An information retrieval service which operates primarily in a videotex-like mode but also allows for standardized time-sharing as well as bibliographic and numeric retrieval. See: videotex
One of the first, and for a long time the largest, commercial information service. CompuServe was bought by AOL in 1998, but continues as a distinct service. For more information on Compuserve and other online services, see Part V.
Commercial data service that offers countless information and discussion panels about an unlimited variety of subjects. A computer, a modem, and a telephone line are required.
An Internet service provider.
Commercial online service that provides many Internet services and online support for computer products. See Service Provider
A large commercial online system.
The second largest commercial online service, primarily business oriented.
An online service, similar to America OnLine, where one can chat, download files, receive stock quotes, etc. Visit Compuserve
A computer information service which is part of the Internet network.
One of the major online services.
Before the huge popularity of the Internet, computer users used to communicate via their modems using Bulletin Boards. These were (and still are) places that people could connect to, download files, leave messages for other users, and so on. Compuserve started life as a commercial Bulletin Board, and grew via a vast number of users into something resembling a miniature proprietary Internet. It was here that the ! Blue Ribbon software was uploaded to after the company was bought by ! Microsoft.
US Internet Service Provider; one of the oldest and biggest.
An on-line information provider that gives you some Internet access. It provides jots of forums, which are like newsgroups, including many that provide excellent technical support for a wide range of PC and Mac software. If your CompuServe account number is 7123.456, your Internet address is
[email protected].
An online information service that provides information and communications capabilities, including Internet access. It is primarily known for its technical support forums for commercial hardware and software products and for being one of the first large commericial online services. CompuServe also operates various private network services.
A commercial online information network, sometimes called CIS (CompuServe Information Service) or CI$ because of its previously high hourly rates.
One of the largest and the oldest commercial online services.
A commercial online service that gives its subscribers access to the Internet in addition to its other features.
a private on-line network, also CIS, GO. See AOL, MSN, Prodigy
A pioneering online service. Compuserve has a special place in the hearts of internet old-timers -- for many it was their first experience of e-mail and chat.
One of the oldest and largest commercial online services. Sometimes abbreviated as CIS.
An information service provider based in Columbus, Ohio, that hosts a large online user community (regarded as a prime source for technical support information, CompuServe is second only to the Internet in number of users).
