18 years ago I ran a Bulliten Board System in NZ, like a mini internet (there was no internet)in my office, message sub boards, we used to import messages from America daily and argue with the yanks about wether if you ate fish and chicken you were still a vegetarian (the believed so). Couple of phone lines, could "chat" to other users. Play online games that got exported to the other BBS's every few hours.

We never heard from Aussie but sometimes would get the odd dial in from England.

Did that for a few years then had a break for about the last 13 years and now in the last couple of months I have discovered computer conversations again.

It is weird how addictive it can be. All those years ago you would go and meet everyone once in awhile. Kept the abuse to a minimum knowing you'd probably have to face someone and say it all again.

My BBS was called The Pig Pen.

Could I live without the Net? Short answer: no.

Longer answer - well of course I could actualy live without it: one can live without anything apart from water, food and shelter if one is going to be literal.

But I couldn't work without it, couldn't research without it, and could not live as we are now doing, our little family, with each of us on a different Continent. I also would find it very difficult to control my bi-polarism without it.

So, while I guess I could exist without it, I certainly couldn't live without it.

warning! spelling may get bad, have new browser[firefox] not yet found out how to get a spell checker.
Like most I do not want to live without the net, or the OLO familly, thats what we are in my view.
Hang on I have spell check! you lucky people.
forrest you are a wonder thanks.
Back to subject, its not good enought, the service man admited he only works Fridays! has another job.
What about true outback people?
They now have PC for every thing, the installation took days, but once gear is yours?
12 months into your contract it is yours, still under warrenty and you pay for insurance but is this the best way governments can help remote people on the net?
I am not in any way remote but poorly served by long term lack of concern for poor service to small comunitys

@ Belly

** warning! spelling may get bad, have new browser[firefox] not yet found out how to get a spell checker. **

If it's the latest version 3.? Should be enabled by default. Try right clicking in the comments box and check the little box that says "Check Spelling"

Welcome back to the virtual land of the pixel.

Thanks RM and thanks to all those who worried about me.
FG? what can I say? regards bloke.
I struggle still with my new browser but will get there.
No one took up the idea, just what is a way people who can not get fast speed land line can use?
I note that concern in keeping me on line faded after the government funding, what if I had been in remote NT? or WA?
I have home phone that is based on mobile service, chances are for far less money we all could have both, instead of land lines.
Repeaters cost far less than hard line installation.
Just maybe the future will bring other ways, we need something better than 3 weeks and 3 days for ten minutes work, and 40 klm travel.