The Internet first began as a military research project back in the latter 60's; the University of Utah became the 4th node in 1970. Since then, a unique vernacular and set of protocols have evolved. This class is designed for the newbie in all of us!
E-Mail has become very popular because of its many advantages over other forms of communication. Letters are electronically created and delivered. These messages can be viewed and filed electronically; text can be incorporated into replies with responses interspersed if desired. Maling lists, for sending messages to entire interest groups, can be as easy to maintain. Messages can be sent across campus, or around the world. With a modem, one may even work at home (telecommuting).
The default e-mail program on u.cc.utah.edu (a server available for [FREE] use by U of U students, faculty and staff) is Pine. Although this is text-based software, it allows the user to send & receive messages. There are many features, including signature, attachments and up/down load. Old timers like to remind us that PINE is actually an acronym for "Pine Is Not Elm"; Elm was a e-mail program in use many years ago.
To access the Internet from home, you'll need to have a computer, modem and telephone line. Your modem will dialup the server (just like a FAX machine "calls" a phone number) to make a connection, which will allow you to login to your account. Many important aspects are covered, such as transfer rate and telephone service.
When files are larger than a disk's storage capcity, you can still share files between computers. This includes word processing documents, graphics, sounds, movies, etc.
This is a good topic for anyone planning to create a web-home page.
Your modem is working, now what? Besides e-mail, there are a wide variety of Internet services that are just a "click" away. The software's free, so bring a few [blank] floppy disks!
The Web, gives you access to information, graphics, sounds, movies, etc. To take advantage of this, you'll need to use a browser (e.g. Netscape, Internet Explorer, Lynx, etc,), which is available at many locations across campus. You can even create a Web-Home Page for yourself and/or department, to share with others around the world (see How To Create A Web Page and HTML descriptions).
Although there are many web browsers available, Netscape is the most accessable one at the University of Utah. Various features are presented (e.g. open, preferences and searching) which make this software a valuable surfing tool.
Now that the web is established as a great way to share information with others around the world, many are asking, "How do I get started?" The answer is to attend this seminar, which will cover the various items one must be aware of to create a Web-Home Page. Topics include FTP, URL, HTML and other Internet acronyms (as well as easy-to-understand definitions).
Web pages are actually text files which contain codes, much like using a word processor. HTML documents instruct your browser how to display the information. This is not a programming language, so everyone will feel comfortable with the idea of creating a Web-Home Page after attending this seminar!
Usenet is divided into thousands of groups, each representing a specific subject (e.g. iguanas, motorcycles and The Simpsons). Anyone can share their feelings, then others around the world may comment - but may not alter current posting. Some classes at the University of Utah use this service as a means to facilitate student/instructor discussions.
This is another standard on used on the Internet, designed to facilitate the transfer of files (documents, graphics, sounds, etc.) with electronic mail software.
A public domain program that has facilities for encryption, digital signatures, public/private key encryption and digital authentication. It's a "pretty good" way to ensure privacy on the Internet!
The powerful operating system used on work station computers, such as u.cc.utah.edu (a server available for [FREE] use by U of U students, faculty and staff). Unix was used as a model for the design of DOS, the operating system used on the original IBM-PC. Therefore, this command set may look familiar to many computer users.
This is a good topic for anyone planning to create a web-home page.
Are you an expert Mac user, or simply a novice? Either way, the useful tidbits discussed relate to this operating system, and may prove to increase your efficiency.
Printing requirements and strategies, managing disks and files, System- Finder. Use of Font/DA Mover to load/delete fonts and DA's, and other common utilities to customize your Mac and to safeguard against viruses.
Online course notes are available.
You need to type a paper, but are not sure which software to use. Don't worry, word processors (e.g. MS Word & WordPerfect) share many common features. Topics include open, tabs, margins, font, save, print, close, exit/quit, etc.
This topic is not specific to any software, computer or operating system!
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This page was last updated on September 17, 1997