Introduction to the Internet

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Goals/Objectives

To provide an introduction to the basic tools used on the Internet.

To provide an overview of how the Internet can be used in libraries.

To develop an understanding of how the Internet can assist librarians in communicating with their peers.

In This Manual

I. What is the Internet?

II. Getting Connected

III. Basic Functions of the Internet - Graphical

E-mail ~ Gopher ~ Telnet ~ FTP ~ World Wide Web ~ Search Engines ~Reference Databases ~ Ready Reference ~Subject Sites ~ Digital Image Archives~ Up-to-the-minute News ~

IV. Web Search Tips

V. Netiquette: Ten Commandments of Internet Manners

VI. Evaluating Internet Resources

VII. Glossary of Common Internet Terms

I. WHAT IS THE INTERNET?

The Internet is usually referred to as "a network of networks." But what does that really mean? Networks are made up of computers connected to one other, usually by phone lines or cables. The Internet is a global network, in which numerous smaller networks of computers around the world are connected to each other in order to share information. Just as in the case of a small network, such as a local library’s networked catalog, computers on the Internet are connected by phone lines or cables.

All computers on the Internet need to operate by the same set of rules, or protocol, in order to share information. This set of rules is called TCP/IP, which stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol and which makes it possible for computers across the world to communicate with each other and exchange files regardless of what type of computers they use. The essence of the Internet is resource sharing, and being connected means having access to the wealth of information and tools available on computers worldwide.

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II. GETTING CONNECTED

What you need to get started on the Internet is a computer, a connection, and software for translating data on the Internet into information you can understand and use.

In the Library System, the staff and patrons use computers that are connected to the Internet via a direct, dedicated connection. Graphical computers have the necessary software installed on them to access the Internet. This software is configured by Computer Services to establish the direct connection. On the text-based, or CLSI terminals, the necessary software is located on the mainframe system located in the computer room.

Patrons that access the Internet from home generally have a dial-up connection, in which they access the Internet via an intermediary, usually an online service or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

An online service keeps the software that is necessary to connect to the Internet (TCP/IP) on its own mainframe computer. Patrons connect to that computer by modem and use the software located on the mainframe system to "surf" the Net. An online service also keeps other software, services, and databases on its mainframe computer for patrons to use.

An Internet Service Provider (ISP) is different in that patrons would use their modem to connect to the ISP’s modem which would provide a path to the Internet but they need to have TCP/IP software installed on their home computer rather than rely on the service to provide it. Most new computers come with the necessary software installed. In addition, as opposed to using one piece of online service software such as Prodigy’s simple interface, with an ISP you will need separate software packages for completing specific tasks on the Internet such as browsing the World Wide Web or reading email. Most ISP’s will send patrons this software in the mail when they open a new account.

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III. BASIC FUNCTIONS OF THE INTERNET

E-mail, gopher, telnet, FTP, and the World Wide Web (WWW) are the basic functions of the Internet, and for each of these main functions there is a separate set of rules (or "protocol"). What follows is a brief description of each of these functions including examples of their application in libraries.

E-mail

Electronic mail, or e-mail, allows people on the Internet to exchange messages with each other. E-mail is the most commonly used function of the Internet.

In order to send or receive an e-mail message, you need to have a computer with Internet access and an e-mail address. E-mail addresses follow this format:

myname@myserviceprovider.com

Gopher

Using gopher, information is presented in menus which users "tunnel" through to find the files they need. Many libraries established gopher sites as an early way to make information available for their patrons, few of these sites are still available. With the advent of the World Wide Web and a more rapid, direct method of accessing files, the more cumbersome navigation of gopher menus is gradually being replaced by hypertext links.

Telnet

Telnet allows a user to "log on" and access resources on a distant computer without ever leaving their chair. Telnet is often used as a means of connecting to library catalogs. By telnetting to another catalog, librarians and patrons are able to find information on materials from libraries around the world. From their home, patrons can check holdings at their local library or at a library across the nation.

Before telnetting to another computer you will need to know the address or URL for that system, the required Login ID, and the correct password (if necessary). Always find out how to quit and how to get help when you connect to a remote system. This information is usually located on the main screen when you connect to the remote system. Remember to READ ALL THE SCREENS!

FTP

FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, allows users to transfer files from a remote computer to their own computer (download) or from their computer to a remote computer (upload). For example, software programs can be downloaded from the Internet to be stored and run on a user’s own machine. Today’s Web browsers make transferring files a simple matter of clicking on a filename to start a download.

The World Wide Web (WWW)

The Web allows users to "jump" from one resource to another with the click of a mouse or a keystroke. This is accomplished by the use of hyperlinks, words or pictures which link instantly to another file on the Web, whether that file is on the same computer or on a computer thousands of miles away.

When you request a Web file by clicking on a hyperlink, your computer sends a message to the computer where the file is stored. A copy of the file is then sent to your computer. In order to display the file, however, you need to have a Web browser, a piece of software that translates lines of programming code into a readable Web page. Some examples of browser software are Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape, Mosaic, or Lynx.

The browser you use determines what you see when you access the Web. Some browsers allow you to view text, pictures, and even hear soundsin Web documents. Browsers such as Lynx only allow text access but provide faster viewing of files without the additional time added for multimedia.

An astonishing variety of information is available on the Web, created by an equally astonishing variety of sources. Web pages are developed by organization, businesses, schools, libraries, or individuals. Each Web site, or collection of pages, may have information specific to the organization that put the site together, such as a library’s hours or service or collected subject links, a company’s product information, or an individual’s personal opinions. It may also provide access to other organizations via hyperlinks, clickable words or images which serve as links to other Web files or pages.

Every file (or page) on the Internet whether it is a Web page, telnet site, FTP site, etc. has a unique Internet address. Web addresses are called Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) and they specify a file’s unique location on a computer connected to the Web. Web pages begin with http://, which tells your computer to search for a file created for the Web, while FTP files begin with ftp://, gopher files begin with gopher://, and so on.

The interactivity allowed by the Web offers staff and patrons exciting ways to communicate and exchange information. A library could run a Web-based book discussion or provide opportunities for patron feedback. Many libraries provide interlibrary loan, reference, or book request forms on their sites. The Brevard County Library System has an online card catalog called Geoweb, which allows you to look up materials and put items on hold over the World Wide Web.

http://www.brev.org

In the above example, library is the name of the file on the computer named www.brev.org that you want to access. http (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) tells your computer what type of file you will be accessing. You can replace http with telnet, ftp or other protocols if that is the type of file you want to access.

Search Engines

A search engine provides a means of searching Web sites by keyword or occasionally by traditional Boolean AND/OR logic. There are a wide variety of search engines available on the Internet. Some search through every word of text on a site to find the information a user might be looking for. Others index only portions of documents to create their searchable databases. Understanding how search engines work is an essential part of uncovering information on the Web

Reference Databases

Many businesses, organizations, and schools are now putting the resources found in their online or CD-ROM databases on Web sites. By mounting these databases on the Web, subscribers can search for information by using the graphical and user-friendly Web environment. When a subscriber searches one of these online databases, she is not searching the whole Internet. Instead, she is searching specific information which can only be accessed via that database.

Ready Reference

Many libraries have made available on the Web what is usually considered ready reference information in the library setting. These include online resources such as quotations, atlas information, dictionaries, phone books, etc. These collections of ready reference materials allow librarians and their patrons to quickly and easily access commonly needed information. Quotation resources often include the full text of the quote under investigation, phone books allow users to find the phone number and address of almost anyone who is listed in a city or town’s white pages, and atlases often provide interactive location finders for those who are traveling to unfamiliar places.

Subject Sites

Probably the most common type of site on the Web is a subject-oriented resource. Subject sites exist on a wide array of topics. These sites provide information on a particular topic as well as links to other sites with a similar focus.

Digital Image Archives

Collections of historical photos, original diaries or notebooks and antique maps: all of these are typically precious library resources which casual visitors may never have a chance to examine. Some libraries are now photographing these materials for reproduction on the Web, taking advantage of its graphical format to make previously hidden collections available to interested scholars worldwide.

Up-to-the-Minute News

Many newspapers and other media outlets are putting their daily publications or broadcasts on the Web. Newspapers are available for anyone to read via the Internet. Many radio stations are similarly available for Internet users to listen to via computer. For students, businesspeople, and the general public, access to these timely resources is extremely useful. A student who needs the latest update on a political event can find it by accessing the Web, as can a businessperson looking for the latest stock quote.

IV. WEB SEARCH TIPS

1. Read a search engine’s help screens. They will frequently give you valuable information about the search engine’s default search settings (such as whether it is case sensitive, how it deals with truncation, and so on).

2. When entering a phrase, try putting the terms between quotation marks. On some engines, phrase searching is done with the plus sign rather than with quotes.

3. Find out whether you can limit your search by fields, such as the titles of documents. Some search sites offer field searching.

4. Understand what the scope of the search tool is. Some, like Open Text, search the full text of Web pages, while others only scan certain parts of a document. In addition, some search sites are small and selective while others claim to index the entire Web.

5. Some search sites, such as Lycos, AltaVista, and InfoSeek (among others), offer image searching. Rather than using the keywords "image" or "picture," try using one of these sites and limiting your search to images.

6. Use subject-specific search sites whenever possible. For example, DejaNews specializes in Usenet newsgroups, Title.net focuses on categorizing listservs, and Four11 is specifically for searching for people.

7. Find out if you can restrict your search using a rating system. Magellan, for example, offers the option of searching just their starred, or highest quality, sites.

8. Many search engines offer Boolean searching (which uses words like AND, OR, NOT, and so on). This feature is usually found on an advanced search page, and can be of great use in doing complicated searches.

9. For a straightforward search which might result in a high volume of matches, start with a selective site which has a small database.

10. If all else fails, check your spelling, use synonyms, or try another search site.

V. NETIQUETTE: THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF INTERNET MANNERS

I. Thou shalt not capitalize e-mail messages. HI JOE, HOW ARE YOU TODAY? Is considered shouting.

II. Thou shalt not spam. Spamming, or sending advertisements by e-mail , is in poor taste and can sometimes get you into trouble.

III. Thou shalt not engage in flame wars. If you spam, you will probably be flamed. Flaming is sending punishing or abusive messages via e-mail. Flame wars start when debates, usually on a mailing list, escalate into unfriendliness and discord.

IV. Thou shalt respect other people’s property. If you come across a terrific Web graphic or someone else’s wonderful essay, remember that they hold the copyright. If you’d like to copy, reproduce, or otherwise borrow something you see on the Internet, make sure to ask permission first.

V. Thou shalt not forward other people’s mail. When someone sends you an e-mail message, it usually is meant for your eyes only. Forwarding that personal message to a discussion list could cause problems. Always get permission first.

VI. Thou shalt not send chain letters or mail bombs. How many times have you received a message in your mailbox warning of the Good Times virus, or asking you to send a postcard to a boy with a terminal illness? These hoaxes or even well meaning chain letters can cause delays and confusion on the Internet and unlike paper, which disintegrates in time, can be circulated almost endlessly.

VII. Thou shalt not have an overly long signature file. A "sig file", the last few lines of an e-mail message in which the sender’s information appears (frequently along with clever quotes or ASCII art), should generally be kept under 5 lines.

VIII. Thou shalt not send unfeeling e-mail messages. In e-mail, emotions and humor (especially sarcasm) are often lost. Consider using emoticons, those odd-looking smileys such as :-) and :-@, and state your message very clearly.

IX. Thou shalt be sensitive to misspellings. One of the strengths of e-mail is that messages can be sent rapidly; however, for this reason messages often also contain misspellings. It is considered poor form to publicly criticize the grammatical errors of other netizens.

X. Thou shalt understand the global nature of the Net. People from many countries, cultures, backgrounds, and linguistic groups use the Net daily for work and for pleasure. The Internet in not an English-only medium, nor are there accepted spellings (such as British or American English). Before you criticize what seems strange, consider whether it is a product of the Internet’s global nature.

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VI. EVALUATING INTERNET RESOURCES

You may now know something about what the Internet is, how to get connected, and what you can find there, but it is also important to consider how to evaluate online resources.

Some of the questions you may want to ask when assessing Internet resources are the same ones you might ask when looking at traditional resources. These questions might include:

Who is the author?

What is the reading level?

How effective is the content?

How often is the material updated?

Is the information accurate and current?

How easy is it to use?

Is there online help?

Are the screens well organized and easy to navigate?

Can you search the site?

If there are graphics are they used appropriately and do they enhance the site?

Is this a site you would want to visit more than once?

Does this site take a long time to load?

Who is responsible for the site?

This final question is easier to answer that you might expect. Once can often tell who is hosting the site by dissecting its address. The first part of the address tells you what type of Internet resource it is, i.e. Web site, telnet site, FTP site, etc. Following this is the name of the computer that the information is stored on. The name of the computer includes a suffix, such as .edu or .org, that tells you what type of entity is maintaining the information. The following are some of the most common suffixes:

.edu - Educational institutions             .org - Non-profit organizations

.gov - Government institutions             .com - Companies

.net - Networks                                  .mil - Military Domains

.us - United States                             .jp - Japan

.au - Australia                                    .de - Germany

.ca - Canada                                       .uk - United Kingdom

bookmarks (or "favorites") : A browser feature which allows users to keep track of WWW sites that they think they will visit again.

bulletin board (BBS): A computer system on which users post and retrieve messages on a topic of interest to them.

browser: A piece of software that allows a computer to access and display WWW documents.

domain name: The name of the computer on which the Web page you are accessing is stored (typically also the name of the agency that developed the page).

double click: The process of using a computer mouse to point at something on the computer screen, and clicking twice in rapid succession with the left mouse button.

download: The process of copying a file from an online service or website to one's own computer. Downloading can also refer to copying a file from a network file server to a computer on the network.

e-mail: "electronic mail" - The Internet protocol, or set of rules, that allows people to send messages to each other over the Internet.

FTP: File Transfer Protocol. Allows users to transfer files from one computer to another.

gopher: Software that provides menus for accessing Internet resources.

home page: A WWW document that provides information and links about a particular organization or subject.

HTML: Hypertext Markup Language. The code which is used to create and display documents for the Web.

HTTP: Hypertext Transfer Protocol. The set of rules governing communication between computers on the Web.

hypertext/hypermedia: "Hot" links, often underlined, in a Web document. These links allow users to jump to another file or page on the Web by clicking on a word or image.

Icon: A small picture on the computer monitor that represents an object, program or functions as a link to another webpage.

listserv: An automated mailing list, usually subject oriented, which users subscribe to in order to talk about a particular topic with other interested users.

Lynx: A text-based Web browser. This program allows those who use Internet accounts without graphic capabilities to view WWW documents.

Microsoft Internet Explorer: Microsoft’s Web browser. This piece of software allows users with Internet accounts that support graphics to view pictures, hear sounds, and play video clips via the Web.

Netscape: A graphical Web browser. Allows users to view pictures, hear sounds, and play video clips via the Web.

Point and Click: Using a computer mouse to point at text or images on the computer screen, and clicking once with the left mouse button.

Right Click: Clicking the computer mouse's right button.

TCP/IP: Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. The common "language" or set of rules that computers use in order to communicate over the Internet.

telnet: A set of rules (or protocol) for allowing one computer to log onto another computer and view or use its resources.

URL: Uniform Resource Locator. The address of a Web site, usually beginning with http://

web site: A collection of World Wide Web pages or files.

World Wide Web (WWW): A subsection of the entire Internet, which is based on HTML documents and the specific rules (protocols) computers use to communicate with one another.

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