3. When the transfer is completed, my board will ask for a

short description of the file. Enter it, and you're done. Enter G (for Goodbye), and disconnect. Appendix 4: Explanation of some frequently used terms ========================================= We have included some terms that are commonly used in the online world. For more information, get a copy of "FYI: Internet User's Glossary." To get this file, send email to [email protected] with the following command in the Subject of your mail: RFC 1392 . Address ------- The string of characters that you must give an electronic mail program to direct a message to a particular person. The term "Internet address" often refers to an assigned number, which identifies a host on this network. Anonymous FTP ------------- The procedure of connecting to a remote computer, as an anonymous or guest user, to transfer files back to your computer. See FTP for more information. ANON-FTP -------- See Anonymous FTP. ANSI ---- (1) ANSI is an organization that sets standards. (2) 'ANSI graphics' (ref. the term ANSI-BBS) is a set of cursor control codes that originated on the VT100 terminal. Many online services use these codes to help improve the sending of characters to communication programs. It uses the escape character, followed by other characters, to move the cursor on the screen, change color, and more. Archie ------ An electronic directory service for locating information throughout the Internet. You can use Archie to locate files on anonymous ftp archive sites, other online directories and resource listings. It is useful for finding free software. Archie offers access to the "whatis" description database. This database contains descriptions that include the name and a brief synopsis of the large number of public domain software, datasets and informational documents located on the Internet. This book emphasizes email access to Archie. You can also reach archie servers by telnet to one of the following addresses: archie.au 139.130.4.6 (Australian server) archie.mcgill.ca 132.206.44.21 (Canada) archie.funet.fi 128.214.6.100 (Finland/Europe s.) archie.th-darmstadt 130.83.128.111 (Germany) archie.cs.huji.ac.il 132.65.6.15 (Israel server) archie.kuis.kyoto-u.ac.jp 130.54.20.1 (Japan) archie.sogang.ac.kr 163.239.1.11 (Korea) archie.nz 130.195.9.4 (New Zealand) archie.ncu.edu.tw 140.115.19.24 (Taiwan) archie.doc.ic.ac.uk 146.169.11.3 (UK/England server) archie.rutgers.edu 128.6.18.15 (U.S.A.) Archie server ------------- An email-based file transfer facility offered by some systems connected to the Internet. ASCII ----- The American Standard Code for Information Interchange. A standard seven-bit code created to achieve compatibility between various types of data processing equipment. ASCII, pronounced "ask-key," is the common code for microcomputer equipment. The Standard ASCII Character Set consists of 128 decimal numbers ranging from zero through 127 assigned to letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and the most common special characters. The Extended ASCII Character Set also consists of 128 decimal numbers and ranges from 128 through 255 representing additional special, mathematical, graphic, and foreign characters. ASCII download -------------- Retrieval of plain ASCII text (without special codes). Normally, it takes place without automatic error correction, but it is typically managed by XON/XOFF flow control. Asynchronous transfer --------------------- Serial communication between two computers. When signals are sent to a computer at irregular intervals, they are described as asynchronous. Data is sent at irregular intervals by preceding each character with a start bit and following it with a stop bit. Asynchronous transmission allows a character to be sent at random after the preceding character has been sent, without regard to any timing device. Consequently, in case of line noise, the modem can find out right away where the next byte should start. Autodial -------- When a modem dials a telephone number automatically. Autodial may be started by the user entering the number manually, or the number may be sent automatically by the communications program (for example after having been selected from a phone register). Baud ---- A unit of measurement that shows the number of discrete signal elements, such as bits, that can be sent per second. Bits per second (bps) is the number of binary digits sent in one second. There is a difference between bps and baud rate, and the two are often confused. For example, a device such as a modem said to send at 2400 baud is not correct. It actually sends 2400 bits per second. Both baud rate and bps refer to the rate at which the bits within a single frame are sent. The gaps between the frames can be of variable length. Accordingly, neither baud rate nor bps refer accurately to the rate at which information is actually being transferred. BBS --- Bulletin Board or Bulletin Board System. See Bulletin Board. Bell ---- Standard frequencies used in older modems made in the United States. The standard for 300 bps is called Bell 103. The standard for 1200 bps full duplex is called Bell 212A. Modems using these standards are normally unable to communicate with CCITT standard modems at these speeds. Big5 ---- Coding scheme developed in Taiwan for using Chinese on computers. There are different varieties of Big5 codes, the most common being ET Big5 (the code used by the Taiwanese program ETen, pronounced Yi3tian1) and HKU Big5 (the code used for programs developed at Hong Kong University). ET Big5 files must be read with the ETen operating system. Binary ------ The base 2 number system in which only the digits 1 and 0 are used is called the binary system. The binary system lets us express any number, if we have enough bits, as a combination of 1's and 0's. Also used to express conditions like on/off, true/false, yes/no. Bits ---- Bit is an abbreviation for Binary digIT. Computer words and data are made-up of bits, the smallest unit of information. A bit can be either zero or one, represented in a circuit by an off or on state, respectively. The bits are set on or off to store data, or to form a code that in turn sends instructions to the computer's central processing unit. Bits per second (bps) --------------------- Bits per second (bps) is the number of binary digits sent in one second. It refers to the rate at which the bits within a single frame are sent ('frame' is another term for 'packet'). The gaps between frames can be of variable length. Accordingly, bps does not refer to the rate at which information is actually being transferred. We usually estimate the amount of characters transferred per second (cps) by dividing the number of bps by 10. Example: 2400 bps transfers around 240 characters per second. Boolean ------- Search algorithm built on the algebraic theories of the English mathematician George Booles. Boolean algorithms are used in online databases to help narrow down the number of hits using the words AND, OR, and NOT. Bounce ------ The return of a piece of mail because of an error in its delivery. Bps --- Abbreviation for bits per second. See above. Browse ------ To view and possibly edit a file of data on screen similar to handling text in a word processing document. Bulletin board -------------- A computer, often a microcomputer, set up to receive calls and work as an online service. The BBSes let users communicate with each other through message bases, and exchange files. They and may also offer other services (like news, data base searches, and online shopping). Carrier ------- The tone that the modem sends over a phone line before any data is sent on it. This tone has a fixed frequency and a fixed amplitude. It is then modified to indicate data. Character --------- Here used about a letter, a number or another typographical symbol or code. CCITT ----- The Consultative Committee for International Telephony and Telegraphy. An international consultative committee, organized by the United Nations. Membership includes Telephone, governmental Post, and Telegraph Authorities, scientific and trade associations, and private companies. CCITT is part of the International Telecommunications Union, a United Nations treaty organization based in Geneva, Switzerland. CCITT sets international communications recommendations. These are often adopted as standards. It also develops interface, modem, and data network recommendations. The X.25 protocol for access to packet-switched networks was originally a recommendation of CCITT. A wide range of CCITT documents is available through The Teledoc database of The International Telecommunication Union (ITU): * CCITT and CCIR administrative documents * lists of contributions (substantive input/proposals) to CCITT and CCIR study groups * lists of CCITT reports and Recommendations (i.e., standards) * summaries of CCITT new or revised Recommendations * CCITT and CCIR meeting schedules and other information concerning Study Groups structures and activities. For information, write to [email protected] or [email protected] The database is at [email protected] . COM port -------- A COM port (or communication port) is a communications channel or pathway over which data is transferred between remote computing devices. MS-DOS computers may have as many as four COM ports, COM1, COM2, COM3, and COM4. These are serial ports most often used with a modem to set up a communications channel over telephone lines. They can also be used to send data to a serial printer, or to connect a serial mouse. Conference ---------- Also called SIG (Special Interest Group), Forum, RoundTable, Echo. A conference is an area on a bulletin board or online service set up as a mini board. Most conferences have separate message bases and often also file libraries and bulletins. Conferences are focused on topics, like politics, games, multimedia and product support. Connect time ------------ A term used for the hours, minutes, and seconds that a user is connected to an online service. On several commercial services, users have to pay for connect time. CPS --- Characters per second. See Bits per second. Data ---- Information of any kind, including binary, decimal or hexadecimal numbers, integer numbers, text strings, etc. Database -------- A database is a highly structured file (or set of files) that tries to provide all the information assigned to a particular subject and to allow programs to access only items they need. Online services offer databases that users can search to find full-text or bibliographic references to desired topics. DCE/DTE ------- Data Communications Equipment/Data Terminal Equipment. Equipment connected to an RS232 connector must be either a DCE (like a modem or a printer) or a DTE (computer or terminal). The term defines the types of equipment that will "talk" and "listen." Default ------- When a value, parameter, attribute, or option is assigned by a communications program, modem, or online system unless something else is specified, it is called the default. For example, communication programs often have prespecified values for baud rate, bit size and parity that are used unless alternative values are given. These prespecified values are called the defaults. Some services give users a choice between two or more options. If a selection is not made by the user, then a selection is automatically assigned, by default. Discussion list --------------- See Mailing list. Domain Name System (DNS) ------------------------ Email addressing system used in networks such as Internet and BITNET. The Internet DNS consists of a hierarchical sequence of names, from the most specific to the most general (left to right), separated by dots, for example nic.ddn.mil. Doors ----- A service offered by many bulletin boards to allow the user to leave the (remote) main software system to use one or several independent programs, like games and databases. Downloading ----------- The transfer of data from an online service and "down" to your computers' disk. DTR --- Data Terminal Ready is a circuit which, when ON, tells the modem that your computer is ready to communicate. Most modems are unable to tell your computer that a connection has been set up with a remote computer before this circuit has been switched off. If your computer turns this signal OFF, while it is in a dialog with a remote computer, the modem will normally disconnect. Duplex ------ Describes how you see text entered by the keyboard. When the setting is HALF DUPLEX, all characters entered on your computer for transfer to an online service (or your modem) will be displayed. In addition, you will normally receive an echo from the online service (or modem). The result will often 'bbee lliikkee tthhiiss'. When using the setting FULL DUPLEX, typed characters will not be shown. What you see, are characters echoed back to you from the online service and/or your modem. ECHO ---- (1) When data is being sent, the receiving device often resends the information back so the sending device can be sure it was received correctly. (2) Term used on FidoNet for this network's system of exchanging conferences (parallel conferencing). Email ----- Abbreviation for Electronic Mail. FAQ --- "Frequently Asked Questions" about services on the Internet. A list of FAQ documents is posted every four to six weeks to the Usenet newsgroup news.announce.newusers. File server ----------- A file server is a device that "serves" files to everyone on a network. It allows everyone on the network to get files in a single place, on one computer. Typically, it is a combination computer, data management software, and large capacity hard disk drive. File transfer ------------- The copying of a file from one computer to another over a computer network. Finger ------ A program on computers directly connected to the Internet that returns information about a registered user on a system. Finger is useful before initiating chats, known on the Internet as "talk." Flame ----- A "flame" is a conference message sent by someone who generally disagrees so violently that they are willing to sink to personal attacks. Flames can be extremely annoying, and can get the writer banished from several conference networks. Fractal -------- A mathematical algorithm from which an image can be created. A fractal formula generates a fractal picture composed of an image based on a basic pattern. An outgrowth of chaos mathematics, it is being used for compressing and decompressing high quality images. Generally, a fractally compressed image has an extremely small file size. FTP (File Transfer Protocol) ---------------------------- A program on the Internet for sending and receiving files to and from a remote computer to your local host. FTP lets you connect to many remote computers, as an anonymous or guest user, to transfer files back to your computer. FTP only lets you list file directories on foreign systems, and get or retrieve files. You cannot browse menus, send email, or search databases. Usually, type ftp at your system prompt, login on the remote system, and ask for the file you want to receive. It transfers to your local host machine. (For more on this, read under "Internet" in appendix 1.) Unless your computer is directly connected to the Internet, the retrieved software will have to be transferred from your local host machine to your PC. Where ftp is not available, you may use FTPMAIL (see chapter 12). Full duplex ----------- The term full-duplex means the transmission of data in two directions simultaneously as from a terminal to a computer or from the computer to the terminal. Full-duplex is simultaneous two-way communication. Full-text database ------------------ A database containing the full text of an article, a chapter in a book, or a book. The contents are not limited to abstracted information (indexes, bibliographic information). FYI --- "For Your Information." On the Internet, a subseries of RFCs that are not technical standards or descriptions of protocols. Gateway ------- Here, we use the term gateway about an interconnection between two (or more) online services, set up to allow a user of one service to use the other service's offerings through the first service's user interface. The term also has other meanings: A gateway provides an interconnection between two networks with different communications protocols. Gateways operate at the 4th through 7th layer of the OSI model. For example, a PAD (a packet assembler/disassembler) is a device used to interface non-X.25 devices to an X.25 network. The PAD serves as a gateway. Protocol converters are gateways between networks. The gateway, provided by an adapter card in a workstation, enables the network to perform as if it were a mainframe terminal connected directly to the mainframe. Gopher ------ A world wide information service with many implementations. It works from a top-level subject-oriented menu system that accesses other information services across the Internet. Gopher combines a finding and fetching capability in one tool. Gopher gets information from certain locations on the Internet to which it is connected, and brings the information to your computer. It can also get information via other Gophers at other locations connected to yet other hosts. The Telneting or file transfer protocols are transparent to the user. "Common Questions and Answers about the Internet Gopher" are posted to the following Usenet newsgroups comp.infosystems.gopher, comp.answers, and news.answers every two weeks. The most recent version of this FAQ is also available by anonymous ftp from rtfm.mit.edu in the /pub/usenet/news.answers directory. The file is called gopher.faq. To get it by email, write [email protected] with the command "send usenet/news.answers/finding-sources" in the body of the text. GuoBiao ------- Coding scheme for using Chinese on computers developed in mainland China. For more information, send email to [email protected] with one of the following commands in the text of your mail: GET PC HELP (for PC users) GET MAC HELP (Macintosh users) GET CXTERM HELP (X Windows users) Half duplex ----------- The term half-duplex means the transmission of data in either direction but only one direction at a time. Ham --- Amateur radio. Handle ------ An alias used on a bulletin board or online service instead of your real name. Often used in chats. Header ------ (1) In an email message, the part that precedes the body of a message and contains, among other things, the message originator, date and time. (2) On a packet switched network, the portion of a package, preceding the actual data, containing source and destination addresses, and error checking and other fields. Host ---- A term for host computer, remote computer or online service. Here, we use it about a timesharing computer, a BBS system, or a central computer that controls a network and delivers online services. Hytelnet -------- (1) An Internet service offering access to many other services, including university and library catalogues around the world. Prefers VT-100 emulation. (telnet herald.usask.ca. Login: hytelnet) The Hytelnet anonymous ftp archive is at ftp.usask.ca. Get the README file in the /pub/hytelnet directory. (2) A memory resident utility (MS-DOS) that provides instant information on Internet-accessible library catalogues, Free-Nets, Campus Wide Information Servers, Gophers, WAIS, and much more. The program is available by ftp from access.usask.ca in the /pub/hytelnet/pc/ directory. File name is hytelnxx.zip where xx is the number of the latest version. [email protected] is a mailing list for announcements of new versions. Information utility ------------------- A term often used about online services (not unlike the term power utility). Internet -------- See appendix 1. Internet number --------------- See IP Address IP (Internet Protocol) ---------------------- The Internet standard protocol that provides a common layer over dissimilar networks, used to move packets between host computers and through gateways if necessary. For more information, send a message to [email protected] with the following text in the subject title: RFC 791 . IP Address ---------- Every machine on the Internet has a unique address, called its Internet number or IP address. Usually, this address is represented by four numbers joined by periods ('.'), like 129.133.10.10. The first two or three pieces represent the network that the system is on, called its subnet. For example, all of the computers for Wesleyan University in the U.S.A. are in the subnet 129.133, while the number in the previous paragraph represents a full address to one of the university's computers. IRC --- Internet Relay Chat is a worldwide "party line" protocol that allows one to converse with others in real time. ISDN ---- An emerging technology being offered by many telephone carriers of the world. ISDN combines voice and digital network services in a single medium, making it possible to offer customers digital data services as well as voice connections through a single "wire." The standards that define ISDN are specified by CCITT. ISO --- The International Organization for Standardization. A voluntary, nontreaty organization responsible for creating international standards in many areas, including computers and communications. Its members are the national standards organizations of the 89 member countries, including ANSI for the U.S. ISO is coordinator of the main Internet networking standards that are in use today. [email protected] is a mailing list focusing on the ISO protocol stack. JIS --- A Japanese industry standard code for presenting the Japanese character set Kanji on computers. JIS defines special ranges of user-defined characters. Only the most popular ones are included. The newer Shift JIS standard sets aside certain character codes to signal the start of a two-character sequence. Together, these define a single Kanji metacharacter. There are many oddities to be found in handling Kanji over the network. Sending JIS-encoded messages through the Internet is done using a 7-bit code (standardized on JUNET). Unfortunately, it incorporates the ESC character, which some systems will filter out. (This problem can be overcome by using UUENCODing.) Some services, like APICNET in Tokyo, converts outgoing Kanji messages automatically to 7-bit format. JVArcServ --------- Archive server for FidoNet modelled after Archie for the Internet. It maintains file lists from FidoNet systems throughout its area and will do searches on these file lists based on netmail requests made to it by remote systems. JVArcServ lets you search through file listings for the program you are looking for. It will send you an email message back telling you the BBS name, phone number, and file section of all the systems in the network that match the given criteria. KB -- Kilobyte. A unit of data storage size which represents 1024 characters of information. Kbits ----- 1,000 bits. Kermit ------ Protocol designed for transferring files between microcomputers and mainframe computers developed by Catchings at Columbia University. There are both public domain, and copyrighted Kermit programs. Some of these programs are complete programs in themselves offering the communication functions needed for the particular machine on which they are running. The complete Kermit protocol manual and the source code for various versions are available from: Kermit Distribution, (212) 854-3703 Columbia University Center for Computing Activities 612 West 115 Street, New York, NY 10025 Knowbot ------- Experimental directory services using intelligent computer programs that automate the search and gathering of data from distributed databases. The concept behind the Knowbot is that it is supposed to be a Knowledge Robot -- something that goes hunting for information on the Internet. To reach a Knowbot: telnet CNRI.Reston.va.us port 70 LAN --- Local Area Network. A data network intended to serve an area of only a few square kilometers or less. LAP-M ----- Link Access Procedure for Modems is a CCITT standard for modem modulation and error control. It is the primary basis for the CCITT V.42 protocol. Library ------- is used on online services about a collection of related databases (that you may search in) or files (that may be retrieved). List ---- File-viewing program for MS-DOS computers (see chapter 14). Registration: US$37 to Buerg Software, 139 White Oak Circle, Petaluma, CA 94952, U.S.A. (1993). LISTSERV -------- An automated mailing list distribution system enabling online discussions of technical and nontechnical issues conducted by electronic mail throughout the Internet. The LISTSERV program was originally designed for the BITNET/EARN networks. Similar lists, often using the Unix readnews or rn facility, are available on the Internet. LOOKFOR ------- Fast and flexible shareware program for boolean searches in text files. Registration: US$15 plus postage to David L. Trafton, 6309 Stoneham Rd., Bethesda, Md. 20817, U.S.A. Lurking ------- No active participation by a subscriber to a mailing list, a conference, or Usenet newsgroup. A person who is lurking is just listening to the discussion. MAILBASE -------- A program functioning like a LISTSERV. For more information about the Mailbase at Newcastle University (England), send email to [email protected] containing the following commands: send mailbase overview (for a general guide to Mailbase) send mailbase userhelp (for a User Guide) lists (for a list of available forums) This mailbase managed 403 mailing lists in July 1993. Mail Gateway ------------ A machine that connects to two or more electronic mail systems (including dissimilar mail systems) and transfers messages among them. Mailing list ------------ A possibly moderated discussion group on the Internet, distributed via email from a central computer maintaining the list of people involved in the discussion. Anyone can send a message to a single mailing list address. The message is "reflected" to everyone on the list of addresses. The members of that list can respond, and the responses are reflected, forming a discussion group. (See LISTSERVers) Mail path --------- A series of machine names used to direct electronic mail from one user to the other. Mail server ----------- A software program that distributes files or information in response to requests sent by email. MHS --- (1) Message handling Service. Electronic mail software from Action Technologies licensed by Novell for its Netware operating systems. Provides message routing and store and forward capabilities. MHS has gateways into PROFS, and X.400 message systems. It has been augmented with a directory naming service and binary attachments. (2) Message Handling System. The standard defined by CCITT as X.400 and by ISO as Message-Oriented Text Interchange Standard (MOTIS). MHS is the X.400 family of services and protocols that provides the functions for global email transfer among local mail systems. MNP --- Microcom Networking Protocol. A proprietary standard of error control and data compression. Modem ----- An acronym for MOdulator-DEModulator. It is a device that converts digital data from a computer or terminal into analog data that can be sent over telephone lines. On the receiving end, it converts the analog data back to digital data. Most modern modems can handle the dialing and answering of a telephone call and generate the speed of the data transmission, measured in bits per second, or baud rates. The telephone industry sometimes refers to a modem as a dataset. Moderator --------- A person, or a small group of people, who manage moderated mailing lists and newsgroups. Moderators are responsible for deciding which email submissions are passed on to list. MUD --- Multi-User Dungeon. A multi-user, text based, virtual reality game. NAPLPS ------ North American Presentation-Level Protocol Syntax. A text and graphics data transmission format for sending large amounts of information between computers. It was designed for the encoding of alphanumeric, alpha-mosaic, alpha-geometric and alpha-photographic constructs. The standard is resolution independent and device independent, and can easily accommodate international character sets, bit-mapped images in color, animation and sound. NAPLPS was originally developed for videotext and teletext systems through the Canadian Standards Association (CSA-T500-1983. It was later enhanced by AT&T, and in 1983 became an ANSI standard (ANSI-X3.110-1983). Some videotext systems, including Prodigy (U.S.A.), are based on NAPLPS. On CompuServe, NAPLPS has been replaced with a newer protocol called GIF, Graphics Interchange Format. Netfind ------- Internet directory services that allow users to get information about individuals. Search by name and organization/location. For more information, send email to [email protected] with the following text in the body of your mail "GET NETFIND HELP". Netiquette ---------- A pun on "etiquette" referring to proper behavior on a network. Netnews ------- See: Usenet. Network ------- A data communications system which interconnects computer systems at various sites. NIC --- Network Information Center. An organization that provides users with information about services provided by the Internet network. NREN ---- The National Research and Education Network. A proposed computer network to be built in the U.S.A. NUA --- Network User Address. The network address in a packet data network. The electronic number that is sent to the network to connect to an online service. Also, called X.121 address. NUI --- Network User Identification. The user name/password that you use to get access to (and use) a commercial packet switched network. Offline ------- has the opposite meaning of "Online" (see below). It signifies that your computer is not in direct communication with a remote online service. Offline Reader -------------- A computer program making the handling of mail and files from online services easier (and cheaper). Some also provides automatic mail and file transfers. Typically, you first connect to an online service (often a BBS) to capture new mail in a compressed file (typically through a "QMail door program.") Many offline mail reader programs are idle while this goes on, while others can do communications as well. When disconnected from the service, the offline reader works as a combination message data base and message editor. It gives you the feeling of still being connected to the online service, while actually being completely disconnected. When you have read and replied to all messages offline, the offline reader creates a compressed "packet" containing any replies entered. Some also let you prepare packets containing commands to join or leave conferences, subscribe to or signoff from special services, and download files. Then, you dial back to the BBS to upload (send) the packet, either using the offline reader's communications module, or another communications program. Readers are available for MS-DOS, MS-Windows, Macintosh, Amiga, Atari ST, Unix, and CP/M computers. The programs may be downloaded from many BBSes, and commercial services. Online ------ In this book, it signifies the act of being in direct communication with a remote computer's central processing unit. An online database is a file of information that can be directly accessed by the user. OSI --- Open System Interconnection. A set of protocols designed to be an international standard method for connecting unlike computers and networks. OZCIS ----- DOS-based program that automates access to CompuServe using an elaborate array of menus. Free for personal use. Contact: Ozarks West Software, 14150 Gleneagle Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80921, U.S.A. Packet ------ (1) A group of bits sent by a modem that comprise a byte of information. (2) A group of bytes sent by a file transfer protocol. Packet data networks -------------------- Also called Packet Switching Networks (PDN). Value added networks offering long distance computer communications. They let users access a remote computer, by dialing a local node, or access point. The packet data networks use high speed digital links, which can be land lines or satellite communications, to transmit data from one computer to another using packets of data. They use synchronous communications, usually with the X.25 protocol. The routes are continually optimized, and successive packets of the same message need not necessarily follow the same path. Packet switching ---------------- Sending data in packets through a network to some remote location. The data to be sent is subdivided into individual packets of data, each having a unique identification and carrying its destination address. This allows each packet to go by a different route. The packet ID lets the data be reassembled in proper sequence. PC -- Personal computer. PDN --- See Packet data networks. Postmaster ---------- On the Internet, the person responsible for handling electronic mail problems, answering queries about users, and other related work at a site. Prompt ------ Several times during interactive dialogs with online services, the flow of data stops while the host computer waits for commands from the user. At this point, the service often presents the user with a reminder, a cue, a prompt. These are some typical prompts: ? ! WHAT NOW? (Read) next letter - ulrik 1> System News - 5000> Enter #, elp, or to continue? Action ==> (Inbox) Command: Enter command or --> Protocol -------- A formal description of message formats and the rules two computers must follow to exchange messages. Protocols can describe low-level details of machine-to-machine interface (e.g., the order in which bits and bytes are sent across the wire), or high-level exchanges between allocation programs (e.g., the way in which two programs transfer a file across the Internet). ProYam ------ Powerful script-driven communications program. US$139 + $5 for postage from Omen Technology Inc., 17505-V NW Sauvie Island Rd, Portland, Oregon 97231, U.S.A. (VISA and Eurocard - 1992) PSS --- British Telecom's Packet Switch Stream, an X.25 packet data network. PTT --- Postal Telegraph and Telephone. A telephone service provider, often a monopoly, in a particular country. QWK --- Qwikmail. A common offline message file format for bulletin boards offering mail through a QMail Door. The .QWK door and file format has been used to develop entire BBS networks (example: ILINK.) See "offline reader." RFC --- The Internet's Request for Comments document series. Working notes of the Internet research and development community. Script files ------------ A set of commands that enable a communications program to execute a given set of tasks automatically (macro commands). Server ------ A provider of resources (e.g., file servers and name servers). SIG --- Special Interest Group. Snail mail ---------- A pejorative term referring to the national postal service in different countries. String search ------------- A method for searching a database. Works like the search function in a common word processor program. On online services, your commands will often search the full document (including the title, subtitles, keywords, and the full text). Sometimes, string searches just return a line or a few lines around the hit. In other cases, they return the full screen or the full document. Sysop ----- Common name used on bulletin boards for System Operator. This is the person in charge of maintenance and helping users. System ------ Generic name for a computer with connected equipment or for an online service or bulletin board. Talk ---- A command on the Internet, which may remind of IRC, but is a single link between two parties only. TAPCIS ------ A program for automatic access to CompuServe. It lets callers read and respond to personal email and forum message threads offline, and download files. Contact: Support Group, Inc., Lake Technology Park, McHenry, MD 21541, U.S.A. Also: TAPCIS Forum. Internet mail: [email protected]. On CompuServe: 74020,10. Registration: US$ 79.00. TCP/IP ------ Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. Set of communications protocols that internetwork dissimilar systems connected to the Internet. TCP/IP supports services such as remote login (telnet), file transfer (FTP), and mail (SMTP). Telnet ------ A program on the Internet that allows logins to another computer to run software there. Telnet allows a user at one site to interact with a remote system at another site as if the user's terminal was connected directly to the remote computer. With telnet, you can browse menus, read text files, use gopher services, and search online databases. Sometimes, you can join live, interactive games and chat with other callers. Usually, you cannot download files or list file directories. Telnet is not available to users who have email only access to the Internet. To telnet a remote computer, you must know its name. This can either be in words, like "vm1.nodak.edu", or a numeric address, like "134.129.111.1". Some services require that you connect to a specific "port" on the remote system. Enter the port number, if there is one, after the Internet address. For a list of SPECIAL INTERNET CONNECTIONS, send email to [email protected]. You can also get it by ftp or gopher to csd4.csd.uwm.edu, and through alt.internet.services on Usenet. Terminal emulator ----------------- A program that allows a computer to emulate a terminal. The workstation appears as a given type of terminal to the remote host. TRICKLE ------- Servers on the Internet offering the SIMTEL20 shareware and public domain files by email (uuencoded). These servers include: [email protected] (Turkey) [email protected] (Belgium) [email protected] (Israel) [email protected] (Italy) [email protected] (Germany) [email protected] (Austria) [email protected] (Colombia) For more information and a list of TRICKLE servers, send a message to one of these addresses with the command "/HELP" in the body of your text. TTY --- Abbreviation for TELETYPE, a special type of writing terminal (electrical/mechanical). Also, known as 'dumb terminal'. TTY mode -------- This is when a communications program emulates a TTY machine, which only involves printing characters and recognizing the linefeed, carriage return and backspace characters. Unix ---- An operating system that supports multi-user and multitasking operations. Uploading --------- The act of transferring data from your computer's disk (up) to an online service and storage there. Usenet ------ A global bulletin board, of sorts, in which millions of people exchange public information on every conceivable topic. For more information, see appendix 1. UUCP ---- See appendix 1. Veronica -------- A service on the Internet. Maintains an index of gopher items, and provides keyword searches of those titles. The result of a search is a set of gopher-type data items, which is returned to the user as a gopher menu. The user can access any of these data items by selecting from the returned menu. WAIS (Wide Area Information Servers) ------------------------------------ A kind of indexed online search tool to locate items based on what they contain - usually keyword text searches. It is a powerful tool for concurrent searches of large databases and/or newsgroups on the Internet. Example: Telnet QUAKE.THINK.COM (or Telnet 192.31.181.1). Login as "wais". WAN --- Wide Area Network. The 'whatis' database --------------------- Archie (see above) also permits access to the whatis description database. It contains the names and brief synopses of over 3,500 public domain software packages, datasets and informational documents located on the Internet. Whois ----- An Internet program that lets users query a database of people and other Internet entities, such as domains, networks, and hosts, kept at the NIC (see above). For example, Whois lets you scan through a registry of researchers in the network field to find an Internet address, if you have only the last name or part of it. It will give you the person's company name, address, phone number, and email address. It had around 70,000 listings in December 1992. To access the WHOIS, telnet to rs.internic.net. When greeted by the host, type "WHOIS" and press RETURN. It also has a gopher service (type "gopher" go access, instead of "wais"). WWW (World Wide Web) -------------------- is much like Gopher in that it provides top level access down to other services on the Internet. WWW uses a hypertext interface with cross links between things. You can use highlighted words to jump off onto another track. WYSIWYG ------- What You See is What You Get. X.25 ---- A CCITT standard communications protocol used internationally in packet data networks. It provides error-checked communication between packet data networks and their users or other networks. Rather than sending a stream of bits like a modem, an X.25 router sends packets of data. There are different packet sizes and types. Each packet contains data to be transmitted, information about the packet's origin, destination, size, and its place in the order of the packets sent. There are clear packets that perform the equivalent of hanging-up the phone. There are reset, restart, and diagnostic packets. On the receiving end, the packet assembler/ disassembler (PAD) in the router translates the packets back into a readable format. X.400 ----- The CCITT and ISO standard for electronic mail. X.500 ----- The CCITT and ISO standard for electronic directory services. Appendix 5: Books, articles, newsletters, etc. for further reading ====================================================== Internet -------- "The Matrix: Computer Networks and Conferencing Systems Worldwide," John S. Quarterman, Digital Press, Bedford, MA, 719 pages, 1990. (Internet address: [email protected]. Gopher service at gopher.tic.com.) "Matrix News," a newsletter about cross-network issues. Networks frequently mentioned include USENET, UUCP, FidoNet, BITNET, the Internet, and conferencing systems like the WELL and CompuServe. Matrix News is about all computer networks worldwide that exchange electronic mail. Online subscription: US$25 for twelve monthly issues, or US$15 for students. Paper subscriptions: US$30 for twelve monthly issues, or US$20 for students; for overseas postage, add US$10 (1992). Contact: Matrix News, Building 2 Suite 300, 1120 South Capitol of Texas Highway, Austin, TX 78746, U.S.A. Email: [email protected] . "!%@:: A Directory of Electronic Mail Addressing and Networks," by Donnalyn Frey and Rick Adams (O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., 632 Petaluma Avenue, Sebastopol, CA 95472, U.S.A.). 408 pages, US26.95. Write to [email protected] for ordering information. "The User's Directory of Computer Networks" by Tracy L. LaQuey (Ed.), University of Texas, Digital Press, 12 Crosby Drive, Bedford, MA 01730, U.S.A. 630 pages, 1990. "Zen and the Art of the Internet: A Beginner's Guide, Second Edition" by Brendan P. Kehoe, Prentice-Hall Series in Innovative Technology, 1993. 112 pages, ISBN 0-13-010778-6, US$22.00. "The Whole Internet User's Guide and Catalog," by Ed Krol. 1992. Published by O'Reilly and Associates, Inc., 103 Morris Street, Suite A, Sebastopol, CA 95472, U.S.A.. 400 pages, US$24.95. ISBN 1- 56592-025-2. Email questions to [email protected] or uunet!ora!nuts . "A Guide to Electronic Mail Networks and Addressing," by Donnalyn Frey and Rick Adams. 1989. O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., 103 Morris Street, Suite A, Sebastopol, CA 95472, U.S.A. Email address: [email protected] . "Managing UUCP and the Internet." Published by O'Reilly and Associates, Inc., 103 Morris Street, Suite A, Sebastopol, CA 95472, U.S.A. Email address: [email protected] . "The Internet Companion: A Beginner's Guide to Global Networking" by Tracy LaQuey, with Jeanne C. Ryer. Addison-Wesley, 1992, $10.95, p. 196, ISBN 0-201-62224-6. Order direct from Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., Inc., 1 Jacob Way, Reading, MA 01867, U.S.A. "Internet: Getting Started," April Marine, ed., SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, May 1992. ISBN: none, US$39. "The New User's Guide to the Internet" by Daniel P. Dern, McGraw- Hill, New York, USA. 1993. ISBN 0-07-016510-6 (hc). ISBN 0-07- 16511-4 (pbk). "An Internet Primer for Information Professionals: A Basic Guide to Networking Technology," by Elizabeth S. Lane, and Craig A. Summerhil, p. 200, Meckler Corp., Westport, CT, USA. US$37.50. ISBN 0-88736-831-X. "Crossing the Internet Threshold," by Roy Tennant, John Ober, and Anne G. Lipow, p. 134, Library Solutions Press, 1100 Industrial Rd., Suite 9, San Carlos, CA 94070, U.S.A. 1993. ISBN: 1-882208-01- 3 . US$45.00 plus shipping and handling. "The Internet Passport: NorthWestNet's Guide to Our World Online" by Kochmer, Jonathan and NorthWestNet. 4th ed. 515p. Bellevue, WA, USA: NorthWestNet, 1993. ISBN: 0-9635281-0-6. Price: US$39.95. (US$19.95 nonprofit and educational). Fax: +1-206-562-4822. "Internet: Mailing Lists 1993 Edition." Franklin F. Kuo, SRI Internet Information Services. Published by PTR Prentice Hall, New Jersey, USA. ISBN: 0-13-327941-3. Paperback, 356 pages. "Internet Connections: A Librarian's Guide to Dial-Up Access and Use" by Mary E. Engle, Marilyn Lutz, William W. Jones, Jr., and Genevieve Engel. Library and Information Technology Association's Monographs Series, #3, 1993. 166 pages. ISBN 0-8389-7677-0. "Internet World magazine", Meckler Corporation, 11 Ferry Lane West, Westport, CT 06880, U.S.A. ([email protected]) "The Internet Business Journal," 1-60 Springfield Road, Ottawa, CANADA, K1M 1C7. Fax: +1-613-564-6641. Publisher: Michael Strangelove <[email protected]>. "Netpower: Resource Guide to Online Computer Networks," by Eric Persson, Fox Chapel Publishing, Box 7948, Lancaster, PA 17604-7948, U.S.A. US$ 39.95. 1993. 800+ pages. Email: [email protected] . "Information Highways." Magazine. Annual subscription: $98.00CDN. Information Highways, 162 Joicey Blvd., Toronto, Ontario, M5M 2V2, Canada. Fax: +1-416-488-7078. Bulletin Board systems and networks ----------------------------------- BoardWatch Magazine, 7586 Weat Jewell Ave., Suite 200, Lakewood, CO 80232, U.S.A. Email: [email protected] . CompuServe ---------- "CompuServe from A to Z," by Charles Bowen, Bantam Computer Books,