Jussi Hamalainen scribbled a note to Tony Butler:
 TB> While I am not a programmer, somehow this doesn't make any sense..
 TB> Multiple programs can access the modem using Winsock, so why doesn't
 TB> this work with a windows-compatible fossil driver?
 JH> Winsock uses a Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) on the line to
 JH> the remote server. The programs that use winsock to
 JH> communicate over the line, use a protocol called TCP/IP that
 JH> runs over the PPP. Programs that use TCP/IP (like Netscape
 JH> for instance) do not take over the serial line. They just
 JH> tell winsock what to send over the line.
Yes, I know all that.  It answers my question about as well as if you had
said something like "because zmodem won't emulate ftp".
 TB> Conversely, if it works with Winsock, why not adapt a fossil to act
 TB> as a winsock agent and then write bbs software to access the winsock?
 JH> Why not then just junk the idea of a FOSSIL compleately and
 JH> start running a BBS connected to the internet or a
 JH> PPP-server?
Well, I don't know how it is in Finland, but where I live, the cost of a
frame relay line plus getting an ISP to allow you to hook your frame relay
to them totals about $4-500 per month.  Higher if you want an ISDN connect.
And you still haven't answered the question about why a fossil/winsock
and a bbs software to use them couldn't be created.
Tony
tbutler@rio.com 
--- timEd 1.01
---------------