San Jose State University
Department of Human Performance

BRIEF GUIDE TO THE INTERNET


This guide presents some working definitions, operational commands, and netiquette. It is not an inclusive guide. You should consult one of the many books written about the Internet for more detailed information. Computer commands and addresses are given in BOLD, ITALICIZED font (e.g., MAIL)

THE INTERNET

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

DISCUSSION GROUPS (email):

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

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

LIST GLOBAL/subject

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

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

SUBSCRIBE LISTNAME yourfirstname yourlastname

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

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

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

UNSUBSCRIBE LISTNAME
- to remove yourself from the list
SET LISTNAME NOMAIL
- to temporarily suspend mail delivery
SET LISTNAME MAIL
- to reinstate mail delivery
SET LISTNAME DIGEST
- to receive daily messages in a single message
SET LISTNAME REPRO
- to receive a copy of each message you post to a list
INDEX LISTNAME
- to receive an index of files containing messages
REVIEW LISTNAME
- to receive a listing of current subscribers
INFO REFCARD
- to receive information on listserv commands

What makes a good message?

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

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

WORLD WIDE WEB (WWW)

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

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

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

Some tips --

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