setting variables in ubuntu 7.10

[Bob Holtzman]

It's been a long time since I set up my last computer (RH7.3...yeah, it's 
been that long ago) and I can't remember how I set my ISP's NNPT server 
name and made it persistant. I can use "export <server name> and run my 
news reader immediately after with no problem. As soon as I exit the 
reader (slrn) and close the xterm window the server name is lost.

In RH the variables are in ~/.bashrc but ubuntu doesn't have this file. 
There is a ~/.profile file that appears to be the equivalent. Is this 
typical of debian based distros or do I have a problem other than failed 
memory (mine...not the computer's)? 

-- 
Bob Holtzman
"If you think you're getting free lunch,
 ......check the price of the beer!"