Kidsphere
To subscribe, send a message to...
kidsphere-request@vms.cis.pitt.edu
Type any message asking to be added to the list.
To post, send a message to...
kidsphere@vms.cis.pitt.edu
KIDS-95/KIDLINK
To learn about KIDLINK projects, subscribe to the news service by
sending a message to...
listserv@vm1.nodak.edu
Leave the Subject field blank, and in the first line of the body of
the message enter...
subscribe KIDLINK YourFirstName YourLastName
To receive a file of general information on KIDLINK, send email to
the same listserv address, leave the Subject field blank, and in
the first line of the body of the message enter...
get kidlink general
K12admin (A list for K-12 educators interested in educational
administration)
To subscribe, send a message to...
listserv@suvm.syr.edu
Leave the Subject field blank, and in the first line of the body of
the message enter...
subscribe k12admin YourFirstName YourLastName
To post, send a message to...
k12admin@suvm.syr.edu
LM_NET (A list for school library media specialists worldwide)
To subscribe, send a message to...
listserv@suvm.syr.edu
Leave the Subject field blank, and in the first line of the body of
the message enter...
subscribe LM_NET YourFirstName YourLastName
To post, send a message to...
LM_NET@suvm.syr.edu
SIGTEL-L (A list for the Special Interest Group for
Telecommunications, a service of the International Society for
Technology in Education)
To subscribe, send a message to...
SIGTEL-L@unmvma.unm.edu
Leave the Subject field blank, and in the first line of the body of
the message enter...
subscribe SIGTEL-L YourFirstName YourLastName
To post, send a message to...
SIGTEL-L@unmvma.unm.edu
Tipsheet (Computer Help and Tip Exchange)
To subscribe, send a message to...
listserv@wsuvm1.csc.wsu.edu
Leave the Subject field blank, and in the first line of the body of
the message enter...
subscribe tipsheet YourFirstName YourLastName
----------------
NETWORK SERVERS:
----------------
Chatback Trust and Chatback International network server
via telnet...
telnet rdz.stjohns.edu
login: student
(Follow login instructions on screen.)
via gopher...
sjuvm.stjohns.edu (port 70)
Choose "Rehabilitation Resource Center" from first menu.
Choose "SJU Unibase Bulletin Board and Conference System" from
menu which then comes up.
Consortium for School Networking gopher server
via gopher...
cosn.org (port 70)
via telnet...
telnet cosn.org
login: gopher
(no password)
Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) Digests Archives are
available
via telnet...
telnet bbs.oit.unc.edu
login: launch
(Follow directions on screen for registration. At the main menu,
choose number 4, "Topical Document Search (WAIS)", and move to
eric-digests. For help in WAIS, type a question mark.)
via FTP...
ftp ericir.syr.edu
login: anonymous
password: your_email_address
cd pub
via email...
mail askeric@ericir.syr.edu
(In your message ask for the topic you're interested in. A human
will answer you.)
via gopher...
ericir.syr.edu (port 70)
Empire Internet Schoolhouse
via gopher...
nysernet.org (port 70)
via telnet...
telnet nysernet.org
login: empire
(no password)
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) gopher server
via gopher...
gopher.uoregon.edu (port 70)
via telnet...
telnet gopher.uoregon.edu
login: gopher
(no password)
Once connected via either of these two methods, use the menu item
"Search Titles in This Gopher Server" and enter ISTE when asked
what to search for.
InterNIC gopher server
via gopher...
is.internic.net (port 70)
via telnet...
telnet is.internic.net
login: gopher
(no password)
KIDS Gopher, a KIDLINK service
via gopher...
kids.duq.edu (port 70)
via telnet...
telnet kids.duq.edu
login: gopher
(no password)
NASA Spacelink
via telnet...
telnet spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov
login: newuser
password: newuser
(Follow registration instructions on screen.)
To find information on the NASA Teacher Resource Center Network or
for a NASA Select television schedule, enter "g" for GO TO, then
enter either "TRC" or "NASA Select".
via FTP...
ftp spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov
National Science Foundation's (United States) Science and Technology
Information System (STIS)
via telnet...
telnet stis.nsf.gov
login: public
Follow instructions on screen.
via gopher...
stis.nsf.gov (port 70)
Office of Educational Research and Improvement (US Department of
Education) gopher server
via gopher...
gopher.ed.gov (port 70)
The OERI gopher server contains educational research and statistics,
as well as information about the United States Department of Education
and its programs.
PSGnet and RAINet gopher server
via telnet...
telnet gopher.psg.com
login: gopher
(no password)
via gopher...
gopher.psg.com (port 70)
------------
NEWS GROUPS:
------------
alt.education.distance
alt.kids-talk
comp.security.announce
k12.chat.elementary
k12.chat.junior
k12.chat.senior
k12.chat.teacher
k12.ed.art
k12.ed.business
k12.ed.comp.literacy
k12.ed.health-pe
k12.ed.life-skills
k12.ed.math
k12.ed.music
k12.ed.science
k12.ed.soc-studies
k12.ed.special
k12.ed.tag
k12.ed.tech
k12.edu.life-skills (especially for school counselors)
k12.euro.teachers (in Europe)
k12.lang.art
k12.lang.deutsch-eng
k12.lang.esp-eng
k12.lang.francais
k12.lang.russian
k12.library
k12.sys.projects
misc.education
misc.education.language.english
misc.kids
misc.kids.computer
news.announce.newusers
pubnet.nixpub (where a list of open access Unix sites is often posted,
for those looking for access to Usenet News and email only)
-----------
NEWSLETTER:
-----------
NetTEACH NEWS
Published monthly from August to March and bi-monthly April/May and
June/July, NetTEACH NEWS is written for both the novice and the
experienced networking teacher.
Annual hardcopy subscription costs are:
US $22.00 for individuals in the US
US $25.00 for individuals in Canada
US $30.00 for individuals outside the US and Canada
US $30.00 for institutions
Annual ASCII electronic copy costs are:
US $15.00 for individuals
Add $5.00 to hardcopy costs to receive both ASCII and hardcopy.
Site licensing is available for public primary and secondary education
networks. Discounts are available for school district multiple
sub-scriptions.
For a subscription form, questions, or to submit materials, contact:
Kathy Rutkowski, Editor
Chaos Publications
13102 Weather Vane Way
Herndon, VA 22071
USA
Phone: 703-471-0593
EMail: info@netteach.chaos.com
--------------
ORGANIZATIONS:
--------------
AskERIC
ERIC Clearinghouse on Information Resources
Center for Science and Technology
Syracuse University
Syracuse, New York 13244-4100
USA
Phone: 315-443-9114
Fax: 315-443-5448
EMail: askeric@ericir.syr.edu
According to a recent electronic brochure, "The Educational
Resources Information Center (ERIC) is a federally-funded national
information system that provides access to an extensive body of
education-related literature. ERIC provides a variety of services
and products at all education levels."
Another portion of the electronic brochure states, "AskERIC is an
Internet-based question-answering service for teachers, library
media specialists, and administrators. Anyone involved with K-12
education can send an e-mail message to AskERIC. Drawing on the
extensive resources of the ERIC system, AskERIC staff will respond
with an answer within 48 working hours." Educators may have
questions about primary and secondary education, learning, teaching,
information technology, or educational administration which AskERIC
can answer. Parents AskERIC is a new service for parents looking
for information to better facilitate their children's developmental
and educational experiences. Use the email address listed above.
Chatback International
Dr. R. Zenhausern, Executive Director
Psychology Department
St. Johns University
SB 15, Marillac
Jamaica, NY 11439
USA
Phone: 718-990-6447
Fax: 718-990-6705
EMail: drz@sjuvm.stjohns.edu
The Chatback Trust
Tom Holloway, UK Director
25 Clemens Street
Royal Leamington Spa
Warwickshire, CV31 2DP
Phone: +44-926-888333
Fax: +44-926-420204
EMail: t.holloway@warwick.ac.uk
The Chatback Trust is the organization which was originally
concerned primarily with school children with various types of
language disorder. Chatback International is the expansion of that
project onto the Internet and is concerned with the use of networks
to educate all children.
Consortium for School Networking
P.O. Box 65193
Washington, DC 20035-5193
USA
Phone: 202-466-6296
Fax: 202-872-4318
EMail: info@cosn.org
According to a recent brochure, "The Consortium for School
Networking is a membership organization of institutions formed to
further the development and use of computer network technology in
K-12 education." To join CoSN, request an application at the above
address. To contribute your ideas, lesson plans, projects, etc.,
for others to access over the Internet, send to email to:
ferdi@digital.cosn.org
European Schools Project
University of Amsterdam
CICT/SCO
Grote Bickerrsstraat 72
1013 KS Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Contact: Dr. Pauline Meijer or Dr. Henk Sligte
Phone: +31-20-5251248
Fax: +31-20-5251211
EMail: risc@esp.educ.uva.nl
The European Schools Project is "a support system for secondary
schools to explore applications of educational telematics."
FidoNet
1151 SW Vermont Street
Portland, OR 97219
USA
Contact: Janet Murray
Phone: 503-280-5280
EMail: jmurray@psg.com
FidoNet is a dial-up, store-and-forward messaging system which takes
advantage of late night phone rates to send and receive email and
conferences.
FrEdMail Foundation
P.O. Box 243,
Bonita, CA 91908
USA
Contact: Al Rogers
Phone: 619-475-4852
EMail: arogers@bonita.cerf.fred.org
International Education and Research Network (I*EARN)
c/o Copen Family Fund
345 Kear Street
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
USA
Contact: Dr. Edwin H. Gragert
Phone: 914-962-5864
Fax: 914-962-6472
EMail: ed1@copenfund.igc.apc.org
According to Dr. Gragert, "The purpose of the I*EARN Network is to
create low-cost telecommunications models to demonstrate that
elementary and secondary students can make a meaningful contribution
to the health and welfare of people and the planet. We want to see
students go beyond simply being "pen-pals" to use telecommunications
in joint student projects as part of the educational process."
I*EARN works with international service and youth organizations to
add telecommunications to existing partnerships.
KIDLINK Society
4815 Saltrod
Norway
Phone: +47-370-31204
Fax: +47-370-27111
EMail: opresno@extern.uio.no
Contact: Odd de Presno
KIDLINK is the organization that runs the yearly KIDS projects,
KIDS-94, KIDS-95, etc. For information on getting files related to
KIDS-NN/KIDLINK, see "Electronic Mail Lists" in this section. For
access to the KIDS Gopher, see "Network Servers" in this section.
K12Net
1151 SW Vermont Street
Portland, OR 97219
USA
Phone: 503-280-5280
Contact: Janet Murray
EMail: jmurray@psg.com
K12Net is a collection of conferences devoted to curriculum,
language exchanges with native speakers, and classroom-to-classroom
projects designed by teachers in K-12 education. The conferences
are privately distributed among FidoNet-compatible bulletin board
systems on five continents and are also available as Usenet
Newsgroups in the hierarchy "k12." More information about K12Net is
available from gopher.psg.com.
via telnet...
telnet gopher.psg.com
login: gopher
via gopher...
gopher.psg.com (port 70)
NASA Central Operation of Resources for Educators (CORE)
Lorain County Joint Vocational School
15181 Route 58 South
Oberlin, OH 44074
USA
Phone: 216-774-1051, x293/294
Fax: 216-774-2144
For a copy of the video "Global Quest: The Internet in the
Classroom" released by the NASA NREN K-12 Initiative contact the
above address. The fee for the video is cost plus shipping and
handling. You may also make a copy yourself by taking a blank copy
to the nearest NASA Teacher Resource Center or by taping from NASA
Select television. For information on the NASA Teacher Resource
Center Network or on NASA Select, contact your nearest NASA facility
or log in to NASA Spacelink. (See NASA Spacelink in "Network
Servers".)
National Center for Education Statistics
555 New Jersey Ave N.W., R.410 C
Washington DC 20208-5651
USA
Phone: 202-219-1364
Contact: Jerry Malitz
EMail: ncesinfo@inet.ed.gov
Fax: 219-1728
For a copy of the video "Experience the Power: Network Technology
for Education" released by NCES contact the above address. If you
contact them via email to order a video be sure that you send your
mailing address.
InterNIC Information Services
General Atomics
P.O. Box 85608
San Diego, California 92186-9784
USA
Phone: 800-444-4345
619-455-4600
Fax: 619-455-3990
EMail: info@internic.net
The InterNIC is a (United States) National Science Foundation funded
group tasked with providing information services to the United
States research and education networking community. The Reference
Desk is in operation Monday through Friday, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00
p.m. Pacific Time.
Internet Society
1895 Preston White Drive
Suite 100
Reston, Virginia 22091
USA
Phone: 703-648-9888
Fax: 703-620-0913
EMail: isoc@isoc.org
The Internet Society is an international membership organization
for individuals and organizations that support its goals of
promoting the use of the Internet:
A. To facilitate and support the technical evolution of the
Internet as a research and education infrastructure, and
to stimulate the involvement of the scientific community,
industry, government and others in the evolution of the
Internet;
B. To educate the scientific community, industry and the public
at large concerning the technology, use and application of
the Internet;
C. To promote educational applications of Internet technology
for the benefit of government, colleges and universities,
industry, and the public at large;
D. To provide a forum for exploration of new Internet
applications, and to stimulate collaboration among
organizations in their operational use of the global
Internet.
Reseaux IP Europeens Network Coordination Centre (RIPE NCC)
Kruislaan 409
NL-1098 SJ Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Phone: +31 20 592 5065
Fax: +31 20 592 5090
EMail: ncc@ripe.net
The RIPE NCC assists European Internet operators and refers
users to appropriate operators.
Services include:
-delegated registry for network and
Autonomous System numbers
-whois database at whois.ripe.net
-document store at ftp.ripe.net
(also accessible via gopher and wais)
-interactive information service
(via telnet at info.ripe.net)
Asia Pacific Network Information Center
c/o University of Tokyo, Computer Center
2-11-16 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113
Japan
Phone: +81-3-5684-7747
Fax: +81-3-5684-7256
EMail: hostmaster@apnic.net
The APNIC is a cooperative organization of national network
information centers in the Asia Pacific region operating under the
auspices of the Asia Pacific Coordinating Committee for
Intercontinental Research Networks. APNIC is tasked with providing
information and registration services to networking organizations
throughout the Asia and Pacific Rim regions.
10. References
[1] Malkin, G., and A. Marine, "FYI on Questions and Answers:
Answers to Commonly Asked 'New Internet User' Questions", FYI 4,
RFC1325, Xylogics, SRI, May 1992.
[2] Krol, E., and E. Hoffman, "What is the Internet?" FYI 20, RFC
1462, University of Illinois, Merit Network, Inc., May 1993.
[3] "Restructuring Schools: A Systematic View" in Action Line, the
newsletter of the Maryland State Teachers Association, a National
Education Association Affiliate. R. Kuhn, Editor. No. 93-6.
June, 1993.
[4] Sivin, J. P. and E. R. Bialo (1992) "Ethical Uses of Information
Technologies in Education." Washington, DC: U.S. Department of
Justice, Office of Justice Programs, National Institute of
Justice.
[5] Hoffman, E. and L. Jackson, "Introducing the Internet--A Short
Bibliography of Introductory Internetworking Reading for the
Network Novice", FYI 19, RFC1463, Merit Network, Inc., NASA, May
1993.
11. Security Considerations
General security considerations are discussed in Section 6 of this
document.
12. Author's Address
Jennifer Sellers
NASA NREN
700 13th Street, NW
Suite 950
Washington, DC 20005
USA
Phone: 202-434-8954
EMail: sellers@quest.arc.nasa.gov
APPENDIX A: EXAMPLES OF PROJECTS USING THE INTERNET
The following examples of projects using the Internet appeared on the
Kidsphere electronic mailing list during the 1992-93 school year.
The messages have been edited in the interest of space and because
many of the details about how to participate are dated, but the
information presented can give you a feel for the types and range of
projects that happen today.
=========================================
Example One, "Middle School Math Project"
=========================================
This is the official invitation to participate in "Puzzle Now!".
"Puzzle Now!" is an interdisciplinary project using educational
technology as a tool to integrate the curriculum. "Puzzle Now!"
provides teams of mathematics and language arts teachers and students
with thematic puzzle problems via VA.PEN.
PROJECT : Puzzle Now!
SUBJECT AREA : Mathematics/Language Arts
GRADE LEVEL : 6 - 8
DURATION : This project will consist of eight - one week
cycles.
PROJECT GOALS : -to increase student motivation for math
problem solving;
-to emphasize the importance of addressing
problems in a clear, concise, and logical
manner;
-to provide students with opportunities for
developing skills in written expression;
-to familiarize students with computer and
modem as tools for problem solving projects.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The puzzles presented in this project are no
mere entertainment. These puzzles will help
the student reason logically, develop thinking
skills, and will assist in the understanding of
many practical disciplines, such as geometry.
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT to remember that getting
the correct answer isn't as important as
figuring out how to find it.
DO THE SOLUTIONS HAVE TO BE SUBMITTED IN A
PARTICULAR FASHION? Yes, the solution format
requires that the group/team/individual first
1) restate the puzzle/problem; 2) explain the
strategy, or strategies used in finding the
answer; 3) state the answer.
Your team/class may turn in only one solution.
That means you must work together to develop one
solution to be examined by the "Puzzlemeister".
==========================================
Example Two, "Poetry Contest, Grades 9-12"
==========================================
National Public Telecomputing Network
--
Academy One Project Announcement
FIRST ANNUAL INTERNET POETRY CONTEST
FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS GRADES 9-12
***FEATURED FORM: THE SONNET***
***First Place Award: $50.00***
***Second Place Award: $25.00***
***Honorable Mentions: $10.00***
The first annual Internet Poetry Contest invites entries from
students in grades 9-12 for original sonnets written within the last
3 years. The purpose of the contest is to encourage young creative
writers to practice the discipline needed to write in a particular
poetic form, in this case, the sonnet form. (The sonnet is defined
and examples are given below.) Sonnets may be submitted in any
recognized sonnet form including Petrarchan, Shakespearean, Miltonic,
or Spenserian.
Students submitting entries must include a form (given below)
certifying that each sonnet entered in the contest is original and
written within the last 3 years. The deadline for mailing entries is
April 30, 1993. Winners will be notified individually and winning
entries will also be announced via Academy I on the Internet.
Judges for the contest are current or retired English instructors
throughout the United States.
==============================================
Example Three, "Tracking Monarch Butterflies"
==============================================
Our school has begun a study of monarchs using Nova's Animal
Pathfinders. After working through these lessons, which will give us
the necessary background information, we will design the format for
collecting the data on sighting monarchs. We will send information on
the format to any school who wishes to participate in the project.
Our fifth grade students will begin this project and we hope that
students from kindergarten through twelfth grade will get involved.
We hope that schools from south to north along the migratory flyways
will be interested in joining and collecting data about first
sightings and population counts. We still have not found the
lepidopterists who did the initial research but will keep looking.
Hope to hear from you soon.
=======================================
Example Four, "Simulated Space Mission"
=======================================
National Public Telecomputing Network
--
Academy One Program Announcement
SPECIAL EVENT: NESPUT 24-HOUR CENTENNIAL SPACE SHUTTLE
SIMULATED MISSION ON APRIL 27, 1993
SCHOOLS, TEACHERS, STUDENTS, SPACE ENTHUSIASTS:
The April 27 simulated and telecommunicated space shuttle mission is
a mostly real-time 24 hour mission involving numerous activities in
space. Your school could be involved for an entire 24 hour period or
for a much lesser amount of time (say just your school day or even a
few hours). During that 24 hour period, schools will be linked to
share information via telecommunications and a variety of activities
will be going on via telecommunications and in the classroom--most of
them created by the schools and students involved. The space shuttle
Centennial at University School in Shaker Heights, Ohio, a real and
permanent simulator, will act as itself and use its mission control
area as Houston. Reports on the progress of our real student
astronauts will be posted on the listserv and via the menus on NPTN
affiliate systems carrying Academy One. Your school can act as any
one of the following:
A second American shuttle.
A second Russian shuttle.
A weather reporting station for your area.
One of NASA's alternate landing sites.
A science station posing questions and problems for all
astronauts in simulated space.
An information station, posting interesting information of
interest about the space shuttle and the space program.
A graphics station, sending GIF files to other schools
(especially good if you have a scanner for your computer).
Any other type of space related station or activity you can
imagine.
==================================================
Example Five, "Equinox Experiment and Calculation"
==================================================
ATTENTION - MARCH 20, l993 IS THE EQUINOX
A WORLDWIDE SCIENCE AND MATH EXPERIMENT
ERATOSTHENES EXPERIMENT
Eratosthenes, a Greek geographer (about 276 to 194 B.C.), made a
surprisingly accurate estimate of the earth's circumference. In the
great library in Alexandria he read that a deep vertical well near
Syene, in southern Egypt, was entirely lit up by the sun at noon once
a year. Eratosthenes reasoned that at this time sun must be directly
overhead, with its rays shining directly into the well. In
Alexandria, almost due north of Syene, he knew that the sun was not
directly overhead at noon on the same day because a vertical object
cast a shadow. Eratosthenes could now measure the circumference of
the earth (sorry Columbus) by making two assumptions - that the earth
is round and that the sun's rays are essentially parallel. He set up
a vertical post at Alexandria and measured the angle of its shadow
when the well at Syene was completely sunlit. Eratosthenes knew from
geometry that the size of the measured angle equaled the size of the
angle at the earth's center between Syene and Alexandria. Knowing
also that the arc of an angle this size was 1/50 of a circle, and
that the distance between Syene and Alexandria was 5000 stadia, he
multiplied 5000 by 50 to find the earth's circumference. His result,
250,000 stadia (about 46,250 km) is quite close to modern
measurements. Investigating the Earth, AGI, l970, Chapter 3, p. 66.
The formula Eratosthenes used is:
D A d=distance between Syene and Alexandria
_____ = _____ A=360 degrees assumption of round earth
a=shadow angle of vertical stick
d a D=to be determined (circumference)
----------------------------------------------------------------
Are you interested in participating?
All you need to do is place a vertical stick (shaft) into the ground
at your school and when the sun reaches it's highest vertical assent
for the day (solar noon), measure the angle of the shadow of the
stick.
-\
- \
stick -> - \
- a \ a=shadow angle
- \
- \
ground___________________-______\_____________________________
By doing this experiment on the equinox we all know that the vertical
rays of the sun are directly over the equator, like the well at
Syene. Using a globe or an atlas the distance between your
location and the equator can be determined and the circum- ference
can be calculated.
*****************************************************************
But how about sharing your shadow angle measurement with others
around the real globe.
******************************************************************
Send your measurement of the shadow angle____________degrees
Send your location city ____________________________________
Send your location country _________________________________
Send your latitude _________________________________________
Send your longitude ________________________________________
We will compile all the data and send you a copy to use in your
classroom to compare the various locations and angles.
If you're interested send us your data. We will compile and return
it to you.
=====================================
Example Six, "Famous Black Americans"
=====================================
Project Name: Who Am I?: Famous Black Americans
Subject Area: Social Studies, Research Skills
Grade Level: Grades 4-12
Project Description: The goal of this project is to assist students
in increasing their knowledge of American
black history. Each week, on Monday Morning,
a set of three or four clues will be sent to
your account. The same will occur on
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings.
At any time, through the end of the day on
Friday, your students may send their answer
(the name of the famous American identified
by the clues) to the following online
address:
whoami@radford.vak12ed.edu
A class should send only one answer each
week. If two are sent, the sponsors will
assume that the first of the answers is the
one intended to be submitted.
The sponsor will collect all answers, compile
a listing of classes who send the correct
answers, and will forward this list to all
participants via email by early on the
following Monday morning. On that morning,
in addition, the sponsor will send all
classes a new problem.
This project lasts five weeks, with clues
each week being given for a different famous
person in American history.
Project Length: Five Weeks
Awards: Every Monday morning, participating classes
will receive an online message from the
sponsor congratulating those who have sent
correct answers during the previous week. At
the end of the five weeks, attractive
certificates will be awarded to all
participating classes (sent by way of the
Postal Service). In addition, classes which
have participated in each of the five weeks
will receive a separate style of certificate
for their school or class.
APPENDIX B: HOW TO GET DOCUMENTS ELECTRONICALLY
The traditional way to access files available online on the Internet
is via a program based on the File Transfer Protocol (FTP). Many
information sites have hosts that allow "anonymous" FTP, meaning you
don't need to already have an account on the host in order to access
the files it makes public. This appendix will describe obtaining
files via anonymous FTP and describe obtaining files via the Internet
Gopher program.
The online files sited in Suggested Reading can all be retrieved via
anonymous FTP. (Most can also be retrieved via Gopher.) In most
cases, when you see a reference to a file available for FTP, the
reference will give you both a computer hostname and a pathname. So,
for example, the ASCII text version of the EARN Resource Tool Guide
is on the host naic.nasa.gov in the /files/general_info directory as
earn-resource-tool-guide.txt.
Many online files are mirrored on more than one host. RFCfiles, for
example, are so popular that several hosts act as repositories for
them; so, when they are cited, rarely is a hostname given. To find
out all about getting RFCs and FYIs, send a message to rfc-
info@isi.edu and in the body of the message, type 'help:
ways_to_get_rfcs'. RFCs are available both via electronic mail and
via Anonymous FTP, as well as via many Gophers.
Anonymous FTP
Some of this information about transferring files based on text
from the access.guide file referenced in FYI 19 [5] and written by
Ellen Hoffman and Lenore Jackson.
If you are on a computer connected to the Internet and can use
FTP, you can access files online. If your VM/CMS, VAX/VMS, UNIX,
DOS, Macintosh, or other computer system has FTP capability, you
can probably use the sample commands as they are listed. If your
computer doesn't work using the sample commands, you may still
have FTP access. You will need to ask your system administrator
or local network consultant. If you don't have FTP, you may be
able to get files via electronic mail.
If you are using a UNIX machine, you can use FTP directly from a
system prompt. For other computers, there are commercial and
public domain programs that will allow you to use FTP. (For
example, there is a very easy-to-use shareware program called
"Fetch" for the Macintosh.)
Once you establish that you have FTP access, you will need to send
a series of commands to reach the host computer with the file you
want, connect to the appropriate directory, and have the file
transferred to your computer. A typical FTP session is described
here, but not all software is exactly alike. If you have
problems, check your software's documentation ('man' page) or
contact your local help-desk.
This session uses the EARN Guide to Network Resource Tools in its
naic.nasa.gov home as an example file to be transferred.
Here's what you can do:
(1) Tell your computer what host you are trying to reach:
ftp naic.nasa.gov
(2) Log in to the computer with the username "anonymous". You
will be prompted for a password; most often it is preferred
that you use your complete email address as your password.
(3) Navigate through the directory to find the file you need. Two
useful commands for doing so are the one to change directories
('cd'), which you can use to step through more than one directory
at a time:
cd files/general_info
and the command which shows you the files and subdirectories
within a directory:
dir
(4) Give a command to have the file sent to your computer:
get earn-resource-tools.txt
(5) Quit FTP:
quit
RFCRepositories:
Following is a list of hosts that are primary repositories for
RFCs, and, for each host, the pathname to the directory that
houses these files:
- ds.internic.net rfc
- nis.nsf.net internet/documents/rfc
- nisc.jvnc.net rfc
- venera.isi.edu in-notes
- wuarchive.wustl.edu info/rfc
- src.doc.ic.ac.uk rfc
- ftp.concert.net /rfc
RFCs are in the file format you see in the Suggested Readings
section, e.g., rfc####.txt, with #### being the number of the RFC.
To retrieve an RFC, then, you would FTP to a host above, log in as
anonymous, cd to the directory noted, and retrieve the RFCyou
want. The file ways_to_get_rfcs, mentioned above, explains which
sites make RFCs available for electronic mail retrieval, and
provides directions for doing so.
Remember that FYI documents, such as this one, are also RFCs, so
the information about RFCs applies to FYIs as well. You can
usually retrieve FYIs either by their RFCnumber, or by their FYI
number. FYI numbers are in the format fyi##.txt, where ## is the
number of the FYI.
Gopher
A relatively new method of viewing and retrieving information is
the Internet Gopher. A Gopher server presents information to a
users via a series of menus. By choosing menu items, the user is
led to files or to other services available on the Internet.
Gopher can also retrieve files for the user because it has an
interface to the File Transfer Protocol. So you can use Gopher to
obtain files rather than FTP. Once you have located a file you
want, you also have the option of mailing it electronically.
Several Gopher servers are listed in the Network Servers portion
of Section 9 "Resources and Contacts". The InterNIC gopher, for
example, is one that provides access to the RFCs.
Normally, the best way to access a Gopher server is by running a
Gopher client on your own host or network. However, if you do not
have that software, many Gophers are accessible via Telnet (see
the addresses in Section 9). To Telnet to a host, most often you
would give the command "telnet" and the hostname, for example:
telnet naic.nasa.gov.
Unlike FTP repositories, which are accessible over the network but
which you have to access one at a time, many Gophers are linked
together over the Internet. Therefore, if you have access to one
Gopher, you usually have access to hundreds more. This huge
network of gophers and the vast amount of information they serve
is referred to as "gopherspace". You can use a service within
Gopher called "Veronica" to search gopherspace to see if there is
more information out there of a particular type you are interested
in finding. From within Gopher, look for a menu item such as
"Search Gopherspace Using Veronica" to find out more information
about using the Veronica service.
APPENDIX C: GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED IN THIS DOCUMENT
The following is a short glossary of terms used in this document.
For a more complete glossary of Internet terms, refer to FYI 18 (RFC
1392), "Internet Users' Glossary". These definitions are largely
excerpted from that glossary. (See Section 8, "Suggested Reading",
above.)
Anonymous FTP
Accessing data via the File Transfer Protocol using the special
username "anonymous". This was devised as a method to provide a
relatively secure way of providing restricted access to public
data. Users who wish to acquire data from a public source may use
FTP to connect to the source, then use the special username
"anonymous" and their email address as the password to log into a
public data area.
Cracker
A person who uses computer knowledge to attempt to gain access to
computer systems and/or maliciously damage those systems or data.
Dial-in (also dial-up)
A connection, usually made via modems, between two computers (or
servers) over standard voice grade telephone lines.
Download
To copy data from a remote computer to a local computer. The
opposite of upload.
DSU/CSU (Data Service Unit/Channel Service Unit)
The digital equivalent of a modem. A Channel Service Unit
connects to a telephone company-provided digital data circuit, and
a Data Service Unit provides the electronics required to connect
digital equipment to the CSU. Paired together a DSU/CSU allows
computer equipment to be connected into the telephone digital
service for highly conditioned, high speed data communications.
Electronic Bulletin Board System (BBS)
A computer, and associated software, which typically provides
electronic messaging services, archives of files, and any other
services or activities of interest to the bulletin board system's
operator. Although BBSs have traditionally been the domain of
hobbyists, an increasing number of BBSs are connected directly to
the Internet, and many BBSs are currently operated by government,
educational, and research institutions.
EMail (Electronic Mail)
A system whereby a computer user can exchange messages with other
computer users (or groups of users) via a communications network.
FidoNet
A network of computers interconnected using the FIDO dial-up
protocols. The FIDO protocol provides a means of "store and
forward" file transfer similar to UUCP.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
A protocol which allows a user on one host to access, and transfer
files to and from, another host over a network. Also, FTP is
usually the name of the program the user invokes to execute the
protocol.
FYI (For Your Information)
A subseries of RFCs that are not technical standards or
descriptions of protocols. FYIs convey general information about
topics related to TCP/IP or the Internet. See also: RFC(Request
for Comments).
Gopher
A distributed information service that links many types of
information from all around the Internet and presents it to the
user in a series of menus. Because hundreds of Gopher servers
cooperate in providing access to information and services, the
user sees a single, uniform interface to information that actually
resides on different host computers. The Gopher interface is very
easy to use, and public domain versions of the clients and servers
are available.
Hacker
A person who delights in having an intimate understanding of the
internal workings of a system, computers and computer networks in
particular. The popular media has corrupted this term to give it
the pejorative connotation of a person who maliciously uses
computer knowledge to cause damage to computers and data. The
proper term for this type of person is "cracker".
Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF)
The IETF is a large, open community of network designers,
operators, vendors, and researchers whose purpose is to coordinate
the operation, management and evolution of the Internet, and to
resolve short-range and mid-range protocol and architectural
issues. It is a major source of protocol proposals and standards.
InterNIC
A Network Information Center (NIC), funded by the National Science
foundation, that provides information about the Internet. The
InterNIC is a team of three contractors, each of which focuses on
a particular network support task. The three tasks are:
Information Services (the task most often cited in this document),
Registration Services, and Directory and Database Services.
Kbs (Kilo-Bits per Second)
A data transmission rate expressed in 1000 bit per second units.
For example, 56Kbs is 56*1000=56,000 bits per second.
LAN (Local Area Network)
A data network intended to serve an area of only a few square
kilometers or less. Since such are networks relatively small they
can usually be directly controlled by the users and operate at
relatively high speeds (up to 100Mb/s [10 million bits per
second]) over inexpensive wiring.
Leased line
A leased line is a special phone company permanent connection
between two locations. Leased lines are generally used where
high-speed data (usually 960 characters per second and higher) is
continually exchanged between two computers (in the Internet,
generally between routers). A leased line is billed at the same
rate per month independent of how much the line is used and can be
cheaper than using dial modems depending on the usage. Leased
lines may also be used where higher data rates are needed beyond
what a dial modem can provide.
Listserv (mailing list server)
An automated program that accepts mail messages from users and
performs basic operations on mailing lists for those users. In
the Internet, listservs are usually accessed as "listname@host";
for example, the list server for the hypothetical list
"newsreports@acme.org" would be called "listserv@acme.org".
Sending email to "newsreports@acme.org" causes the message to be
sent to all the list subscribers, while sending a message (to
subscribe or unsubscribe, for example) to "listserv@acme.org"
sends the message only to the list server. Not all mailing lists
use list servers to handle list administration duties.
Mailing Lists
A list of email addresses. Generally, a mailing list is used to
discuss certain set of topics, and different mailing lists discuss
different topics. A mailing list may be moderated, that is
messages sent to the list are actually sent to a moderator who
determines whether or not to send the messages on to everyone
else. Many mailing lists are maintained by a "listserv" (list
server) program that automatically handles operations such as
adding new people to the list. (See above.) In the Internet, for
those mailing lists maintained by a human, rather than by a
listserv, you can generally subscribe to a list by sending a mail
message to: "listname-REQUEST@host" and in the body of the message
enter a request to subscribe. To send messages to other
subscribers, you will then use the address "listname@host".
Modem (MODulator/DEModulator)
A device that converts the digital signals used by computers into
analog signals needed by voice telephone systems. Modems can be
"dial" or "leased line" type. Dial type modems are used on normal
telephone lines to call remote computers, and usually operate at
speeds between 120 to 1,920 characters per second.
Network Access Provider (Network Service Provider)
Any organization that provides network connectivity or dial-up
access. Service providers may be corporations, government
agencies, universities, or other organizations.
Network News
Another name for "Usenet News".
NIC (Network Information Center)
A central place where information about a network within the
Internet is maintained. Usually NICs are staffed by personnel who
answer user telephone calls and electronic mail, and provide
general network usage information and referrals, among other
possible tasks. Most network service providers also provide a NIC
for their users.
Port
TCP/IP assigns at least one address to a host computer, but
applications such as FTP must talk to a corresponding server
application on the host. The "port" is the way TCP/IP designates
the remote application. Most common Internet servers have
specific port numbers associated with them. For example, Telnet
uses port number 23. These are known as "well known ports" and
allow application programmers to write standard applications (such
as Telnet, FTP, etc.) that "know" where the corresponding server
is on a particular host.
PPP (Point to Point Protocol)
A protocol used to establish TCP/IP connections using serial lines
such as dial-up telephone lines. Similar to SLIP (see below), PPP
is a later standard that includes features such as demand dial-up,
compression, better flow control, etc.
Protocol
A formal description of message formats and the rules two
computers must follow to exchange those messages. Protocols can
describe low-level details of machine-to-machine interfaces (e.g.,
the order in which bits and bytes are sent across a wire) or
high-level exchanges between allocation programs (e.g., the way in
which two programs transfer a file across the Internet).
Protocol Stack
A series of protocols linked together to provide an end-to-end
service. For example, the File Transfer Protocol uses the
Transmission Control Protocol, which uses the Internet Protocol,
which may use the Point to Point protocol, to transfer a file from
one computer to another. The series FTP->TCP->IP->PPP is called a
protocol stack.
RFC(Request for Comments)
The document series, begun in 1969, which describes the Internet
suite of protocols and related experiments. Not all (in fact very
few) RFCs describe Internet standards, but all Internet standards
are written up as RFCs. The RFCs include the documentary record
of the Internet standards process.
Router
A computer which forwards traffic between networks. The
forwarding decision is based on network layer information and
routing tables, often constructed by routing protocols.
SLIP (Serial Line Internet Protocol)