Reviews

Review of TransNet -
A new Fidonet/Internet gateway
by Marc S. Ressl, ressl@interactive.com.ar

Some months ago, while looking for a Fido/Internet gateway for our private network DLD from Argentina, I realized that I couldn't find any that suited our needs. What I was looking for should only require a single POP3 email account, and, by the way, be able to import and export echogroups as mailing lists.

So, after some daydreaming :) I started working, and this is what came out: the TransNet gateway.

The program runs under MS-DOS, and has two main functions: It links net and echomail to email and mailing lists, and manages mailing lists.

And, indeed, it uses only ONE POP3 email account. Now you'll ask yourself how it resends emails to Fido users? It uses a trick with the subject line: email senders specify there a keyword, which can be a Fido address, a mailing-list, or any of these special keywords: SYSOP, HELP, or MAILMAN (to access the mailing list manager). Real subjects go after the keyword.

This system might look somewhat weird, but after testing it for the whole summer it proved to work, and didn't cause big trouble to users.

There is also template support in TransNet, so you can put some help at the beginning of each exported/imported messy. And to make it even easier, keywords may be aliased, so people can put in the subject "Peter" instead of the cryptic "1:234/567.89".

The Fidonet part works like most gateways.

The program also features a security system, so you can ban annoying users, or deny access to groups.

It also resends error receipts from the Internet correctly.

Regarding connection to the Internet, TransNet comes with two Internet mail add-ons, one for MS-DOS, and the other for Windows 95. There is also another add-on, for those who prefer things in Spanish.

Last but not least, TransNet needs a FrontDoor-style mailer, support for Binkley/Xenia will be added soon.

TransNet is shareware, and is freely distributable. For more information, visit my program's page at:

http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Lakes/2382 [faulty URL [jb 4/25/01]] Update: http://www.ressl.com.ar/transnet/

And if you wish to contact me:

Marc S. Ressl
ressl@interactive.com.ar
http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/1914 [faulty URL [jb 4/25/01]] Update: http://www.ressl.com.ar

Marc S. Ressl
Buenos Aires: ressl@geocities.com
Rosario: ressl@interactive.com.ar http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/1914