RFC relevance of computer

As per Relevance of the word computer, we have this rfc below:

Network Working Group J.
Request for Comments: 2150 W.
FYI: 31
Category: Informational October 1997

Humanities and Arts: Sharing Center Stage on the

Status of this

This memo provides information for the Internet community. It
not specify an Internet standard of any kind. Distribution of
memo is unlimited

This document is designed primarily for individuals who have
knowledge of, or experience with, the Internet

The purpose of this document is to provide members of the Arts
Humanities communities with an introduction to the Internet as
valuable tool, resource, and medium for the creation, presentation
and preservation of Arts and Humanities-based content

The intended audience is practicing artists, scholars,
professionals, and others whose knowledge, expertise and support
important to ensuring that the Arts and Humanities are well-placed
the global information infrastructure

Table of

1. Introduction............................................... 3
1.1 Definition of Arts and Humanities......................... 3
2. What does the Internet mean to the "Artist?"............... 4
2.1 Access to the Global Community............................ 5
2.2 Sharing Your Work and Collaborating with Others........... 6
2.3 Freely Available Software, and Other Information.......... 8

3. What is the Internet?...................................... 8
3.1 What is the World Wide Web?............................... 9

4. How does the Internet Work?................................ 10
4.1 Internet Addresses........................................ 11
4.1.1 Computer Addresses and Hostnames......................... 12
4.1.2 Addresses of People on the Internet...................... 12
4.1.3 Information Addresses, Locators, URLs.................... 13
4.2 How Does the World Wide Web Work?......................... 14

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4.3 Other, Higher Level Protocols on the Internet............. 15

5. Forums..................................................... 16
5.1 Message Based Communications.............................. 16
5.1.1 Electronic Mail - email.................................. 17
5.1.2 Newsgroups............................................... 17
5.1.3 Electronic Bulletin Board System - BBS .................. 18
5.2 Real-Time Communications.................................. 19
5.2.1 Chat - IRC............................................... 19
5.2.2 Multicasting............................................. 20
5.2.3 MUD - Multi-User Dungeon................................. 20
5.2.4 Audio/Video Conferencing................................. 21
5.3 Archives.................................................. 22
5.3.1 Searching................................................ 22

6. Accessing the Internet..................................... 25
6.1 Internet Service Providers................................ 26
6.2 Computer Hardware and Software Tools...................... 26
6.3 Multimedia................................................ 31

7. Creating Content........................................... 32
7.1 Getting Help.............................................. 33
7.2 About File Formats........................................ 34
7.3 Creating Text and Hypertext Documents..................... 35
7.4 Creating Graphic and Moving Images........................ 35
7.4.1 Bitmap Image Formats..................................... 36
7.4.2 Vector Image Formats..................................... 37
7.4.3 Video Formats............................................ 37
7.5 Creating Music and Sound Files............................ 38
7.6 Content Design Issues..................................... 40
7.7 Publicizing Your Work..................................... 41

8. Issues and Challenges...................................... 42
8.1 Security Issues........................................... 43
8.2 Viruses................................................... 44
8.3 The Standard Disclaimer................................... 44
8.4 Copyrights and Intellectual Property Issues............... 45
8.4.1 Copyright................................................ 45
8.4.2 Trademark................................................ 46
8.4.3 Privacy.................................................. 47
8.4.4 Seek Professional Advice................................. 47
8.5 Conducting Business over the Internet..................... 47
8.6 Netiquette................................................ 48

9. Glossary................................................... 49

10. Resources, References, etc................................. 51
10.1 RFCs and Internet-Drafts.................................. 51

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10.2 Internet Documents........................................ 52
10.3 Other Sources............................................. 53
10.4 Freely Available Web Browser Software..................... 54
10.5 The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority................... 54

11. Security Considerations.................................... 55
11.1 Formulate a security policy............................... 55
11.1.1 Talk to your Internet Service Provider................... 56
11.1.2 Make sure your systems are up to date.................... 56
11.1.3 Use the tools available.................................. 56
12. Acknowledgments............................................ 57
13. Authors' Addresses......................................... 57

Appendix A. Internet Projects of Interest to
Arts and Humanities Communities..................... 58
Appendix B. Starting Points; A brief list of related sites...... 60
Appendix C. Examples for using the RFC server RFC-INFO@ISI.EDU.. 62

1.

This document has been structured to provide information about,
examples of, the wide range of functions and capabilities
on the Internet today. It is intended to illustrate the potential
current networking technologies for personal and cultural growth

Some basic functions of the Internet are described, along with
applications and forums for building online communities of interest
such as the World Wide Web, Email, and Network News

This is followed by discussion and examples of hardware and
being used to support the creation and presentation of artistic
literary works, along with examples of how Arts and
content is being represented, stored, and retrieved on the Internet

In addition to illustrating the great potential of the Internet,
document provides a brief introduction to the issues and
that affect the development and presentation of Arts and
content online, such as privacy and property rights

Included is a brief Glossary, and a number of Appedices which
pointers to other sources of information about the Internet

1.1 Definitions of Arts and

For purposes of this document the term "Arts" includes, but is
limited to, dance, design arts, folk arts, literary arts, media
film arts, music, theater, and visual arts

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The term "Humanities" includes, but is not limited to, the study
the following: language, both modern and classical; linguistics
literature; history; jurisprudence philosophy; archaeology
comparative religion; ethics; the history, criticism and theory
the arts; those aspects of social sciences which have
content and employ humanistic methods; and the study and
of the humanities to the human environment

For purposes of simplicity this document will use the word "Artist
to mean both Artist and Humanist: "all practitioners who work in
fields of the visual, performance, and literary arts, as well
museum curators, librarians, and others who are involved in
research, restoration, and presentation of that which comprises
cultural heritage."

2. What does the Internet mean to the Artist

The Internet is exerting a profound influence on our society.
now in its infancy, the effects of the Internet can be easily seen
popular media as well as in the way we do business. But the
dramatic influences are in the children who are now growing up
the net. Many parents are aware of the influence television has
their children. With the advent of WEB-TV, the Internet has begun
assimilate Television, transforming it into something more powerful
This coming integration of information, communication
entertainment will play a major role in teaching and shaping
minds of those who live and grow up with it

Because of this power, it is critical that the best parts of
culture are represented on the Internet. If we raise the
right, it will return the favor by nurturing a generation that
well grow up wiser than ourselves

This is where artists are needed. Because the net is primarily
and run by Scientists and Engineers who are creatures of mind, it
the heart and soul of the Internet that is weak. Artists are
heart and soul of human culture, and must bring the fruits of
efforts to the net to give the net culture, and future
their essence of humanity

If that does not convince you, we will also introduce you to some
the many tools artists may use to exploit the net for their
personal gain. As the online culture becomes a more
representation of humanity, the net will become an essential tool
collaboration, communication, and distribution of art and
content. The day is coming where those who are not on the net
be greatly handicapped in the expression and distribution of
works

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The net is the new frontier for the growth of humanity. Can
afford not to be involved

2.1 Access to the Global

In the past, artist's audiences and collaborators were limited to
people around them. Improvements in transportation and
have allowed these associations to expand, but even today few
of the artistic community have gone global. The Internet changes
this by allowing anyone access to a global community

A great many arts institutions and organizations have now
sites on the World Wide Web and a significant number of
discussion groups focus on the arts and humanities. Consortiums
museums and libraries are now using networking technologies
support research and projects involving more effective ways
collect, store, and disseminate objects of antiquity and other non
textual primary sources, as well as textual sources

Sites are also created by individuals and for institutions
organizations, and businesses for reasons ranging from commerce
simple self-expression. The Internet connects hundreds of countries
thousands of cities, and countless groups and individuals around
globe

On the Internet today you can find information on topics ranging
art and music to guns and ammunition; among which are astronomy
news, astrology, agriculture, acupuncture, botany, biology, zoology
food, psychology, medicine, space exploration, genetics, media
chemistry, microbreweries, aeronautics, scuba diving, meteorology
neurology, artificial intelligence, mathematics, literature,
tasting, law, painting, photography, dance, history, social sciences
politics, crafts, clothing, economics, genealogy, pets, sports
languages, dictionaries, encyclopedias, technical manuals, schools
shops, entertainment, furniture, flowers, software, hardware
computers and the Internet, just to name a few. Whatever your
requires, whatever your whim desires, you can find it on the net

People all around the world will be looking for what they want on
net, and if you have what they want, then through the magic of
Internet, you are their next door neighbor

With access to the Internet, the world is at your fingertips.
your questions on health, the environment, government, and religion
and look though volumes of documentation on your concerns, or
your questions with others electronically. Once you get used to it
you will even be downloading more information and tools to assist
further

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The Internet provides a forum in which diverse cultures can merge
and allows people to visit faraway places from the privacy and
of their own computer. The Internet explorer will also find
many sites are multilingual

Once you have the basic tools for using the Internet you will
to understand how easy, helpful, informative, and exciting it can be
With a few quick strokes you have accessed a great library, museum
or gallery, toured a faraway city, or looked up an old friend.
might find an out of print book you have always wanted, then
read it on your computer screen, or print it out on your printer.
you do not have a printer, simply save it to your floppy disk
bring that to a printshop or friend with a printer. It really
that easy

You could spend the afternoon at the Smithsonian, or the
without ever leaving your chair. For a more athletic adventure,
could put your computer in front of your treadmill, and jog
the online Olympics site

When you are ready, you can explore deeper. Follow other links
smaller sites, lesser known writers, artists, poets, and thinkers
and discover the emerging world they are creating. With the
tools you can even view moving pictures, and listen to music
other audio

Perhaps you would like to locate a rare album, or debate
musicians merit over anothers. Perhaps you prefer to discuss
compare the works of others with producers, collectors,
owners or other professionals in your field, or related fields.
might want to find out who's hot and why. You could also find
where, and when shows, showings, benefits, conferences, releases
signings, and performances are taking place, or announce your own

They say that for every artist, there is a critic, and you could
one, or be one, on the Internet

2.2 Sharing Your Work and Collaborating with

Artists often want to share their work with other artists so
they can get peer comments and recognition. The Internet is a
place to explore new ideas with other artists as well

Perhaps you are a painter who has developed a method for
acrylics moist during long sessions, or a photographer who
discovered a new lighting technique. You could make the
available over the Internet to enlighten others, or to get
feedback

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Perhaps you've had difficulty in some aspect of your work, and you'
like to talk to others who have had similar experiences to find
how they solved them

There are many types of content that artists can share. Including

- text: stories, poetry, historic accounts, transcripts, etc
- images of their visual work: paintings, photographs
sculpture, etc
- images of themselves: photographs, self-portraits, etc
- sound files of their audio works or voice presentations
their works: books on tape, speeches, tutorials, music, etc
- moving pictures: video arts, performance arts, etc
- a description of their art process and works of
- resumes and biographical
- contact information in the form of electronic mail address
postal mail address, phone, etc. Electronic mail is
popular because it allows people to respond spontaneously

After you've met some of the global critics, and compared your
with others, you may feel so bold as to share your work with others
Perhaps emailing a manuscript to a publisher, or putting up scans
your art will entice a buyer. Perhaps it will entice a critic to
wonderful things about your work

Perhaps putting your work on the Internet will bring fortune
fame, or perhaps it will encourage others to put their work up
Increasing the cultural content of the Internet will have
results in all areas of the Arts

There are many ways of collaborating over the Internet. As
in previous sections it is easy to see how to communicate
exchange work with other artists from anywhere in the world.
addition, there are art and literature projects which explore
Internet by asking people to submit their feelings, thoughts,
ideas through the Internet. Some of these projects will
interested people to come to them, others may be distributed
various ways to actively seek out people interested in participation

There are also games which are played over the Internet, by
all over the planet. These types of games, which are described
greater detail in Section 5, can be both entertaining
educational. Some games offer players the opportunity to alter
environment, so that ideas and information contained in the
evolve over time into a jointly constructed experience

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2.3 Freely Available Software, and Other

There is a world of useful software available to you via
Internet. Known as Shareware, Public Domain, or Freely Copyable,
can find many software programs you may download and use on your
machine, often completely free, occasionally for a small and/
optional fee which helps the author to afford to create more
for general use. There are also libraries, stores, and news
you can peruse in search of just the tool or information you want

As you explore the Internet, you will begin to find information
is beyond your reach without the right tools for viewing, listening
etc. For example, someone may have put up a sound file using
format which cannot be recognized by the software you have installed
In these cases, that person will often have included a pointer to
exact tool necessary to recognize their format, or convert
format, and you can download, install, and use this tool right away
More information on file formats is provided throughout the document

Using the basic tools acquired to access the Internet, you can
to add to your collection software tools, both for accessing
information already on the Internet, and for creating your
content. After reading this document you will have the
necessary to find and use this information

Appendix B provides a list of Internet sites, where
about the arts, and freely copyable software tools and art,
other things, can be found

There are many people both like, and unlike, yourself with whom
can meet, communicate, and share ideas. Some like to just talk,
can listen if you like. Others like to just listen, so you
others can talk

There are also many forms that communication can take, from
electronic mail, to group video conferencing, to
newsgroups, to public bulletin boards. See Section 5 for
information on Electronic Forums

3. What is the Internet

As new users, the first question that probably comes to mind is
"What is the Internet?" A good answer is: "People, computers
information electronically linked around the world by a
protocol for communicating with each other."

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The Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) was founded in the
1960s. Among its many projects, ARPA created a network of
called the ARPANET. As other networks were created, most
connected to the ARPANET, and the resulting network
interconnected many networks was named, "The Internet". At
count, this "Information Superhighway" connects several
computers and over 40 million users from all over the world

The Internet should not be confused with America OnLine (AOL),
CompuServe, Prodigy, and other type service providers, which may
their own, often proprietary protocols and are sites unto
but may also have connections to the Internet. The Internet
also not be confused with the World Wide Web which is the topic
the next section

3.1 What is the World Wide Web

The World Wide Web, generally referred to as simply, The Web,
comprised of a subset of the computers on the Internet

You can visualize the World Wide Web as a giant magazine stand with
vast web of strings connecting various words pictures and ideas
Like a magazine rack, you may quickly select a chosen magazine,
you may browse, following the strings from magazine to magazine

More formally, the Web is vast multimedia "document"
among a large number of the computers on the Internet

There is no central hierarchy that organizes the Web. Instead,
information is distributed among many "Web Sites" created and used
the many people on the Internet. Each Web Site is much like
magazine in that it has a Cover Page, called the Home Page, and
pages of related information that can be connected in whatever
the author wishes. This "document" is in a format called "hypertext
which allows information in the web to be linked by words or
viewed on the computer

The Web is broken up into a large set of pages, called "Web Pages",
of information connected by hypertext "links" which let you click
a highlighted word or picture to call up a page of
information. This is what differentiates hyper-text from "normal
text. In "normal" text, each idea, sentence or paragraph
connected in a sequence or "train of thought", from beginning to end
In hypertext however, tracks of ideas branch out through "Links",
that each idea may be connected to many different "trains
thought". This ability to follow an idea to many
destinations allows you to read hypertext documents in a way
naturally resembling human thought

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For example, you might create a "Cool Music" Web Page and place it
a "Web Server", which is any computer somewhere on the
running the software needed to provide access to the resident
Pages. Anyone on the Internet could then use a piece of
called a "Web Browser" to ask the Web Server to view your Home Page

This Home Page could be a striking artwork featuring a list of
favorite albums and a few labeled buttons. While your music
from their speakers they might choose to click on any album
catches their eye, or go to lists of information sorted by Artist
Label, or Genre. Once they get to the page for a particular album
they might see the artwork, a song list, and other links to follow
Clicking on a song might pull up the song lyrics, or perhaps
download the song. Or they could follow a link you provided
your page to the HomePage of the artists record company, or to
magazine interview of the band. If the information is out there
your page could link to it

At last check there were hundreds of thousands of web sites,
pages, and hosts on the Web. The contents of those sites are
as varied. Some pages are personal pages containing photos of
members, lists of hobbies, or the sharing of collections such as
lyrics. Some pages are strictly business, selling everything
abalone to zymoscopes. Still other pages provide services such
information searches, and weather reports

Human culture is based on communication, and the
availability of information and the thought-like constructions
hypertext are the most powerful new ideas in communication since
invention of writing. A glance back at history will easily show
written language has shaped our societies. These results are only
foreshadowing of the things to come

4. How Does the Internet Work

While it is not necessary to understand how the Internet works
order to use it, a brief technical overview will introduce you
some concepts and terms that will be used in the sections ahead

As we go into more detail here, we are assuming that you, the reader
have at least a passing familiarity with computers. Section 6.2
provides more information on computer hardware and software

On one level, networks are built out of wires, phone lines, and
pieces of hardware, and the Internet is indeed built of all
things. The essence of the Internet however is built out of an
called the Internet Protocol

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There are many different kinds of computers. Most of them work
encoding information into ones and zeroes, which they can
at incredible speeds. Unfortunately, there are many different
of encoding information. Computers that use different methods can
said to speak different languages. In order for computers to talk
each other there must be a thing called a "Communication Protocol
that provides a set of procedures for talking and a common
to use

The Internet Protocol, or IP, is the Communication Protocol that
computers on the Internet must use and understand. It
computers to find each other, and to send packages, or "packets",
information back and forth. Much like the Postal service reads
country code, city code, etc., but not the contents of your letter
the Internet Protocol does not care what is inside most of
packets of information. This is a great thing because it means
other, higher level protocols may transmit any possible kind
information simply by stuffing it into a packet and handing it off
the software responsible for speaking IP

Another important protocol upon which the Internet is built is
Transmission Control Protocol, or TCP. IP by itself provides a
of sending a message to another computer, but no guarantee that
will get through. Since reliable communication is a necessity,
TCP protocol was invented which uses IP to send packets
guarantees their delivery by requiring the receiver to
the information received. TCP and IP form the heart of a group
protocols aptly named the TCP/IP protocol suite. This suite
protocols provides most of the functionality of the Internet

We will be mentioning these protocols throughout the rest of
document. Information on IP and other Internet Protocols can
obtained through the resources referenced in Section 10.

4.1 Internet

There are many things we would like to be able to find on the net
including people, information, and the computers themselves.
important part of IP and other protocols is the way they label
so that the computers can find and identify them. The U.S.
Office finds people by their Postal Address, which is just a
containing information about who you are, and where you live
Likewise, the various protocols of the Internet have given computers
people, and information, addresses which can be used to find them
The following sections will describe several different kinds
addresses

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4.1.1 Computer Addresses and

When speaking IP, computers locate each other using a thing
their IP Address. Each computer on the Internet must have a
IP Address. Some programs allow or require you to use the IP
directly, if so, it will appear as four groups of numbers
by dots. (i.e., 123.123.123.123) Most of the time though, you
not need to worry about the actual IP Address number, because
computers have a "Host Name" to which the number is mapped

A computers hostname also comes in parts, separated by dots.
first part is the name of the machine, and the second part is
name of the "domain" in which that computer is registered

For example, if I had a machine named "foo" registered in
commercial domain known as "com", my machine's hostname would
"foo.com". When speaking out loud, this machine's address would
spoken as "foo dot com".

A domain is just an abstract category to which machines and
may be registered into in order to organize them. Domains
organized in a hierarchy of top level domains and their subdomains
Top Level Domains include

.edu for educational
.gov for government
.com for commercial
.org for other
.net for network infrastructure
.us for sites in the United
.ca for sites in
.nl for sites in the
.jp for sites in

to name a few. Domain names may be further subdivided by
one or more subdomain names before the top level domain,
separating everything with dots. For example, "law.harvard.edu",
the Law School at Harvard University, and "la.ca.us" for computers
Los Angeles, California in the United States

More information about the Domain Naming System can be found in
documents referenced in Section 10.

4.1.2 Addresses of People on the

Every human being has a given name, or full name with which
address them. When you begin to use a computer, you will
introduced to your "username". Your username, sometimes called

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user i.d., may be your initials, your last name and first initial
your nickname, a number, or anything else that is just normal
or number characters. (Your username usually cannot
"special" characters such as "&", or "%".) Sometimes you get
choose your own username, and sometimes your service provider
system administrator will choose one for you

Your username is used when you connect to other computers, and
identify you in electronic mail. Your electronic mail, or
Address, will consist of your username followed by the symbol "@",
followed by your computers hostname

So, for Joe Cool, who has the username "jcool", and gets his
service from Dirigible Online, his email address might
"jcool@dirigible.com". When spoken out loud, the "@" symbol
pronounced simply "at" so this would typically be spoken as "jcool
dirigible dot com".

Email is moved around on the Internet using the Simple Mail
Protocol, SMTP, over IP. Information on SMTP can be found in
documents listed in Section 10.

4.1.3 Information Addresses, Uniform Resource Locators, or URLs

In order to retrieve information from the Internet, you need to
able to find it and know how to ask for it. This is the job of
Uniform Resource Locator, or URL which functions as an address
information. Every file or document intended to be
through the Internet has a URL

URLs (or simplified versions of them) are now appearing frequently
TV, billboard, and magazine advertising as a company's
Address; basically the hostname of their web site

In previous sections we've identified IP Addresses, hostnames
email addresses; a URL contains more information. Not only does
tell you what the information is, and where to find it, it also
you precisely which protocol you need to use to retrieve it

A URL is a machine readable, and hence somewhat cryptic, text string
in a form such as "http://www.something.com/location/filename.ext".
This string can be broken down into the following pieces

http is the name of the communications protocol which can be
to access the information. In this case, it identifies
HyperText Transfer Protocol, which is used in the World
Web, and will be described later. Other protocols
described in Section 4.3.

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: separates the protocol from the

// indicates that what is to follow is the

www.something.com is the hostname of the computer on which
document resides. In this case, the "www" indicates
it is a machine named for the fact that it is running
World Wide Web server. "something.com" is the domain
which that server is registered. Typically the "something
part is the name of the organization running the server

/ separates the hostname from directory on the machine
which the information resides

location is the location of the information on the
something.com

filename is the first part of the file name of the information
are retrieving

. a dot separates the filename from its

ext the extension, or file "type" actually says a great
about the file, how to handle it, and how to present it

The URLs you see will usually be simpler than this. The people
something.com assume you are going to use a modern web browser
access the information, so they may leave off the
information, "http://", because this is probably your web
default protocol. Also, if they configure their server to have
default homepage to display, they can leave off everything after
hostname part of the URL. This puts it into the form that is
commonly seen, www.something.com

URLs can specify any file and most protocols. In this example,
URL is using the protocol for moving HyperText, the
Transfer Protocol, HTTP, over IP. More information on HyperText
HTTP can be found in the next section, and in the Resources section

4.2 How Does the World Wide Web Work

Web pages are computer files written in a format called HTML,
HyperText Markup Language. HTML is the protocol for putting
strings of letters and symbols (such as parentheses) into an

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text document which can specify that words link to other pages, or
viewed in a particular type font, or display images, or many
things when viewed with the appropriate software. The
software would generally be a web browser. More information
software tools is provided in Section 6.2.

HTML is simple enough that most people can learn to use it, but
enough in possibility that there will always be a thriving
of people making web pages for others

Links within a hypertext documented are implemented using
to the URL of the information to be linked to

In order to download information from distant places in the web,
computer will typically be using a protocol called HTTP,
HyperText Transfer Protocol. HTTP was designed to allow web
software to connect to web server software on other machines
request the transmission of a web page in the form of an
document and any associated images, audio, video, etc. The
version of the HTTP can actually tell what type of browser
connecting and the server is now able to better customize its
homepage to its audience

More information on HTML, HTTP, and hypertext can be found in
7.3, and through the references listed in the Resources section

4.3 Other Higher Level Protocols on the Internet

There are many other higher level protocols built on top of IP
We've provide examples throughout the document, but we'll mention
few here to make you more familiar with them

telnet: a protocol for providing remote terminal service.
software allows you to log in to remote computers across
net by giving you a virtual terminal on that computer

ftp: the File Transfer Protocol. FTP allows diverse machines
send simple files back and forth. FTP is usually used
archive sites to allow multiple users to download
simultaneously

smtp: the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. The SMTP
allows electronic mail to be sent, stored, and forwarded
around the Internet. SMTP does not specify how a
"reader" operates, just the transmission of email

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nntp: the Network News Transfer Protocol. NNTP specifies
Internet News is passed, stored and forwarded around
Internet

gopher: the Gopher protocol creates linkages, much like the web
which is called, "gopherspace". The specification
a gopher server to serve files in a text rather than
format

Many other protocols function on the Internet, and are specified
technical documents, such as are referenced in the Resources section

5.

Websters defines a forum as "A public meeting place for
discussion." In the world that could be a park or an auditorium.
the Internet, a forum will be electronic, but it may still feel
a roomful of people

Many forums exist on the Internet. There are interactive
where you can share information in real-time and carry on
with others. There are message-based forums where you send
receive a message and others involved in that forum can
later, and there are archived forums where information is stored,
may be retrieved by anyone but modified only by its owner

While we have attempted to list and describe a few of the
popular forums, we have not created an exhaustive, complete, or up
to-the-minute list here. You can find information on forums,
and sites in many magazines and books today

5.1 Message-based

In Message-based communication, a message is sent by one user,
can be received by one or many. For example, you might send a
invitation to an individual, a couple, or a group. In the same way
you send electronic messages to individuals or groups. Just like
postal service for physical mail, there are electronic mail
for electronic mail. Just like you have a physical address to
your physical mail is sent, there is an electronic mail address
which your electronic mail is sent

Message-based Communications includes electronic mail, newsgroups
and bulletin boards

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5.1.1

Electronic mail, called EMAIL, is a system whereby a computer
can exchange messages with other computer users, or groups of
via a communications network. This can be the Internet, or a
internal office network

Typical use of email consists of downloading messages as
from a mailbox or mail server, then reading and replying to
solely electronically using a mail program which behaves much like
word processor for the most part. The user can send mail to,
receive mail from, any other user with Internet access.
mail is much like paper mail, in that it is sent, delivered,
contains information. That information is usually textual, but
innovations allow for graphics, and even sound to sent in email

Email is superior to paper mail in that it can arrive at
destination within minutes of being sent, and it can be replied to
appended to, forwarded, formatted, saved, or deleted just as quickly

Some sites on the Internet run a type of file server which
respond with a file automatically, for those who have email but
web or ftp access

An email address consists of a username, and the address of
machine to which the mail should be delivered for that user

Reviewing Section 4.1.2, email addresses take the
"username"@"site"."domain" For example, if your name is Joe Cool
you get your Internet service from Dirigible Online, where you
as "jcool", your email address might be "jcool@dirigible.com".

You will usually get your Email address from your
Administrator, in a work or school environment, or from your
Service Provider. Section 6 provides more information on
Service Providers

5.1.2

Someday everyone will be able to get their news electronically
saving paper, money, time, and the environment

A Newsgroup is an electronic bulletin board system created
by the Unix community and which is accessible via the Internet
Usenet News forms a discussion forum accessible by millions of
in almost every country in the world. Usenet News consists
thousands of topics arranged in a hierarchical form. Major
include "comp" for computer topics, "rec" for recreational topics

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"soc" for social topics, "sci" for science topics, and there are
others we will not list here. Within the major topics are subtopics
such as "rec.music" for general music content,
"rec.music.classical" for classical music, or "sci.med.physics"
discussions relating to the physics of medical science

If you have access to newsgroups, it would be wise to read
postings on the newsgroup "news.announce.newusers" first.
newsgroup provides detailed information on newsgroups, such
finding the right place to post, and information on newsgroup
style

Local newsgroups are those that are accessible through
organization or company which contain news that is relevant only
your organization. For example, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center
GSFC, has many internal newsgroups that are of interest only to
employees and none of the other NASA centers. Therefore,
have been formed to provide internal information to NASA
employees only and no one else. Some examples are: gsfc.carpool
gsfc.dialup or gsfc.220.civil.servants

Another example of a local newsgroup is news that is posted
your community or the vicinity in which you live. For example,
you lived in the Washington D.C. area some of the local
might be: dc.biking, dc.jobs or dc.smithsonian

Many newsreaders are available, and many web browsers now
support news. The URL to use for a newsgroup will have the
news: followed by the group name, as in news:dc.smithsonian.
domain address is not necessary, as the browser would be
to know which host you will get news from

5.1.3 Electronic Bulletin Board System -

An Electronic Bulletin Board System, or BBS, consists of a computer
and associated software, typically providing electronic
services, archives of files, and any other services or activities
interest to the bulletin board systems' operator

Typically a BBS user must dial into the BBS via their modem
telephone line, and select from a hierarchy of lists, files
subdirectories, or other data maintained by the operator.
connected, the user can often send messages to other BBS users
the system

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Although BBSs have traditionally been the domain of hobbyists,
increasing number of BBSs are connected directly to the Internet,
many BBSs are currently operated by government, educational
research, and commercial institutions

BBSs usually advertise their services in the backs of magazines
newspapers and by word of mouth. Many companies now offer a BBS
which their customers can retrieve their latest technical
documents and product literature

5.2 Real-Time

The communications methods described in Section 5.1 involve
between when you send a message and when you receive a response,
the result that both parties are not involved simultaneously.
net can also be used to communicate in "Real-Time" by making the
the delays are short enough that both parties can be
simultaneously in a "conversation".

Typically this is done in a text based format where each user has
special regions on their screen: One that they type in, and
that the other users type is displayed in. The delay between
one user types and the other sees it on their screen is called "net
lag" and usually ranges from "too short to be aware of" to about 30
seconds. Lag can occur due to network congestion or a variety
bottlenecks including link speed, processor speed, and typing speed

Although it is still rather expensive, it is also possible to
both audio and video in "Real-Time". However the reasons for it'
expense are temporary, and you should expect to see more and more
this in the future

Forums which communicate in real-time are the Internet Relay
(IRC), the Multi-User Dungeon (MUD), Audio-Video Conferencing (AVC),
and WhiteBoard Systems (WBS).

5.2.1 IRC - Internet Relay Chat,

Internet Relay Chat, or IRC, provides a text-based mechanism
communication with multiple participants. IRC is an
forum set up in virtual rooms that you can move between, and
others can virtually "hang out". Chat rooms can be used to
common ideas or topics, or as part of a collaborative process.
connection method used will be specific to each IRC site. IRC
can be found using search tools, as outlined in Section 5.3.1.

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Web chat is like IRC but it is done via a web browser, and it is
a text only forum. Section 6.2 provides more information on
browser software

Many webchat sites require the user to register before being able
participate in the activity. If any additional software is
based on your particular software and PC configuration the site
point you in the right direction so you can download the
software

Some sites will provide you with chat etiquette guidelines.
be sure to read the directions before you participate in the
session

Once you begin to chat you may find that there are some
used with which you are not familiar. These abbreviations are
various actions or phrases. Some very common ones are: by the
(btw), in my humble/honest opinion (imho), and ta ta for now (ttfn).

Appendix B provides a few Chat sites to start you off

5.2.2

Multicasting is a technical term that means that you can send
of data, called "packets", to multiple sites simultaneously. How
a packet is depends on the protocols involved and it may range from
few bytes to a few thousand. The usual way of moving
around the Internet is by using unicast protocols, which send
to one site at a time

You can think of multicasting as the Internet's version
broadcasting. A site that multicasts information is similar in
ways to a television station that broadcasts its signal. The
originates from one source, but it can reach everyone in
station's signal area. The signal takes up some of the
available bandwidth, and anyone who has the right equipment can
it in. The information passes on by those who don't want to catch
signal or don't have the right equipment

5.2.3 MUD - Multi-User

A MUD is an interactive game environment where both real
players and virtual other players exist and with whom you
communicate to share ideas or solve puzzles, etc

The word "Dungeon" refers to the setting of many of the
games of this sort, in which you, our hero, must escape from
dungeon-like environment where evil goblins, demons, and other "bad

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guys" are wandering around ready to kill you. Generally the goal,
order to win the game, is to find and retrieve some treasure,
reach some hidden place, and find the way out

MUDs have applications in education, as for problem solving
leadership skills, as well as in building teamwork to share ideas
to enhance creativity. Having a virtual world in which people
diverse backgrounds and cultures can come, again and again, to
on a common project, allows ideas to accrue and cultures to grow
time

For more information on MUDs, and other collaborative environments
explore the references in the appendices

5.2.4 Audio Video

Audio Video Conferencing has many applications in the arts as well
in business. Using the Internet, teachers can reach students
cannot get to their schools, doctors can give medical
from around the world, and artists can perform in front an
they would never have otherwise

CU-SeeMe is a freeware desktop videoconferencing software tool. CU
SeeMe allows Macintosh and Windows users with an Internet
and a desktop camera (some go for as little as $100) to see, hear
speak with other CU-SeeMe users across the world. This program
developed at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, USA and
freely available

CU-SeeMe allows the user to have a one-to-one communication. It
also possible to have a one-to-many or many-to-many communication
installing a reflector on another machine running the
software. The reflector software must be installed on a
machine. The software can be obtained from Cornell University's CU
SeeMe page listed in Appendix B

Whiteboard systems also enhance audio visual conferencing.
Whiteboard, which is analogous to a chalkboard, is physically
similar. Using a write-on wipe-off style of whiteboard, which
been electronically enhanced, allows people on the Internet to
text, drawings, and other graphic information which is being
in real-time

Software exists which allows connections between two sites,
hundreds, over the Internet, the Web, or your telephone

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5.3

Archive is defined in Webster's New World Dictionary as
n. 1 a) a place where public records, documents, etc. are kept b)
place where material having documentary interest, as private papers
institutional records, memorabilia, or photographs, is kept

Archives on the Internet are pretty much the exact same thing.
motivation and much of the content is the same, but the media
(from paper files, to electronic files), and as such allows for
much greater diversity of content

Archives on the Internet also allow many people access to their
simultaneously, and from all over the world. Many archives on
Internet still reside on Anonymous FTP Servers, which allow users
log in without a user i.d. or password. When connecting to
servers the protocol used is "ftp" the File Transfer Protocol,
mentioned previously in Section 4.3.

Any and all information that people want to make available on
Internet can be. This means there is a truly vast amount
information out there, with more being added every day. In
there is so much information that it is sometimes difficult
confusing to find the information you want. This is the topic of
next section

Some anonymous ftp sites are provided in Appendix B

5.3.1

One of the great challenges facing the Internet is how to
the vast amounts of information in ways that allow most people
find what they want. In theory, there may be a "perfect
organization, but in practice, we will never achieve it. This
that finding the information you want on the net may require
skill on your part. Fortunately there are many tools and
that may be helpful

One of the all time great ideas for finding the information you
is a thing called a search engine. A search engine is a
program usually living on a remote computer that spends its
downloading information from other computers and building an index
what lives where. This behavior has given them the nickname of
Crawlers. What this means to you, is that you can call up the

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Engine's home page, and enter in a subject, name, title, or
string pattern, which is then used to search the engines index
stuff out on the net that seems related. This can lead to both
large volume of information, and some rather startling discoveries
information from unsuspected sources

Some of the available Searchers and Indices on the Internet include

Yahoo - Index of WWW sites, with search
http://www.yahoo.com
DejaNews - USENET (news groups) search
http://www.dejanews.com
WebCrawler - http://query.webcrawler.com
Lycos - http://www.lycos.com
AltaVista - WWW and USENET search
http://www.altavista.digital.com
Magellan - Index of reviewed and rated Internet sites,
search
http://www.mckinley.com

Yahoo, for example, has a high-level category called "Arts",
has a multitude of subcategories below it, most of which have
subdivision, each of which can contain lists of lists

For example, to find information on Modern Dance, from a
point of http://www.yahoo.com/, you can follow the links
http://www.yahoo.com/Recreation/Dance/Modern/Groups or simply
"Modern Dance" into the search field and choose from a list
selections returned

On a typical attempt on March 25, 1997, Yahoo returned 4
categories of Modern Dance, and offered 82 other links to
pages around the web. Statistics, however, can be changing by
moment

There are many other Searchers and Indices on the Internet, and
good way to find them, is to do a search for them in one of
services above, or others you encounter in your travels.
resources in Appendix B may also be helpful

After experimenting with the available search engines, it
becomes clear that searching on a broad category can result in
much information. For example, a recent search at AltaVista for
subject "Rembrandt" matched over 8500 individual items,
information on the famous artist (Rembrandt von Rijn (1606-1669)),
His Self-Portrait, a hotel in Thailand (Rembrandt Hotel and Plaza
Bangkok), and a pizza restaurant in California. (The URLs for
sites are listed under Rembrandt in Appendix B.)

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To be more particular in what you find, all of the available
engines allow you to do compound searches, in which multiple
are used, possibly in combination with Boolean logic operators
as AND, OR, and NOT. For example, to focus in on Rembrandt
artist, at the exclusion of pizza cafes, try the following
search in Magellan

Rembrandt AND artist AND portrait NOT

Note that the method of entering search items differs slightly
service to service. When trying a new service, check the
help topic before searching. And as with any new skill, practice
practice, practice

Test of search scope
Lycos: rembrandt. 1837 relevant
Lycos: rembrandt and artist and portrait 6 relevant
Yahoo: rembrandt 2 Category and 39 site
Yahoo: rembrandt and artist 2 Category and 11 site
AltaVista: rembrandt about "10000"
AltaVista: rembrandt +artist +museum about "100"
WebCrawler: rembrandt. 347 matching "rembrandt
WebCrawler: rembrandt and artist and portrait 21 matching
Magellan: rembrandt 666
Magellan: rembrandt and artist and portrait 39379

You will notice, in the above statistics, that the numbers
Magellan are quite different from the others. This is
different search engines may function differently. When you do
this+that search on Magellan, it looks for all instances of This
all instances of That rather than the standard response of
documents which contain both This AND That. On almost all the
I have explored, there is an explanation of how the search
works on that site. You should read that explanation if you
having trouble or need further information

You will also begin to see patterns in the way people name, or file
their information, which will help you find more information.
may list their links to ART, while others list their links
PAINTINGS. Also many people put links to related pages in
pages, so one page you find that does not have what you are
for, may have a pointer to another page that does have what you
looking for. Searching is an iterative process, keep going from
search key to another, and continue down multiple levels to see
is out there. Its known as Exploring, or Surfing the Net, and it
a major part of the joy of the Internet

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6. Accessing the

Having decided to explore the Internet, you will need some tools
information to get you started

Accessing the Internet in terms of simply receiving, downloading,
viewing files, uses most of the same tools (software and hardware
needed to create files and make them available on the Internet
Sections 6 and 7 overlap a great deal in the areas of basic
and software

The Internet can be accessed in many comfortable ways: at school,
home, at work, and even at trendy CyberCoffeeHouses. Accessing
Internet is not synonymous with publishing and displaying on
Internet, however. You may need different equipment for
content, then you need for retrieving content. Section 6 focuses
the specific needs of those who wish to create content and publish
the Internet

If you live near a major metropolitan area you may have already
to see advertising for Internet access from your local
company, or cable TV provider. Contact them to get information
equipment needed, services provided, access restrictions and
involved

Local libraries and schools may now offer both Internet Access,
instruction on Internet related subjects, including
connected. Check the Internet sections of your bookstore
magazine stands

Do not be dissuaded if you find limited access. The Internet
soon be everywhere, but if you do not want to wait, then you
consider taking matters into your own hands as these
youths did...

When several students from large universities returned home
Taos, NM, a few summers ago, they left behind their
connections. Missing their connectivity, they approached
owner of a local bakery and suggested he start an Internet
where he could charge people by the hour to use the Internet.
entrepreneurial baker applied for a government grant and
a few computers with high speed modems

You may be able to find a place like this, often called a CyberCafe
rather than having to create one. Try your local magazine stand
the latest periodicals, or your public library or bookstore
pointers to other people who will know more

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Once you have some Internet access, you can find out more
Cybercafes, InternetCafes, and other physical Internet access points
by searching as described in Section 5.3.1. and in the
alt.cybercafes

6.1 Internet Service

Being an Internet Service Provider (ISP) these days is pretty
and can be financially worthwhile, so there are alot of them,
they are starting and failing every day. In addition to
information and pointers you will find in this document,
organizations exist to help you locate, and choose a
provider

As with any service, be sure to get references, and get
features and terms in writing. Some ISPs provide access only
their site, others may provide email only, or provide access to
web but charge by the minute for access. Have some idea of what
want to do and what the vendor provides before making any deals

Many Internet Service Providers offer free instruction to get
started in accessing the Internet as well as creating content.
the competition of Internet providers, you should be able to find
or two that offer the instruction you need

Some organizations exist solely to recommend those who pay them
Most Internet related magazines these days will contain
advertising by ISPs in your area

As discussed in Section 4.1, every machine on the Internet needs
address by which it is accessed. Even machines which are
browsing need an address to which the browsed information
returned. This is actually called your IP address. The address
the number with which your hostname is associated. Usually you
get your IP address from your work, school, or ISP when you get
configuration information for your Internet connection. If you
trying to get an IP Address on your own, you would go to the
Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA).

More information about IANA, IP addresses, and domain names can
found in the information referenced in the Resources section

6.2 Computer Hardware and Software

A basic computer system consists of a box containing a
Processor Unit (CPU), main controller (motherboard), and

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Drive. It will also come with a keyboard, and you will need a
Drive, Memory, and a Video Monitor. How much memory, how large
hard drive, and how fabulous a monitor, will vary with your needs
experience. To connect to an ISP you will usually also need a modem

This is simply an overview to familiarize you with some basic terms
There are many current magazines devoted to computer and
related subjects now available in most bookstores and magazine
which provide much better and more timely information on computers
operating systems, software, and peripherals

There are many types of computers available including
Computers (PCs), Apple Macintosh Computers (Macs), and various
based Workstations. The most affordable systems are generally
and Macs

You may also need to choose an Operating System (OS) for the
you choose. PCs can run a version of "DOS", anything from
(Windows, NT, Windows95, etc.), or a version of Unix (BSDI, FreeBSD
Linux, etc.) Macs can run the common Mac Windows, or Apples
of Unix. Workstations generally run a Unix derived OS, but there
also quite a few machines available which run their own
OS

Each type of system has its features, functions, and drawbacks,
well as its proponents and opponents. Each system has
costs associated with it. You will need to understand much of
before you are ready to buy your first computer. Much of the
software available on the Internet, for example, was written for
Unix operating system because that has been the main OS of
Internet for many years. That, of course, doesn't mean there isn'
alot of free software available for other OSs, Windows software,
example, is becoming quite popular. The system of choice for
musicians is the Mac because of the variety and quality of the
software available for them. Windows users will need a pc to
their software. Now, actually, there are many operating
available for personal computers

Common operating systems come in two basic types; single tasking
multi-tasking. This is a reference to how many different things
"tasks" the computer "seems" to be doing at once. The
computers were single tasking. They did only one thing at a time
and could be used by only one person at a time. DOS is a
example of a single tasking operating system. Since people rarely
more than a few things every second, this often left the
simply waiting around for the next keystroke

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Even back then, computers could do all the work needed to listen to
human in a few milliseconds every second, so time-slicing
invented to get more use out of computers

A time-slicing operating system is said to be Multi-tasking.
executes programs i