As per Relevance of the word services, we have this rfc below:
Network Working Group G.
Request for Comments: 1325
FYI: 4 A.
Obsoletes: RFC 1206
May 1992
FYI on Questions and
Answers to Commonly asked "New Internet User"
Status of this
This memo provides information for the Internet community. It
not specify an Internet standard. Distribution of this memo
unlimited
This FYI RFC is one of two FYI's called, "Questions and Answers
(Q/A), produced by the User Services Working Group of the
Engineering Task Force (IETF). The goal is to document the
commonly asked questions and answers in the Internet
New Questions and
In addition to updating information contained in the previous
of this FYI RFC, the following new questions have been added
Questions About the Internet
How do I get a list of all the hosts on the Internet
Questions About Internet Documentation
What is the RFC-INFO service
What is an FYI
What is an STD
What is the Internet Monthly Report
Questions About Internet Organizations
What is the Internet Society
Questions About Internet Services
What is "archie"?
How do I Connect to archie
Mailing Lists and Sending
How Do I Send Mail to Other Networks
User Services Working Group [Page 1]
RFC 1325 FYI Q/A - for New Internet Users May 1992
Table of
1. Introduction................................................. 2
2. Acknowledgements............................................. 3
3. Questions About the Internet................................. 3
4. Questions About TCP/IP....................................... 5
5. Questions About the Domain Name System....................... 6
6. Questions About Internet Documentation....................... 6
7. Questions about Internet Organizations and Contacts.......... 14
8. Questions About Services..................................... 19
9. Mailing Lists and Sending Mail............................... 23
10. Miscellaneous "Internet lore" questions..................... 27
11. Suggested Reading........................................... 28
12. References.................................................. 29
13. Condensed Glossary.......................................... 30
14. Security Considerations..................................... 42
15. Authors' Addresses.......................................... 42
1.
New users joining the Internet community have the same questions
did everyone else who has ever joined. Our quest is to provide
Internet community with up to date, basic Internet knowledge
experience, while moving the redundancies away from the
mailing lists so that the lists' subscribers do not have to read
same queries and answers over and over again
Future updates of this memo will be produced as User Services
become aware of additional questions that should be included, and
deficiencies or inaccuracies that should be amended in this document
Although the RFC number of this document will change with
update, it will always have the designation of FYI 4. An
FYI Q/A, FYI 7, is published that deals with intermediate
advanced Q/A topics [11].
The Q/A mailing lists are maintained by Gary Malkin at Xylogics.COM
They are used by a subgroup of the User Services Working Group
discuss the Q/A FYIs. They include
quail@xylogics.com This is a discussion mailing list.
primary use is for pre-release review
the Q/A FYIs. It is not necessary to
on this list to get the FYI documents
quail-request@xylogics.com This is how you join and leave the
mailing list
quail-box@xylogics.com This is a write-only list which serves as
User Services Working Group [Page 2]
RFC 1325 FYI Q/A - for New Internet Users May 1992
repository for candidate questions
answers. It is not necessary to be on
quail mailing list to forward to
quail-box. Please note that this is not
place to ask questions to which you don'
know the answers
2.
The following people deserve thanks for their help and
to this FYI Q/A: Corinne Carroll (BBN), Vint Cerf (CNRI),
Deutsch (McGill), John Klensin (MIT), Doug Mildram (Xylogics),
LaQuey Parker (UTexas), Craig Partridge (BBN), Jon Postel (ISI),
Power (MIT), Joyce K. Reynolds (ISI), Karen Roubicek (Faxon),
Patricia Smith (Merit), Gene Spafford (Purdue), and Carol Ward (SRI).
3. Questions About the
What is the Internet
The Internet is a large collection of networks (all of which
the TCP/IP protocols) that are tied together so that users of
of the networks can use the network services provided by TCP/IP
reach users on any of the other networks. The Internet
with the ARPANET, but now includes such networks as NSFNET
NYSERnet, and thousands of others. There are other major
area networks, such as BITNET and DECnet networks, that are
based on the TCP/IP protocols and are thus not part of
Internet. However, it is possible to communicate between them
the Internet via electronic mail because of mail gateways that
as "translators" between the different network protocols involved
Note: You will often see "internet" with a small "i". This
refer to any network built based on TCP/IP, or might refer
networks using other protocol families that are composites
of smaller networks
I just got on the Internet. What can I do now
You now have access to all the resources you are authorized to
on your own Internet host, on any other Internet host on which
have an account, and on any other Internet host that
publicly accessible information. The Internet gives you
ability to move information between these hosts via
transfers. Once you are logged into one host, you can use
Internet to open a connection to another, login, and use
services interactively (this is known as remote login
"TELNETing". In addition, you can send electronic mail to
User Services Working Group [Page 3]
RFC 1325 FYI Q/A - for New Internet Users May 1992
at any Internet site and to users on many non-Internet sites
are accessible via electronic mail
There are various other services you can use. For example,
hosts provide access to specialized databases or to archives
information. The Internet Resource Guide provides
regarding some of these sites. The Internet Resource Guide
facilities on the Internet that are available to users.
facilities include supercomputer centers, library catalogs
specialized data collections. The guide is published by the
Network Service Center (NNSC) and is continuously being updated
The Resource Guide is distributed free via e-mail (send a note
resource-guide-request@nnsc.nsf.net to join the e-
distribution) and via anonymous FTP (in nnsc.nsf.net:resource
guide/*). Hardcopy is available at a nominal fee (to
reproduction costs) from the NNSC. Call the NNSC at 617-873-3400
for more information
How do I find out if a site has a computer on the Internet
Three good sources to consult are "!%@:: A Directory of
Mail Addressing and Networks" by Donnalyn Frey and Rick Adams
"The User's Directory of Computer Networks", by Tracy LaQuey;
"The Matrix: Computer Networks and Conferencing
Worldwide", by John Quarterman
In addition, it is possible to find some information
Internet sites in the WHOIS database maintained at the DDN NIC
Network Solutions, Inc.. The DDN NIC (Defense Data Network
Network Information Center) provides an information
interface to the database that is also called WHOIS. To use
interface, TELNET to NIC.DDN.MIL and type "whois" (
return). No login is necessary. Type "help" at the whois
for more information on using the facility. WHOIS will show
sites, but may not show every site registered with the DDN
(simply for reasons having to do with how the program is set up
search the database).
How do I get a list of all the hosts on the Internet
You really don't want that. The list includes almost 727,000
hosts. Almost all of them require that you have access
to actually use them. However, there are many machines
serve special functions and are available to the public. There
not yet a definitive list, but below are some available machines
They are available via telnet
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A geographic information server which provides latitude
longitude and other statistics about a city
telnet martini.eecs.umich.edu 3000
The Library of Congress maintains an online catalog
telnet dra.
NASA SpaceLink offers latest NASA news including
launches and satellite updates
telnet spacelink.msfc.nasa.
4. Questions About TCP/
What is TCP/IP
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) [4,5,6]
is the common name for a family of over 100 data-
protocols used to organize computers and data-
equipment into computer networks. TCP/IP was developed
interconnect hosts on ARPANET, PRNET (packet radio), and
(packet satellite). All three of these networks have since
retired; but TCP/IP lives on. It is currently used on a
international network of networks called the Internet,
members include universities, other research institutions
government facilities, and many corporations. TCP/IP is
sometimes used for other networks, particularly local
networks that tie together numerous different kinds of
or tie together engineering workstations
What are the other well-known standard
in the TCP/IP family
Other than TCP and IP, the three main protocols in the TCP/
suite are the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) [8], the
Transfer Protocol (FTP) [3], and the TELNET Protocol [9].
are many other protocols in use on the Internet. The
Activities Board (IAB) regularly publishes an RFC [2]
describes the state of standardization of the various
protocols. This document is the best guide to the current
of Internet protocols and their recommended usage
User Services Working Group [Page 5]
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5. Questions About the Domain Name
What is the Domain Name System
The Domain Name System (DNS) is a hierarchical, distributed
of organizing the name space of the Internet. The
administratively groups hosts into a hierarchy of authority
allows addressing and other information to be widely
and maintained. A big advantage to the DNS is that using
eliminates dependence on a centrally-maintained file that
host names to addresses
What is a Fully Qualified Domain Name
A Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) is a domain name
includes all higher level domains relevant to the entity named
If you think of the DNS as a tree-structure with each node
its own label, a Fully Qualified Domain Name for a specific
would be its label followed by the labels of all the other
between it and the root of the tree. For example, for a host,
FQDN would include the string that identifies the particular host
plus all domains of which the host is a part up to and
the top-level domain (the root domain is always null).
example, PARIS.NISC.SRI.COM is a Fully Qualified Domain Name
the host at 192.33.33.109. In addition, NISC.SRI.COM is the
for the NISC domain
6. Questions About Internet
What is an RFC
The Request for Comments documents (RFCs) are working notes of
Internet research and development community. A document in
series may be on essentially any topic related to
communication, and may be anything from a meeting report to
specification of a standard. Submissions for Requests
Comments may be sent to the RFC Editor (RFC-EDITOR@ISI.EDU).
RFC Editor is Jon Postel
Most RFCs are the descriptions of network protocols or services
often giving detailed procedures and formats for
implementation. Other RFCs report on the results of
studies or summarize the work of technical committees
workshops. All RFCs are considered public domain
explicitly marked otherwise
While RFCs are not refereed publications, they do
technical review from either the task forces, individual
User Services Working Group [Page 6]
RFC 1325 FYI Q/A - for New Internet Users May 1992
experts, or the RFC Editor, as appropriate. Currently,
standards are published as RFCs, but not all RFCs
standards
Anyone can submit a document for publication as an RFC
Submissions must be made via electronic mail to the RFC Editor
Please consult RFC 1111, "Instructions to RFC Authors" [10],
further information. RFCs are accessible online in public
files, and a short message is sent to a notification
list indicating the availability of the memo. Requests to
added to this distribution list should be sent to RFC
REQUEST@NIC.DDN.MIL
The online files are copied by interested people and printed
displayed at their sites on their equipment. (An RFC may also
returned via electronic mail in response to an electronic
query.) This means that the format of the online files must
the constraints of a wide variety of printing and
equipment
Once a document is assigned an RFC number and published, that
is never revised or re-issued with the same number. There
never a question of having the most recent version of a
RFC. However, a protocol (such as File Transfer Protocol (FTP))
may be improved and re-documented many times in several
RFCs. It is important to verify that you have the most recent
on a particular protocol. The "IAB Official Protocol Standards
[2] memo is the reference for determining the correct RFC to
to for the current specification of each protocol
How do I obtain RFCs
RFCs are available online at several repositories around
world. For a list of repositories and instructions about how
obtain RFCs from each of the major US ones, FTP the file in
notes/rfc-retrieval.txt from the host ISI.EDU. That host
anonymous login. You can also get information about
repositories via electronic mail. Send a message to rfc
info@isi.edu. In the body of the message,
"help: ways_to_get_rfcs" (without the quotes).
Two examples of obtaining RFCs online follow
RFCs can be obtained via FTP from NIC.DDN.MIL, with the
rfc/rfcNNNN.txt (where "NNNN" refers to the number of the RFC).
Login using FTP, username "anonymous" and password "guest".
RFCs can also be obtained via FTP from NIS.NSF.NET. Using FTP
User Services Working Group [Page 7]
RFC 1325 FYI Q/A - for New Internet Users May 1992
login with username "anonymous" and password "guest"; then
to the RFC directory ("cd RFC"). The file name is of the
RFCnnnn.TXT-1 (where "nnnn" refers to the number of the RFC).
NIS also provides an automatic mail service for those sites
cannot use FTP. Address the request to NIS-INFO@NIS.NSF.NET
leave the subject field of the message blank. The first line
the text of the message must be "SEND RFCnnnn.TXT-1", where
is replaced by the RFC number
Requests for special distribution should be addressed to
the author of the RFC in question, to NIC@NIC.DDN.MIL, or
NISC@NISC.SRI.COM. SRI International operates
FTP.NISC.SRI.COM online repository of RFCs and other files,
makes the RFCs available in hardcopy for those people who
neither FTP nor e-mail access to the Internet. Hardcopy RFCs
sold by SRI on a cost-recovery basis. In addition, SRI has
hardcopy subscription service for RFCs, as well as
publications that incorporate selections of RFCs.
specifically noted otherwise on the RFC itself, all RFCs are
unlimited distribution
How do I obtain a list of RFCs
SRI maintains a file that is an index of the RFCs. It lists
RFC, starting with the most recent, and for each RFC provides
number, title, author(s), issue date, and number of
pages. In addition, it lists the online formats (PostScript
ASCII text) for each RFC and the number of bytes each such
is online. If an RFC is also an FYI, that fact is noted, with
corresponding FYI number. (There is a parallel FYI
available). Finally, the Index notes whether or not an RFC
obsoleted or updated by another RFC, and gives the number of
RFC, or if an RFC itself obsoletes or updates another RFC,
gives that RFC number. The index is updated online each time
RFC is issued
This RFC Index is available online for anonymous FTP from
FTP.NISC.SRI.COM host as rfc/rfc-index.txt. The FYI Index
online as fyi/fyi-index.txt. They are also available
electronic mail by sending a message to mail-server@nisc.sri.com
In the body of the message, say "send rfc-index" or "send fyi
index" (don't use quotes, but do use lowercase). The RFC Index
also available from the SRI in hardcopy for $12, as are
RFCs. Call SRI at 1-415-859-3695 for help in obtaining the Index
User Services Working Group [Page 8]
RFC 1325 FYI Q/A - for New Internet Users May 1992
What is the RFC-INFO service
The Information Sciences Institute, University of
California (ISI) has announced a service called RFC-Info.
though this is a service, rather than a document, we'll discuss
in this section because it is so closely tied to RFC information
RFC-Info is an e-mail based service to help in locating
retrival of RFCs and FYIs. Users can ask for "lists" of all
and FYIs having certain attributes ("filters") such as their ID
keywords, title, author, issuing organization, and date. Once
RFC is uniquely identified (e.g., by its RFC number) it may
be retrieved
To use the service send e-mail to RFC-INFO@ISI.EDU with
requests in the body of the message. Feel free to put anything
the SUBJECT, the system ignores it. All input is
independent. Report problems to RFC-MANAGER@ISI.EDU
To get started, you may send a message to RFC-INFO@ISI.EDU
requests such as in the following examples (without
explanations between brackets):
Help: Help [to get this information
List: FYI [list the FYI notes
List: RFC [list RFCs with window as keyword or in title
keywords:
List: FYI [list FYIs about windows
Keywords:
List: * [list both RFCs and FYIs about windows
Keywords:
List: RFC [list RFCs about ARPANET, ARPA NETWORK, etc.]
title: ARPA*
List: RFC [list RFCs issued by MITRE, dated 1989-1991]
Organization:
Dated-after: Jan-01-1989
Dated-before: Dec-31-1991
List: RFC [list RFCs obsoleting a given RFC
Obsoletes: RFC0010
List: RFC [list RFCs by authors starting with "Bracken"]
Author: Bracken* [* is a wild card matches everything
List: RFC [list RFCs by both Postel and Gillman
Authors: J. Postel [note, the "filters" are ANDed
Authors: R.
List: RFC [list RFCs by any Crocker
Authors:
List: RFC [list only RFCs by S.D. Crocker
User Services Working Group [Page 9]
RFC 1325 FYI Q/A - for New Internet Users May 1992
Authors: S.D.
List: RFC [list only RFCs by D. Crocker
Authors: D.
Retrieve: RFC [retrieve RFC-822]
Doc-ID: RFC0822 [note, always 4 digits in RFC#]
Help: Manual [to retrieve the long user manual, 30+ pages
Help: List [how to use the LIST request
Help: Retrieve [how to use the RETRIEVE request
Help: Topics [list topics for which help is available
Help: Dates ["Dates" is such a topic
List: keywords [list the keywords in use
List: organizations [list the organizations known to the system
Which RFCs are Standards
See "IAB Official Protocol Standards" (currently, RFC 1280) [2].
What is an FYI
FYI stands for For Your Information. FYIs are a subset of the
series of online documents
FYI 1 states, "The FYI series of notes is designed to
Internet users with a central repository of information about
topics which relate to the Internet. FYI topics may range
historical memos on operational questions. The FYIs are
for a wide audience. Some FYIs will cater to beginners,
others will discuss more advanced topics."
In general, then, FYI documents tend to be more
oriented, while RFCs are usually (but not always) more
oriented
FYI documents are assigned both an FYI number and an RFC number
As RFCs, if an FYI is ever updated, it is issued again with a
RFC number; however, its FYI number remains unchanged. This
be a little confusing at first, but the aim is to help
identify which FYIs are about which topics. For example, FYI 4
will always be FYI 4, even though it may be updated several
and during that process receive different RFC numbers. Thus,
need only to remember the FYI number to find the proper document
Of course, remembering titles often works as well
FYIs can be obtained in the same way RFCs can and from the
repositories. In general, their pathnames are fyi/fyiNN.txt
fyi/fyiNN.ps, where NN is the number of the FYI without
User Services Working Group [Page 10]
RFC 1325 FYI Q/A - for New Internet Users May 1992
zeroes
What is an STD
The newest subseries of RFCs are the STDs (Standards). RFC 1311
[12], which introduces this subseries, states that the intent
STDs is to identify clearly those RFCs that document
standards. An STD number will be assigned only to
specifications that have completed the full process
standardization in the Internet. Existing Internet standards
been assigned STD numbers; a list of them can be found both in
1311 and in the IAB Official Protocol Standards RFC
Like FYIs, once a standard has been assigned an STD number,
number will not change, even if the standard is reworked and re
specified and later issued with a new RFC number
It is important to differentiate between a "standard"
"document." Different RFC documents will always have different
numbers. However, sometimes the complete specification for
standard will be contained in more than one RFC document.
this happens, each of the RFC documents that is part of
specification for that standard will carry the same STD number
For example, the Domain Name System (DNS) is specified by
combination of RFC 1034 and RFC 1035; therefore, both of
RFCs are labeled STD 13.
What is the Internet Monthly Report
The Internet Monthly Report communicates online to the
Research Group the accomplishments, milestones reached,
problems discovered by the participating organizations.
organizations involved in the Internet provide monthly updates
their activities for inclusion in this report
The Internet Monthly Report is for Internet information
only
You can receive the report online by joining the mailing list
distributes the rerpot. Requests to be added or deleted from
Internet Monthly report list should be sent to "cooper@isi.edu".
In addition, back issues of the Report are available for
FTP from the host NIS.NSF.NET in the 'imr' directory with the
names in the form IMRYY-MM.TXT, where YY is the last two digits
the year and MM two digits for the month. For example, the
1991 Report is in the file IMR91-06.TXT
User Services Working Group [Page 11]
RFC 1325 FYI Q/A - for New Internet Users May 1992
What is an Internet Draft? Are there any guidelines available
writing one
Internet Drafts (I-Ds) are the current working documents of
IETF. Internet Drafts are generally in the format of an RFC
some key differences
- The Internet Drafts are not RFCs and are not a
document series
- The words INTERNET-DRAFT appear in place of RFC
in the upper left-hand corner
- The document does not refer to itself as an RFC or as
Draft RFC
- An Internet Draft does not state nor imply that it is
proposed standard. To do so conflicts with the role
the IAB, the RFC Editor, and the Internet
Steering Group (IESG).
An Internet Drafts Directory has been installed to make available
for review and comment by the IETF members, draft documents
will be submitted ultimately to the IAB and the RFC Editor to
considered for publishing as an RFC. The Internet
Directories are maintained primarily at the NSFNET Network
Center (NNSC). There are several "shadow" machines which
the IETF and Internet Drafts Directories. They are
NSF Network Service Center: nnsc.nsf.
DDN NIC: nic.ddn.
SRI International: ftp.nisc.sri.
Pacific Rim: munnari.oz.
Europe: nic.nordu.net (192.36.148.17)
To access these directories, use anonymous FTP. Login
username, "anonymous", password, "guest". Once logged in,
to the directory, "cd internet-drafts". Internet Draft files
then be retrieved
For further information on the Internet Drafts of the IETF, or
you have problems with retrieving Internet Draft documents
contact Megan Davies (mdavies@nri.reston.va.us) or Greg
(gvaudre@nri.reston.va.us) for assistance
User Services Working Group [Page 12]
RFC 1325 FYI Q/A - for New Internet Users May 1992
How do I obtain OSI Standards documents
OSI Standards documents are NOT available from the Internet
anonymous FTP due to copyright restrictions. These are
from
Omnicom Information
501 Church Street
Suite 304
Vienna, VA 22180
Telephone: (800) 666-4266 or (703) 281-1135
Fax: (703) 281-1505
American National Standards
11 West 42nd
New York, NY 10036
Telephone: (212) 642-4900
However, the GOSIP specification which covers the use of
protocols within the U.S. Government is available from SRI
from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
The final text of GOSIP Version 2 is now available from
sites
Online sources
Available through anonymous ftp from osi.ncsl.nist.
(129.6.48.100) as
./pub/gosip/gosip_v2.txt --
./pub/gosip/gosip_v2.txt.Z -- ascii
./pub/gosip/gosip_v2.ps --
./pub/gosip/gosip_v2.ps.Z -- PostScript
Available through anonymous ftp from ftp.nisc.sri.
(192.33.33.22) as
netinfo/gosip-v2.txt --
netinfo/gosip-v2.ps --
Hardcopy sources
Standards Processing Coordinator (ADP
National Institute of Standards and
Technology Building, Room B-64
Gaithersburg, MD 20899
(301) 975-2816
User Services Working Group [Page 13]
RFC 1325 FYI Q/A - for New Internet Users May 1992
Network Information Systems
SRI International, Room EJ291
333 Ravenswood Ave
Menlo Park, CA 94025
1-415-859-3695
7. Questions about Internet Organizations and
What is the IAB
The Internet Activities Board (IAB) is the coordinating
for Internet design, engineering and management [7]. IAB
are deeply committed to making the Internet function
and evolve to meet a large scale, high speed future. The
serves a term of two years and is elected by the members of
IAB. The current Chair of the IAB is Lyman Chapin. The
focuses on the TCP/IP protocol suite, and extensions to
Internet system to support multiple protocol suites
The IAB performs the following functions
1) Sets Internet Standards
2) Manages the RFC publication process
3) Reviews the operation of the IETF and IRTF
4) Performs strategic planning for the Internet,
long-range problems and opportunities
5) Acts as an international technical policy liaison
representative for the Internet community,
6) Resolves technical issues which cannot be treated
the IETF or IRTF frameworks
The IAB has two principal subsidiary task forces
1) Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF
2) Internet Research Task Force (IRTF
Each of these Task Forces is led by a chairman and guided by
Steering Group which reports to the IAB through its chairman.
the most part, a collection of Research or Working Groups
out the work program of each Task Force
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RFC 1325 FYI Q/A - for New Internet Users May 1992
All decisions of the IAB are made public. The principal
by which IAB decisions are propagated to the parties interested
the Internet and its TCP/IP protocol suite is the Request
Comments (RFC) note series and the Internet Monthly Report
What is the IETF
The Internet has grown to encompass a large number of
geographically dispersed networks in academic and
communities. It now provides an infrastructure for a
community with various interests. Moreover, the family
Internet protocols and system components has moved
experimental to commercial development. To help coordinate
operation, management and evolution of the Internet, the
established the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).
The IETF is chaired by Phill Gross and managed by its
Engineering Steering Group (IESG). The IETF is a large
community of network designers, operators, vendors,
researchers concerned with the Internet and the Internet
suite. It is organized around a set of several technical areas
each managed by a technical area director. In addition to
IETF Chairman, the area directors make up the IESG membership
The IAB has delegated to the IESG the general responsibility
making the Internet work and for the resolution of all short-
mid-range protocol and architectural issues required to make
Internet function effectively
What is the IRTF
To promote research in networking and the development of
technology, the IAB established the Internet Research Task
(IRTF).
In the area of network protocols, the distinction between
and engineering is not always clear, so there will sometimes
overlap between activities of the IETF and the IRTF. There is,
fact, considerable overlap in membership between the two groups
This overlap is regarded as vital for cross-fertilization
technology transfer
The IRTF is a community of network researchers, generally with
Internet focus. The work of the IRTF is governed by its
Research Steering Group (IRSG). The chairman of the IRTF and
is Jon Postel
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What is the Internet Society
The Internet Society is a relatively new, professional, non-
organization with the general goal of fostering the well-being
continued interest in, and evolution and use of the Internet.
Society (often abbreviated ISOC) anticipates that it
integrate the IAB, IETF, and IRTF functions into its operation
The following goals of the Society are taken from its charter
A. To facilitate and support the technical evolution
the Internet as a research and education infrastructure, and
stimulate the involvement of the scientific community
industry, government and others in the evolution of
Internet
B. To educate the scientific community, industry and
public at large concerning the technology, use and
of the Internet
C. To promote educational applications of
technology for the benefit of government, colleges
universities, industry, and the public at large
D. To provide a forum for exploration of new
applications, and to stimulate collaboration
organizations in their operational use of the global Internet
More information about the Internet Society is available
anonymous FTP from the host NNSC.NSF.NET in the directory isoc
Here is a list of the files available
Filename (Topic)
index-isoc An index of the isoc
announcement Internet Society
charter Internet Society
inet-conference INET 92 Internet Society Annual
Announcement and Call for
isoc-advisory-council The Internet Society advisory
isoc-founding-members List of the Internet Society
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isoc-secretariat Information about the Internet
isoc-trustees List of the Internet Society
questions-and-answers Internet Society Questions &
by Vint
membership-organizations Internet Society
Membership
membership-individuals Internet Society Individual
This information is also available via electronic mail via
NNSC Info-Server. The Info-Server is an automated program
retrieves information through electronic mail. To receive
files via the Info-Server, send a mail message to: info
server@nnsc.nsf.net. In the body of the message, type "Request
isoc" followed by the topic names of any files you'd like.
example
Request:
Topic: inet-
Topic: questions-and-
Topic:
Topic:
Request:
Notice that the "Topics" for the Info-Server correspond to
file names used when FTPing
What is the IANA
The task of coordinating the assignment of values to
parameters of protocols is delegated by the Internet
Board (IAB) to the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA).
These protocol parameters include op-codes, type fields,
types, system names, object identifiers, and so on. The "
Numbers" Request for Comments (RFC) [1] documents the
assigned values from several series of numbers used in
protocol implementations. Internet addresses and
System numbers are assigned by the Network Information Center
Network Solutions, Inc. This responsibility has been delegated
the IANA to the DDN NIC which serves as the Internet Registry
The IANA is located at USC/Information Sciences Institute
Current types of assignments listed in Assigned Numbers
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maintained by the IANA are
Address Resolution Protocol
ARPANET and MILNET X.25 Address
ARPANET and MILNET Logical
ARPANET and MILNET Link
BOOTP Parameters and BOOTP Extension
Domain System
IANA Ethernet Address
Ethernet Numbers of
IEEE 802 Numbers of
Internet Protocol
Internet Version
IP Time to Live
IP TOS
Machine
Mainl Encryption
Multicast
Network Management
Point-to-Point Protocol Field
PRONET 80 Type
Port
Protocol and Service
Protocol/Type Field
Public Data Network
Reverse Address Resolution Protocol Operation
TELNET
Terminal Type
Unix
X.25 Type
For more information on number assignments, contact IANA@ISI.EDU
What is a NIC? What is a NOC
"NIC" stands for Network Information Center. It is
organization which provides network users with information
services provided by the network
"NOC" stands Network Operations Center. It is an
that is responsible for maintaining a network
For many networks, especially smaller, local networks,
functions of the NIC and NOC are combined. For larger networks
such as mid-level and backbone networks, the NIC and
organizations are separate, yet they do need to interact to
perform their functions
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What is "The NIC"?
"The NIC" usually refers to the Defense Data Network,
Information Center (DDN NIC), which is now at Network Solutions
Inc. The DDN NIC is a network information center that maintains
repository for RFCs and Internet Drafts. The host name
NIC.DDN.MIL. Shadow copies of the RFCs and the Internet
are maintained on several other hosts as well,
NIS.NSF.NET and FTP.NISC.SRI.COM
The DDN NIC also provides various user assistance services for
users; contact NIC@NIC.DDN.MIL or call 1-800-365-3642 for
information. In addition, the DDN NIC is the
registration authority for the root domain and several top
second level domains; maintains the official DoD Internet
Table; is the site of the Internet Registry (IR); and
the WHOIS database of network users, hosts, domains, networks,
Points of Contact
This NIC was located for many years at SRI International, so
may also hear the term "SRI NIC". SRI also maintains an
information repository and provides general Internet
services. For example, the SRI Network Information Systems
is currently the only site that provides paper copies of the RFCs
which are made available on a cost recovery basis. Call 415-859-
3695 for more information on this service
What is the IR
The Internet Registry (IR) is the organization that is
for assigning identifiers, such as IP network numbers
autonomous system numbers, to networks. The IR also gathers
registers such assigned information. The IR may, in the future
allocate the authority to assign network identifiers to
organizations; however, it will continue to gather data
such assignments. At present, the DDN NIC at Network Solutions
Inc., serves as the IR
8. Questions About
How do I find someone's electronic mail address
There are a number of directories on the Internet; however, all
them are far from complete. The largest directories are the
database at the DDN NIC, the PSInet White Pages, and KNOWBOT
Generally, it is still necessary to ask the person for his or
email address
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How do I use the WHOIS program at the DDN NIC
To use the WHOIS program to search the WHOIS database at the
NIC, TELNET to the NIC host, NIC.DDN.MIL. There is no need
login. Type "whois" to call up the information retrieval program
Next, type the name of the person, host, domain, network,
mailbox for which you need information. If you are only
part of the name, end your search string with a period.
"help" for a more in-depth explanation of what you can search
and how you can search. If you have trouble, send a message
NIC@NIC.DDN.MIL or call 1-800-365-3642.
How do I become registered in the DDN NIC's WHOIS database
If you would like to be listed in the WHOIS database, you
have an electronic mailbox accessible from the Internet.
obtain the file netinfo/user-template.txt. You can retrieve
file via anonymous FTP from NIC.DDN.MIL
Fill out the name and address information requested in the
and return it to REGISTRAR@NIC.DDN.MIL. Your application will
processed and you will be added to the database. Unless you
an official Point of Contact for a network entity registered
the DDN NIC, the DDN NIC will not regularly poll you for updates
so you should remember to send corrections to your information
your contact data changes
How do I use the White Pages at PSI
Performance Systems International, Inc. (PSI), sponsors a
Pages Pilot Project that collects personnel information
member organizations into a database and provides online access
that data. This effort is based on the OSI X.500
standard
To access the data, TELNET to WP.PSI.COM and login as "fred" (
password is necessary). You may now look up information
participating organizations. The program provides help on usage
For example, typing "help" will show you a list of commands
"manual" will give detailed documentation, and "whois"
provide information regarding how to find references to people
For a list of the organizations that are participating in
pilot project by providing information regarding their members
type "whois -org *".
For more information, send a message to WP-INFO@PSI.COM
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How do I use the Knowbot Information Service
The Knowbot Information Service is a white pages "meta-service
that provides a uniform interface to heterogeneous white
services in the Internet. Using the Knowbot Information Service
you can form a single query that can search for white
information from the NIC WHOIS service, the PSI White Pages
Project, and MCI Mail, among others, and have the
displayed in a single, uniform format
Currently, the Knowbot Information Service can be accessed
TELNET to port 185 on hosts nri.reston.va.us and sol.bucknell.edu
From a UNIX host, use "telnet nri.reston.va.us 185". There
also an electronic mail interface avaliable by sending mail
netaddress at either nri.reston.va.us or sol.bucknell.edu
The commands "help" and "man" summarize the command interface
Simply entering a user name at the prompt searches a default
of Internet directory services for the requested information
Organization and country information can be included thorgh
syntax: "userid@organization.country". For example, the
"droms@bucknell" and "kille@ucl.gb" are both valid. Note
these are not Domain Names, but rather a syntax to specify
organization and a country for the search
The default list of directory services currently includes
whois services at the DDN NIC and the white pages service
MCIMail. If an organization is specified, the PSI X.500
is also searched. Other services can be requested explicitly
What is USENET? What is Netnews
USENET is the formal name, and Netnews a common informal name,
a distributed computer information service that some hosts on
Internet use. USENET handles only news and not mail. USENET
a variety of underlying networks for transport, including parts
the Internet, UUCP, BITNET, and others. USENET is not part of
Internet proper. Netnews can be a valuable tool to
transport traffic that would otherwise be sent via mail.
has no central administration
How do I get on USENET
To get on USENET, you must acquire the software, which
available for some computers at no cost from some anonymous
sites across the Internet, and you must find an existing
site that is willing to support a connection to your computer.
many cases, this "connection" merely represents additional
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over existing Internet access channels
One well-known anonymous FTP archive site for software
information regarding USENET is ftp.uu.net. There is a "news
directory which contains many software distribution
information sub-directories
It is recommended that new users subscribe to and
news.announce.newusers since it will help to become oriented
USENET and the Internet
What is anonymous FTP
Anonymous FTP is a conventional way of allowing you to sign on
a computer on the Internet and copy specified public files from
[3]. Some sites offer anonymous FTP to distribute software
various kinds of information. You use it like any FTP, but
username is "anonymous". Many systems will allow any password
request that the password you choose is your userid. If
fails, the generic password is usually "guest".
What is "archie"?
The archie system was created by a group at McGill University
Montreal to automatically track anonymous FTP archive sites,
this is still its primary function. The system curently
available the names and locations of some 1,500,000 files at
900 archive sites
Archie's User Access component allows you to search the "files
database for these filenames. When matches are found, you
presented with the appropriate archive site name, IP address,
location within the archive, and other useful information
You can also use archie to "browse" through a site's
listing in search of information of interest, or obtain a
list of the archive sites known to that server
The archie server also offers a "package descriptions" (
"whatis") database. This is a collection of names and
gathered from a variety of sources and can be used to
files located throughout the Internet, as well as other
information. Files identified in the whatis database can then
found by searching the files database as described above
Additional databases are planned for the coming months
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How do I connect to archie
You can connect to archie in a variety of ways. There is
conventional TELNET interface, an electronic mail interface, and
variety of client programs available. There are currently
archie servers located throughout the world
To try the TELNET interface to archie you can TELNET to the
ARCHIE.MCGILL.CA and login as user "archie" (there is no
required). Type "help" to get you started. The "servers"
can be used to locate an archie server closer to your site.
an archie server closer to you relieves some of the load on
McGill host
You can obtain details on using the electronic mail interface
sending mail to "archie@archie.mcgill.ca" with the word "help"
either the subject or body of the message
Documentation on archie is available for anonymous ftp
ARCHIE.MCGILL.CA in the subdirectory "archie/doc". A variety
archie client programs are available in the
"archie/clients". Questions, comments, and suggestions can
sent to the archie development group by sending mail to "archie
group@archie.mcgill.ca".
What is "TELNET"?
The term "TELNET" refers to the remote login that's possible
the Internet because of the TELNET Protocol [9]. The use of
term as a verb, as in "telnet to a host" means to establish
connection across the Internet from one host to another. Usually
you must have an account on the remote host to be able to login
it once you've made a connection. However, some hosts, such
those offering white pages directories, provide public
that do not require a personal account
9. Mailing Lists and Sending
What is a mailing list
A mailing list is really nothing more than an alias that
multiple destinations. Mailing lists are usually created
discuss specific topics. Anybody interested in that topic,
(usually) join that list. Some mailing lists have
restrictions, others have message content restrictions, and
others are moderated. Most large, "public" mailing lists, such
IETF and TCP-IP, have an additional mail address to which
to be added or deleted may be sent. Usually, these are of
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form listname-request
There is a "list-of-lists" file available on the
ftp.nisc.sri.com that lists most of the major mailing lists
describes their primary topics, and explains how to subscribe
them. The file is available for anonymous ftp in the
directory as interest-groups (that is, the path is
netinfo/interest-groups). It can also be obtained via
mail. Send a message to mail-server@nisc.sri.com with the body
the message reading, "Send netinfo/interest-groups" and the
will be returned in moderate size pieces via electronic mail
How do I contact the administrator of a mailing list rather
posting to the entire list
For every mailing list mentioned in the "interest-groups" file
there is a description of how to join the list or send other
administrative messages to the person in charge of the list.
general, however, it is usually safe to assume that you can send
message to an address in the format of ListName-request@domain
The convention of having a parallel mailbox conforming to the "-
request" format is very widely followed. All
messages regarding using, joining, or quitting the list should
sent to that mailbox instead of to the whole list so that
readers of the list don't have to read them
What are some good mailing lists
The TCP-IP, IETF, and RFC Distribution lists are primary lists
new Internet users who desire further information about
and emerging developments in the Internet. The first two
are unmoderated discussion lists, and the latter is
announcement service used by the RFC Editor
How do I subscribe to the TCP-IP mailing list
To be added to the TCP-IP mailing list, send a message to
TCP-IP-REQUEST@NIC.DDN.
How do I subscribe to the IETF mailing list
To be added to the IETF mailing list, send a message to
IETF-REQUEST@ISI.
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How do I subscribe to the RFC Distribution list
To be added to the RFC Distribution list, send a message to
RFC-REQUEST@NIC.DDN.
Note that all announcements to this list are also sent to the
list. So, if you are on the IETF list, you don't need to be
this list, too
How do I send mail to other networks
Mail to the Internet is addressed in the form user@domain
Remember that a domain name can have several components and
name of each host is a node on the domain tree. So, an example
an Internet mail address is june@nisc.sri.com
There are several networks accessible via e-mail from
Internet, but many of these networks do not use the
addressing conventions the Internet does. Often you must
mail to these networks through specific gateways as well,
further complicating the address
Here are a few conventions you can use for sending mail from
Internet to three networks with which Internet users
correspond
Internet user to Internet user
username@hostname.subdomain.toplevel
e.g. gsmith@nisc.sri.
Internet user to BITNET user
user%site.BITNET@BITNET-
e.g. gsmith%emoryu1.BITNET@cunyvm.cuny.edu
gsmith%emoryu1@CORNELLC.CIT.CORNELL.
Internet user to UUCP user
user%host.UUCP@uunet.uu.
user%domain@uunet.uu.
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Internet user to SprintMail user
/G=Mary/S=Anderson/O=co.abc/ADMD=SprintMail/C=US/@SPRINT.
-or
/PN=Mary.Anderson/O=co.abc/ADMD=SprintMail/C=US/@SPRINT.
(Case is significant.)
Internet user to CompuServe user
Replace the comma in the CompuServe userid (
with x's) with a period, and add the compuserve.
domain name
CompuServe user to Internet user
>Internet:user@host Insert >internet: before
Internet address
Internet user to MCIMail user
accountname@mcimail.
mci_id@mcimail.
full_user_name@mcimail.com
What is a newsgroup
A newsgroup is a bulletin board which readers, interested in
newsgroup's particular topic, can read and respond to
posted by other readers. Generally, there will be a few "threads
of discussion going on at the same time, but they all share
common theme. There are approximately 900 newsgroups, and
are more being added all the time
There are two types of newsgroups: moderated and unmoderated.
moderated newsgroup does not allow individuals to post directly
the newsgroup. Rather, the postings go to the newsgroup'
moderator who determines whether or not to pass the posting to
entire group. An unmoderated newsgroup allows a reader to
directly to the other readers
How do I subscribe to a newsgroup
You don't subscribe to a newsgroup. Either you get it on
machine or you don't. If there's one you want, all you can do
ask the systems administrator to try to get it for you. The
is true for creating newsgroups
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10. Miscellaneous "Internet lore"
What does :-) mean
In many electronic mail messages, it is sometimes useful
indicate that part of a message is meant in jest. It is
sometimes useful to communicate emotion which simple words do
readily convey. To provide these nuances, a collection of "
faces" has evolved. If you turn your head sideways to the left
:-) appears as a smiling face. Some of the more common faces are
:-) smile :-(
:) also a smile ;-)
:-D laughing 8-) wide-
:-} grin :-X close
:-] smirk :-o oh, no
What do "btw", "fyi", "imho", "wrt", and "rtfm" mean
Often commmon expressions are abbreviated in informal
postings. These abbreviations stand for "by the way", "for
information", "in my humble [or honest] opinion", "with
to", and "read the f*ing manual" (with the "f" word
according to the vehemence of the reader).
What is the "FAQ" list
This list provides answers to "Frequently Asked Questions"
often appear on various USENET newsgroups. The list is
every four to six weeks to the news.announce.newusers group.
is intended to provide a background for new users learning how
use the news. As the FAQ list provide new users with the
to such questions, it helps keep the newsgroups
comparatively free of repetition. Often specific newsgroups
have and frequently post versions of a FAQ list that are
to their topics
Other information is also routinely posted. Here are the
lines of several general information postings provided on USENET
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (the "FAQ" list
Introduction to news.
What is Usenet
Rules for posting to
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How to Create a New
How to Create a New Trial
A Primer on How to Work With the Usenet
Emily Postnews Answers Your Questions on
Hints on writing style for
USENET Software: History and
List of Active
Alternative Newsgroup Hierarchies, Part
Alternative Newsgroup Hierarchies, Part
How to Construct the Mailpaths
Regional Newsgroup Hierarchies, Part
Regional Newsgroup Hierarchies, Part
Regional Newsgroup Hierarchies, Part
List of
Publicly Accessible Mailing Lists, Part
Publicly Accessible Mailing Lists, Part
Publicly Accessible Mailing Lists, Part
List of Periodic Informational
How to Get Information about
A Guide to Social Newsgroups and Mailing
All of these articles are normally archived for FTP access
pit-manager.mit.edu in /pub/usenet/news.announce.newusers
11. Suggested
For further information about the Internet and its protocols
general, you may choose to obtain copies of the following works
Bowers, K., T. LaQuey, J. Reynolds, K. Roubicek, M. Stahl, and A
Yuan, "Where to Start - A Bibliography of General
Information", RFC 1175, FYI 3, CNRI, U Texas, ISI, BBN, SRI
Mitre, August 1990.
Comer, D., "Internetworking with TCP/IP: Principles, Protocols
and Architecture", Prentice Hall, New Jersey, 1989.
Krol, E., "The Hitchhikers Guide to the Internet", RFC 1118,
University of Illinois Urbana, September 1989.
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12.
[1] Reynolds, J., and J. Postel, "Assigned Numbers", RFC 1060,
USC/Information Sciences Institute, March 1990.
[2] Postel, J., Editor, "IAB Official Protocol Standards", RFC 1280,
Internet Activities Board, March 1992.
[3] Postel, J., and J. Reynolds, "File Transfer Protocol (FTP),
959, USC/Information Sciences Institute, October 1985.
[4] Postel, J., "Internet Protocol - DARPA Internet Program
Specification", RFC 791, DARPA, September 1981.
[5] Postel, J., "Transmission Control Protocol - DARPA
Program Protocol Specification", RFC 793, DARPA, September 1981.
[6] Leiner, B., R. Cole, J. Postel, and D. Mills, "The DARPA
Protocol Suite", IEEE INFOCOM85, Washington D.C., March 1985.
Also in IEEE Communications Magazine, March 1985. Also
ISI/RS-85-153.
[7] Cerf, V., "The Internet Activities Board" RFC 1160, CNRI,
1990.
[8] Postel, J., "Simple Mail Transfer Protocol", RFC 821,
USC/Information Sciences Institute, August 1982.
[9] Postel, J., and J. Reynolds, "TELNET Protocol 