Page 26 - Old School Gamer Magazine Issue #41 FREE Edition

Compuserve: The First Major Player
Compuserve began as a computer time-sharing service in 1969 and transitioned to an online service for home users by the late 1970s, going online to the general public in 1979. It was a pioneer in providing a range of digital services, including email, forums, and real-time chat. Compuserve’s Information Service (CIS) was particularly notable, offering access to news, weather, stock market data, and extensive databases. Its early adoption of the GIF image format and the creation of the “CB Simulator” chat room were groundbreaking. Compuserve’s extensive network of special interest groups (SIGs) allowed users to connect based on shared interests, a precursor to today’s online communities. Compuserve initially charged high hourly fees, which could quickly add up, making it a service often used sparingly by
its subscribers. In fact, I personally remember many people writing the name “Compuserve” with a dollar sign instead of an s, to make fun of the high costs of using it. Compuserve was acquired by AOL in 1997 and is now defunct, with its services absorbed into AOL’s offerings.
The Source: An Information Pioneer
Along with Compuserve, The Source was among the first commercial online services, which also went online to the public in 1979. It marketed itself as an information utility, providing users with access to news, weather, stock prices, and a variety of databases. The Source was innovative in offering online shopping, electronic mail, and even an early form of home banking. Although it never achieved the same level of popularity as Compuserve, The Source was a trailblazer in making a wide range of text-based information available to home computer users. Like Compuserve, The Source also charged users by the hour, making it a premium service for those seeking information and connectivity. The Source was acquired by Compuserve in 1989 and subsequently shut down, its services integrated into Compuserve's offerings, which was subsequently purchased by AOL.
Delphi: A Gateway to the Internet
Delphi, launched in 1983, was one of the first online services to offer internet access to its users. Initially providing email, forums, and file libraries, Delphi embraced the emerging internet technologies in the early 90s, offering full internet access including web browsing and newsgroups. This move made Delphi a pioneer in bridging the gap between traditional online services and the open internet. Delphi’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive service offerings attracted a loyal user base. However, the rise of free internet service providers and the widespread availability of broadband internet led to Delphi’s eventual decline. That said, they are not gone! Delphi is still operating today at www.delphiforums.com, focusing on niche communities and discussion forums, maintaining its legacy as one of the earliest online service providers.
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OLD SCHOOL GAMER MAGAZINE • ISSUE #41