Welcome to the Atari SIG's 8-Bit Computers Support Area!
 
    The 8-Bit Computers Support Area has something for everyone, from
 the new owner to the experienced and advanced user and programmer of the 
 Atari 8-bit computers.  Here is a small overview of each section and its 
 contents:
 
     1. About this Support Area
             - What you are reading now.
 
     2. The Atari 8-Bit Computers
             - A fairly detailed historical description of the 8-bit
               Atari computer, along with a brief overview of what makes
               the system so popular.
 
     3. Reference Desk...
             - Contains the latest versions of the Frequently Asked Questions
               List, the Vendors and Developers List, the New User, Emulator
               Help FAQ, the Atari 8bit Support BBS's list, and the Hardware
               Upgrade, Modification and Add-On FAQ.  In addition, the
               Reference Desk Help-Line is manned by your Atari SIGOps, 
               ready to answer your Atari-related questions as best we can.
 
     4. Atari News
             - Your source for news and announcements in the Atari world.
               
     5. Bulletin Board
             - A general discussion board just for you and your fellow
               Atari SIG 8-bit computer users!
 
     6. Usenet: comp.sys.atari.8bit
             - Usenet may be considered the world's largest Bulletin Board 
               System.  Participate in this newsgroup and get to know 8-bit 
               Atari users from around the world!  Since the
               Cleveland Free-Net Atari SIGOps do not maintain this newsgroup,
               you must be extremely careful when posting to it.  The posting
               of profanity or illegal material to this newsgroup will most
               likely result in the loss of your Free-Net account.  Please
               refer to the Usenet rules in the Atari Library under the 
               "Usenet" submenu.
 
     7. Technical Resource Center
             - If you've ever wondered about what can be done on the 8-Bit,
               chances are you'll find the information here.  This area is
               the archive of hardware modification and software development
               manuals. This section spans hardware upgrades for practically
               every 8-Bit module: from audio to memory to video. Even if
               you just havean unmodified machine, you will find out how to
               further expand its potentional from the software aspect via
               'The Atari Reference Manual.'
 
     8. Tips & Tricks
             - If you've ever wanted to get better performance out of your
               8-Bit platform, this is the place for you. This section covers
               tips on keeping your hardware functioning and getting the most 
               out of available software packages. Possible topics range from
               keeping your drive runing silently to the optimal
               configuration for running the program 'BFE' to the process for
               infinite lives on the game 'BFE'.
 
     9. Product Summaries
             - A place for you to summarize your experiences with products
               for the 8-bit Atari.  Let us know about the products you
               use! 
 
    10. Product Reviews
             - A place for you to detail your experiences with products
               for the 8-bit Atari.  Let us know about the products you
               use!
        
    11. Z*Magazine
             - Your source for the one and only International Atari 8-Bit
               Online Magazine.  All 210 issues, with no un-arc'ing or 
               reformatting to perform.  You won't find this immense resource
               anywhere but the Cleveland Free-Net Atari SIG.
 
    12. CAIN Newsletters
             - Central Atari Information Network Newsletter, the online
               magazine of the Cleveland Free-Net Atari SIG.
 
    13. 8-Bit Computer User Directory
             - Be sure to add your name to this directory.  This is where
               members can look up other members of the SIG.  Also, your 
               SIGOps may periodically send important news announcements to
               members listed here.
 
 
 Finally, don't forget to use the main Atari SIG menu.  There are several
 boards there that are relevant to the 8-bit Atari user as well, including
 the General Bulletin Board and the Wanted & For Sale Board.  Other areas of 
 the Atari SIG of interest to 8-bit computer users include the Voting Booth,
 the Atari Library, and SIG Directory Services. 
 
     Permission is hereby granted to reprint any material found in the
 Atari SIG's 8-Bit Computers Support Area unless stated otherwise, so long 
 as the material is not altered in any way, and the following information 
 is included:
 
     Name of article
     Author's name
     Cleveland Free-Net Atari SIG
     telnet freenet-in-a.cwru.edu (129.22.8.32)
     (216)/368-3888
     type "go atari" at any menu
 
 
     Thank you and please do your part in making this area a success.
 The 8-Bit Computers Support Area is only as good as you make it!
 
     If you have any comments or suggestions on how to make the 8-Bit
 Computers Support Area better then please send them to the Atari SIG,
 xx004, or to your 8-bit Atari SIGOps.  We would love to hear from you!
 
 Thank you,
 
 Michael Current, aa700
 8-bit Atari SIGOp
 
 Craig Lisowski, aa853
 8-bit Atari Technical SIGOp