Question: Why does CIT use Netscape version 1.x instead of a more current version on the Bear Access Launch Pad?
Answer: Prior to the fall 1996 release of Bear Access, CIT asked campus computing support providers for feedback concerning Netscape updates. Many providers felt that a "forced" download of later Netscape versions, such as 2.02 or 3.0, in place of 1.x (via the World Wide Web button on the Bear Access Launch Pad), would have too many drawbacks. Many people on campus cannot use later versions because their computers do not have enough memory or are not running the systems necessary for handling them.
Therefore, CIT delivers Netscape 1.x as the Web browser for both Windows and Macintosh platforms. Nevertheless, there is a sublist on the Launch Pad labeled "Updates & Extras" and clicking on this enables you to upgrade to either Netscape version 2.02 or 3.0. Please note: When people use an update button for Netscape, they get new files transferred to their machines and these replace earlier versions.
Other versions of Netscape, or other Web browser programs such as Microsoft Internet Explorer and Mosaic, can be used with Web-based Bear Access services if you prefer. For information on using alternative applications, see the "Customizing the Bear Access Launch Pad" Web page at http://www.cit.cornell.edu/cit-pubs/ba/customizing-ba.html .
Eudora 3 available for Windows and Macintosh
Eudora 3, the latest version of the e-mail software used with Bear Access, is now available for both Windows and Macintosh platforms. This release offers many new features, without changes to basic use of the application or the level of hardware needed.
A special "test" button for updating to the new Eudora can be found under the "Updates & Extras" sublist on the Bear Access Launch Pad. Since the Windows version of Eudora 3 has not been previously available for testing, it will not become the default until after the spring semester. Eudora 3 for the Macintosh has been extensively tested on campus, but its introduction as the standard version under Bear Access is being delayed pending resolution of some intermittent problems with the nicknames feature.
For information about the new features in Eudora 3, see the description of changes under the "Guide" menu in Eudora for the Macintosh and under "Help/Topics" on Windows systems.
An introduction to using Eudora with Bear Access and the vendor's documentation are available from the ATS HelpDesk (119 CCC) or on the Web at http://www.cit.cornell.edu/cit-pubs/email/ .
Lexis-Nexis' P-TRAK: What information
does it contain about you?
In June 1996, Lexis-Nexis, a fee-based online legal, news and business information service, introduced a service called P-TRAK. P-TRAK provides information that helps locate people -- somewhat like an electronic "white pages." It is mainly used by the legal community, law enforcement agencies and police departments.
Rumors about the information P-TRAK provides have been circulating in the electronic world since its release. The only information displayed is an individual's name, current address and up to two previous addresses and telephone numbers. An individual's maiden name may appear, as well as the month and year of birth. This applies to U.S. citizens only.
Information rumored to be available via P-TRAK, but which is NOT, includes credit histories, bank account information, personal financial data, mother's maiden name and medical histories.
To find out how to remove your personal information from P-TRAK, visit the following Web page: http://www.lexis-nexis.com/lncc/p-trak/index.html . To read Lexis-Nexis' statement about P-TRAK, see http://www.lexis-nexis.com/lncc/p-trak/p-trak.html .
If you have comments about this column, send e-mail to citnews@cornell.edu . For more technology news visit the CIT News@cornell.edu Web site at http://www.cit.cornell.edu/cit-pubs/news/ . This column is compiled and edited by Daisy Dailey of CIT.