It is my understanding that this file is updated after the Bitnet Nodes table (NETINIT) has been distributed. The Nodes table receives it updates from Bitnet Network ADminis- trators (NAD) who (bother to) send coded messages to UPDATE@BITNIC which would contain (in part) :INTERNET.hostname hostname may be repeated (multiple aliases). Of course Bitnic has no way of knowing if what it receives from the NAD is true. Also, the hostname should (must?) not duplicate some other Bitnet node's alias. This :INTERNET (tag) influences MAILERs and LISTSERVs, as well as the NAD's ability to (easily) affect his/her users' LISTSERV subscriptions. If I am not mistaken, there used to be a monthly message sent to nodmgt-l about inconsistencies in the :INTERNET tag values. -- co-owner INFOSYS, TQM-L, CPARK-L, ERAPPA-L, JANITORS, LDBASE-L, et -L [log in to unmask] "Are you a cybersurfer or cybersufferer?" 814 863 1843 31 Shields Bldg. -- Penn State Univ -- University Park, PA 16802-1202 USA