Editor's note: This notice appeared in the last newsletter. Since then, many new users have signed on to the Board, and are benefiting from its wealth of information and access. However, I have not seen many WMC members sign on yet. Whatsa matter? No time? Ha! You don't have time not to access this. Without this kind of timely information, you'll be left behind, reading old news. No computer? Find one. No modem? These have become dirt cheap - less than $100 for a fast one. Too much information already? This will get worse, and we'll all need to keep getting better at sorting. Ignoring highly-focused info sources is not the answer to this one. Haven't done PC Telcom before? It's easy, really easy. Get someone who has to show you The menu system to navigate the board is simple and wouldn't stump a 4th grader. The phone call costs too much? Do it after 5 PM or on weekends, it's much less than you think. What is your excuse for not signing on?

The Nonpoint Source (NPS) Information Exchange Bulletin Board System (BBS) provides state and local agencies, private organizations, businesses, and concerned individuals with timely, relevant NPS information, a forum for open discussion, and the ability to exchange computer text and program files.

You can use the NPS BBS to:

• Read, print, or save to computer disk current, NPS-related articles, reviews and fact-sheets.
• Exchange computer data, including database files, electronic spreadsheets, word-processor files, and software.
• Post your own articles and comments online for the benefit of others.
• Ask questions and conduct discussions directly with NPS experts.
• Exchange private letters and files with other users.

• A PC or terminal
• Telecommunications software (such as CrossTalk for the PC or Microphone for the Mac)
• A Modem (1200 or 2400 baud)
• A phone line

The telecommunication parameters are:
No parity, 8 bits, 1 stop-bit (N-8-1).

For assistance in accessing the NPS BBS write to;

EPA Office of Water, NPS Information Exchange
(WH-553), 401 M Street, SW, Washington, DC 20460
for a copy of the complete user's manual and a Telecommunications Fact Sheet. When you first access the BBS, you will be asked to register and create a password. You must remember this password and use it every time you access the BBS.

THE NPS BBS WILL SUCCEED AS A VITAL TOOL FOR THE EXCHANGE OF NPS INFORMATION..... IF YOU USE IT!

Please-upload your reports, articles, and non-copyrighted software (no games). Engage in the public debate and discussion via the message system. Let the system operator know about what improvements you would like to see. Tell your co-workers about the system. SEE YOU ONLINE!

The NPS BBS has a variety of features
Once you are registered on the system, you will have access to all the following features:

• HELP Help is available on the BBS at all times by selecting "Help" from the options menu.
• NEWS FLASHES A screen or two of information that scrolls by when you first sign on or enter a conference. Read these for: Announcements upcoming conferences and workshops Promotion of new BBS services and files Timely tidbits from the states and regions Notes on new federal regulations and actions.
• BULLETINS Visit the bulletin area to read, print, or transfer to a disk, text files, such as Descriptions of the NPS BBS and new user information Short articles on NPS-related topics Conference/workshop schedules Names and phone numbers of experts Chapters from the NPS BBS user's manual.
• FILES An area where text and program files are available for downloading (transferring to your computer). Visit this area to acquire larger text files, and free software.
• MESSAGES Use the message feature to post public announcements and inquires, to send private messages and files, or to ask questions of the BBS system operator (SYSOP).
• SIG'S Special Interest Group areas dedicated to a specific topic that have all the features of the main BBS. These areas will be developed as necessary as the NPS BBS grows and matures. (Watch for a WMC-Sponsored SIG soon.)
• DOORS Doors serve as a gateway from the NPS BBS software to some other piece of software without leaving the BBS. As the NPS BBS develops, Doors will be added to allow full-text searches of long documents for specific references, key-word searches of databases, and other customized database and other software applications.