This is the 'Overview.Txt' general information file about The Global ProBoard
Network.

The current version of this document is 1.01 as of 4th May, 1996.

Contents:
    1. What is The Global ProBoard Network?
    2. How do I join?
    3. Can I receive and send files via the Internet?
    4. Why all the file areas?
    5. The language and files
    6. Credits
    7. Documentation log


1. What is The Global ProBoard Network?
---------------------------------------

    The Global ProBoard Network (TGPBN) is an amateur network built around
    the FidoNet-style mailing systems. If you are a member of FidoNet (or
    compatible network), you can easily set up your system to be a part of
    TGPBN.

    TGPBN exists to provide ProBoard sysops around the world access to the
    many PEXs and utilities that are available.  Many sysops have been
    missing out due to the limitations of the existing ProBoard Networks and
    whether they can receive it in their Country.

    TGPBN utilises the Internet as a means of distribution for Zone
    Coordinators and it is possible for some sysops who have access to
    Internet FTP to download files and echomail packets from an FTP site
    using a fakenet address. (See section 3)

    TGPBN will try to hatch all the files that are written for ProBoard.  If
    you have written a utility for ProBoard then just pass it on to your
    nearest Host or Regional coordinator for hatching.

    TGPBN is the only ProBoard network that has the full backing of the
    author, Philippe Leybaert, and also is the basis for the ProBoard FDN.

    TGPBN has already linked many countries together and some previously had
    no contact with other PB Sysops *at all*.

    TGPBN is not the work of one person, but is a combined effort between
    Faye and Sarah Pearson, Branislav Slantchev and by many helpful people
    worldwide.


2. How do I join?
-----------------

    You will need to contact your nearest host.  If you don't know who (s)he
    is, contact Sarah Pearson and she will put you in contact with the
    correct person for your Region (Country).

    Fill out the application form provided in this package and send it to
    the appropriate address for a node number.


3. Can I receive and send files via the Internet?
-------------------------------------------------

    Yes.

    The FTP site is currently being setup with the use of a Fakenet network.

    More information may be available once you apply.


4. Why all the file areas?
--------------------------
       
    There are many PEXs that are released that come with documentation in
    only one language.  That language is usually English, but quite a few
    PEXs are released in Non-English.  This is the reason for the many file
    areas. (you probably won't use them all)

    Basically, all files are separated into 3 categories :
	
		English Only
        English and at least one other language
        Non-English (by language suffix)

    This allows the flexibility of not being forced to recieve files in
    any of these categories.

    The message areas are at the moment English only, but other language
    specific message areas may be added on a regional basis.


5. The language and files
-------------------------

    The official language for TGPBN is English. Please, do not use any other
    language in the message areas (except those with a .xxx suffix) eg.

        GENERAL.GER - .GER would indicate the language for this echo would
        be German only.

    If you will be hatching your files into the net, make sure that all of
    them have 'FILE_ID.DIZ' descriptions in them.

    Please make sure that your program is hatched into the appropriate area.

    Also please try and avoid excessive use of high ASCII characters (not
    only because we say so, but because they can really mess up the FILES.BBS
    listings). Please also refrain from color codes in those files as they
    mess up the carefully constructed display and are not handled properly by
    some programs.


6. Credits
----------

    TGPBN came about because I believe that ProBoard needs only one file and
    message distribution network, not the many that keep appearing every
    year but only cover partial distribution.

    I contacted Branislav Slantchev of Silicon Creations Inc., and discussed
    with him, the possibility of creating TGPBN.

    TGPBN now has the backing of Philippe Leybaert, the author of ProBoard,
    and Faye Pearson and Branislav Slantchev will be helping with the
    running of the Network.


7. Documentation log
--------------------

    Version 1.00 (26th April, 1996) (SnFP)
		* 1st release

    Version 1.01 (4th May, 1996) (SnFP)
        * Added new zones to overview.txt
        * Changed "What is TGPBN?" text
        * Changed credits.

    Version 1.02 (6th May, 1996) (SnFP)
        * Spelt version correctly :-)
        * Added new section 3 about FTPing the files and messages.
        * Added gpb-pex-esp to the arealist.txt file.
    
