Last month I told you about the Suncoast freenet (SCFN). This month I'd like to tell you about another service similar to "freenet" called THOR. THOR stands for: Tampa Hillsbough Online Resource. It's similar to "freenet" in that they look about the same. And once you discover many of its wonderful features, you'll see what a powerful resource it is.

There are a couple ways to sign on. If you have already signed on to freenet (you did, right?), the way you log on to THOR is pretty much the same. There are two methods for logging on to THOR: Direct dial and indirect connect.

To log on indirectly, while logged on to "freenet" using the "J" command I told you about last month, type "thpl" Once you’re at the desired menu, go ahead and select "Connect" to THOR" or "link 15" at the bottom of the list. This will connect you to the system via TELNET. After the connection has been made, you'll see a screen similar to SCFN. When asked to log on, log on as "thor". You don't need a password.

To direct dial into THOR, using your COMM program, dial 276-2770. The procedure, then, is the same for logging on using this method as going through freenet.

O.K, We're ready to get our feet wet and start exploring. I should mention that THOR uses the same operating system as freenet. So if you haven't read my last article, or are unfamiliar with UNIX, you might find the way THOR and SCFN work a little confusing. So if you are new to this, then go back and read my first article; you'll thank yourself later.

Once logged on, the first thing the system will ask you for is "What terminal type are you using?" I could go into detail on why these systems ask that, but in a nutshell, back in the old days, there were many different terminal types. And UNIX is very picky about what kind of hardware it's using. So, there came about things like VT standards and such.

When asked to select the type of terminal, select "VT100"; this is compatible with 99% of all PC's. Next it will ask you if you want to test your "terminal emulation". You can go ahead and say yes, but most of the time it'll be set up right, so the next time just say no. No pun intended.

Still awake? Hang on, we're almost there. At this point we're one click away from the main menu. Hit "enter".

From here, you'll see the welcome screen; once again, it's not much to look at. After you exit the main screen, you should see a list of different options from which you can select. I've spent time exploring each one and was very impressed with the depth of information I was able to find. There are an online dictionary, reading lists, events' calendar, and you can even check out your library record. You can even search for books in the library and reserve them on line! This was one of the most impressive features of the system. I've used it quite a few times, and every time it worked like a charm. What you do is, once you find a book you want to check out, use the menu to select "place a hold" or "PH" from the bottom menu. Then you select the library you want it delivered to, and as soon as it arrives, you get a call to come and pick it up.

If you go to "library catalogue", you can search any of the resources listed below by entering the number you want to use:

1. Library Catalog
2. American Heritage Dictionary
3. Bestsellers & Other Reading Lists
4. Clubs and Organizations
5. Frequently Asked Questions
6. Library Events Calendar
7. Print Saved List
8. TRAILS - Tampa History Index
9. VISTA: Online Indexes & Articles
10. Your Library Record
11. Logoff

Take your time exploring each one; you'll be amazed at what you find. If you want to spend a considerable amount of time using THOR, then use the direct dial method, since, if you connect to THOR through "freenet", you are still constricted to the 60 minute time limit.

VISTA: In my opinion, this is the best part of the entire system. Select number 9 from the list, and this will connect you though telnet to VISTA. I'm not exactly sure what it stands for, but it really doesn't matter. Once you connect, you see some text which tells you that you are connecting, and once again it'll ask you what type of terminal you’re using. You can start to see why it does this. You are connected to a computer in Utah that doesn't know anything about you, or your provider’s system. It does tend to get a little confusing. But as long you can remember VT-100 is the standard, you will have little trouble. Here is what you'll see.

MAIN MENU

* Indicates FULL TEXT is available.

Available search options:

Enter your selection(s) and press <Return> :

Let's say, we wanted to search through magazine articles about "horse racing" Enter number 8, and it'll take you to the magazine search page.

Magazine ASAP

Database years: 1992 to present

Available Search Option:

1. QUICK SEARCH-Look for any (-IMIGW)
2. Look for NAME of person (-IMIN)
3. Look for SUBJECT by Keyword (-IMISA)
4. Return to MAIN MENU
5. Quit Searching
Enter your selection(s) and press <Return> :
Commands: B = Back, S = Shortcut off, BB = Bulletin Board, ? = Help

Pick any one of the categories that you feel is best for your search. If you know the name of someone, select 2, and you should see a screen like this:

Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library

Vista

Magazine ASAP Name

******* HELPFUL HINTS *******

Enter a PERSON'S surname you would like to find.
An Alphabetical listing will be displayed
You can enter the entire name or a part of a name, last name first.
Examples: Johnson, Thomas
If you do not find an exact match, search the surrounding entries.
Enter Name List :
Commands: SO = Start Over, B = Back, ? = Help

To show you how powerful it is, I'll do a sample search, and print the results. Let's say, we want to find articles on Stephen Hawking. From the "enter name list" I'll type it in, and here's what it came back with.

Your Search: Hawking, Stephen W. Database:Magazine Index

TITLE/JOURNAL (truncated)

1. Stephen Hawking's Universe. (television p
The New York Times Oct 13 1997, v147, pB3(N) pE6

2. The Large, the Small, and the Human Mind.
Publishers Weekly March 10 1997, v244, n10, p59

3. The Nature of Space and Time. (book revie
Physics Today July 1996, v49, n7, p60(2)

4. The Nature of Space and Time. (book revie
Science June 7 1996, v272, n5267, p14

5. The Nature of Space and Time. (book revie
Library Journal Feb 15 1996, v121, n3, p172(1

6. The Nature of Space and Time. (book revie
Publishers Weekly Jan 15 1996, v243, n3, p456(1

7. A Brief History of Time. (video recording
Video Review Wntr 1994, v15, n1, p61(1)

***** 13 Items - Page 1 - More on Next Screen *****

Enter an item number for more detail :

Commands: SO = Start Over, B = Back, SL = Sort List, ML = Mark List, PR = PRint, <Return> = Next Screen, VA = View Article, L = Limit Search

When there's a "VA" in the title, it means that you can view the article online. You can also sort the list by author, subject, etc.

There are so many other features, it would take a novel to write about them all. But this is the crux of what you need to know to access the system. Also, when at the "THPL" in freenet, select link 14; this will give you even more information about THOR and its many features.