BRIEF GUIDE TO THE INTERNET

THE INTERNET

The Internet is a network of computers which are able to communicate with each other. Electronic mail allows you to send messages across the Internet to another individual or group of individuals who are connected to the Internet. Discussion groups are mailing lists formed using a listserver and enable a group of people with a common interest to exchange mail -- mail sent to a discussion group is distributed to everyone belonging to that group. The World Wide Web (WWW) is a place to post information that is accessible world wide.

DISCUSSION GROUPS (email):

Discussion groups are run by two computers and have two addresses. When sending a message to list members use the list address; do not use this address for administrative matters (e.g., subscribe and unsubscribe requests). Send requests or commands (e.g., subscribe and unsubscribe requests) to the listserver (or majordomo) address; messages sent here are read my the list managers only. You may subscribe and unsubscribe from most lists at will.

To find a discussion group, send a message to LISTSERV@LISTSERV.NET. The text of the message should read:

Be sure to specify a subject area; if you fail to specify a subject the return message will be unbelievably large. You will receive a message back that contains the addresses of lists (if any) related to the topic you specified.

To subscribe to a discussion group send a sign-on message to the listserv address. Leave the subject line blank and write the following message:

The listname is the name of the group you want to join, yourfirstname and yourlastname are your real name. You don't need to write you e-mail address, because it is in the header of your subscribe message. Be sure to send your subscribe message from the computer you will be using; the return address of the computer you send from is the one that is added to the list.

The listserver will send you a confirmation and instructions on commands you may use with the list. Be forewarned, save this message -- it tells you how to use the list and most importantly how to leave the list when you want to. Activity on lists is quite variable; some lists are relatively inactive while others are very active (i.e., you may receive many messages daily from active lists). I have subscribed to several lists that have activity ranging from 1 message a month or 80 plus messages a day (I got off these lists fast).

The following commands should be send to the listserv address and will be executed automatically:

UNSUBSCRIBE LISTNAME

- to remove yourself from the list

SET LISTNAME NOMAIL

- to temporarily suspend mail delivery

SET LISTNAME MAIL

- to reinstate mail delivery

SET LISTNAME DIGEST

- to receive daily messages in a single message

SET LISTNAME REPRO

- to receive a copy of each message you post to a list

INDEX LISTNAME

- to receive an index of files containing messages

REVIEW LISTNAME

- to receive a listing of current subscribers

INFO REFCARD

- to receive information on listserv commands

What makes a good message?

Postings should be succinct, clear, noninflammatory, and free from distracting errors in syntax. Use the following guideline: write it, proof read it, then send it. The subject line should contain an informative title of 20 to 40 characters. The title should allow readers to quickly identify the topic of your posting. Messages should be signed with at least your name and email address so you may receive responses. Personal messages should be sent directly to an individual not to an entire list. Commands should be sent to the listserv computer not the list. Netiquette

The Internet has its own rules of etiquette -- here are some dos and don'ts

• Do not shout -- typing messages in ALL CAPS is equivalent to shouting.
• Don't be a parrot -- when responding to a posting don't repost the entire message; just quote the part you want to address or enough of the message to remind readers of the topic.
• Lurk before you leap -- read several messages and responses to get an idea of topics that are acceptable to the list before posting your questions or opinions.
• Send informed replies -- know what you are talking about; cite references where possible.
• Write and read, then send -- messages should be succinct and well written, check your messages for clarity and syntax errors before you send it.
• Don't be a flame thrower -- if you disagree with something, don't attack the sender, subtly or overtly.
• Check and double-check your tone and humor -- messages can seem brusque or rude, in addition, irony and sarcasm can be missed; add a smiley face to indicate humor :-).
• Don't pass on rumors or chain letters -- check your facts before sending messages across the net.
• Send your messages to the intended receiver -- if you intend a message for one particular individual send it directly to that person, not an entire discussion group. Check with the list manager to see if your replies go to the whole list or just the person who sent the original message -- lists can be set up either way.

WORLD WIDE WEB (WWW)

The WWW is based on a hypertext system that links information together. This systems allows the user to search files around the world. It allows multiple arrangements of information and creates connections or links that allow the user to find related information. Browsers are programs that pick through information. There are many different search engines -- these send 'spiders' throughout the web seeking information related to the key words you typed in. Each search engine has different search capabilities; if you can't find what you want with one search engine, try another engine (or try different key words), this may provide the desired information. The newer, more powerful engines are called meta(something) -- use one of these if you want a fast search engine.

Hypertext links are highlighted and underlined (or they may be in the form of buttons); the link will change color when it has been used, providing the user with a marker of where they have been. Each web site and page is identified with a URL address (universal resource label). You may use bookmarks to identify these or simply write down the URL for future reference.

Start your search booting a search engine (http://www.cyberg8t.com provides several choices of engines). Next type in key or search words that identify the topic you are interested in. From the list of sites provided begin looking at various pages and their links to get to 'just the right website'.

Some tips --

• Use precise key words to narrow your search. General terms will return thousands of sites.
• Sites change locations and may be difficult to find again. It is best to download information that is particularly valuable.
• The web is an extremely large data base and one can get lost without URLs. Be sure to record the URLs of valuable sites.
• Each web viewer (browser) will see pages slightly differently. Don't expect to see exactly the same colors from every monitor.
• If you are working from a text only computer you will see [IMAGE] where a graphic or picture is placed.
• Use the forward, back, and go buttons to access pages you have previously seen during a session.
• Use bookmarks to identify pages you will return to frequently.
• Be a critical consumer -- there is no peer review or editorial boards for the Web.
• Place time limits on your web activity to avoid IAD (Internet Addictive Disorder). Time seems to be compressed when searching the web -- most people report working for 2-3 hours but feeling like the searching and browsing lasted only a few minutes.

revised: 7/96
Carol L. Christensen (home page)
Department of Human Performance
San Jose State University
email: Christen@sjsuvm1.sjsu.edu
phone: 408-924-3035