CamNet (CAMbridge freeNET) is a voluntary organisation offering free access to a number of Internet type services over an ordinary telephone line for individuals, businesses and organisations based in and around Cambridge. A user requires their own computer and modem, or access to one of the public terminals situated in local libraries and businesses.

The services are available either through an easy to use text based bulletin board, or using the Internet’s standard TCP/IP protocols (PPP or SLIP).

Services

• Private Electronic Mail - For sending and receiving messages
• Local News and Information - Covering hundreds of topics (both personal and business)
• WWW Space - To publish your own information
• Search Tools - To quickly find what you are looking for
• Conferences - For discussing local issues and interests
• Talkers - Informal areas for meeting other users and exchanging ideas online

Types of Computer and Modem

In order to exclude as few potential users as possible, a very low specification of user equipment is required. Users of the text based service will require a minimum of:

• A 2400 baud modem
• A computer with terminal software (VT100, ANSI or better emulation)
• A standard telephone line connector

This specification only gives access to the most basic interface, which is entirely text based. For running graphical applications such as Eudora and Netscape we recommend a minimum of a V32 (9600bps) modem with either a 386 PC running Windows 3.1, or an Apple Macintosh running System 7.

The CamNet modems can be run at all popular speeds, including 33.6Kbps and ISDN.

Public Access Terminals

If you do not have your own computer, then it is possible to access all of CamNet's services from public terminals in cafes, bars and public places around Cambridge.