Library Module 9 - Internet Skills
About the internet
In this module:
- About the Internet
- Guides and Training Packages
- Terminology and ISPs
- Evaluating Net Information
- Communication Protocols
What is the Internet?
In simplest terms, the Internet is a global network of computers, which are able to transfer data using the world's telecommunications network.
Computers can be permanently attached to the networks or they can be attached and detached at the will of the user. Some of those permanently attached to the Internet are the ones that host web sites. If they are not attached the information cannot be accessed by remote users.
Most people will only connect their computer to the Internet when they wish to obtain information, download or read email etc. and will then disconnect when finished.
Basically, the Internet is one very large computer network, comprised of many smaller networks and individual computers. If you know the address of a particular computer then you can talk with that computer and look at the information stored there. It's very similar to the situation where, if you know a person's phone number, you can contact them using a telephone. Also similar to the phone service, you can find Internet addresses by using search engines (eg. Yahoo, Google etc).
When you are accessing another computer on the Internet you usually only have limited access to the files on that computer. Many organisations have set up fire walls (combinations of software and hardware) that protect their internal networks from hackers and isolate sensitive information from the Internet.
There are two protocols that are used on the Internet:
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Communication protocols
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Information protocols.
Communication protocols are those that allow you to have 'conversations' using the Internet. They include email, newsgroups, mailing lists and chat rooms.
Information protocols provide access to information using the Internet and include the World Wide Web (WWW), Telnet, File Transfer Protocol (FTP) and Gopher.
The Internet is neither owned nor controlled by any one individual or organisation. This means that anyone can provide or access information on the Internet. However, there are organisations that try to bring uniformity and standardisation to the Internet.
History of the Internet
The Internet has been in existence for over 30 years. It began in the United States during the 1960s with a United States Defense Department project known as ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network).
The aim of the project was for the United States military to create a computer network that would encompass the whole of the United States of America. This would mean that sensitive information could be transmitted around the country and even if one or more links were broken the network would still function and the information would still be available.
Other agencies saw the potential of this form of computer network. Those involved in research and academia found that they could collaborate on research and were no longer restricted by the tyranny of distance and time.
During the 1970s, email, FTP and Telnet became available and what eventually would become known as Usenet. The 1980s led to the development of TCP/IP and DNS as well as other networks evolving including AARNET (Australian Academic and Research Network).
Personal computers became affordable for the family home and their use increased. In the early 1990s browser software was developed. This provided very easy access to the Internet without having to remember complex commands or requiring numerous applications. So the Internet as we know it today, was born.
Guides and Training Packages
Help guides and training packages can be found on the State Library of Queensland's website:
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Click on Internet Resources > Internet Training Packages.
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This site deals predominantly with Netscape.
Related reading
'Internet Troubleshooting and FAQs'. State Library of Queensland.
Terminology and ISPs
Internet terminology
People involved with computers have come up with all manner of strange terminology and acronyms. At the back of the 'Introduction to the Internet' (If you have difficulty opening the full document, open a section at a time A | B | C ) workbook is a glossary which should help define some of the terminology and acronyms more commonly used regarding the Internet.
The State Library of Queensland's website also provides more information with links to sites that define terminology and acronyms as well as listing of error messages that may be seen when using the Internet with Netscape. Many of these error messages are similar when using Internet Explorer. Click on Internet Resources, Help Guide.
Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
Internet Service Providers are the middle parties who link the user with the Internet. More often than not they are commercial organisations such as Telstra BigPond and OzEmail.
There are some Local Governments in Queensland who have set up as an ISP to service their rate payers. A good example is Ipswich with their Global Info Links (GIL). A number of other councils are looking into the feasibility of setting up their own ISPs to provide affordable Internet access within their areas.
Large organisations such as the State Library of Queensland set up computers on their Local Area Network (LAN) that allow all their employees to access the Internet using existing infrastructure which is linked to an ISP rather than requiring a phone point for every computer. The 'Introduction to the Internet' workbook provides more information about ISPs.
Evaluating Net Information
Not all the information on the Internet is correct. Anyone with the hardware, software and access to an ISP can place information on the Internet. It is necessary to use the same skills that are used to validate print resources when using the Internet. Use the following checklist to help decide on the validity of a particular website.
Checklist for evaluating web sites
1. Authority
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Who is providing the information? Is it a person/organisation/company that you recognise?
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Where did the information come from?
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Is the author affiliated with any group or organisation? Check the URL as this can hold vital clues.
2. Currency
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How old is the information? Is there a date on the page? Check the page information.
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When was it last updated? Is there a 'last updated' date on the page?
3. Scope/Coverage
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Is the information targeted at a particular group? Is the page designed for a professional user or the lay person?
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Is there enough information?
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Is a bibliography provided?
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How in-depth is the information?
4. Clarity
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Is the site easy to navigate?
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Is the purpose clear?
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Is it well organised or misleading?
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Are there too many graphics?
5. Objectivity
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Can you detect a bias?
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Is the information presented as fact or opinion?
Communication Protocols
Communication protocols are those that allow you to have 'conversations' using the Internet. These protocols include email, newsgroups, mailing lists and chat.
E-mail allows messages to be sent all around the world in a matter of minutes. It is not unusual to send an e-mail to the United States and receive a reply within five minutes, depending of course on whether or not the recipient is sitting in front of the computer with their e-mail application open.
To access e-mail a user needs to set up an account with an ISP (commonly part of the Internet connection with the ISP) and then find an e-mail application. Netscape Communicator comes loaded with Netscape Messenger and Internet Explorer comes with Outlook Express.
There are numerous other e-mail applications available including Pegasus and Eudora as well as free applications such as Eudora Light and Juno.
Many people are now setting up e-mail addresses using web based mail. These are web servers which only require a browser to access e-mail rather than an e-mail application. One of the major advantages of web based mail is that the user can access their e-mail account anywhere in the world that has Internet access.
Newsgroups
Newsgroups are also known as Usenet News. Basically newsgroups are forums for discussing ideas and common interests and anyone can post and reply to posted messages. A news application, which comes bundled with Internet Explorer and Netscape Communicator, is required to subscribe to newsgroups.
Search tools such as DejaNews and Usenet FAQs are also available which allow newsgroup messages and FAQs to search for specific information.
Mailing/discussion lists
Mailing lists are similar to newsgroups but are much more closed. It is necessary to subscribe to a mailing list before access can be made to the discussion. Some mailing lists are moderated and only allow certain people to subscribe to their discussions. Others will not allow a new person to post mail until they have been subscribed for a certain amount of time.
There are many mailing lists available covering every variety of topics and there is sure to be one to suit everyone. Beware though, some mailing lists can generate a lot of e-mail.
Chat
Chat, also known as Internet Relay Chat, allows real time discussions with people all around the world. For example, a user in Australia might type in a line of text and once enter is hit on the keyboard, the message is sent to everyone else who is participating in that particular discussion. It is definitely much cheaper than using the telephone to talk with people overseas.
Related reading
'Communicating on the Internet'. State Library of Queensland.
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