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Networks and CD-ROMs Aid Research, Development and Education in Zimbabwe
St. George's High School in Harare can log-in directly to Global
Lab or World Classroom host machines via Ziment's
packet-switch system using 2400 bps X.28 protocol. This
provides interactive use of remote systems and transfer of binary
files. It would be possible, among other things, to send and
receive JPEG compressed images from video cameras showing
areas where Global Lab research is being done.
Zimnet X.25 data charges are quite high. High-volume items
such as Netnews feeds may be sent every few days by data
cartridge from South Africa for less. Many people use a
lower-cost method for direct Internet connection by dialing a
South African Internet provider directly at 9600 bps.
Long-distance charges are roughly Z$500 per hour (U.S. $1
per minute).
Coordination of Regional Networks
The American Association for the Advancement of Science
(AAAS) Sub-Saharan Africa Program, in cooperation with the
African Academy of Sciences (AAS) and others have planned,
implemented and supported Fidonet-based networks such as
MANGO for some time. However, an AAAS preliminary
report indicates many Zimbabweans were not aware of the
existence of helpful databases.4
The AAS, UNESCO and the Association of African
Universities also are catalyzing regional cooperation with the
Africa Informatics Research Project.5 This plan would utilize
Informatics Research and Development Centres in higher
education institutions, including the University of Zimbabwe,
Nairobi University with its Eastern and South African Network,
and the African Regional Centre for Information Science at the
University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Hayman describes the four
operation modes of the Centres: as a stand-alone vehicle to
address local problems; as communications nodes, via networks
they would help design and run; as joint-planning groups with
other organizations to identify, prioritize and solve regional
problems.
Other Possibilities
"Grateful Med": CD-ROM based resources have their
limitations. Medline, for example, has limited nursing references
and none to the social science factors so important to health
care success. For when medical comprehensiveness is
important, direct access to an online database via a powerful
machine is necessary. Grateful Med is such a comprehensive
online service for Medical and Nursing queries. Direct access
through Zimnet would be ideal. Until that is available, Grateful
Med DOS-based search software has been successful on a
pilot basis to create search queries to submit via e-mail, with
retrieval of articles by Lonsome Doc.
