Computer Systems and Website Planning

D. Members' Access to Website

Updated on January 22, 2012

THNC's website (thnc.org) will have two levels for the public:

1. outer level for nonmembers; and
2. inner level for members with active IDs and passwords.

This section describes the inner level for members.

THNC's goal is to offer services and products to the greatest number of people with the smallest initial amounts of funding from grants and donations. It is important to us to see that every dollar is used in a responsible manner, is not wasted on short-sighted projects, and quickly produces tangible results.

The web site is initially only in English. All services and products are also in English. One possibility is to eventually introduce other languages. Members may also use a dialup service to let them speak with knowledgeable technicians.

The environment of THNC is one of valid, responsible information. Everything here has been verified. This is not the Internet where everything is suspect.

( 1-22-2012 ) An important feature of this webpage is the current percentage of donated funds that actually goes toward THNC programs.

1. Member login -- using their membership number and password, possibly followed by entering their PIN on the next screen and (when using a different computer or network) a security question with its correct answer takes members to a confirmation and welcome screen. Multiple buttons will link to all of the features shown below. "Not a member?" will go back to first level screens with explanations of member categories and types, benefits, and dues. All THNC services are benefits of regular and/or temporary membership.


2. Retail store -- members will see everything that was explained in the nonmembers' section. One difference will be that the website will identify the type of membership associated with the membership number and use the appropriate discount for all purchases. Also available here is the Test Equipment Rental Service (TERS) where qualified regular members can rent precision test equipment to test cable installations. Secured, encrypted pages will protect credit card transactions, including paying for or renewing memberships. Website will support appropriate merchant services.


3. Virtual exhibit hall -- with pictures and descriptions of many, currently available home networking products, systems, and related items. These exhibits will be similar to what you would see in the future at a real local center.


4. Product reviews -- here are categories of products and systems, keyword locators, and fuzzy searches. These are critical reviews and descriptions of products and systems currently available and in use. THNC provides the benefit of our experience with each one and empowers members to make better choices about the purchase and use of them. Members may also be empowered to better evaluate the descriptions of these items by manufacturers, dealers, and installers.


5. Product recommendations -- here, too, are categories of products and systems and a keyword locator. This section is a refinement of product reviews and describes the products that we feel are the best available. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we are responsible for protecting the public from inferior products. THNC's product recommendations will help members identify the best products available -- those free from hidden and potentially dangerous problems.


6. Lookup (keyword, proximity) locator service -- members can access the member portion of THNC's database to find definitions, protocols, and other occurrences of terms. A member can go directly to occurrences of keywords anywhere in the database. Advanced search capabilities including cross-referencing will be helpful. THNC will maintain a separate track of information for each of over 100 industries involved with home networking.


7. Professionals referral service -- name, business name, geographical ("miles from…" and ZIP code area searches) and keyword locators will provide members with qualified dealers and installers serving the area where the member lives. Whether or not any professionals are close-by, we will suggest ways for members to better understand the proposals of local professionals and to make better decisions. All qualified professionals are approved by THNC.


8. Test Equipment Rental Service (TERS) -- screens to describe this service. TERS is only available to regular members who have passed the final exam for one or more prerequisite Educational Presentations or given proof of previous professional experience. This service allows members to rent expensive equipment needed to test installations of twisted pair, coaxial, or fiber optic cable, in residential or commercial situations.


9. Representative Directors (RDs) -- screens will describe a special program available to regular members. RDs are regular members elected by their peers (other members) to serve on the board of directors of THNC. RDs have the same authority and responsibilities as other directors on the board. They will work with others on the board to lead THNC, develop its programs, and help to shape the future of home networking.


10. THNC's member organization -- all members are automatically part of this member organization. The purpose of this feature of membership is to provide members with the ability to pursue types of activities outside of THNC's normal sphere; to form special interest groups (SIGs); and to organize regional and/or national gatherings or conventions. All of these activities are monitored by THNC and regulated by the board of directors. The board will also provide limited financial support.


11. Personal Help services -- screens to describe services that include online chat rooms and a telephone call center. In chat rooms, members can ask questions of knowledgeable technicians and share experience with other members. Our call center allows a similar kind of assistance with one-on-one help from a technician.


12. Member services -- The member services area lets members access and edit their personal information, addresses, and preferences ("my account"). Members may also choose to activate (or deactivate) notification services such as the following:


1. Notification service for Educational Presentations (EPs): Members may have taken earlier editions of an EP and want to stay up-to-date.


2. Notification service for Technology Rate-of-Change Indices: These indices may be more specific than other existing indices and track the rates of change for each of 100+ industries that affect home networking. Written work about rapidly changing technologies will be updated more frequently than industries that are changing slowly. Other indices may be defined when several industries are involved in a product or presentation.