A

Student Guide

to

the

Internet

and

World Wide Web

Dr. Lynn Milet

Kutztown University

Department of InstructionalTechnology

Spring 2004

A Brief History of the Internet

In the mid 1960's, during the Cold War, an electronic infrastructure was created to link (via the computers they used) the military, government personnel, and a select group of University research scientists doing work for either the government or the military. This network ensured a secure means of communication. The system, operated by the Department of Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (ARPA) was called ARPANET.
 
As more and more higher education institutions connected to ARPANET this military pipeline became a means of communications between scientists. After a while, this communications tool became accessible to other personnel at those same Colleges and Universities. Once this occurred, the administration of the system was transferred from ARPA to the National Science Foundation (NSF) and became known as BITNET.
 
Businesses and then k-12 public schools came also came on line during the late 1980's and the 1990's and the name was changes to the Internet. No organization owns or runs the Internet. A voluntary group of people, representing many different organizations, meet regularly to develop standards for the various technical aspects of running the Internet. Funding for equipment and other things is provided by each institution/organization using/accessing the Internet/
 
Up until the 1980's, all data transferred via the Internet was text or numerical in nature. In the late 1980's Dr. Berners-Lee, a physicist at the European Laboratory for Particle Physics (CERN) in Switzerland, developed a small computer program that would allow pages within his computer to be linked together using keywords. It then became possible to link files in different computers, as long as they were connected to the Internet. The language used to format and link documents is called HTML (hypertext Markup Language). In 1992, a graphical browser, called NCSA Mosaic was developed by Marc Andreesen at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications at the university of Illinois and given away free to anyone who wanted to use it. The Mosaic browser made it easier to access other Web sites that had been developed. Mosaic also allowed images and other non-text/numerical data to travel on the Internet.
Netscape, another graphical browser was developed and now there are a number of them on the market, including AOL's browser and Internet Explorer. All of these browsers allow the transfer of text, numerical data, graphics, still images, motion media, and audio via the Internet. This hyperlinked, interconnected, portion of the Internet is called the World Wide Web (WWW).
 

How Does Information Flow on the Internet

 
Using a special protocol, called Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), every computer is assigned a unique label, called an IP address. Information you send via the Internet does not travel as one complete file. Rather, it is broken up into separate data packets. Using TCP/IP, each packet is given a unique sequence of numbers that will direct the data packets to the correct IP address (computer). The packets are sent from one "router" to another, each reads the packet address and decides which path will be the fastest. Since the data packets do not necessarily travel in order, the TCP/IP number also tells the receiver's computer how to reassemble the packets in the correct sequence. All this takes place in a matter of milliseconds.
 

 

Internet Resources

Electronic Mail
Electronic mail is the most basic, easiest to use, and for many people, the most useful Internet service. E-mail services allow you to send, forward, and receive messages from people all over the world. You can then reply to, save, file and categorize received messages.

Listserv Mailing Lists

A type of automated mailing/distribution list. You must subscribe to a listserv in order to participate in one.

World Wide Web

The World Wide Web is a browsing system that allows point and click navigation around the Internet. World Wide Web users can easily access text documents, images, video, and sound.

File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

This Internet protocol provides fast transfer of files from a remote computer to your own.
Telnet
Allows users to login to other computers on the Internet. Once the connection is has been established, the computer will act as if it is directly connected to the remote computer.
Usenet Newsgroups
Usenet groups are analogous to a cafe where people from everywhere in the world gather to discuss and share ideas on topics of common interest. You can participate in a usenet newsgroup without subscribing.
Search Engines
A type of software used to search the world wide web.
Chat
Allows users to interact in “real time” with others on the system.
E-Mail
 
Advantages:
* Quick communication
* Distance does not determine cost of communication

* Attachments, including graphics and images can often be transmitted

* No playing phone-tag
Limitations:
* Not private
* Emotion is difficult to express

* Receiving too much email

Internet Address
There are two types to Internet addresses: domain addresses made up of words separated by dots (kutztown.edu) or and IP address, made up of four sets of numbers separated by dots (123.9.43.206). Either type of address can be used; but the domain address is the easiest for most people, since remembering a long numeric string is more difficult than remembering a name or word that can be associated with a place or person.
 
Domain name addresses all end with a top-level domain. Each of these represent either the type of organization at which the information is stored, or the country.
 a. examples of organizational domains
edu for educational institutions
com for commercial organizations
mil for military
gov for government
org for nonprofit organizations
net for network providers
int for international organizations
k12 for K-12 schools
 b. examples of geographical domains
au for Australia
ca for Canada
ch for Switzerland
fr for France
is for Israel
jp for Japan
uk for United Kingdom
us for United States
c. In 1997, at an international meeting, seven new top-level domains were approved, to be implemented at a future time.
firm
store
web
arts
rec
nom
info
 
d. public school addresses
Many K-12 schools with direct Internet connections use K12, the state name, and the country as an organization identifier.
 
The IP (Internet Protocol) address consists of four sets of numbers from 0 to 255, separated by dots. The first set of numbers is the most general and each number set after that becomes more specific. For example, a network, such as Kutztown, might be assigned all the numbers beginning with 123.111. The University would then have about 65 thousand addresses to use, from 123.111.0.0 through 123.111.255.255. Usually, a network is assigned a portion of a numerical range depending on the size of the network.
 
E-mail programs
Some examples of email programs are:
Pop Mail - graphical interface
Eudora
Eudora Light for Windows or Mac is freeware and can be downloaded (http://www.qualcomm.com/quest/products.html). There is also a more full-featured version, called Eudora Pro, that can be purchased.
Pegasus
Pegasus Mail for Windows or DOS is freeware and can be downloaded (http:/www.cuslm.ca/Pegasus)
Text-based, such as Pine (This is the system used at Kutztown and many other places.)
Netscape Mail

 

Sending, receiving, reading, and replying to your messages
a. five steps for sending and/or replying to your messages
1. login
The first thing you must do when accessing your email, is to enter your login identity and a password.
2. open your mail software
3. address your mail
In order to send a message, most email systems require not only the email address of the person/people you are sending the message to; but a subject as well. Email systems allow you to create nickname files and address books, so you do not have to remember or keep track of email addresses.
4. compose your message
5. send your message
b. four steps for receiving and reading to mail
1. login
2. open your mail software
3. open the “new mail” folder
4. highlight a message and press return
Once the message is on the screen, you should have a reply option which allows you to respond to a message you’ve received by also printing the original message on the screen or not.
Managing your e-mail
a. replying
See #b4 for information
b. forwarding
Forwarding messages often seems an expedient thing to do; but you need to remember email messages are private. You need to get permission from the person who sent the original message before forwarding it to other people. Also, remember how easy it is to forward messages when you are sending messages yourself. Never put anything in a message you aren’t prepared for other people to read!!!!!
c. saving
All mail systems provide an option for saving email; both what you receive and what you send.
d. deleting
Managing your email files can be time consuming. Deleting messages you no longer need is a way to alleviate that problem.
e. printing

Creating an address book

1. nicknames
Creating nicknames for email addresses is an easy way to keep track of email addresses without having to remember long addresses.
2. lists
Email address books are easy to maintain. Data entry is simple and takes little time.
 
E-mail guidelines
1. check email daily
2. delete unwanted messages
3. keep stored messages to a minimum
4. never assume that your email can be read by no one but yourself
5. never send or keep anything that you would not mind seeing in
the daily newspaper
6. never use your home address or phone number
 
Good E-mail Style (taken from A Beginner's Guide to Effective Email (http://www.webfoot.com/advice/email.summary.html)
* Provide your audience with adequate context:
- use meaningful subject lines
- quote the email to which you are responding

- avoid pronouns

* Be aware of page layout issues. Stick with:
- short paragraphs
- lines under seventy-five characters long

- messages under twenty-five lines long

- plain text
* Find replacements for gestures and intonation:
- smileys
- asterisks

- capital letters

- typed-out vocalizations

- white space

- lower-case letters

-creative punctuation

* Be aware of what cues people will use to form impressions of you;
- name
- domain name

- grammar, punctuation, and spelling

- formality

- signatures

 
SPAMMING
SPAM is flooding the Internet with many copies of the same message. It is commonly used to send advertising or other commercial messages to people who otherwise wouldn't be on any list to receive the message. Don't SPAM and immediately notify your and the SPAMMERS ISP if you are SPAMMED.
 
 
Listserv
Several thousand interest groups are available and active on the Internet. Each consists of a group of members anywhere on the Internet, all communicating via their email systems. Generally, you subscribe by sending mail to an administrative address. Once you subscribe, all messages sent to the list are broadcast to all members of the group via their mailbox. Most lists are open to all and free, others are restricted to those the list owner accepts. For example, a professional organization may set up a list to which only members in good standing can subscribe. There are usually three separate list addresses you need to know: the one to which you submit your subscription request, the one to which you submit your unsubscribe request, and the one to which you send your list postings/messages.
 
1. Subscribing to a listserv
a. Get the listserv subscribe address
b. Send a message to the listserv@address
c. Do not enter a subject
d. Enter the following in the message area:
subscribe listserv name you're first name and last name
e. Example:
TO: listserv@wvnvm.wvnet.edu
FROM: milet@kutztown.edu
SUBJECT:
MESSAGE:
subscribe AECT-L Lynn Milet
2. Unsubscribing to a listserv
a. Follow the directions for subscribing...make sure you send to the listserv unsubscribe address
b. enter the term “Unsubscribe” in place of “subscribe” in the message area
3. Posting messages to a List
a. Send the message to the list address (not the listserv address)
b. Make sure you fill in the Subject line.
c. Type your message, then send it!
4. Things to know
a. The list address and the subscribe/unsubscribe addresses are not the same
b. They’re run by computers not people
c. Keep subscription information
d. Don’t send subscribes to the List
e. Be careful about REPLY!!! You may think you’re replying to an individual;
but are replying to the entire list
f. Personal messages go to an individual
g. Don’t send “I agree” without an additional comment
5. What can you do with Listservs?
a. Keep up-to-date in a particular area
b. Post information for other people
c. Ask a question
d. Seek assistance
e. Stimulate thought
f. Answer a question
g. Discuss an issue
6. Netiquette
1. be kind to your audience
2. tailor your communication to your audience
3. make it short and specific
4. don’t participate in inappropriate postings, bizarre behavior or
off-the-subject remarks
5. nerve, ever allow students to provide their complete names, their
phone numbers or their addresses
6. don’t post personal replies
7. provide an article reference
8. common abbreviations and phrases
a. IMHO - in my honest (humble) opinion
b. FWIW: for what it’s worth
c. FYI: for your information
d. BTW: by the way
e. Flame: antagonistic criticism
f. PMJI: pardon my jumping in
g. RTM: read the manual
h. TPTB: the powers that be

i. TTFN: ta ta for now

j. TYVM: thank you very much
9. Use emoticons to express emotion. Some of the most popular include:

:) Smile

:( Frown
:| Indifference

:\ Undecided

:O Surprise

10. Avoid sending flames (abusive or insulting messages)

11. Don't send spam (Internet junk mail)

12. Don't use all capital letters. Using all CAPS is considered shouting on the Internet.

13. Do not read someone's private e-mail. Do not forward private e-mail sent to you to anyone else without permission from the person who sent the original email.

14. Never assume everything you read on the Internet or receive as e-mail is accurate or up to date.

 

World Wide Web

 
The World Wide Web , is like a number of Internet applications, built on client/server technology. In a client/server environment, two pieces of software work together as a team. The client is responsible for what the software looks like to you, initiating the communication process, and displaying the information sent from the server. The server stores information, analyzes requests from the client, and respond to those requests by sending information to the client. In other words, the client is the program you use locally, and the server is the remote site you’re accessing.

 

1. Terms


URLs (Uniform Resource Locators)
URLs are a standard format for identifying locations on the Internet. They also allow an addressing system for other Internet protocols such as access to gopher menus, FTP file retrieval, and Usenet newsgroups. URL’s specify three types of information needed to retrieve a document:

a. the protocol to be used
b. the server address and port to which to connect, and
c. the path to the information

The format for a URL is protocol://server-name/path

Sample URLs:
World Wide Web URL:
http://home.netscape.com/home/welcome.html
Document from a secure server:
http://netscape.com/

Gopher URL:

gopher://umslvma.umsl.edu/Library

FTP URL:

ftp://nic.umass.edu/

Telnet URL:

telnet;//geophys.washington.edu
 
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)

HTTP is a protocol used to transfer information within the World Wide Web. Web site URLs begin with the http protocol - http://.

 
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)
HTML is the programming language used to create a Web page. It formats the text of the document, describes its structure, and specifies links to other documents. HTML also includes programming to access and display different media such as images, video, and sound.
Hotlinks/Hyperlinks
Any information (text, images, etc.) that is linked to another information resource either in the same document/web page, a different document/web page on the same computer or server, or another web page on a computer/server somewhere in the world. Text that is hotlinked is usually underlined and in a different color (normally blue) than the rest of the text on the page. Text as well as other hotlinked items, such as images, can also be identified as a link by placing the mouse cursor over the image. The cursor will turn into a white hand with a pointed finger. This icon designates a hotlink or hyperlink.
 
 
 

 

Filet Transfer Protocol (FTP)
 
FTP is a special method used to transfer files between two Internet sites. Files or data can be sent to another site - uploading a file - or can be retrieved form a remote site- downloading a file. Many servers that make files available to Internet users are known as anonymous FTP sites. Any Internet user can log onto these sites and retrieve files. Most browsers have limited FTP capability built into them, allowing you to use an FTP URL to access files. However, if you need to FTP on a regular basis, you will need special FTP software. , such as Fetch, to make Ftp'ing easier and more efficient.
 
Copyright applies to anything you want to download, particularly Ftp'ing files from other computer sources. There are, however, legal ways to download software from the Internet:
Freeware:
Software you may use and distribute at no charge.
Shareware:
Software you may copy and use for free for a short period of time (defined by the producer/developer). once you decide to use the software on a regular basis, you are expected to pay a certain fee (determined by the developers) to the developers.
Public Domain (PD):
A type of freeware that you not only can copy; but change to meet your own needs.
 
 

 

Telnet
 
Telnet is one of the oldest Internet tools that allows users to log onto another computer and run resident programs. Telnet is a text-based environment requiring commands to navigate. Some telnet access sites automatically link you to Web pages. Many Telnet sites, such as libraries, allow anyone to login without having a special account. Others require users to have a valid account before accessing many of the resident programs. There are things you cannot do on the Web that Telnet can do. For example, when you Telnet to a remote computer, frequently a mainframe supercomputer, you are working on another machine and are using the machine’s speed and power. College students and business travelers dial a local Internet service provider and then Telnet to their college or business accounts to get their email. Telnet saves them the cost of a long distance phone call.

 

Telnet also provides direct access to Internet services not always available from your Internet provider. Many of these services are exciting and interesting, Some open doors to alternative learning environments such as: databases, libraries, Free-Nets, interactive chats, bulletin boards, and MOOs or MUDs.

 

Usenet NewsGroups

 
Similar to listservs, Usenets are another popular way of exchanging information. There are groups on a variety of themes: technical, hobbies, movies, sports, cooking, religion, entertainment, specialized topics, etc. Unlike listservs, there is no overall control over Usenet and you don;t have to subscribe to participate.
 

From Kutztown, you can access newsgroup by choosing the Internet icon and then choosing the usenet/newsgroups option,

1. To read postings, just find a topic that interests you, press return and read the message.
2. To post a message, while reading a particular posting, press the “post option’ (usually a function key). Then post your message.
 
Things to know:
a. The FAQ's (frequently asked questions) are a good way to find out what’s been going on and what the interests of the participants are
b. Each group has its own culture, so get to know the group first before you post anything

Usenet netiquette

a. be kind to your audience
b. tailor your communication to your audience
c. make it short and specific
d. don’t participate in inappropriate postings, bizarre behavior or
off-the-subject remarks
e. nerve, ever allow students to provide their complete names, their
phone numbers or their addresses
f. don’t post personal replies
g. provide an article reference
h. common abbreviations and phrases
1. IMHO - in my honest (humble) opinion
2. FWIW: for what it’s worth
3. FYI: for your information
4. BTW: by the way
5. Flame: antagonistic criticism
6. PMJI: pardon my jumping in
7. RTM: read the manual
8. TPTB: the powers that be
i. don't ask questions that have already been asked numerous times
read the FAQ file as well as the archive for a couple of weeks.
j. don't post the same message to multiple newsgroups
 

Search Engines, Meta Search Engines and Web Directories on the WWW

Search engines look for information based on subject headings you enter or search strategies you develop. Most search engines use Boolean Logic, based on “AND”, “OR”, and “NOT” logical search operators. Every search engine has different search operators, so you will need to check your search engine to discover what system is used. Each search engine searches specific portions of the WWW. Therefore information found using individual search engines is limited.
 
Metasearch engines work the same way as individual search engines; but search a variety of search engines rather than one specific area of the Web. Using a metasearch engine will provide you with information in more depth and breadth.
 
Some of the most popular search engines are:
Yahoo: http://www.yahoo.com/
Infoseek: http://guide.infoseek.com
Webcrawler: http://www.webcrawler.com
The Yellow Pages: http://the yellowpages.com
Metacrawler: http://www.metacrawler.com
Prime Search: http://www.delta.com/prime.com/pssearch.htm
Galaxy: http://galaxy.einet.net/
Magellan: http://magellan.mckinley.com/
Lycos: http://www.lycos.com/
Excite: http://www.excite.com/
Alta Vista: http://altavista.digital.com/
Open Text: http://www.opentext.com/
HotBot: http://www.hotbot.com/
All-In-One: http://www.albany.net/allinone
Avenue: http://www.avenue.com/search
Dogpile: http://www.dogpile.com
WhoWhere: http://www.whowhere.com
Yahooligans: http://www.yahooligans.com
AskJeeves: http://www.askjeeves.com
LookSmart: http://www.looksmart.com
GoTo: http://www.goto.com

Google: http://www.google.com

JotBot: http://www.windspirit.com/jotbot
 
Web directories are different from search engines. They are detailed lists of subject headings, created by the person who created the web page and/or the staff of the directory, with each URL on the list a hotlink. Some things you need to keep in mind when using a Web directory to find information;
1. Think hierarchically: go from the general to the more specific.
2. Think associatively: look at any link that seems like what you need.
 

Search Tips


When you find a resource that you may want to return to, make a bookmark.

Do not use articles and prepositions in your searches. Words like “the, an, a, etc.” are often ignored by search engines.

To qualify and narrow your search, use Boolean qualifiers like and, or, or but.

Look for words that are displayed with your search results. There may be keywords that better describe your subject.

Use different search engines for your search. Each search engines offers a different type of search and searches different web sites and will provide you with information other search engines will not.

Make a bookmark for the search engines you use frequently.

Chat

Chat software allows users to "talk" on-line synchronously. Many commercial web sites offer free chat rooms. (Yahoo, HotMail, etc.) These services usually provide both public chat rooms, in which you can participate at any time; or allow you to create a private chat room to which only specified people may participate.

 

Glossary

 
Anonymous FTP
A service available at some Internet sites that gives any user access to data files and applications using FTP without the need of special passwords

Applet

A small Java program that can be embedded in an HTML page
Archie
A software program used to find files stored on anonymous FTP sites.
ASCII (American standard code for information interchange)
The numerical code used by computers to represent letters, numbers, and other items on a standard keyboard.
Backbone
A high speed pathway within a network
Bandwidth
Refers to the amount of information you can transmit through a network connection
Baud
Refers to the the number of bits per second that can be sent or received. Usually used to describe the speed of modems
Bit
The smallest unit of data used by a computer....a single digit number (either 1 or 0) in base-2
Bookmark
A pointer within your browser that stores favorite or frequently used web sites
Boolean
A common system of logic that is used by search engines. Boolean operators are AND, OR, NOT, and NOT
Bps
Bits per second
Browser
An application that displays pages on the World Wide Web
Byte
A series of bits representing a single character. Usually there are 8 bits in a byte; but there can sometimes be more
Chat
A way to communicate synchronously over the Internet

Client

A computer that acts as the receiver of information
Cookie
A piece of information send by a web server to a Web browser that the Browser software saves and sends back to the server whenever the browser makes additional requests from the server. Cookies might contain information such as login or registration information, preferences, "shopping cart" information, etc.
Cyberspace
Used to describe the entire world wide network of computers, it was "coined" by William Gibson in the book Neuromancer
Data Encryption
A process of securing data being transmitted over the Internet

Dialog Box

small box that appears on the screen to allow user to input information
Domain Name
The unique name identifying an Internet site, usually controlled by a company, school, or organization
E-Mail
Messages sent from one person to another or automatically to more than one person
FAQ (frequently asked question)
Files that archive the most frequently asked questions on a particular topic
Finger
Software on the Internet that assists in finding people at other Internet sites
Fire Wall
A combination of software and hardware that assists in securing portions of a local area network.
Flame
Refers to any derogatory comments sent on the Internet
FTP (file transfer protocol)
Internet protocol allowing the transfer of files from one computer to another.
GIF (graphical interchange format)
A bit-mapped color graphics file format that is the preferred format to use if you want to put a graphic (as opposed to a photograph) on a Web page.
Hit
Refers to a single return from a search engine or browser request
Home Page
The main web page of a web site
Host
Computer that acts as a server and sends files to another computer
HTML (hypertext markup language)
The language used to create documents with text, pictures, sounds, and hyperlinks.
HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol)
A protocol for the World Wide Web that allows linking documents or parts of documents between computers.
Hypertext
Information that is designated as a link to another information resource.
Icon
A graphic rep[presentation of an object, idea, or application
IMHO (in my humble opinion)
One of many shorthand options used to denote emotion or express an opinion
Internet (upper case I)
The network of computers using the TCP/IP protocols
Internet (lower case I)
The connection between two or more computers
Intranet
A private network inside a company or organization used specifically internally
IP number/address (Internet protocol number)
A unique number, consisting of four parts separated by dots, that designates the address of a computer
ISDN (integrate services digital network)
Special phone lines that allow for the high speed transmission of data
ISP (Internet service provider)
A business or institution that provides access to the Internet
Java
An object-oriented programming language designed for writing programs for the Internet
JPEG (joint photographic experts group)
An image format used primarily for photographic images.
LAN (local are network)
A computer network in which all desktop computers are connected to a server
MIME (multipurpose Internet mail extensions)
The standard used for attaching non-text files to standard Internet mail messages.
Modem (Modulator, Demodulator)
A device connected to your computer (internally or externally) and to a phone line, that allows you to communicate with other computers
Netiquette
Internet etiquette
Network
Two or more computers connected with each other
Node
A single computer connected to a network
PDF (portable document format)
A standard file format used by Adobe Acrobat to display any type of document on the computer.
PICT
The default graphics format for Macintosh computers
Plug-in
Software that adds features to an application.
POP (point of presence or post office protocol)
Point of presence refers to a location at which a network can be connected. Post office protocol refers to the way certain e-mail software retrieves mail from a server.
PPP (point to point protocol)
The protocol used to allow computers to make TCP/IP connections via a modem and a regular phone line
Protocol
A formal set of rules by which computers communicate
Robot (also called a Spider)
Special software that "surfs" the WWW, looking at URLs, and bringing back to a search engine or other database a description of the website
Router
A special computer or software package that assists the movement of data between two or more computers
Server
A computer that acts as the sender of information
SPAM (SPAMMING)
An inappropriate way to send an un-requested message to a large number of people
TCP/IP (transmission control protocols/Internet protocol)
The group of protocols that currently define the Internet communication standard
Telnet
The protocol that allows you to login to another computer and access the programs on that computer
UNIX
A computer operating system
URL (uniform resource locator)
An Internet address
USENET
A world-wide system of discussion groups
VRLM (virtual reality modeling language)
A language that will allow you to model and move around in 3-D environments on the Internet
WAN (wide area network)
A network connecting two or more servers
Web Browser
A program, such as Netscape or Explorer, that allows the user to connect to other computers and search and retrieve information
World Wide Web
The global network of hypertext servers.
 
 
Citation Style Guides for Internet and Electronic Resources
 
http://www.library.ualberta.ca/library/help/pathfinders/style
http://www.uvm.edu/~ncrane/estyles
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/cup/cgos/idx_basic.html
http://www.mla.org/style/sources.htm
http://www.ifla.org/I/training/citation/citing.htm
http://www.nlc-bnc.ca/doelec/citedoce.htm
http://www.wilpaterson.edu/wpcpages/library/refpubs.htm
http://www.utexas.edu/depts/uwc/.html/citation.html