Frequently Asked Questions

What's it all about?

What is a "Free-Net" anyway?

A Free-Net is a non-profit community telecommunication network. It is a way for anyone with access to a computer connected to a telephone line to find information about the institutions that affect their lives, and about helpful or entertaining events. It is a link between the individual and the community and, through e-mail, to the changing world around us.

So, who and what is the Greater Houston Free-Net?

The Greater Houston Free-Net is an organization of local area residents, institutions and corporations. Core partners include the Houston Public Library, Harris County Public Library, Cultural Arts Council of Houston, University of Houston, United Space Alliance, Greater New Orleans Free-Net, NeoSoft, Inc., Wenbar Interlinks, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, The McNair Foundation, Houston Education Resource Network (HERN), HISD Alternative District, Mayor, Day, Caldwell & Keeton, L.L.P. , Louisiana Foods, North Harris Montgomery County Community District and Harris County Community Development Agency. The Free-Net provides the central network to link with individual computer users in the local Houston calling area. It will provide information on health, education, technology, government, arts, law, tourism and recreation, and community activities, as well as an electronic meeting place for people with diverse interests and hobbies.

Am I included?

You are if you have access to a computer and modem and live in the local Houston calling region (713/281 area codes).

What will the Free-Net do for me?

This is some of what your Free-Net will offer:

• Educational services for schools offering kindergarten through 12th grade, including our programming and resources for teachers and students
• Information about your city, district, state and federal governments
• Computer access to some government agencies
• Information about health, educational and community services, including where to find them, what they offer, and what you need to use them
• Schedules of community, governmental, sports and entertainment events
• Direct discussions with others who share your hobbies, interests and concerns through special interest groups via electronic discussion groups
• Electronic e-mail messaging access to the Internet and to friends and associates world-wide.
• Access to the World Wide Web in text and graphical mode using Netscape and/or Internet Explorer
• Access to state and federal services via Internet connections
  

When will all this be available and how do I get it?

We are in the first phase of organization. Connectivity will be available to test sites in the next month. Access to the general public will commence by summer of 1997. We hope to expand access for schools and continue to open the 'Net to the general public as accomplished through The Houston Public Library. An individual will need access to a computer and the telecommunications modem that connects that computer to telephone lines. You can use any kind of computer and any communications software that supports VT-100 terminal emulation, and that includes most of them. You will need to register, which you can do on-line, and obtain a personal access code. There is no fee for the service, but access will have session limits.

Say, I'm no computer expert, you know……..

You don't need to be a computer expert. The Free-Net will provide menus that are easy to understand and use, and plenty of helpful advice on using the service, right on-line. Use of hypertext means you just select what you want to know about, and the computer zips you to the information.

Why would my organization want to be part of the Free-Net?

Why wouldn't you? As a non profit, you exist to provide services to the community, and this is a convenient and direct way to show the community what those services are and how to get them. You not only put your organization before the public, you also give potential users all the information they need before they talk to you in person or by phone. Your presence on the Free-Net shows your commitment to the community.

How can my organization become part of the Free-Net?

That's easy. If you have not already been contacted, you can get information by calling the Free-Net's temporary office at 713.968.5878, sending email to amy@ghofn.org or lynn@ghofn.org, or by sending mail to The Greater Houston Free-Net at 1770 St. James Place, Suite 500, Houston, TX 77056; or e-mail to info@ghofn.org.

Greater Houston Free-Net - Temporary Office

1770 St. James Place, Suite 500, Houston, Texas 77056

Phone: 713.968.5878, Facsimile: 713.968.5877