Conneaut teen a computer whiz
JIM
MATTHEWS/Star BeaconMIKE SUMMERS works on his computer bulletin board.
By STACEY HUNTLEY
CONNEAUT - Take a computer bulletin board system with an unlimited number
of opportunities, add an awesome 16-year-old system operator (systems operator
or sysop), and users to support it, and what is the result?
Nothing but a masterpiece BBS called The Other Side that is maintained by
sysop
Mike Summers.
A bulletin board system (BBS) is software on someone's computer that allows
another person with a modem-equipped computer to link one another. Once
connected, the person with a modem can play games, download files for his
or her
computer and take advantage of all the available options.
A system operator (sysop) is simply the person who runs and maintains the
BBS.
The sysop's responsibilities include making sure the BBS is running smoothly,
that users are happy with what is available and help the user whenever possible.
Summers is a life-long Conneaut resident and junior at Conneaut High School.
Besides maintaining The Other Side BBS, Mike likes to cruise around town
in his
black Sunbird. He is employed at Conneaut K mart and is a volunteer firefighter
for Conneaut's Station 4.
The Other Side (TOS) BBS is a result of Mike's fascination with computers.
He
recalled being introduced to them when he was only 7 years old, adoring
his
Commodore 64. "Ever since then it just kind of grew on me," he
says with a
smile.
Now, nearly 10 years later, he is in full control of something he had originally
intended to be a way of communicating with a friend. The program he had
been
using at that time wasn't suitable for his likings, so he added his custom
screens
and personal touch.
Mike said the hardest part about starting his own BBS was finding a software
to
use. He tried five different kinds before he could find one that fit his
needs. After
many months of trying each, he decided Eternity v2.2 had some potential.
After that, Mike spent many hours and late nights constructing The Other
Side
BBS. He said it was a very time consuming process, but well worth it. The
main
reason for starting his own BBS was because he wanted to meet new people
and
show off his computer's capabilities.
For those who are interested, Mike's computer in an IBM 586dx. It contains
133mhz and 24 meg of RAM. He also has a 33,600 baud modem that allows TOS
BBS to be possible.
All but one friend was supportive with his idea and gave him the encouragement
he needed. They were so interested in Mike's BBS that they even helped him
choose the name, The Other Side. His girlfriend complained he spent more
time
with his computer than with her.
Finally on April 13, 1995, The Other Side BBS was "up" and "running".
This
was a dream come true for Mike because he has installed and set up everything
himself. He also accomplished something that other teens his age would consider
impossible.
Mike was given a unique nickname by one of his users that fits him well.
He
laughs and says, "Yeah, I'm the 'God of TOS'." The nickname started
as a joke
when a friend was appointed temporary sysop while Mike was on vacation.
He
says, "I left Conneaut as just 'Mike' and returned as the 'God of TOS',
works for
me!"
TOS BBS had been online for a month and Mike was happy with the response.
His system was answering nearly 50 calls per day! This made The Other Side
one
of the most popular BBSes in Ashtabula County until his hard drive crashed.
He
then had to basically start all over and re-install everything. He was very
discouraged but didn't intend to give up that easily.
"The best part of being a sysop is getting to see how many new people
I can
meet," Mike said. His big blue eyes opened wide and I could see the
excitement
on his face as he tells me about a time he met a guy from Michigan. He said
they
chatted for hours and became great friends. He also mentioned that a friend
and
he met a girl from Philadelphia and they became good computer buddies, too.
I asked him if the Internet has affected The Other Side BBS. He kind of
rolled his
eyes and said, "At first, no because not many people were interested
in it
(Internet). Now that Conneaut has easy accessibility to the internet my
BBS only
receives five or six calls per day."
Ironically, Mike supports his competitor because he uses the Internet about
twice
a week. He says it helps him a lot with school along with finding files
for TOS
BBS.
The Internet has caused a few changes for TOS BBS, but nothing to be alarmed
about. Mike decided since his system receives so few calls that he'd set
hours that
it will be able to access. They are as follows: Monday through Thursday
- 3 p.m.
to 10:30 pm and from Friday at 3 p.m. to Sunday at 10:30 p.m. (In other
words
TOS is on-line 24 hours on weekends). sysop Mike wants everyone to know
that
if TOS BBS's calls pick up then he will return to having it on-line 24 hours
a day,
seven days a week.
Mike chuckled when I asked him if he had gained and experience from The
Other
Side BBS and said, "Yeah, I've learned more than I thought I would,
especially in
communications."
He also said it was amazing to see that you don't need the Internet to meet
people
from all parts of the county.
"But," Mike says, "being a sysop isn't always fun,"
as he begins to grit his teeth.
"There are a lot of computer lock-ups and crashes that keep TOS BBS
off-line for
days, as well as users whining about not having enough time," he says.
Mike, being the cool sysop he is, has eliminated the "time" problem
by giving
each user four hours of on-line time. This is just one of the many elements
that
make TOS BBS a great place to hang out. Another would be that it is free
to
access (if it's not long distance from where you are calling) and to become
a user
all you have to do is answer a few questions that only take five minutes.
The Other Side BBS also has many interesting files ready to be downloaded,
on-
line games to play and many fascinating message bases. This BBS is a fun
place
to spend time if you get bored with the Internet because it is a slight
change of
pace and easy to use. After all, if you feel you're confused with the menus
Mike
has constructed for TOS BBS just let him know. He would be more than happy
to
explain it to you.
One of the most exciting on-line games at TOS is Legend of the Red Dragon
(L.O.R.D.). This is an adventure game that lets you fight enemies including
other
users (a great way to get revenge). You will also be able to manage money,
choose
your armor and weapons, visit an inn and even get married. It's a fun game
because not only are you playing against the computer but also other users.
Are you wondering how to connect to The Other Side BBS? It's simple. All
you
need is a computer with a modem (baud speed doesn't matter), a communication
program (not an internet dial-up), an open mind and some patience.
The telephone number is (440) 593-4181.
Sysop Mike would like to remind everyone that it's totally free to access.
When
was the last time you didn't have to pay to do something fun like this?
Still not convinced The Other Side BBS is a cool place to spend modeming?
Give
it a call and see for yourself. . . You'll be glad you did, and Mike will
too.
Huntley is a Conneaut High School junior who can dial up bulletin boards
on her
own computer with her eyes closed.
By MANDY WHITE
As often as possible, my father endeavors to take our family
to antique engine
shows.
For those souls who aren't sure what an antique engine show is, imagine
if you
will a huge field covered with remnants of things that used to whistle and
bang
and make things go and now they just whistle and bang. This is where good
engines go when they die.
Retirees oiling them, painting them, lovingly hauling them to each and every
show in the tri-county area _ what more could any self-respecting piece
of
machinery want?
But I digress. Of course we attend the one in Ashtabula County every year,
but
my father's hunger is not quenched. No, we must go to tiny places like
Sistersville, W.Va., to truly experience the magic that is the Antique Engine.
Now I enjoy family vacations about as much as your average teenager _ which
is
to say about as much as I do kidney operations. I'm in it for the cable
TV in the
motel and that's about it. So when I heard we were going to Cool Springs,
Pa., to
see yet more engines, I was not overly enthused.
Each time my father takes us on a trip to see another show, he promises
it will
be bigger than the last. Yeah. Cool Springs was about as exciting as the
one in
Sistersville.
Over the years my mother and I have developed the "engine plan,"
as we call it.
The first day we're stuck at the show we invest in a pair of ridiculous
sunglasses
and some long, long novels. And then we sit.
OK so there's not much to the plan. But it works very well.
This year I bought myself a fine pair of shades that make me look like a
cross
between "Catwoman" and "The Fly." Then to that I add
a fine green corduroy
fishing hat and I'm all set.
This is a very carefully planned disguise. Engine enthusiasts are identified
by
their John Deere hats, overalls or faded jeans with a little motor oil on
them, and
usually the same four varieties of plaid shirts. (My father owns all four.)
If you have the proper identification, you are welcomed into the club. People
will
talk to you endlessly about their engines, your engines or any machine made
before 1963.
I myself prefer to look like a bad imitation of an undercover spy. Therefore
the
disguise. Plus I think it adds a hint of mystery to the affair.
"Well, Jed, this is the third day I've seen that girl walk past our
display. Shall we
accost her and discuss our vintage 1901 big hissing motor?"
"No Arnold, she looks suspicious. Let her pass. The suspendered retiree
behind
her looks like a more likely candidate."
Actually, there are those that claim I just feel left out because I can't
tell the
difference between the motor of a tractor or a toaster. (Toasters do have
motors,
right?)
This is not true. I could fit in if I wanted to. As a matter of fact, a
few years ago I
participated in the Ashtabula County Antique Engine Show's junior skillet
toss.
The plaque hangs on my wall yet. And last time I saw the skillet judge,
he said
his doctor promised he'll be able to walk soon.
White thinks spark plugs keep the water in her bathtub.
Read past Mandy White columns.
Meet Maria Jones. She's a 16-year-old junior at Ashtabula
High School.
Maria's favorite subject in school is American history. If she could travel
back in time, she would go to the roaring 1920s. (Flappers do look pretty
cool.)
Someday Maria wants to be a nurse at a big hospital because she likes
people and considers herself a friendly individual.
Maria never eats breakfast but can be found munching on candy
throughout the day. Her favorite kind of candy is "anything she can
get
her hands on," she said. Her dentist must love her.
Remember last week when we talked about Student Night at "Always
Broadway" at Mentor's Travelodge?
Come on, come on, it wasn't THAT long ago.
Anyway, get out the iron cuz there's a new wrinkle to all of this.
Student Night is tonight, complete with a special theatre workshop.
Production people say students interested in theater who attend have a
chance to sing (you heard right) SING the opening number of the
musical revue, "Always Broadway," Sunday at 7:30 p.m.
The student also gets a $50 savings bond. Students attending tonight also
get in with a special discount.
Students interested should bring a prepared song and sheet music.
The student will be chosen by director Dave Clark and musical director
Peter Hill of the Cleveland Institute of Music.
Student night starts at 7:30. The Broadway revue runs today through
Sunday. Tonight and Sunday it's at 7:30. Friday and Saturday it's at 8.
Gargle before going!
Interested in writing for Teen/Currents? Oh yeah, you've heard that
before. But this time there's going to be a real meeting. If interested,
visit
us at the Star Beacon over yonder on Park Avenue in Ashtabula (often
pronounced ASH TAB UL A) Tuesday at 4 p.m.
We'll throw around some ideas, discuss deadlines and have someone
look through your cars for lifesavers and small change while you're
inside.
So if you're interested, check us out. Sure we bite, but not too hard.