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The PDN stands for the Programmers Distribution Network [sm]. It was begun in the late 1980's by Erik VanRiper and a number of dedicated programmers in FidoNet as a means for programmers to receive and also distribute freeware, public domain, & shareware executables and sources. In April of 1992 and since then, it has then been coordinated by Janis Kracht. The PDN has grown and changed since it's early days (hopefully for the better [smile]).
While always international in scope, the PDN is now carried by many distribution networks due to it's affiliation with IFDC FileGate Project.
The IFDC FileGate carries PDN files to 6 of the 7 major continents of the world.
Files which were not easily or feasibly distributed via other methods are now available because of the IFDC FileGate Project (sm).
All files (including PDN files) distributed via the IFDC FileGate are available on the IFDC FileGate Project's own FidoNet style HUB structure, the FidoNet FileBone, Planet Connect Satellite systems and, on the internet hours after release.
The historical archive (all files ever released) are
available at: WWW:
ftp://64.34.85.9/pub/pdn/
ShareWare, FreeWare, Public Domain software (sources, libraries and tools) and DemoWare Libraries, snippets of source code and utilities of interest to programmers from authors are distributed in a variety of languages and for a variety of platforms.
Current collections such the EMX compiler, the SlackWare release of Linux, and DJ Delorie's C/C++ compiler are also distributed on occasion. Programming source from Dr Dobbs Journal, C Users Journal, Game Developers Magazine, PC Magazine and others are distributed as well.
Files such as Ralf Brown's Interupt list, and Bob Stout's Snippets, and
PASCAL SWAG Snippets are dropped off at PDN Headquarters by their
respective authors, for PDN release.
Using FidoNet technology, the PDN distributes files from a central source (see below) in various file areas. Each File Area is called a 'FileEcho', since the files in each area are forwarded to other systems.
Once a PDN site has the files, they may then be picked up by various systems and 'echo'ed further, or downloaded up by BBS callers.
File Echos are broken up topically by language, operating system, etc., much like the directories on an internet site.
For a list of the PDN File Areas, Click Here: File Areas
The PDN files are freely distributed. Outside of cost sharing in getting the files for long distance calls, or nominal charges by some services, there will be little or no cost involved at all on many sites. There is no cost to have your files distributed, as well.
All files released in the PDN are available for free, first time download or File Request, or via TICK technology on << Prism BBS V.Everything:
1:2320/38 (502)245-6778
Telnet: 64.34.85.9 (64.34.85.9)
TICK or a TICK compatible program is required to toss files if you are a FidoNet SysOp. If you can't find one of these programs elsewere, click on the filename to download tick210.zip
To run a TICK type program, you set up a configuration file to tell TICK about your system and where you want the file echo areas to reside on your hard drive. TICK then looks in your mailer's inbound area for received .TIC attaches and files, tosses them to the echo area directory you specify, appends a description line to a BBS FILES.BBS file in that area, and optionally echos the files to other systems you specify.
The only file echo that is required to be carried is the PDNHATCH file echo, and then this is only a required area if your system is passing the PDN on to any other nodes via FidoNet technology.
FidoNet Systems:
Read the PDNPOL.TXT file (policy). Once you've done this, return the PDNLINK.TXT file via netmail or e-mail to my system.
If you know of someone carrying the PDN, you can ask them to let you pick up files from them, or netmail me and I'll be glad to contact this node for you.
If someone in your net is using Planet Connect, the FileBone, or the IFDC FileGate, you can ask them for a feed, or let me know and I'll contact them for you.
Only BBSs which have sent me E-Mail or Netmail and who carry PDN files are listed in the PDNBBS.LST file. These sites want to let everyone know that PDN Files are available for first time download, or after validation, or via FileRequest to listed/unlisted nodes.
Download the Questionaire for including your System on BBS List and then return the form to jkracht@aye.ent: pdnq.zip
The PDNECHO (tag name) is on the FidoNet Backbone. Ask your NEC to pick up this echo. Subjects which are on-topic include programming topics in general, discussions with authors who distribute files in the PDN, discussions of PDN Policy and requests for links and information.
Further inquiries regarding the PDN [sm] or the IFDC FileGate Project should be sent to Janis Kracht:
FidoNet: 1:2320/38 (V.Everything) (502)245-6778
Telnet: 64.34.85.9 (ADSL)
Internet: jkracht@aye.net
FAX: (502)245-6778
Compuserve: 70267,2777
International Coordinator, Programmers Distribution Network
International Coordinator, IFDC FileGate Project
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