1. A set of data exchange standards and procedures that permit privately operated copmuter bulletin board systems (BBSs) to exchange data, files, and electronic mail internationally, using the world telephone syste. At an agreed-on time when telephone rates are low, subscribing BBSs send e-mail messages and files to a regional host, which in turn distributes them to other bulletin boards. Responses, or echoes eventually find their way back to the host bulletin board. A popular Fidonet feature is EchoMail, a set of moderated conferences that cover a variety of popular subjects, such as Star Trek, model aircraft, and political issues. From QUECID