echo" discussion group).

Because there are several Internet-based services described in this document,
this subsection will serve as a general reference for how to obtain Internet
services, using the CFS Newswire as an example.  Remember that the CFS Newswire
service and most other CFS/ME resources on Internet can also be reached from
most of the many computer services described in Section 7 which follows.
Check with your service's support staff for specific guidance on how to send
Internet mail.

There is an automated procedure on Internet called "Listserv" which will enable
you to get on the mailing list for the Newswire, or for other Internet
services.  If you send a "subscribe" command to a Listserv address by e-mail,
the Listserv will sign you up for the service you designate in the command, as
explained below.  The word "subscribe" merely refers to adding one's address to
a mailing list.  There is no extra cost for using Listserv-based services other
than the use of e-mail.

In order to subscribe to a service or discussion group via Listserv, you must
know the service's "listname" and its "Listserv nodename".  (These names are
shown throughout this document.)  Use Internet electronic mail to create a
message which has the following general form:

   SUB listname YourFirstName YourLastName

and send it to the Internet address which has the general form
LISTSERV@<nodename> .  For example, suppose Ms. Sally Forth wishes to sign up
for the CFS Newswire service.  The listname for the CFS Newswire is CFS-WIRE
and its Listserv nodename is SJUVM.STJOHNS.EDU.  Ms. Forth should create an
e-mail message which says

   SUB CFS-WIRE Sally Forth

and send it to the address LISTSERV@SJUVM.STJOHNS.EDU .  Instructions about how
to submit material for posting will then automatically be sent, as will all
future Newswire postings.  Be sure that the subscription message is typed
precisely and with no other written text, since it is being sent to a machine
which will only respond to the correct command words and will be confused by
any other material.

Other CFS/ME services are also available on Internet including the CFS-NEWS
electronic newsletter, the "Catharsis" newsmagazine, the CFS-L discussion group
and more.

As a second example, if Mr. John Doze wishes to sign up for the CFS-L
discussion group, which is based at Listserv nodename LIST.NIH.GOV, he should
send the e-mail message

   SUB CFS-L John Doze

to the Internet address LISTSERV@LIST.NIH.GOV .  Again, if there is some
difficulty, contact any CFS section leader as shown throughout Section 7 below
to have these arrangements made for you.  To obtain a general help file about
how to use Internet and Listserv, send the command GET CFS NET-HELP as an
e-mail message to the Internet address LISTSERV@SJUVM.STJOHNS.EDU.


6. Physicians' discussion group

A discussion group for medical doctors and other health professionals will
begin in October 1994.  It will be accessible through the Internet, and through
the many computer services which have Internet e-mail (see section 7-C below).
To subscribe to the group, contact the group's moderator Roger Burns at
Internet address CFS-MED@LIST.NIH.GOV.  Or to sign up directly, send a message
which says

   SUB CFS-MED YourFirstName YourLastName

as an e-mail message to the Internet address LISTSERV@LIST.NIH.GOV.  For
further help, read the sign-up example in section 5-C above, using listname
CFS-MED and nodename LIST.NIH.GOV.  Or again, contact the moderator at address
CFS-MED@LIST.NIH.GOV.


7. CFS/ME electronic discussion and support

CFS/ME network discussion groups are more than just a way to exchange the most
up to date information on research, advocacy and treatment.  Close friendships
often develop between people who share tips on coping and provide sympathy and
understanding at any hour of the day or night.  These electronic support groups
are a valuable resource to many who are housebound or who have no local support
group to attend.

A. Fidonet conference.  Fidonet is a volunteer, world-wide network of over
20,000 personal computer BBSs which can be accessed by anyone with a personal
computer and a modem.  The CFS "echo" (i.e., discussion group) can be reached
at any of the 200 BBSs shown on the accompanying tables.  The vast majority of
these BBSs are accessible free of charge.  However, Fidonet messages take a day
or two for distribution, rather than mere minutes as on the commercial networks
and the Internet.  For advice or assistance, post a message to the conference
for moderator Sandy Shaw or send him Fido Netmail at 1:163/221 or Internet
e-mail at aa328@freenet.carleton.ca.

If none of the BBSs shown on the table are near you, then you should find a
Fidonet BBS in your community and request of the operator that their BBS carry
the CFS "echo".  To do this: (1) Find Fidonet BBSs near you by   asking your
local computer retailer or computer users' group.  Alternatively, you may
obtain the file named FIDONETS.TXT which lists net coordinators throughout the
world, and search it for cities or phone numbers near you.  Then login to their
BBS and ask for a list of local Fidonet BBSs.  To get this FIDONETS.TXT file,
dial into the Project ENABLE BBS at tel. 1-304-759-0727 (West Virginia, USA),
and download it from file area 23.  Commercial services may have this file in
their file library.   Then (2) call several Fidonet BBSs and leave a message
for SYSOP, requesting that they carry the CFS "echo".  Mention that the CFS
"echo" is "on the Fidonet backbone" (that's sysop jargon, and means that it's
easy to get).

Internet users will soon be able to access the CFS "echo" by telnetting into
the Project ENABLE BBS at node enable.wvnet.edu.  To reach the CFS "echo" on
this BBS, use the "Join" command to enter conference number 101.

The accompanying table shows those BBSs which have recently carried the
conference.  If the CFS conference cannot be found among the "echo" conferences
on one of these BBSs, leave a message on the BBS addressed to the name SYSOP
and ask that the CFS "echo" be carried.  This table is occasionally updated and
the latest version can be found on the Project ENABLE BBS at tel.
1-304-759-0727, file area 23, filename CFS-BBS.TXT.

               CFS CONFERENCE BBS LIST as of September 20, 1994

          === AUSTRALIA ===           ||  Jacksonville     FL  1-904-727-7794
                                      ||  Jacksonville     FL  1-904-292-3904
 St. Ives        NSW  61-2-440-8364   ||  Jacksonville     FL  1-904-246-1481
 Stanmore        NSW  61-2-569-5130   ||  Mount Dora       FL  1-904-383-7841
 Fitzroy         VIC  61-3-417-2440   ||  DeLand           FL  1-904-738-3858
 Victoria        VIC  61-3-591-0020   ||  Eustis           FL  1-904-483-2463
 N. Bayswater    VIC  61-3-739-0028   ||  St. Augustine    FL  1-904-823-0947
 Frankston       VIC  61-3-783-1275   ||  Forest Park      GA  1-404-363-0194
 Wantirna South  VIC  61-3-887-1485   ||  Martinez         GA  1-706-860-5070
 Perth            WA  61-9-244-2111   ||  Des Moines       IA  1-515-288-7793
                                      ||  Pekin            IL  1-309-346-6829
          === BRITAIN ===             ||  Peoria           IL  1-309-697-1011
                                      ||  Chicago          IL  1-312-736-7434
 Fleet            UK  44-252-626233   ||  Rockford         IL  1-815-654-7956
 London           UK  44-81-595-1921  ||  Ottawa           IL  1-815-433-6959
                                      ||  Whiting          IN  1-219-659-0112
          === CANADA ===              ||  Atlanta          GA  1-404-368-1132
                                      ||  Kansas City      KS  1-913-642-7907
 Calgary          AB  1-403-245-5942  ||  Lexington        KY  1-606-273-3716
 Calgary          AB  1-403-251-5540  ||  New Orleans      LA  1-504-486-7249
 Calgary          AB  1-403-299-9925  ||  Sun              LA  1-504-886-2157
 Calgary          AB  1-403-286-7545  ||  Framingham       MA  1-508-872-8461
 Edmonton         AB  1-403-466-7613  ||  Danvers          MA  1-508-750-0250
 Abbotsford       BC  1-604-436-3271  ||  Marlborough      MA  1-508-481-7147
 N. Vancouver     BC  1-604-986-8791  ||  Boston           MA  1-617-739-9246
 Nanaimo          BC  1-604-753-9137  ||  Boston           MA  1-617-767-2909
 Prince George    BC  1-604-564-5564  ||  Boston           MA  1-617-783-8820
 Richmond         BC  1-604-224-7456  ||  Rockville        MD  1-301-946-3070
 Richmond         BC  1-604-272-5888  ||  Silver Spring    MD  1-301-439-7437
 Surrey           BC  1-604-599-3885  ||  Silver Spring    MD  1-301-585-5680
 Vancouver        BC  1-604-266-1977  ||  Silver Spring    MD  1-301-949-5764
 Portage la Pr.   MB  1-204-857-5927  ||  Salisbury        MD  1-410-543-2406
 Winnipeg         MB  1-204-233-0227  ||  Marysville       MI  1-313-364-4162
 Winnipeg         MB  1-204-338-3423  ||  Troy             MI  1-313-435-4544
 Winnipeg         MB  1-204-831-5375  ||  Mt. Clemens      MI  1-313-468-0912
 Grimsby          ON  1-416-945-6131  ||  Southgate        MI  1-313-284-3548
 Pickering        ON  1-416-831-6102  ||  Sterling Hts     MI  1-313-795-5829
 Toronto          ON  1-416-465-7436  ||  Warren           MI  1-313-774-5038
 Toronto          ON  1-416-466-8931  ||  Waterford        MI  1-313-623-6314
 Toronto          ON  1-416-604-1221  ||  Saginaw          MI  1-517-752-3203
 Toronto          ON  1-416-650-5411  ||  Grand Ledge      MI  1-517-627-4461
 Toronto          ON  1-416-798-4713  ||  Grand Rapids     MI  1-616-361-2268
 Belleville       ON  1-613-962-1359  ||  Andover          MN  1-612-753-1943
 Gloucester       ON  1-613-746-5293  ||  Jefferson City   MO  1-314-893-6099
 Lynden           ON  1-519-647-3595  ||  Kansas City      MO  1-816-561-3650
 North York       ON  1-416-650-6232  ||  Kansas City      MO  1-816-763-3353
 Kitchener        ON  1-519-744-6266  ||  Kansas City      MO  1-816-587-3971
 Stratford        ON  1-519-273-5607  ||  Kansas City      MO  1-816-763-3353
 St. Thomas       ON  1-519-633-7253  ||  Jackson          MS  1-601-372-6998
 Ottawa           ON  1-613-837-5473  ||  Charlotte        NC  1-704-873-2058
 Ottawa           ON  1-613-749-4550  ||  Fair Lawn        NJ  1-201-796-2752
 Ottawa           ON  1-613-747-7665  ||  Little Falls     NJ  1-201-812-9352
 Ottawa           ON  1-613-737-0966  ||  Elizabeth        NJ  1-908-289-3981
 Ottawa           ON  1-613-669-0617  ||  Albuquerque      NM  1-505-823-7700
 Ottawa           ON  1-613-521-3690  ||  Long Island      NY  1-516-736-6810
 Trenton          ON  1-613-394-5919  ||  Albany           NY  1-518-462-6134
 Thunder Bay      ON  1-807-345-7248  ||  Ballston Spa     NY  1-518-885-4192
 Gatineau         QC  1-819-246-8538  ||  Churchville      NY  1-716-293-2692
 Moose Jaw        SA  1-306-692-6765  ||  Buffalo          NY  1-716-688-1552
                                      ||  Rochester        NY  1-716-594-1222
          === USA ===                 ||  Marlboro         NY  1-914-236-3265
                                      ||  Poughkeepsie     NY  1-914-473-1697
 Birmingham       AL  1-205-254-3344  ||  Oklahoma City    OK  1-405-745-5117
 Montgomery       AL  1-205-264-8000  ||  Broken Arrow     OK  1-918-455-5806
 Montgomery       AL  1-205-244-0296  ||  Rocky River      OH  1-216-356-1772
 Pinson           AL  1-205-254-6050  ||  Kent             OH  1-216-677-3437
 Little Rock      AR  1-501-227-9600  ||  Wooster          OH  1-216-345-6995
 Little Rock      AR  1-501-224-1605  ||  Beavercreek      OH  1-513-427-9473
 N. Little Rock   AR  1-501-753-8575  ||  Miamisburg       OH  1-513-435-1163
 Kingman          AZ  1-602-757-0385  ||  Cincinnati       OH  1-513-921-7623
 Hereford         AZ  1-602-378-3375  ||  Columbus         OH  1-614-268-8050
 Tucson           AZ  1-602-571-9063  ||  Tigard           OR  1-503-620-0307
 Tucson           AZ  1-602-741-7851  ||  Madras           OR  1-503-475-3056
 Clovis           CA  1-209-292-3530  ||  Hatboro          PA  1-215-638-2334
 Manteca          CA  1-209-823-0854  ||  Philadelphia     PA  1-215-464-9068
 Los Angeles      CA  1-213-766-1356  ||  Philadelphia     PA  1-215-676-3618
 Los Angeles      CA  1-310-372-0987  ||  Philadelphia     PA  1-215-755-1917
 Berkeley         CA  1-510-836-4717  ||  Yardley          PA  1-215-493-5242
 Adelanto         CA  1-619-246-5166  ||  Pittsburgh       PA  1-412-621-4604
 San Diego        CA  1-619-535-9580  ||  Harmony          PA  1-412-452-8306
 San Diego        CA  1-619-546-1536  ||  Lancaster        PA  1-717-393-9966
 La Mesa          CA  1-619-697-8873  ||  Cranston         RI  1-401-943-0835
 Santa Rosa       CA  1-707-576-0397  ||  York             PA  1-717-845-2725
 Anaheim          CA  1-714-952-2110  ||  Franklin         PA  1-814-437-5647
 Tujunga          CA  1-818-352-2993  ||  Dalzell          SC  1-803-469-2018
 Tujunga          CA  1-818-353-8891  ||  Ladson           SC  1-803-873-5797
 Sacramento       CA  1-916-685-2368  ||  San Antonio      TX  1-210-674-1242
 Citrus Heights   CA  1-916-729-2968  ||  New Braunfels    TX  1-210-606-1754
 Roseville        CA  1-916-781-2092  ||  Dallas           TX  1-214-790-6472
 Westminster      CO  1-303-650-7732  ||  Dallas           TX  1-214-238-0928
 Pueblo           CO  1-719-545-8572  ||  Dallas           TX  1-214-528-1816
 Ansonia          CT  1-203-735-5619  ||  Austin           TX  1-512-453-5079
 Shelton          CT  1-203-926-6168  ||  Cannelview       TX  1-713-452-2114
 Wethersfield     CT  1-203-257-9906  ||  Houston          TX  1-713-451-6066
 Wethersfield     CT  1-203-721-0706  ||  Houston          TX  1-713-640-1298
 Newark           DE  1-302-994-3772  ||  Houston          TX  1-713-526-4528
 Wilmington       DE  1-302-529-1650  ||  Burleson         TX  1-817-447-1619
 Sunrise          FL  1-305-572-7060  ||  Bedford          TX  1-817-498-2344
 Miami            FL  1-305-271-2146  ||  El Paso          TX  1-915-594-7806
 Melbourne        FL  1-407-255-9948  ||  Virginia Beach   VA  1-804-496-3320
 Orlando          FL  1-407-299-4762  ||  Lacey            WA  1-206-493-0798
 Orlando          FL  1-407-298-5830  ||  Longview         WA  1-206-578-1157
 Orlando          FL  1-407-381-2798  ||  Longview         WA  1-206-578-1948
 West Melbourne   FL  1-407-728-5548  ||  Seattle          WA  1-206-767-7681
 Audubon          FL  1-407-459-0969  ||  Milwaukee        WI  1-414-761-2582
 Tampa Bay        FL  1-813-961-6242  ||  Cross Lanes      WV  1-304-759-0727
 Sarasota         FL  1-813-377-1470  ||

B. Commercial networks.  These networks have broad-based CFS discussion groups
that offer quick responses, as well as many informational files and occasional
live chats.  The cost of reading messages can be minimized by using "off-line
readers".  Ask the service contact people listed for each network below for
advice about these utilities.

America Online has a CFS discussion area, an information file section and a
weekly live chat.  One of the CFS messaging areas can be found by going to the
Better Health & Medical Forum, section on Organizations and disABILITIES
(keyword: disabilities), and go to the General Discussions/Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome.  For further assistance and general information, contact Mary Dee
Harris by e-mail at address MDHarris.

CompuServe has a CFS/CFIDS/FMS/ME section in its Health & Fitness Forum (enter
GO GOODHEALTH).  Discussions occur in message section 16, information files are
in Library 16, and there are regular real-time conferences.  For further
assistance and general information, contact CFS section leader Ed Isenberg by
e-mail at address 72303,1236.

GEnie has a CFS discussion and files area and a bi-monthly real-time
conference.  To reach the CFS discussion section within the disAbilities Round
Table, type M970;1 and then Set CATegory 18.  To reach the CFS library, type
M970:3, then Set CATegory 11.  For further assistance and general information,
contact CFS section leader Lucie Dorais by e-mail at address L.DORAIS.

Prodigy computer service has an CFS/ME discussion group and informal live chat
sessions.  To reach the CFS section, choose [JUMP] and type Medical Support BB,
and then select the topic Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  Although there is no
formal library section, detailed information is re-posted regularly.  For
further assistance and general information, contact CFS section leader Maryka
Ford by e-mail at ID ANSU44B.

COSTS.  The chart below is intended only for making rough comparisons between
the different pricing schemes available for the various commercial services.
Each plan has special aspects that are not shown on this chart.  There may be
extra charges for special features,
the communications link, non-USA access, or using higher baud rates.  Costs and
available features are subject to change.  Get current, accurate and complete
information by contacting each network office directly.

                 Comparative prices for USA subscribers
                 --------------------------------------

   Service             Monthly       Hourly           Sign up phone
   ----------------    -------       -------          -------------
   America OnLine      $9.95         $3.50            800-827-6364
                                after 5 hrs free

   CompuServe - Alt     2.50         12.80            800-848-8199

   CompuServe - Std     8.95          4.80            800-848-8199

   GEnie                8.95          3.00            800-638-9636
                                    off-peak
                                after 4 hrs free

   Prodigy              7.95          1.20            800-776-3449
                                after 5 hrs free

NOTICE: CompuServe: there are two basic plans (Alternative and Standard),
examples shown are 2400 baud access, for overseas information call
1-614-457-0802 (Ohio, USA) or call toll-free in Australia 008025240, U.K.
0800289378, Germany 01303732 or France 36638122 / GENie peak hours are Mon-Fri
8am-6pm local time / Prodigy is available in the USA and service to Canada is
being tested (ask for special offer), $7.95 is cheapest of four plans, discount
rate of $1.20 per hour plus five hours free is available only while in the
Medical Support Board (where the CFS section is).

C. Internet.  The Internet is the name for the rapid communications network
which uses electronic mail and other services to link most mainframe computers
around the world.  Almost all CFS/ME resources on Internet can be obtained
through electronic mail.  They are thus accessible through all of the
commercial services shown above, and other services listed below, of which many
are low-cost or free.  The various means of access are described further below.

To obtain a general help file about how to use Internet and Listserv, send the
command GET CFS NET-HELP as an e-mail message to the Internet address
LISTSERV@SJUVM.STJOHNS.EDU.  For personal assistance about CFS resource on
Internet, contact Roger Burns at Internet address CFS-NEWS@LIST.NIH.GOV.

CFS-L discussion group.  This patients' discussion group is available through
Internet e-mail.  To join the group, contact the group's moderator Roger Burns
at Internet address CFS-L-REQUEST@LIST.NIH.GOV.  Or to sign up directly, see
the second example described in section 5-C above.

Other e-mail services.  There are many other services based on Internet e-mail:
CFS-WIRE, CFS-NEWS, and Catharsis magazine (described in Section 5 above); the
CFS-MED physicians' group (described in Section 6 above); the CFIDS-L activist
discussion (for information, contact Roger Burns at
CFIDS-L-REQUEST@AMERICAN.EDU); and the CFS-FILE and CFS-D information file
resources (described in Section 8-C which follows).

Full service Internet.  There are many high tech services available on Internet
in addition to e-mail and many of these services can access CFS information.
Some full service Internet accounts may be expensive, so inquire about costs.
Some intermediate level services are accessible on lower cost systems such as
some public unix nodes (see subsection D which follows) and on Free-Nets (see
subsection E).  A good reference to Internet services is the book by Gilster
(described further in subsection D which follows).  To see a list of CFS
resources available via Internet gopher, ftp, telnet and WWW, get the CFS
NET-HELP file mentioned above.

Access to Internet.  There are many ways to reach the Internet, some very
expensive and others absolutely free.  Many businesses, universities and
government offices give Internet access to their employees (usually electronic
mail).  The commercial networks described above, and other systems, include
Internet access as part of their services.  Most commercial networks levy an
additional charge for exchanging messages with the Internet.  Ask the network
contact people listed in section 7-C about ways to minimize these costs.

MCI-MAIL charges $35 (USA) per year and offers unlimited incoming Internet
e-mail at no extra charge.  Thus this service is excellent for receiving
CFS-WIRE, CFS-NEWS and Catharsis magazine, and monitoring the CFS-L discussion
group.  However, outgoing messages are expensive.  For sign-up information, in
the USA call (800) 444-6245.  For service outside of North America call
1-202-833-8484 in Washington, DC or in the UK call 44-71-9281232 or in Germany
call 49-89-4313071.

Free-nets give access to almost all Internet CFS resources by e-mail and they
are usually free.  See subsection E which follows.  Delphi and Holonet provide
full Internet access to North America.  For information, call Delphi at (800)
695-4005 and Holonet at 1-510-704-0160 (California).  There are also many local
providers of Internet services.  See the references in subsection D below.

D. Usenet.  The Usenet network provides thousands of electronic discussion
groups on many topics.  Usenet discussion groups are called "newsgroups".  They
are accessible on many BBSs, mainframe computers and increasingly on the larger
commercial networks.  The "alt.med.cfs" newsgroup is linked to the CFS-L
Internet e-mail discussion group, i.e. the two share their messages
automatically.  The CFS-NEWS newsletter appears on newsgroup
"bit.listserv.cfs.newsletter".  Note that these newsgroup names may soon
change.  For the latest information and advice, contact Roger Burns at address
CFS-NEWS@LIST.NIH.GOV or post a message to any of the newsgroups listed above.
The CFS Newswire and Catharsis magazine will soon be distributed on Usenet as
well.

The system of Free-Nets gives access to Usenet.  Although not every Free-Net
gives direct access, from any Free-Net it is possible to log into the National
Capital (Ottawa) or Buffalo Free-Nets which do provide newsgroups.  See
subsection E below regarding Free-Nets.  Many local BBSs and Internet providers
give access to Usenet.

There are many books available about the Internet, and several of them list the
hundred or so local providers of Internet and Usenet access.  One such book is
"The Internet Navigator" by Paul Gilster.  There are several electronic files
which list Internet providers.  Filenames NIXPUB.SHT, NIXPUB.LNG and PDIAL.TXT
are available on the Project ENABLE BBS, tel. 1-304-759-0727, file area 23.
America Online and CompuServe (subsection B above) provide access to
newsgroups, and other major commercial services may also do so in the future.

E. Free-Nets are non-profit systems in various cities that offer free access to
Internet e-mail, Usenet newsgroups, and other services.  (A few systems charge
a nominal fee.)  With the given Internet and Usenet access, users can reach any
of the news, discussion and information services described in sections 5, 7-C
and 7-D above and in section 8-C which follows.

Volunteers set up their own information sections on local Free-Nets.  Those who
log into any one Free-Net can access all of the others.  For example, from any
of the Free-Nets you can access the CFS/ME section on the National Capital
Free-Net (NCF) in Ottawa.  Once inside NCF, enter the command GO CFSEIR to get
to the CFS/ME section.  For the advice and assistance, contact Sandy Shaw on
the NCF Free-Net at Internet address aa328@freenet.carleton.ca, or post a
message for Sandy on the Fido CFS "echo" (see section 7-A above).  Current
Free-Nets (FNs) now operating are as follows:

    Name              Location      Dial-in      login info
 -------------     ------------  --------------  -----------
 Los Angeles FN  Los Angeles CA  1-818-776-5000  Select #2 at first menu
 Denver FN            Denver CO  1-303-270-4865  login: guest
 CapAccess        Washington DC  1-202-785-1523  login: guest
                                                 password: visitor
 SEFLIN FN    Broward County FL  1-305-765-4332  login: visitor
 Tallahassee FN  Tallahassee FL  1-904-488-5056  login: visitor
 Prairienet Champaign-Urbana IL  1-217-255-9000  login: visitor
 Heartland FN         Peoria IL  1-309-674-1100  login: bbguest
 UMASSK12            Amherst MA  1-413-572-5583  login: guest
 Great Lakes FN Battle Creek MI  1-616-969-4536  login: visitor
 Educ. Central  Mt. Pleasant MI  1-517-774-3790  login: visitor
 COIN               Columbia MO  1-314-884-7000  login: guest
 ORION           Springfield MO  1-417-864-6100  login: guest
 Big Sky Telegraph    Dillon MT  1-406-683-7680  login: bbs
 Buffalo FN          Buffalo NY  1-716-645-6128  login: freeport
 SENDIT                Fargo ND  1-701-237-3283  login: bbs
                                                 password: sendit2me
 Tri-State Online Cincinnati OH  1-513-579-1990  login: visitor
 Cleveland FN      Cleveland OH  1-216-368-3888  login: Select #2
                                                        at first menu
 Learning Village  Cleveland OH  1-216-247-6196  login: visitor
 Gtr Columbus FN    Columbus OH  1-614-292-7501  login: guest
 Dayton FN            Dayton OH  1-513-229-4373  login: visitor
 Lorain County FN     Elyria OH  1-216-366-9721  login: guest
 Youngstown FN    Youngstown OH  1-216-742-3072  login: visitor
 Medina County FN     Medina OH  1-216-723-6732
 Ocean State FN   Providence RI  1-401-831-4640
 Rio Grande FN       El Paso TX  1-915-775-5600  login: visitor
 Seattle Comm. Net.  Seattle WA  1-206-386-4140  login: visitor
 Tri-Cities FN    Tri-Cities WA  1-509-375-1111

 Vancouver FN      Vancouver BC  1-604-222-4723
 CIAO! FN              Trail BC  1-604-368-5764  login: guest
 Victoria FN        Victoria BC  1-604-595-2300  login: guest
 National Capital FN  Ottawa ON  1-613-780-3733
 Chubucto FN         Halifax NS  1-904-494-8006

 Finland FN         Helsinki FI  358-929292      login: visitor
 FN Erlangen-Nuernburg       DE  49-9131-85-8111 login: gast
 Citynet          Wellington NZ  write to Computer Services
                                 Wellington City Council
                                 P.O. Box 2199, Wellington, NZ

Many new Free-Nets are being developed.  For the latest information on
available Free-Nets, dial into tel. 1-216-247-6196 (Ohio), login as "visitor"
and search for "NPTN" information.


8. Information files

There are information files available on most of the networks and on many BBSs.
They include medical articles, articles from previous editions of the CFIDS
Chronicle, documents from NIH, advice on coping, disability, Social Security
issues, etc.

A. BBSs.  Certain BBSs have special sections or are devoted entirely to
carrying many helpful information files on CFS/ME.  Note the following:

 Cross Lanes, West Virginia 1-304-759-0727
 Tucson, Arizona            1-602-790-7420
 Smithtown, New York        1-516-736-6810
 Los Angeles, California    1-213-766-1356
 Kansas City, Kansas        1-913-642-7907
 Ottawa, Illinois           1-815-433-6959
 Newport, Delaware          1-302-994-3772
 Irvine, California         1-714-856-7996
 Ottawa, Ontario CANADA     1-613-521-3690
 Fleet, BRITAIN             44-252-626233
 Apeldoorn, NETHERLANDS     31-55-337951
 Sydney, AUSTRALIA          61-2-673-3559

The CFS-NEWS Electronic Newsletter can be found on most of the BBSs shown
above.  The CFS Newswire is carried by the CFS/ME/FMS BBS of Long Island (New
York, tel. 1-516-736-6810) and the Shrine of the Cybernetic Madonna BBS (Los
Angeles, tel. 1-213-766-1356).  Back issues of the CFIDS Chronicle can be found
on the MEDBASE CFS BBS (Arizona, tel. 1-602-790-7420).  Publications of the
(USA) National CFS & Fibromyalgia Association can be found on the South of the
River BBS (Kansas City, tel. 1-913-642-7907, file group 2, area 26).

B.  The commercial networks also carry many CFS information files, notably
America Online, CompuServe and GEnie.  See the references to these file
sections in the network descriptions that appear in section 7-B above.

C. Internet has CFS/ME information files, available for retrieval by e-mail.
(For Internet access, see section 7-C above.)  The CFS-FILE database is the
original source for electronic copies of the CFIDS Chronicle, the HealthWatch
Newsletter (published by the CFIDS Buyers Club), the newsletter of the Canada
ME/Fibromyalgia Action Network, and Catharsis magazine, in addition to the many
standard medical articles, advice on disability, etc.  To obtain a list of all
available files, create an e-mail message which says GET CFS-FILE FILELIST and
send it to the Internet address LISTSERV@SJUVM.STJOHNS.EDU.  When you see files
of interest, you can retrieve them by sending commands of the form GET
filename1 filename2 (each file has a two-part name).  For assistance, contact
Molly Holzschlag at address CFS-FILE@SJUVM.STJOHNS.EDU.

There is a separate base of CFS files at the Albany Listserv.  This service
stores back issues of CFS-NEWS and has other files associated with the Internet
CFS-L discussion group.  Send the message GET CFS-D FILELIST to address
LISTSERV%ALBNYDH2@ALBANY.EDU and then send commands in the form of GET
filename1 filename2, just as with the CFS-FILE database described above.  For
assistance, contact Roger Burns at address CFS-NEWS@LIST.NIH.GOV.

         ========== FURTHER INFORMATION =============

9. Further information

More detailed information about CFS/ME resources can be found in the
CFS-RES.TXT file.  The latest version of the CFS-RES.TXT file is always
available at the following places.  On the Internet, send the command GET
CFS-RES TXT as an e-mail message to the address LISTSERV@SJUVM.STJOHNS.EDU .
The file has also been uploaded as filename CFS-RES.TXT to the following:
  Project ENABLE BBS, tel. 1-304-759-0727, file area 23;
  GEnie network, Page 970, file area 11;
  CompuServe forum GOODHEALTH, Library 16, (filename CFSRES.TXT).

An electronic copy of this guide can be downloaded as filename CFS-NET.TXT (or
on CompuServe as CFSNET.TXT) at the same places shown above.

Further advice may also be sought from the CFS/ME Computer Networking Project
(see contact information in Section 2 above).


10. Credits and copyright notice

This guide is produced by the volunteer efforts of CFS patients.  We distribute
it free of charge, but printing this guide does cost money.  Please send in a
donation so that this work can continue.  Checks can be made payable to the
CFS/ME Computer Networking Project and sent to our USA address of P.O. Box
11347, Washington, DC 20008 or to the Canadian address of 3332 McCarthy Road,
P.O. Box 37045, Ottawa, Ontario K1V 0W0.

We'd like to give thanks to those who have distributed or promoted this
document and other information about CFS/ME computer networking.  In
particular, we wish to recognize the M.E. Association of Canada, the CFIDS
Buyers Club, the CFIDS Association of America, and Matt Straznitskas for the
design and lay-out of this document.

Support groups and others have permission, and are encouraged, to reproduce
this document for re-distribution.  Individuals may get single copies by
sending a stamped, self-addressed legal sized envelope to either of the
addresses above.  Outside of the USA or Canada, please include an International
Reply Coupon which can be obtained at your post office.

Copyright (c) 1994 by The CFS/ME Computer Networking Project.  Permission is
also granted to excerpt this document if the source, and the author (The CFS/ME
Computer Networking Project), are cited.  Permission is also granted to
reproduce the entirety of this document unaltered.  All trademarks, both marked
and not marked, are the property of their respective owners.  Much of the
material above is derived from the CFS-RES.TXT file copyright (c) 1994 by Roger
Burns and is reproduced here with permission.

             ----------------------------------------------------


======================== From: CFS-L@LIST.NIH.GOV ===========================
