By Steve Marinucci
Published March 6, 1992, San Jose (CA) Mercury News
If computers are bringing the world a little closer, place part of the blame on TSN -- The Sierra Network.
TSN is an on-line IBM and IBM-compatible service strictly for fun from computer-game manufacturer Sierra On-Line. After creating a profile graphic, members can hook up with others across the country and play games (including chess, checkers, backgammon, hearts and miniature golf), send electronic mail or just chat.
The network soon plans an upgrade that will include paint- ball games and an on-line version of Sierra's World War I combat game, Red Baron, in which computer pilots can battle others across the country. Duck!
The network supports VGA, EGA and Tandy graphics and requires 640k memory. Hourly rates are $2 an hour from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. (and weekends from 6 p.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Monday) and $7 an hour 6 a.m. to 6 p.m Monday through Friday, with a $4.95-per-month minimum. Many California users also can access the system for a flat rate of $11.95 a month.
Free start-up kits, which include a $10 TSN credit, are available by calling (800) 743-7721. A retail version of the kit, which comes with $25 TSN credit and $25 credit for use on the Compuserve on-line network, lists for $29.95 and is available at various computer software dealers.
