1. What is Alachua Free-Net
2. How to access Alachua Free-Net
3. Establishing a Free-Net Account
4. Getting Help with Free-Net

Alachua Freenet is a computer system run by the non-profit corporation Alachua Freenet, Inc. Its purpose is to provide basic computing access to the local community (the county of Alachua), to provide a centralized depot for locally-oriented information, and to educate the community on the use of computers.

Alachua Freenet accounts are free for those living within the boundaries of the state of Florida in the USA. Both individuals and organizations may get accounts.

How to access Alachua Free-Net

You can use your home computer to dial up Alachua Free-Net. Use the following modem settings:

      Type      Number           Time Limit   # of lines
      --------------------------------------------------
      Regular   (352) 334-0565   60 minutes   67

You should configure your communications software for the following: 

      Speed:     9600 thru 57600 baud/BPS (Bits Per Second)
      Data bits: 8
      Parity:    None
      Stop bits: 1

Pre-configured communications software for IBM PC's & clones running MS-DOS, as well as for Apple Macintosh & compatibles, is made available through branches of the Alachua County Library District, including the downtown Headquarters building. Be sure to stop at the Reference Desk when asking for the software.

The PC communications program is called Kermit, and the Macintosh program is called Z-Term. There is a $1 handling fee per disk for obtaining the AFN-related software from the libraries.

AFN's dialup lines are also all capable of providing SLIP or PPP sessions. SLIP and PPP allow you to run network applications (including graphical WWW browsers) on your home computer directly. Pre-configured software for SLIP/PPP is also available from the public Libraries, and from the AFN ftp site. Detailed information is available at http://www.afn.org/slip/.

During non-busy times, Alachua Free-Net can be accessed through an Internet connection using the "telnet" command. Network users can use the following:

telnet afn.org

Many Free-Net menus and services can be accessed through the World Wide Web at URL:

http://www.afn.org

At the Free-Net login prompt, first time users should type "visitor" as their login username. This username has no electronic mail and limited Internet access. After registering, users should use their personal Free-Net account.

You will be prompted through the registration procedure. Take your time, read the entire screen, and follow the instructions carefully. Do not worry if you make a mistake. The program will give you a second chance to correct any mistakes made.

Until your username and password have been processed, you may continue to login as a visitor. Because of high demand, accounts that are not accessed for 60 days are deleted and you must re-register for a new account. You can apply for a permanent "vanity" account for a fee.

The Free-Net system is menu driven. Look at the bottom of the screen for navigation instructions.

If you have problems registering or trying to use Alachua Free-Net, contact the AFN Help Desk at (352)373-3638 (FRE-ENET), or email afnhelp@afn.org.

An extensive Help menu is available on line with Frequently Asked Question (FAQs). Classes are conducted on a regular basis for beginners and advanced users.