Net-Works II

Development and history

Nick Naimo (born 1945 in New York City) developed Net-Works II independently in the early 1980s as a member of Computer Station, a BBS provider based in Missouri. He split amicably from Computer Station to work full-time for Advanced Data Systems, Version 2.2 of Net-Works was released by the company in June 1982. others included a accounting program for small businesses and an inventory program for retailers.

A year after its introduction, Advanced Data Systems transferred the publishing rights for Net-Works II to High Technology Software Products of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. High Technology Software continued selling Net-Works II into the late 1980s.

Features

Features of Net-Works II include:

• Text-based user interface
• Individual usernames and passwords
• Message boards, called forums
• Support for the Thunderware ThunderClock and compatible cards
• Chat mode between the sysop and user
• Administrative tools
• Applesoft BASIC, Integer BASIC, and binary program downloading

Reception and popularity

Net-Works II received a rave review in InfoWorld, with John Prather writing that the "combination of the personal computer and software such as Net-Works II may well be responsible for a phenomenon that will be the 80s equivalent of the CB radio of the 70s". The software package by the mid-1980s was a massive success, with the 1986 edition of Stewart Brand's Whole Earth Software Catalog calling it "the most popular of nearly a dozen Apple II bulletin board programs".

The gambling personality Jerry L. Patterson opened a BBS running Net-Works II out of South Jersey in March 1984.

References

References

1. Brand, Stewart. (1986). "[[Whole Earth Software Catalog]]". Doubleday and Company.
2. Staff writer. (October 14, 1982). "Maplewood Councilman Resigning". St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
3. Hildon, Karl J. H.. (1985). "The Complete Commodore Inner Space Anthology". Transactor Publishing.
4. Needle, Dave. (June 7, 1982). "Applefest draws 20,000". CW Communications.
5. Staff writer. (October 10, 1983). "Micro notes". CW Communications.
6. Staff writer. (November 1983). "Product News: Net-Works II". Ziff-Davis.
7. Musgrave, Bill. (January 16, 1987). "Bulletin Boards and Business". Reed Business Information.
8. Prather, John. (November 22, 1982). "Net-Works: bulletin-board system for Apple II". CW Communication.
9. Dewey, Patrick R.. (1987). "Essential Guide to Bulletin Board Systems". Meckler.
10. Yuen, Matt. (July 1984). "Keys to the World". Softalk.
11. Petzold, Charles. (March 20, 1984). "Count on It". Philadelphia Media Network.