The Tallahassee Freenet Helplink files have been available to the users of this community for a long time. Since 1996, I have assisted users with problems system-wide, and have written helpfiles for TFN. Because these files have not been around much since the last extended downtime in February 2002, I figured it would be a good idea to give a "history lesson" on them, and familiarize users with what they contain.

TFN Helplink: A Brief History: These files have been in text only format since at least 1996. With the advent of web technology, it is evident that we must update these files so that users can access these resources online. Prior to December of 2003, the information contained in these files was accurate because of the way the system was configured. As of the end of 2003, these files are somewhat out of date, and in dire need of updating. This process is somewhat labor intensive, but necessary, to bring users up to date on system changes in staffing, policy and operatons.

In September of 2004, I was given, and happily accepted the task of converting these files from text based help files to HTML documents. I now am the custodian of the TFN Helplink Files. My job will be to maintain these files, while also improving on what we had. This will mean that some files that are no longer current will have to be removed, and new ones created in thier place. In order to facilitate the creation and maintanance of these files, I have placed them on my homepage in a support directory so that I can actively make additions, deletions and chnages as necessary.

In May of 2006, Helplink Files underwent a makeover. The old files were examined, and files that were obsolete were removed and replaced with more current information. The helplink index that contained the text versions of the Helplink Files was retired, and the files were converted to HTML. The older Helplink Index has been redesigned to comply with HTML 4.01 standards, and all helplink files now reside in support/helplink/html/. Each tier of information has its own directory, to make it easier to construct and maintain these files. The NEWS- TALK- and MENU- tiers have been retired and have been recoded to the MISC- tier. (TFN News is now obsolete, and is being replaced by the TFN Web Based Forums)

HOW I WILL SET UP THE HELPLINK DATABASE: Originally, TFN Helplink was available from one users directory. Each file within that directory was "coded" by what type of information it contained. The files were available to the questions and problems volunteers, and the information was world readable. I plan on continuing this practice, although I believe that most of the text related files I create will be converted to HTML to allow for users to access this information on the web. I will mostlikely make text versions first, and then code HTML.

The TFN Helplink Categories: TFN has categorized the Helplink files as follows:

ACCT- These files are specific to Account Registration, Deletion Maintanance, and other user account related topics. Anything relating to your TFN account would be listed here.

COMM- These files are specific to Connecting to TFN. These files may include topics such as listed dialup numbers and recommended settings, how to deal with line noise and downloading data.

MAIL- These files are specific to TFN's E-Mail programs. They may contain files such as using PINE/ELM/MUTT, How to manage/download mail, make aliases, deal with spam, and other topics of interest to the community

MISC- Miscellaneous files would be files are not specific in nature to TFN, but are files that do not fit into any other category. Files of this type may include TFN Historical Information, or information that does not fall into a specific category. Included within this category are files relating to IRC, talk, and other miscellaneous TFN programs.

PPP- This designation is set aside for files that deal with the use of TFN's Point to Point Protocol Accounts. Specifics as to the setup of these accounts would be listed here.

TEMPLATES- This Designation is not really a designation, but it is a directory that contains basic HTML Template Pages for users to look at to get a basic idea of how to constuct simple webpages.

GRAPHICS- This Designation is not really a designation, but it is a directory that contains images that TFN users may access and use on thier webpages. If I find something interesting that I feel the community would be able to use and/or benefit from, I will place the images here.

WEB- If you want to learn how to use the many web based features of TFN, then this designation would be a good place to start. Information relating to registering for TFN's Community Web Forums, TFN Webmail, and Webpage Construction information would be found here.

SUPP-This NEW designation would contain information relating to topics such as using FTP, Telnet, SSH, The WWW, Creating webpages on TFN, and using basic shell commands.

THE MAIN INDEX PAGE The Main Helplink Index Page has been untouched for a while, while I consider the best way to organize the information. It is my hope that the information can be uploaded to the index by June 1, 2005 (this is barring any unforseen circumstances). I want to be sure that there is some information to upload there, so it will take some time as I construct the files needed. I want to be able to serve BOTH HTML and Text based material as well, but I would have to make sure that this can be done easily, because I am the one who is creating, linking, and updating the files.

The TFN Community:Since the beginning of this endeavor as a Volunteer on TFN, I remember that the community I serve is only as good as the people who make it a reality. Without people, we would not be here, and I would not be making this page: I can only provide information and keep it timely with the help of my commuity. To that end, I ask that if there is any subject that you think should be covered that it NOT listed, that someone let me know so that we can add it to the database. I will be making the necessary additions to allow for this to occur at a later time, but wanted everyone to know that they can help me help them if there is something that should be here that is not here.

Sincerely,
Brian S. "Buddy" Baker
TFN IRC Operator and System Volunteer
TFN Helplink Database Custodian