>I'll second (or third?) that. There are a few hundred million of us
     >here in Asia that can't get onto your BBS as it would cost far too
     >much, but we can get onto Internet for US$120/year. I would be very
     >interested in some method of gaining more information on your
     >products, so some sort of Internet link or archive for your BBS
     >postings would be very helpful.

     >(I can't get to your BBS via Compuserve either for you eagle-eyed

     Hi, folks, I am the Microchip BBS Sysop, and I have been following
     this thread about Internet and BBS for some time.  Let me add a few
     comments here:

     1. Many of you may not be aware of it, but the Microchip Boston Sales
     office does sponsor a Microchip Web and ftp site.

     The Web site is: http://www.ultranet.com/microchip
     and ftp site is: ftp.ultranet.com/microchip.

     You should be able to get latest Development software (like MPASM,
     MPSIM, etc.) from these sites.

     2. The term COMPUSERVE connotes an impression that Microchip customers
     must belong to the Compuserve Information Service (CIS) membership to
     participate in the Microchip BBS. It ain't so!  Compuserve, in order
     to support its CIS customers, installs a global network and offers to
     make it available for lease, not unlike AT&T offering its
     long-distance service.  Most Microchip customers, especially overseas
     like Europe and Asia, should be able to take advantage of this global
     network and dial into Microchip BBS with a local phone call.  The
     connection procedure for overseas varies with geographical areas.  If
     you have problem, send me an e-mail and I'll see if I can help you
     out.  Remember: you don't need Compuserve membership to participate in
     the Microchip BBS.

     Since H&R Block, America's biggest tax preparation firm, owns
     Compuserve, maybe we should suggest they change the name to H&R Block
     network to eliminate the confusion :-)

     3. You want internet connection, and we hear you!! :-)

     Thang Nguyen               tnguyen@microchip.com