====== Gopher Service ======

A Gopher TCP/IP service is included with Synchronet and can service incoming Gopher requests. This service provides unauthenticated access to message groups, file libraries, and some system information such as node lists, the auto message, system stats and version information.


===== Configure =====

Gopher configuration is found in the ''[[dir:ctrl]]/[[config:services.ini]]'' file:

<file ini>
[Gopher]
  Port=70
  Command=gopherservice.js
</file>

Add the above section if it doesn't exist already and then allow the services thread to recycle. Your users will be able to access the Gooher service on TCP port 70. Don't forget to open a firewall port or add a forwarding rule to your router.

If the file ''[[dir:text]]/**gopher_welcome*.msg**'' exists then it will be displayed on your Gooher index page before the message groups. The ''*'' (wildcard characters) means there can be 0 or more characters added to the file name so additional messages can be displayed in sequence.
===== Gopher Clients =====

Most modern web browsers no longer natively support the gopher protocol, however many do have Gopher plugins available. Check your browser's plugin or extension store. There are standalone Gopher clients that can be downloaded such as Simple Gopher Client for Windows that can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store. 

There are also web-based Gopher proxy sites that can be found using your favorite search engine.