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diff --git a/doc/rfc/rfc1578.txt b/doc/rfc/rfc1578.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2863d7d --- /dev/null +++ b/doc/rfc/rfc1578.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2971 @@ + + + + + + +Network Working Group J. Sellers +Request for Comments: 1578 NASA NREN/Sterling Software +FYI: 22 February 1994 +Category: Informational + + + FYI on Questions and Answers +Answers to Commonly Asked "Primary and Secondary School Internet User" + Questions + +Status of this Memo + + This memo provides information for the Internet community. This memo + does not specify an Internet standard of any kind. Distribution of + this memo is unlimited. + +Abstract + + The goal of this FYI RFC, produced by the Internet School Networking + (ISN) group in the User Services Area of the Internet Engineering + Task Force (IETF), is to document the questions most commonly asked + about the Internet by those in the primary and secondary school + community, and to provide pointers to sources which answer those + questions. It is directed at educators, school media specialists, + and school administrators who are recently connected to the Internet, + who are accessing the Internet via dial-up or another means which is + not a direct connection, or who are considering an Internet + connection as a resource for their schools. + +Table of Contents + + 1. Introduction................................................... 2 + 2. Acknowledgments................................................ 2 + 3. Questions About the Internet in an Educational Setting......... 3 + 4. Questions About School Support for an Internet Connection...... 5 + 5. Questions About Implementation and Technical Options.......... 10 + 6. Questions About Security and Ethics............................12 + 7. Questions About Educational Collaboration, Projects, and + Resources..................................................... 15 + 8. Suggested Reading............................................. 18 + 9. Resources and Contacts........................................ 21 + 10. References.................................................... 35 + 11. Security Considerations....................................... 35 + 12. Author's Address.............................................. 35 + Appendix A: Examples of Projects Using the Internet.......... 36 + Appendix B: How To Get Documents Electronically.............. 43 + Appendix C: Glossary of Terms Used in This Document.......... 47 + + + + +Sellers [Page 1] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + +1. Introduction + + The elementary and secondary school community of teachers, media + specialists, administrators, and students is a growing population on + the Internet. In general, this group of users approaches the + Internet with less experience in data network technology and fewer + technical and user support resources than other Internet user groups. + Many of their questions are related to the special needs of the + community, while others are shared by any new user. This document + attempts first to define the most frequently asked questions related + to the use of the Internet in pre-university education and then to + provide not only answers but also pointers to further information. + For new user questions of a more general nature, the reader should + get FYI 4, "FYI on Questions and Answers: Answers to Commonly Asked + 'New Internet User' Questions" [1]. For information on how to get + this document, see Appendix B. + + It is important to remember that the Internet is a volatile and + changing virtual environment. I have tried to include only the most + stable of network services when listing resources and groups for you + to contact, which is a good solution to the problem of changing + offerings on the Internet, but by no means a fool-proof one. This + constant change also means that there is a lot out there that you + will discover as you begin to explore on your own. + + Future updates of this document will be produced as Internet School + Networking working group members are made aware of new questions and + of insufficient or inaccurate information in the document. The RFC + number of this document will change with each update, but the FYI + number (22) will remain the same. + +2. Acknowledgments + + The author wishes to thank for their help and contributions to this + document the members of the Consortium for School Networking, + Kidsphere, and Ednet electronic mailing lists, Ronald Elliott, + Science and Technology Center; Klaus Fueller, Institute for Teacher + Training of the German federal state of Hesia (HILF), and educator; + Ellen Hoffman, Merit Network, Inc.; William Manning, Rice University; + and Anthony Rutkowski, CNRI. Special thanks go to Raymond Harder, + Microcomputer Consultant, and Michael Newell, NASA Advanced Network + Applications, who not only made contributions but also kept a steady + stream of feedback flowing. Extra special thanks go to the + remarkable Ms. April Marine of the NASA Network Applications and + Information Center for her contributions to the document, her expert + advice, and her unparalleled support. + + + + + +Sellers [Page 2] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + +3. Questions About the Internet in an Educational Setting + + 3.1 What is the Internet? + + The Internet is a collection of more than 10,000 interconnected + computer networks around the world that make it possible to share + information almost instantly. The networks are owned by countless + commercial, research, governmental, and educational organizations + and individuals. The Internet allows the more than 1.5 million + computers and 10 millions users of the system to collaborate + easily and quickly through messaging, discussion groups, and + conferencing. Users are able to discover and access people and + information, distribute information, and experiment with new + technologies and services. The Internet has become a major global + infrastructure for education, research, professional learning, + public service, and business and is currently growing at the rate + of about ten percent per month. + + The Internet Society serves as the international organization for + Internet cooperation and coordination. See Section 9, "Resources + and Contacts". + + For a more complete basic introduction to the Internet, see FYI + 20, "What is the Internet?" [2]. Instructions on retrieving FYI + documents can be found in Appendix B. + + 3.2 What are the benefits of using the Internet in the classroom? + + The Internet expands classroom resources dramatically by making + many resources from all over the world available to students, + teachers, and media specialists, including original source + materials. It brings information, data, images, and even computer + software into the classroom from places otherwise impossible to + reach, and it does this almost instantly. Access to these + resources can yield individual and group projects, collaboration, + curriculum materials, and idea sharing not found in schools + without Internet access. + + Internet access also makes contact with people all over the world + possible, bringing into the classroom experts in every content + area, new and old friends, and colleagues in education. With + access to the Internet, your site can become a valuable source of + information as well. Consider the expertise in your school which + could be shared with others around the world. + + The isolation inherent in the teaching profession is well-known + among educators. By having access to colleagues in other parts of + the world, as well as to those who work outside of classrooms, + + + +Sellers [Page 3] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + educators able to reach the Internet are not as isolated. + + A hands-on classroom tool, the use of networks can be a motivator + for students in and of itself, and their use encourages the kind + of independence and autonomy that many educators agree is + important for students to achieve in their learning process. + Because class, race, ability, and disability are removed as + factors in communication while using the Internet, it is a natural + tool for addressing the needs of all students; exactly how this + is done will vary from district to district as schools empower + individual teachers and students. + + School reform, which is much on the minds of many educators today, + can be supported by the use of the Internet as one of many + educational tools. See the answer to Question 4.1 for more + specifics. + + 3.3 How can educators incorporate this resource into their busy + schedules? + + Most educators learn about the Internet during the time they use + to learn about any new teaching tool or resource. Realistically, + of course, this means they "steal" time at lunch, on week-ends, + and before and after school to explore resources and pursue + relationships via the Internet. Those who do so feel that it is + well worth the rich rewards. It's important that computers used + to access the Internet are readily available and not so far away + physically as to make using the resource impossible for educators + and others. + + Many features of the Internet, such as the availability of online + library catalogs and information articles, will actually end up + saving considerable time once an instructor learns to use them, + and there are new tools being developed all the time to make + Internet resources more easily accessible. + + As the value of the Internet as an educational resource becomes + more evident, school systems will need to look toward building the + time to use it into educators' schedules. + + + + + + + + + + + + +Sellers [Page 4] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + 3.4 I'm already using the National Geographic Kids Network (or PBS + Learning Link or FrEdMail or ______). Does this have anything + to do with the Internet? Is the Internet different from what + I'm already using? + + Since the Internet is a network of many different networks, you + may be using one of the networks which is connected to the + Internet. Some commercial programs for schools use networks and + provide value-added service, such as curriculum software, + technical support, project organization and coordination, etc. + Some provide value-added service, but don't allow for all basic + Internet services. Networks like FrEdMail (Free Educational + Electronic Mail), FidoNet, and K12Net are bulletin board and + conferencing systems linked via the Internet which provide + inexpensive access to some Internet services. If you can use + interactive computer access (Telnet) and electronic file transfer + (FTP), as well as electronic mail, you are probably "on" the + Internet. If you have questions about the specific service you're + currently using, ask its support personnel if you have Internet + access, or call the InterNIC. See Section 9, "Resources and + Contacts" for how to reach the InterNIC, FrEdMail, FidoNet, and + K12Net. + +4. Questions About School Support for an Internet Connection + + 4.1 Where does my school get the money for connecting to the + Internet? + + Although school budgets are impossibly tight in most cases, the + cost of an Internet connection can be squeezed from the budget + when its value becomes apparent. Costs for a low end connection + can be quite reasonable. (See the next question.) + + The challenge facing those advocating an Internet connection + sometimes has less to do with the actual cost than it has with the + difficulty of convincing administrators to spend money on an + unfamiliar resource. + + In order to move the Internet connection closer to the top of your + school's priority list, consider at least two possibilities. + First, your school may be in the process of reform, as are many + schools. Because use of the Internet shifts focus away from a + teacher-as-expert model and toward one of shared responsibility + for learning, it can be a vital part of school reform. Much of + school reform attempts to move away from teacher isolation and + toward teacher collaboration, away from learning in a school-only + context and toward learning in a life context, away from an + emphasis on knowing and toward an emphasis on learning, away from + + + +Sellers [Page 5] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + a focus on content and toward a focus on concepts [3]. The + Internet can play an integral part in helping to achieve these + shifts. + + Second, to demonstrate the value of a connection, actual Internet + access is more useful than words. While this may sound like a + chicken-and-egg situation (I have to have Internet access to get + Internet access), some organizations will provide guest accounts + on an Internet-connected computer for people in schools who are + trying to convince others of the value of an Internet connection. + + Contact local colleges, universities, technology companies, + service providers, community networks, and government agencies for + both guest accounts and funding ideas. For alternatives to your + own school's budget or for supplements to it, look for funding in + federal, state, and district budgets as well as from private + grants. Work with equipment vendors to provide the hardware + needed at low or no cost to your school, and consider forming a + School/Community Technology Committee, or a joint School + District/School/Community Technology Committee. + + The Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) has + information on grants and funding. Ask for the AskERIC InfoGuide + called "Grants and Funding Sources". Two network services, one + maintained by the United States Department of Education's Office + of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI) and one maintained + by the US National Science Foundation, also have information about + grants and funding. Grants can be a way for you to acquire the + initial money to demonstrate the value of telecommunications in + the classroom, and since these monies are often awarded on a + short-term basis, should probably be looked at as temporary means + of funding your activities. For information on these + organizations and their services, see Section 9, "Resources and + Contacts". (Note: The funding services mentioned are primarily US + based.) + + 4.2 How much does it cost to connect to the Internet, and what + kind of equipment (hardware, software, etc.) does my school need + in order to support an Internet connection? + + The cost of an Internet connection varies tremendously with the + location of your site and the kind of connection that is + appropriate to your needs. In order to determine the cost to your + school, you will need to answer a number of questions. For help in + learning what the questions are and getting answers to them, begin + asking at local colleges, universities, technology companies, + government agencies, community networks (often called "freenets"), + local electronic bulletin board systems (BBS), network access + + + +Sellers [Page 6] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + providers, or technology consultants. + + To give you an idea of possible equipment needs, here are three + sample scenarios, based on possible solutions found in the United + States. Keep in mind that these are very general examples and + that there are many solutions at each level. See also the answer + to Question 5.5. + + Low-end: You could subscribe to some kind of Internet dial-up + service. This may be provided by a vendor at a cost, by a local + university gratis, or as a part of a public access service like + a community network. You will need a computer which allows + terminal emulation, terminal emulation software, and a modem + which is compatible with your dial-up service. The approximate + cost, not including the PC or the cost of the phone call, is US + $100 to US $800 plus a monthly fee of approximately US $30. + + Mid-range: You could subscribe to a dial-up service that + provides Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP) or Point to Point + Protocol (PPP), allowing your computer to effectively become a + host on the Internet. You will need a computer with SLIP or PPP + software, telecommunications applications software (to allow you + to use telnet and FTP - File Transfer Protocol), and a modem + which is compatible with your dial-up service. The approximate + cost, not including the PC or the cost of the phone call, is US + $100 to US $800 plus a monthly fee of approximately US $60. + + High-end: Your school or department could subscribe to a service + that provides a full Internet connection to the school or + department's local area network. This allows all the computers + on the local area network access to the Internet. You will need + a router and a connection to a network access provider's router. + Typically the connection is a leased line with a CSU/DSU + (Channel Service Unit/Data Service Unit). A leased line is a + permanent high speed telephone connection between two points; + this allows you to have a high quality permanent Internet + connection at all times. A local area network, which may + consist only of the router and a PC, Macintosh, or other + computer system, is also needed, and your computer(s) will need + some special software: a TCP/IP (Transmission Control + Protocol/Internet Protocol) stack, as well as TCP/IP based + communications software such as Telnet and FTP. The approximate + cost, not including the computers, is US $2,000 to US $3,000 + plus a monthly fee of at least US $200. + + + + + + + +Sellers [Page 7] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + 4.3 What is required in terms of personnel to support an Internet + connection? (Will it require extra staff, training, more time + of teachers and librarians?) + + Any plan for implementing technology in schools must consider + staff development. Training is often the most neglected aspect of + a technology plan, and a lack of training can lead to failure of + the plan. In the case of the Internet, all users will need some + kind of training, whether they are teachers, librarians, students, + administrators, or people fulfilling other roles in the school. + + The train-the-trainer model, in which a group of people are + trained in a subject or tool and each individual in turn trains + other groups, is a good model for Internet training. A small + group of motivated teachers can be provided with training and can + then educate their colleagues. One advantage is that the initial + group is able to target the specific needs of the other teachers + in the school. + + Depending on the hardware involved, there may be a need for + technical support. Finding this kind of support, which schools + will certainly need because it is not usually in place, may be + tricky. Some districts are beginning to provide it at the + district level. Some schools are able to use volunteers from + business, industry, or government agencies. Much of this type of + support can be done over the network itself, which makes it + possible for someone located off-site to maintain the equipment + with only occasional trips to the school. Additionally, vendors + often provide some support, perhaps a help desk for basic + questions. + + 4.4 How do I convince the people who do the purchasing in our school + system to spend money on this? + + Most people become convinced with exposure. One excited + individual in the school who is able to show proof of concept by + starting a pilot program can be the catalyst for a school or an + entire district. If you can get an Internet account (as suggested + above) and use it for instruction in your classroom, you can make + presentations at faculty, school/community, and school board + meetings. + + The National Center for Education Statistics in the Office of + Educational Research and Improvement at the United States + Department of Education has released a 17-minute video targeted at + school administrators entitled "Experience the Power: Network + Technology for Education". It uses interview clips of students, + teachers, and policy makers in the United States to educate about + + + +Sellers [Page 8] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + what the Internet is and to encourage support for the use of + telecommunications in primary and secondary schools. The NASA + NREN (US National Aeronautics and Space Administration National + Research and Education Network) K-12 Initiative has produced an + 11-minute video describing the benefits to schools in using the + Internet. The video is entitled, "Global Quest: The Internet in + the Classroom", and it tells the story through interview clips + with students and teachers who have experienced the power of + computer networking. For further information on the two videos, + see "National Center for Education Statistics", and "NASA Central + Operation of Resources for Educators" under "Organizations" in + Section 9, "Resources and Contacts". + + 4.5 Where do I go for technical support and training? + + Much technical support and training can be found by using the + Internet itself. You can send questions to people in the know and + join discussion lists and news groups that discuss and answer + questions about support and training. One such list is Tipsheet, + the Computer Help and Tip Exchange, the purpose of which is to + provide a supportive setting where people can ask questions or + discuss products. Other lists are the education-related lists + mentioned in Question 7.2. All of these are listed in Section 9, + "Resources and Contacts". + + Network News, or Usenet News, is a world-wide bulletin board + system with discussion groups on various topics, including + computer science, general science, social and cultural themes, + recreational interests, etc. By sending questions to an + appropriate news group you can receive answers from people + experienced with your particular problem. Specific news groups to + look for are those beginning with "comp", for "computer", and + followed by the type of operating system, hardware, or software + you have a question about. For example, comp.os.unix or + comp.os.msdos.apps. To understand the culture and etiquette of + Usenet News, read the group news.announce.newusers. + + Your local community may also have resources that you can tap. + These are again colleges and universities, businesses, computer + clubs and user groups, technology consultants, and government + agencies. + + Your network access provider may offer training and support for + technical issues, and other groups also offer formal classes and + seminars. For those schools who have designated technical people, + they are good candidates for classes and seminars. + + There are some documents for further reading and exploration that + + + +Sellers [Page 9] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + you may want to peruse. See Section 8, "Suggested Reading". + There are books on almost every specific subject in the computing + world that may answer your questions. For new books, check your + local library, bookstore, or booksellers' catalogs. + +5. Questions About Implementation and Technical Options + + 5.1 How do I learn about options for getting my school connected? + + In the United States, there are a number of state-wide educational + networks, most of them with access to the Internet. To find out + if there is a state education network in your area which gives + accounts to educators and/or students, contact the Consortium for + School Networking. The InterNIC has a list of regional and + national network providers. Both the Consortium for School + Networking and the InterNIC are listed in Section 9, "Resources + and Contacts". + + The global regional NICs such as the RIPE NCC in Europe can also + provide a list of service providers. The APNIC in the Pacific Rim + will have a similar list in the near future. + + You can sometimes locate a person enthusiastic about the idea of + using networks in schools and willing to help you who works as an + independent consultant, in a local college or university, in a + technology company, for a network access provider, at a community + network, or in a government agency. + + There are a number of books about the Internet and how to get + connected to it. A few are listed in Section 8, "Suggested + Reading", and more are being published every month. Check + libraries, bookstores, and booksellers' catalogs. + + 5.2 How many of our computers should we put on the Internet? + + You will probably want to make Internet *access* possible for as + many of your school's computers as possible. If you are using a + dial-up service, you may want a number of shared accounts + throughout the school. If your school has a Local Area Network + (LAN) with several computers on it, one dedicated Internet + connection should be able to serve the whole school. + + If you are going to connect a lot of computers to the network, you + will need to make sure your line speed is adequate. Most dial-up + systems available today support speeds up to 14.4 Kbs (kilobits + per second), which is adequate for no more than a couple of + network users, depending upon the network utilities (FTP, etc.) + they are using. If you are planning to connect a large number of + + + +Sellers [Page 10] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + users, you should probably consider a dedicated line of 56 Kbs or + higher. + + 5.3 Should we set up a telecommunications lab or put networked + computers in each classroom? + + A computer lab is an easier maintenance set-up for the person in + charge of keeping the equipment running and allows each individual + (or pair) in an entire class to be using a computer at the same + time; a computer located in the classroom is more convenient for + both the teacher and the class. If you choose the lab option, you + will probably want to get a commitment from specific teachers or + media specialists to use the lab in the course of their teaching. + You might also consider the other labs located throughout your + school. For example, if you have a science or language lab, it + may be the best place for your school to begin to use the + Internet. And finally, remember that the library is a natural + place for people to access network resources! + + Networking all computers campus-wide can be expensive. You will + need to consider the options--dial-up access, a dedicated line, or + some other possibility--and weigh them against your school's needs + and priorities. You may want to investigate having one lab, the + library, and a few classrooms with modem access, assuming phone + lines are available. As use of the Internet catches on, it will + be more effective to create a campus-wide local area network that + is routed to the Internet through a dedicated line than to keep + adding modems in classrooms. Or you may want to consider the + other options discussed in question 5.5 below. + + 5.4 Can people get on the Internet from home? + + This depends on your network access provider. It is certainly a + possibility and is probably desirable for the educators at your + school if they happen to have the necessary equipment at home. + You will need to discuss whether you want to make this option + available to students even if it is possible technically. This is + best discussed with the community your school serves in a public + forum such as a school/community meeting. At issue is the shared + responsibility of educators and parents to monitor student + Internet use. (See also Question 6.2.) + + 5.5 What are some of the options for using Internet services without + paying for a full, dedicated-line Internet connection? + + It is possible to create a local, store-and-forward network using + various implementations of the Unix to Unix Copy (UUCP) software + suite, available as public domain (free) or shareware (small fee + + + +Sellers [Page 11] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + which is often optional) software, which can run on many different + platforms including Amiga, IBM, and Macintosh. The connections + are via dial-up phone lines using local phone numbers. Usenet + News and email are "stored" on a computer until the time appointed + for that computer to contact the next one along the path to the + final destination, at which time it is "forwarded" along its way. + Most computers are set up to process outgoing requests at least + every 30 minutes. With this type of system you will have access + to as many Usenet News groups as your site agrees to carry, as + well as email, which includes access to mailing lists and + listservs such as those listed in Section 9, "Resources and + Contacts". Many file servers also offer file transfer and other + services via email. + + There are a couple of important advantages to such a system. + First, it is much more affordable since such networks provide more + efficient use of telephone lines, making a connection only while + data is actually being transferred. Second, it allows for + filtering, which gives a school some control over what kind of + information is available to its students. + + The disadvantage to this type of Internet access is that you may + be limited regarding the range of Internet applications you can + use. + + FrEdMail, FidoNet, and K12Net are store-and-forward systems. + FidoNet, for example, is a network of amateurs and hobbyists which + operates on personal computers and is publicly accessible by + anyone with a microcomputer and a modem. Contact information for + all three organizations can be found in Section 9, "Resources and + Contacts". + +6. Questions About Security and Ethics + + 6.1 Who should have access in the school, the teachers or the + students? + + Clearly the answer is that all educators, including administrators + and media specialists or librarians, AND students should have + access to the Internet. There's no reason why support staff + should not also have access. In elementary schools, access for + students may be more supervised than in the upper grades. + + + + + + + + + +Sellers [Page 12] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + 6.2 I've heard that there are files on the Internet that parents + would not like their children to get. How can students be + kept from accessing this objectionable material? + + If your school has a direct Internet connection, and often even if + it doesn't, it is not possible to use a technical solution to + prevent students from accessing objectionable material. Everyone + on the network, including students, is able to download files from + public electronic repositories, some of which contain materials + that just about anyone would consider objectionable for school-age + children. The store-and-forward scenario described in Question + 5.5 is one solution to filtering the information to which students + have access, but if students are allowed to use email then it is + possible for someone to send them objectionable material. + + For this reason, it is important that schools develop clear + policies to guide students' use of the Internet and establish + rules, and consequences for breaking them, that govern behavior on + the Internet. Additionally, schools should consider integrating + issues around technology and ethics into the curriculum [4]. + + Another possibility is to control the times and opportunities that + students have to access the Internet, and only allow access under + supervision. This is a less desirable option than teaching the + ethics of Internet access as a matter of course, but may be used + in combination with other methods to ensure the integrity of the + school, its students, and its educators. + + In any case, schools need to exercise reasonable oversight while + realizing that it is almost impossible to absolutely guarantee + that students will not be able to access objectionable material. + + 6.3 How do we keep our own and other people's computers safe from + student "hackers"? + + In the language of computer folks, a "hacker" is someone who is + excellent at understanding and manipulating computer systems. A + "cracker" is someone who maliciously and/or illegally enters or + attempts to enter someone else's computer system. + + Computer security is unquestionably important, both in maintaining + the security of the school's computers and in ensuring the proper + behavior of the school's students (and others who use the + network). In this area, not only school policy, but also state + and national laws may apply. Two sources of information which you + can read to help you sort through security issues are: + + + + + +Sellers [Page 13] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + "Site Security Handbook" (FYI 8) + + "Ethical Uses of Information Technologies in Education" + (Sivin & Bialo) + + The full references for these documents can be found in Section 8, + "Suggested Reading". The pamphlet "Ethical Uses of Information + Technologies in Education" is more applicable to the laws of the + United States than to those of other countries, but several of the + ideas are shared in various cultures. + + 6.4 How do we keep viruses from attacking all our computers if we + get connected to the Internet? + + If you use the Internet to exchange data (such as text or + pictures), virus infection is generally not a problem. The real + concern is when you download software programs and run them on + your own computer. Any program you download over the network and + run could have a virus. For that matter, any program, whether on + tape or a disk, even commercial software still in its original + packaging, might possibly have a virus. For this reason, all + computers should have virus protection software running on them. + + Virus checking software is available free over the Internet via + Anonymous FTP from the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT), + which is run by the US National Institute for Standards and + Technology (NIST). The Anonymous FTP host computer is + ftp.cert.org. (For information on using Anonymous FTP, see + Appendix B.) Your hardware or software vendor, your network + access provider, your technical support resources, or your + colleagues on network mailing lists should be able to provide more + specific information applicable to your site. + + To help reduce the risk of downloading a virus with your program, + try to use trusted sources. Ask someone you know or send the + question to a mailing list or news group to find the most reliable + sites for software access. + + 6.5 What are the rules for using the Internet? + + When your Internet connection is established, your access provider + should acquaint you with their Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). This + policy explains the acceptable and non-acceptable uses for your + connection. For example, it is in all cases unacceptable to use + the network for illegal purposes. It may, in some cases, be + unacceptable to use the network for commercial purposes. If such + a policy is not mentioned, ask for it. All users are expected to + know what the acceptable and unacceptable uses of their network + + + +Sellers [Page 14] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + are. Remember that it is essential to establish a school-wide + policy in addition to the provider's AUP. + +7. Questions About Educational Collaboration, Projects, and Resources + + 7.1 How can I find specific projects using the Internet that are + already developed? + + There are a several resources on the Internet that are directed + specifically at the primary and secondary school communities, and + the number is growing. The InterNIC gopher server has a section + on K-12 (Kindergarten through 12th grade) Education, the + Consortium for School Networking maintains a gopher server, and + NASA's Spacelink is directed at primary and secondary school + educators. NYSERNet's Empire Internet Schoolhouse is an extension + of its Bridging the Gap program. For access to these and others, + see Section 9, "Resources and Contacts". + + Many people on electronic mailing lists such as Ednet, Kidsphere, + and the Consortium for School Networking Discussion List + (cosndisc) post their projects and ask for partners and + collaborators. The K12 hierarchy of Usenet News has several + groups where educators post these invitations as well. For + subscription to these and other electronic lists and for names of + news groups, see Section 9, "Resources and Contacts". For news + groups and mailing lists of special interest to educators, see the + "Ednet Guide to Usenet Newsgroups" and "An Educator's Guide to E- + Mail Lists", both of which are listed in Section 8, "Suggested + Reading". + + As you explore the Internet, there are some tools that will help + you find projects that are already developed. A good overview of + many of these resource discovery tools is the "Guide to Network + Resource Tools" written by the European Academic Research Networks + (EARN) Association. It explains the basics of tools such as + Gopher, Veronica, WAIS, Archie, and the World Wide Web, as well as + others, and provides pointers for finding out more about these + useful tools. It is listed in Section 8, "Suggested Reading". + + 7.2 Where do I go to find colleagues who support networking and + schools willing to participate in projects? + + The electronic mailing lists and Usenet News groups in Section 9, + "Resources and Contacts" are rich with people who want to + collaborate on projects involving use of the Internet. + + There are also a number of conferences you may want to look in to. + The National Education Computing Conference (NECC) is held + + + +Sellers [Page 15] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + annually, as is Tel-Ed, a conference sponsored by the + International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). ISTE + maintains an online server which has a calendar of conferences all + over the world in telecommunications for education. The INET + conference is the annual conference for the Internet Society. See + Section 9, "Resources and Contacts", for contact information for + these organizations and for information on access to ISTE's online + server. + + 7.3 What are some examples of how the Internet is being used in + classrooms now? + + Projects which use the Internet sometimes request sites from all + over the world to contribute data from the local area then compile + that data for use by all. Weather patterns, pollutants in water + or air, and Monarch butterfly migration are some of the data that + has been collected over the Internet. In Appendix A you will find + several examples from the Kidsphere electronic mailing list, each + from a different content area and representing different ways of + using the Internet. + + There are a number of specific projects you may find interesting. + KIDS-94 (and subsequent years), managed by the non-profit KIDLINK + Society, is one. It currently includes ten discussion lists and + services, some of them only for people who are ten through fifteen + years old. Another place to look is Academy One of the National + Public Telecomputing Network (NPTN), which usually has between 5 + and 10 projects running at a time. The International Education + and Research Network (I*EARN), a project of the non-profit Copen + Family Fund, facilitates telecommunications in schools around the + world. Chatback Trust, initiated to provide email for schools in + the United Kingdom and around the world with students who have + mental or physical difficulty with communicating, and Chatback + International, directed at any school on the Internet, maintain a + network server that you may want to investigate. The European + Schools Project involves approximately 200 schools in 20 countries + and has as its goal building a support system for secondary school + educators. For contact information on these groups and server + access, refer to Section 9, "Resources and Contacts". + + 7.4 Is there a manual that lists sites on the Internet particularly + useful for class exploration? + + There are a number of resource guides, and so far only a couple + are directed specifically at an education audience. "An + Incomplete Guide to the Internet and Other Telecommunications + Opportunities Especially for Teachers and Students K-12" is + compiled by the NCSA Education Group and is available online. The + + + +Sellers [Page 16] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + "Internet Resource Directory for Educators, Version 2" is also + available online. It was prepared by a team of 46 teachers in + Nebraska and Texas who were enrolled in telecomputing courses at + two universities in 1992 and 1993. Ednet's "Educator's Guide to + Email Lists" is available electronically, as is the "Ednet Guide + to Usenet News Groups". ERIC offers several documents relating to + telecommunications and education, including the ERIC Digest + "Internet Basics", the ERIC Review "K-12 Networking", + "Instructional Development for Distance Education", and + "Strategies for Teaching at a Distance". Complete bibliographic + information for these documents is listed in Section 8, "Suggested + Reading". For help in retrieving the documents electronically, + see Appendix B. + + There are also printed guides to the Internet appearing along with + the new books on the Internet. The problem with paper resource + guides is that the Internet is a changing environment, so they + become outdated quickly. Check libraries, bookstores, and + booksellers' catalogs for these guides. + + One answer to the problem of printed Internet guides is the + newsletter. NetTEACH NEWS is a newsletter specifically for + primary and secondary school educators interested in networking. + It contains information on new services on the Internet that are + of interest to educators, projects for collaboration, conferences, + new books and publications, and includes "The Instruction Corner", + which gives practical tutorials on using network tools and + services. NetTEACH NEWS is published ten times a year, and is + available both hardcopy and via email. Subscription information + can be found in Section 9, "Resources and Contacts". + + 7.5 How can I add my own contributions to the Internet? + + The network server operated by the Consortium for School + Networking exists expressly for the sharing of ideas by the + elementary and secondary school community. Educators are + encouraged to submit projects, lesson plans, and ideas. A gopher + server maintained by PSGnet and RAINet also accepts educator + submissions for addition to the many sections of its menu tree + devoted to elementary and secondary school interests. See Section + 9, "Resources and Contacts" for information on reaching CoSN or + submitting materials, and for access to the server maintained by + PSGnet and RAINet. It is important to remember that anything you + create should be updated for others as you make changes yourself + in the course of your learning by experience. + + The electronic mail lists and news groups mentioned are also + places to share your knowledge and yourself as a resource, and as + + + +Sellers [Page 17] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + you gain experience you may find you have the knowledge to put up + an electronic server at your own site. A group of schools in + Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the United States shares one such + server, and there you could recently find and download to your own + computer photographs and notes from an exhibit on the architecture + of one of the elementary schools. + +8. Suggested Reading + + Those items marked with an asterisk (*) are available free online. + For information on retrieving documents electronically, see + Appendix B. + + Dearn, D. The Internet Guide for New Users. + Washington, DC: McGraw-Hill, Inc., 1994. + + *"Ednet Guide to Usenet Newsgroups" + online: + nic.umass.edu + pub/ednet/edusenet.gde + + *"Educator's Guide to E-Mail Lists" + online: + nic.umass.edu + pub/ednet/educatrs.lst + + Fraase, M. The Mac Internet Tour Guide. Chapel Hill, NC: + Ventana Press, 1993. + + *FYI 4 "FYI on Questions and Answers: Answers to Commonly asked "New + Internet User" Questions", Malkin, G.S. and A. Marine. + (fyi4.txt or rfc1325.txt) + + *FYI 5 "Choosing a Name for Your Computer", Libes, D. + (fyi5.txt or rfc1178.txt) + + *FYI 8 "Site Security Handbook", Holbrook, J.P. and J.K. + Reynolds. (fyi8.txt or rfc1244.txt) + + *FYI 16 "Connecting to the Internet: What Connecting Institutions + Should Anticipate", ACM SIGUCCS Networking Task Force. + (fyi16.txt or rfc1359.txt) + + *FYI 18 "Internet Users' Glossary", LaQuey Parker, T. and G. Malkin. + (fyi18.txt or rfc1392.txt) + + *FYI 19 "Introducing the Internet--A Short Bibliography of + Introductory Internetworking Reading for the Network Novice", + + + +Sellers [Page 18] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + Hoffman, E. and L. Jackson. (fyi19.txt or rfc1463.txt) + + *FYI 20, "What is the Internet?" Krol, E. and E. Hoffman. + (fyi20.txt or rfc1462.txt) + + The FYI series is online in the following locations. Choose + the site nearest you from which to download the files: + + United States + ds.internic.net (198.49.45.10) + fyi/fyi##.txt + + Pacific Rim + munnari.oz.au (128.250.1.21) + fyi/fyi##.txt + + Europe + nic.nordu.net (192.36.148.17) + fyi/fyi##.txt + + *"Guide to Network Resource Tools", EARN Association. May 1993. + 64 pp. + online: + naic.nasa.gov + files/general_info/earn-resource-tool-guide.ps and + earn-resource-tool-guide.txt + + ftp.earn.net + pub/doc/resource-tool-guide.ps and + resource-tool-guide.txt + + ns.ripe.net + earn/earn-resource-tool-guide.ps and + earn-resource-tool-guide.txt + + ds.internic.net + pub/internet-doc/EARN.nettools.ps and + EARN.nettools.txt + + via email: + send a message to... + ...LISTSERV@EARNCC.BITNET + leave the subject blank and in the first line of the body, + enter... + ...GET NETTOOLS TXT + for the plain ASCII text format, or + ...GET NETTOOLS PS + for the PostScript version + + + +Sellers [Page 19] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + *"Incomplete Guide to the Internet and Other Telecommunications + Opportunities Especially for Teachers and Students K-12", NCSA + Education Group. July, 1993. + online: + ftp.ncsa.uiuc.edu + Education/Education_Resources/Incomplete_Guide + + To order a hardcopy, contact: + + Valerie Sheehan + NCSA Education Group + 605 E. Springfield Ave. + Champaign, IL 61820 + vsheehan@ncsa.uiuc.edu + + or: + + Lisa Bievenue + NCSA Education Group + 605 E. Springfield Ave. + Champaign, IL 61820 + bievenue@ncsa.uiuc.edu + + *Internet Resource Directory for Educators + online: + tcet.unt.edu + pub/telecomputing-info/IRD/IRD-telnet-sites.txt, + IRD-ftp-archives.txt, IRD-listservs.txt, and + IRD-infusion-ideas.txt + + Kehoe, Brendan. Zen and the Art of the Internet: A Beginner's Guide. + Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1992. + + Krol, E. The Whole Internet User's Guide & Catalog. Sebastopol, + CA: O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., 1992. + + LaQuey, T. The Internet Companion: A Beginner's Guide to Global + Networking. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, + 1992. + + Marine, A., S. Kirkpatrick, V. Neou, and C. Ward. Internet: + Getting Started. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, + 1993. + + Sivin, J.P. and Bialo, E.R. "Ethical Uses of Information + Technologies in Education", 1992. Washington, DC: U.S. + Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, + National Institute of Justice. + + + +Sellers [Page 20] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + To order, call 800-851-3420 from within the United + States or 301-251-5500 from outside of the United States. + + Or write to: + + U.S. Department of Justice + Office of Justice Programs + National Institute of Justice + Washington, DC 20531 + + *RFC 1480 "The US Domain", Cooper, A. and J. Postel. June 1993. + (rfc1480.txt) + + This document will also be useful to people not in the United + States. See the sites listed under the FYI documents for the + location nearest you from which to download the file. + +9. Resources and Contacts + + ------------ + CONFERENCES: + ------------ + + NECC and Tel-Ed + International Society for Technology in Education + 1787 Agate Street + Eugene, Oregon 97403-1923 + USA + phone: 503-346-4414 or 1-800-336-5191 + fax: 503-346-5890 + email: iste@oregon.uoregon.edu + (Compuserve: 70014,2117) + (AppleLink: ISTE) + + Electronic access to a calendar of conferences all over the world + and other information is available on the ISTE server. See + "Network Servers" in this section. + + INET + Internet Society + 1895 Preston White Drive + Suite 100 + Reston, Virginia 22091 + USA + Phone: 703-648-9888 + Fax: 703-620-0913 + Email: isoc@isoc.org + + + + +Sellers [Page 21] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + ---------------------- + ELECTRONIC MAIL LISTS: + ---------------------- + + Cosndisc (Consortium for School Networking Discussion List) + To subscribe, send a message to... + listproc@yukon.cren.org + + Leave the Subject field blank, and in the first line of the body of + the message enter... + subscribe cosndisc YourFirstName YourLastName + + To post, send a message to... + cosndisc@yukon.cren.org + + Ednet + To subscribe, send a message to... + listserv@nic.umass.edu + + Leave the Subject field blank, and in the first line of the body of + the message enter... + subscribe ednet YourFirstName YourLastName + + To post, send a message to... + ednet@nic.umass.edu + + Kidsphere + To subscribe, send a message to... + kidsphere-request@vms.cis.pitt.edu + Type any message asking to be added to the list. + + To post, send a message to... + kidsphere@vms.cis.pitt.edu + + KIDS-95/KIDLINK + To learn about KIDLINK projects, subscribe to the news service by + sending a message to... + listserv@vm1.nodak.edu + + Leave the Subject field blank, and in the first line of the body of + the message enter... + subscribe KIDLINK YourFirstName YourLastName + + To receive a file of general information on KIDLINK, send email to + the same listserv address, leave the Subject field blank, and in + the first line of the body of the message enter... + get kidlink general + + + + +Sellers [Page 22] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + K12admin (A list for K-12 educators interested in educational + administration) + To subscribe, send a message to... + listserv@suvm.syr.edu + + Leave the Subject field blank, and in the first line of the body of + the message enter... + subscribe k12admin YourFirstName YourLastName + + To post, send a message to... + k12admin@suvm.syr.edu + + LM_NET (A list for school library media specialists worldwide) + To subscribe, send a message to... + listserv@suvm.syr.edu + + Leave the Subject field blank, and in the first line of the body of + the message enter... + subscribe LM_NET YourFirstName YourLastName + + To post, send a message to... + LM_NET@suvm.syr.edu + + SIGTEL-L (A list for the Special Interest Group for + Telecommunications, a service of the International Society for + Technology in Education) + To subscribe, send a message to... + SIGTEL-L@unmvma.unm.edu + + Leave the Subject field blank, and in the first line of the body of + the message enter... + subscribe SIGTEL-L YourFirstName YourLastName + + To post, send a message to... + SIGTEL-L@unmvma.unm.edu + + Tipsheet (Computer Help and Tip Exchange) + To subscribe, send a message to... + listserv@wsuvm1.csc.wsu.edu + + Leave the Subject field blank, and in the first line of the body of + the message enter... + subscribe tipsheet YourFirstName YourLastName + + + + + + + + +Sellers [Page 23] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + ---------------- + NETWORK SERVERS: + ---------------- + + Chatback Trust and Chatback International network server + + via telnet... + telnet rdz.stjohns.edu + login: student + (Follow login instructions on screen.) + + via gopher... + sjuvm.stjohns.edu (port 70) + Choose "Rehabilitation Resource Center" from first menu. + Choose "SJU Unibase Bulletin Board and Conference System" from + menu which then comes up. + + Consortium for School Networking gopher server + + via gopher... + cosn.org (port 70) + + via telnet... + telnet cosn.org + login: gopher + (no password) + + Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) Digests Archives are + available + + via telnet... + telnet bbs.oit.unc.edu + login: launch + (Follow directions on screen for registration. At the main menu, + choose number 4, "Topical Document Search (WAIS)", and move to + eric-digests. For help in WAIS, type a question mark.) + + via FTP... + ftp ericir.syr.edu + login: anonymous + password: your_email_address + cd pub + + via email... + mail askeric@ericir.syr.edu + (In your message ask for the topic you're interested in. A human + will answer you.) + + + + +Sellers [Page 24] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + via gopher... + ericir.syr.edu (port 70) + + Empire Internet Schoolhouse + + via gopher... + nysernet.org (port 70) + + via telnet... + telnet nysernet.org + login: empire + (no password) + + International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) gopher server + + via gopher... + gopher.uoregon.edu (port 70) + + via telnet... + telnet gopher.uoregon.edu + login: gopher + (no password) + + Once connected via either of these two methods, use the menu item + "Search Titles in This Gopher Server" and enter ISTE when asked + what to search for. + + InterNIC gopher server + + via gopher... + is.internic.net (port 70) + + via telnet... + telnet is.internic.net + login: gopher + (no password) + + KIDS Gopher, a KIDLINK service + + via gopher... + kids.duq.edu (port 70) + + via telnet... + telnet kids.duq.edu + login: gopher + (no password) + + + + + +Sellers [Page 25] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + NASA Spacelink + + via telnet... + telnet spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov + login: newuser + password: newuser + (Follow registration instructions on screen.) + + To find information on the NASA Teacher Resource Center Network or + for a NASA Select television schedule, enter "g" for GO TO, then + enter either "TRC" or "NASA Select". + + via FTP... + ftp spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov + + National Science Foundation's (United States) Science and Technology + Information System (STIS) + + via telnet... + telnet stis.nsf.gov + login: public + Follow instructions on screen. + + via gopher... + stis.nsf.gov (port 70) + + Office of Educational Research and Improvement (US Department of + Education) gopher server + + via gopher... + gopher.ed.gov (port 70) + + The OERI gopher server contains educational research and statistics, + as well as information about the United States Department of Education + and its programs. + + PSGnet and RAINet gopher server + + via telnet... + telnet gopher.psg.com + login: gopher + (no password) + + via gopher... + gopher.psg.com (port 70) + + + + + + +Sellers [Page 26] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + ------------ + NEWS GROUPS: + ------------ + + alt.education.distance + alt.kids-talk + comp.security.announce + k12.chat.elementary + k12.chat.junior + k12.chat.senior + k12.chat.teacher + k12.ed.art + k12.ed.business + k12.ed.comp.literacy + k12.ed.health-pe + k12.ed.life-skills + k12.ed.math + k12.ed.music + k12.ed.science + k12.ed.soc-studies + k12.ed.special + k12.ed.tag + k12.ed.tech + k12.edu.life-skills (especially for school counselors) + k12.euro.teachers (in Europe) + k12.lang.art + k12.lang.deutsch-eng + k12.lang.esp-eng + k12.lang.francais + k12.lang.russian + k12.library + k12.sys.projects + misc.education + misc.education.language.english + misc.kids + misc.kids.computer + news.announce.newusers + pubnet.nixpub (where a list of open access Unix sites is often posted, + for those looking for access to Usenet News and email only) + + + + + + + + + + + + +Sellers [Page 27] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + ----------- + NEWSLETTER: + ----------- + + NetTEACH NEWS + + Published monthly from August to March and bi-monthly April/May and + June/July, NetTEACH NEWS is written for both the novice and the + experienced networking teacher. + + Annual hardcopy subscription costs are: + US $22.00 for individuals in the US + US $25.00 for individuals in Canada + US $30.00 for individuals outside the US and Canada + US $30.00 for institutions + + Annual ASCII electronic copy costs are: + US $15.00 for individuals + + Add $5.00 to hardcopy costs to receive both ASCII and hardcopy. + + Site licensing is available for public primary and secondary education + networks. Discounts are available for school district multiple + sub-scriptions. + + For a subscription form, questions, or to submit materials, contact: + + Kathy Rutkowski, Editor + Chaos Publications + 13102 Weather Vane Way + Herndon, VA 22071 + USA + Phone: 703-471-0593 + EMail: info@netteach.chaos.com + + -------------- + ORGANIZATIONS: + -------------- + + AskERIC + ERIC Clearinghouse on Information Resources + Center for Science and Technology + Syracuse University + Syracuse, New York 13244-4100 + USA + Phone: 315-443-9114 + Fax: 315-443-5448 + EMail: askeric@ericir.syr.edu + + + +Sellers [Page 28] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + According to a recent electronic brochure, "The Educational + Resources Information Center (ERIC) is a federally-funded national + information system that provides access to an extensive body of + education-related literature. ERIC provides a variety of services + and products at all education levels." + + Another portion of the electronic brochure states, "AskERIC is an + Internet-based question-answering service for teachers, library + media specialists, and administrators. Anyone involved with K-12 + education can send an e-mail message to AskERIC. Drawing on the + extensive resources of the ERIC system, AskERIC staff will respond + with an answer within 48 working hours." Educators may have + questions about primary and secondary education, learning, teaching, + information technology, or educational administration which AskERIC + can answer. Parents AskERIC is a new service for parents looking + for information to better facilitate their children's developmental + and educational experiences. Use the email address listed above. + + Chatback International + Dr. R. Zenhausern, Executive Director + Psychology Department + St. Johns University + SB 15, Marillac + Jamaica, NY 11439 + USA + Phone: 718-990-6447 + Fax: 718-990-6705 + EMail: drz@sjuvm.stjohns.edu + + The Chatback Trust + Tom Holloway, UK Director + 25 Clemens Street + Royal Leamington Spa + Warwickshire, CV31 2DP + Phone: +44-926-888333 + Fax: +44-926-420204 + EMail: t.holloway@warwick.ac.uk + + The Chatback Trust is the organization which was originally + concerned primarily with school children with various types of + language disorder. Chatback International is the expansion of that + project onto the Internet and is concerned with the use of networks + to educate all children. + + + + + + + + +Sellers [Page 29] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + Consortium for School Networking + P.O. Box 65193 + Washington, DC 20035-5193 + USA + Phone: 202-466-6296 + Fax: 202-872-4318 + EMail: info@cosn.org + + According to a recent brochure, "The Consortium for School + Networking is a membership organization of institutions formed to + further the development and use of computer network technology in + K-12 education." To join CoSN, request an application at the above + address. To contribute your ideas, lesson plans, projects, etc., + for others to access over the Internet, send to email to: + ferdi@digital.cosn.org + + European Schools Project + University of Amsterdam + CICT/SCO + Grote Bickerrsstraat 72 + 1013 KS Amsterdam + The Netherlands + Contact: Dr. Pauline Meijer or Dr. Henk Sligte + Phone: +31-20-5251248 + Fax: +31-20-5251211 + EMail: risc@esp.educ.uva.nl + + The European Schools Project is "a support system for secondary + schools to explore applications of educational telematics." + + FidoNet + 1151 SW Vermont Street + Portland, OR 97219 + USA + Contact: Janet Murray + Phone: 503-280-5280 + EMail: jmurray@psg.com + + FidoNet is a dial-up, store-and-forward messaging system which takes + advantage of late night phone rates to send and receive email and + conferences. + + + + + + + + + + +Sellers [Page 30] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + FrEdMail Foundation + P.O. Box 243, + Bonita, CA 91908 + USA + Contact: Al Rogers + Phone: 619-475-4852 + EMail: arogers@bonita.cerf.fred.org + + International Education and Research Network (I*EARN) + c/o Copen Family Fund + 345 Kear Street + Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 + USA + Contact: Dr. Edwin H. Gragert + Phone: 914-962-5864 + Fax: 914-962-6472 + EMail: ed1@copenfund.igc.apc.org + + According to Dr. Gragert, "The purpose of the I*EARN Network is to + create low-cost telecommunications models to demonstrate that + elementary and secondary students can make a meaningful contribution + to the health and welfare of people and the planet. We want to see + students go beyond simply being "pen-pals" to use telecommunications + in joint student projects as part of the educational process." + I*EARN works with international service and youth organizations to + add telecommunications to existing partnerships. + + KIDLINK Society + 4815 Saltrod + Norway + Phone: +47-370-31204 + Fax: +47-370-27111 + EMail: opresno@extern.uio.no + Contact: Odd de Presno + + KIDLINK is the organization that runs the yearly KIDS projects, + KIDS-94, KIDS-95, etc. For information on getting files related to + KIDS-NN/KIDLINK, see "Electronic Mail Lists" in this section. For + access to the KIDS Gopher, see "Network Servers" in this section. + + K12Net + 1151 SW Vermont Street + Portland, OR 97219 + USA + Phone: 503-280-5280 + Contact: Janet Murray + EMail: jmurray@psg.com + + + + +Sellers [Page 31] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + K12Net is a collection of conferences devoted to curriculum, + language exchanges with native speakers, and classroom-to-classroom + projects designed by teachers in K-12 education. The conferences + are privately distributed among FidoNet-compatible bulletin board + systems on five continents and are also available as Usenet + Newsgroups in the hierarchy "k12." More information about K12Net is + available from gopher.psg.com. + + via telnet... + telnet gopher.psg.com + login: gopher + + via gopher... + gopher.psg.com (port 70) + + NASA Central Operation of Resources for Educators (CORE) + Lorain County Joint Vocational School + 15181 Route 58 South + Oberlin, OH 44074 + USA + Phone: 216-774-1051, x293/294 + Fax: 216-774-2144 + + For a copy of the video "Global Quest: The Internet in the + Classroom" released by the NASA NREN K-12 Initiative contact the + above address. The fee for the video is cost plus shipping and + handling. You may also make a copy yourself by taking a blank copy + to the nearest NASA Teacher Resource Center or by taping from NASA + Select television. For information on the NASA Teacher Resource + Center Network or on NASA Select, contact your nearest NASA facility + or log in to NASA Spacelink. (See NASA Spacelink in "Network + Servers".) + + National Center for Education Statistics + 555 New Jersey Ave N.W., R.410 C + Washington DC 20208-5651 + USA + Phone: 202-219-1364 + Contact: Jerry Malitz + EMail: ncesinfo@inet.ed.gov + Fax: 219-1728 + + For a copy of the video "Experience the Power: Network Technology + for Education" released by NCES contact the above address. If you + contact them via email to order a video be sure that you send your + mailing address. + + + + + +Sellers [Page 32] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + InterNIC Information Services + General Atomics + P.O. Box 85608 + San Diego, California 92186-9784 + USA + Phone: 800-444-4345 + 619-455-4600 + Fax: 619-455-3990 + EMail: info@internic.net + + The InterNIC is a (United States) National Science Foundation funded + group tasked with providing information services to the United + States research and education networking community. The Reference + Desk is in operation Monday through Friday, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 + p.m. Pacific Time. + + Internet Society + 1895 Preston White Drive + Suite 100 + Reston, Virginia 22091 + USA + Phone: 703-648-9888 + Fax: 703-620-0913 + EMail: isoc@isoc.org + + The Internet Society is an international membership organization + for individuals and organizations that support its goals of + promoting the use of the Internet: + + A. To facilitate and support the technical evolution of the + Internet as a research and education infrastructure, and + to stimulate the involvement of the scientific community, + industry, government and others in the evolution of the + Internet; + + B. To educate the scientific community, industry and the public + at large concerning the technology, use and application of + the Internet; + + C. To promote educational applications of Internet technology + for the benefit of government, colleges and universities, + industry, and the public at large; + + D. To provide a forum for exploration of new Internet + applications, and to stimulate collaboration among + organizations in their operational use of the global + Internet. + + + + +Sellers [Page 33] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + Reseaux IP Europeens Network Coordination Centre (RIPE NCC) + Kruislaan 409 + NL-1098 SJ Amsterdam + The Netherlands + + Phone: +31 20 592 5065 + Fax: +31 20 592 5090 + EMail: ncc@ripe.net + + The RIPE NCC assists European Internet operators and refers + users to appropriate operators. + + Services include: + + -delegated registry for network and + Autonomous System numbers + -whois database at whois.ripe.net + -document store at ftp.ripe.net + (also accessible via gopher and wais) + -interactive information service + (via telnet at info.ripe.net) + + Asia Pacific Network Information Center + c/o University of Tokyo, Computer Center + 2-11-16 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113 + Japan + Phone: +81-3-5684-7747 + Fax: +81-3-5684-7256 + EMail: hostmaster@apnic.net + + The APNIC is a cooperative organization of national network + information centers in the Asia Pacific region operating under the + auspices of the Asia Pacific Coordinating Committee for + Intercontinental Research Networks. APNIC is tasked with providing + information and registration services to networking organizations + throughout the Asia and Pacific Rim regions. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +Sellers [Page 34] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + +10. References + + [1] Malkin, G., and A. Marine, "FYI on Questions and Answers: + Answers to Commonly Asked 'New Internet User' Questions", FYI 4, + RFC 1325, Xylogics, SRI, May 1992. + + [2] Krol, E., and E. Hoffman, "What is the Internet?" FYI 20, RFC + 1462, University of Illinois, Merit Network, Inc., May 1993. + + [3] "Restructuring Schools: A Systematic View" in Action Line, the + newsletter of the Maryland State Teachers Association, a National + Education Association Affiliate. R. Kuhn, Editor. No. 93-6. + June, 1993. + + [4] Sivin, J. P. and E. R. Bialo (1992) "Ethical Uses of Information + Technologies in Education." Washington, DC: U.S. Department of + Justice, Office of Justice Programs, National Institute of + Justice. + + [5] Hoffman, E. and L. Jackson, "Introducing the Internet--A Short + Bibliography of Introductory Internetworking Reading for the + Network Novice", FYI 19, RFC 1463, Merit Network, Inc., NASA, May + 1993. + +11. Security Considerations + + General security considerations are discussed in Section 6 of this + document. + +12. Author's Address + + Jennifer Sellers + NASA NREN + 700 13th Street, NW + Suite 950 + Washington, DC 20005 + USA + + Phone: 202-434-8954 + EMail: sellers@quest.arc.nasa.gov + + + + + + + + + + + +Sellers [Page 35] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + +APPENDIX A: EXAMPLES OF PROJECTS USING THE INTERNET + + The following examples of projects using the Internet appeared on the + Kidsphere electronic mailing list during the 1992-93 school year. + The messages have been edited in the interest of space and because + many of the details about how to participate are dated, but the + information presented can give you a feel for the types and range of + projects that happen today. + + ========================================= + Example One, "Middle School Math Project" + ========================================= + + This is the official invitation to participate in "Puzzle Now!". + "Puzzle Now!" is an interdisciplinary project using educational + technology as a tool to integrate the curriculum. "Puzzle Now!" + provides teams of mathematics and language arts teachers and students + with thematic puzzle problems via VA.PEN. + + + PROJECT : Puzzle Now! + + SUBJECT AREA : Mathematics/Language Arts + + GRADE LEVEL : 6 - 8 + + DURATION : This project will consist of eight - one week + cycles. + + PROJECT GOALS : -to increase student motivation for math + problem solving; + + -to emphasize the importance of addressing + problems in a clear, concise, and logical + manner; + + -to provide students with opportunities for + developing skills in written expression; + + -to familiarize students with computer and + modem as tools for problem solving projects. + + PROJECT DESCRIPTION: + The puzzles presented in this project are no + mere entertainment. These puzzles will help + the student reason logically, develop thinking + skills, and will assist in the understanding of + many practical disciplines, such as geometry. + + + +Sellers [Page 36] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + IT IS VERY IMPORTANT to remember that getting + the correct answer isn't as important as + figuring out how to find it. + DO THE SOLUTIONS HAVE TO BE SUBMITTED IN A + PARTICULAR FASHION? Yes, the solution format + requires that the group/team/individual first + 1) restate the puzzle/problem; 2) explain the + strategy, or strategies used in finding the + answer; 3) state the answer. + Your team/class may turn in only one solution. + That means you must work together to develop one + solution to be examined by the "Puzzlemeister". + + + ========================================== + Example Two, "Poetry Contest, Grades 9-12" + ========================================== + + National Public Telecomputing Network + -- + Academy One Project Announcement + + + FIRST ANNUAL INTERNET POETRY CONTEST + FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS GRADES 9-12 + + ***FEATURED FORM: THE SONNET*** + + ***First Place Award: $50.00*** + + ***Second Place Award: $25.00*** + + ***Honorable Mentions: $10.00*** + + The first annual Internet Poetry Contest invites entries from + students in grades 9-12 for original sonnets written within the last + 3 years. The purpose of the contest is to encourage young creative + writers to practice the discipline needed to write in a particular + poetic form, in this case, the sonnet form. (The sonnet is defined + and examples are given below.) Sonnets may be submitted in any + recognized sonnet form including Petrarchan, Shakespearean, Miltonic, + or Spenserian. + + Students submitting entries must include a form (given below) + certifying that each sonnet entered in the contest is original and + written within the last 3 years. The deadline for mailing entries is + April 30, 1993. Winners will be notified individually and winning + entries will also be announced via Academy I on the Internet. + + + +Sellers [Page 37] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + Judges for the contest are current or retired English instructors + throughout the United States. + + + ============================================== + Example Three, "Tracking Monarch Butterflies" + ============================================== + + Our school has begun a study of monarchs using Nova's Animal + Pathfinders. After working through these lessons, which will give us + the necessary background information, we will design the format for + collecting the data on sighting monarchs. We will send information on + the format to any school who wishes to participate in the project. + Our fifth grade students will begin this project and we hope that + students from kindergarten through twelfth grade will get involved. + We hope that schools from south to north along the migratory flyways + will be interested in joining and collecting data about first + sightings and population counts. We still have not found the + lepidopterists who did the initial research but will keep looking. + Hope to hear from you soon. + + + ======================================= + Example Four, "Simulated Space Mission" + ======================================= + + + National Public Telecomputing Network + -- + Academy One Program Announcement + + + SPECIAL EVENT: NESPUT 24-HOUR CENTENNIAL SPACE SHUTTLE + SIMULATED MISSION ON APRIL 27, 1993 + + SCHOOLS, TEACHERS, STUDENTS, SPACE ENTHUSIASTS: + + The April 27 simulated and telecommunicated space shuttle mission is + a mostly real-time 24 hour mission involving numerous activities in + space. Your school could be involved for an entire 24 hour period or + for a much lesser amount of time (say just your school day or even a + few hours). During that 24 hour period, schools will be linked to + share information via telecommunications and a variety of activities + will be going on via telecommunications and in the classroom--most of + them created by the schools and students involved. The space shuttle + Centennial at University School in Shaker Heights, Ohio, a real and + permanent simulator, will act as itself and use its mission control + area as Houston. Reports on the progress of our real student + + + +Sellers [Page 38] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + astronauts will be posted on the listserv and via the menus on NPTN + affiliate systems carrying Academy One. Your school can act as any + one of the following: + + A second American shuttle. + A second Russian shuttle. + A weather reporting station for your area. + One of NASA's alternate landing sites. + A science station posing questions and problems for all + astronauts in simulated space. + An information station, posting interesting information of + interest about the space shuttle and the space program. + A graphics station, sending GIF files to other schools + (especially good if you have a scanner for your computer). + Any other type of space related station or activity you can + imagine. + + + ================================================== + Example Five, "Equinox Experiment and Calculation" + ================================================== + + + ATTENTION - MARCH 20, l993 IS THE EQUINOX + + A WORLDWIDE SCIENCE AND MATH EXPERIMENT + + ERATOSTHENES EXPERIMENT + + Eratosthenes, a Greek geographer (about 276 to 194 B.C.), made a + surprisingly accurate estimate of the earth's circumference. In the + great library in Alexandria he read that a deep vertical well near + Syene, in southern Egypt, was entirely lit up by the sun at noon once + a year. Eratosthenes reasoned that at this time sun must be directly + overhead, with its rays shining directly into the well. In + Alexandria, almost due north of Syene, he knew that the sun was not + directly overhead at noon on the same day because a vertical object + cast a shadow. Eratosthenes could now measure the circumference of + the earth (sorry Columbus) by making two assumptions - that the earth + is round and that the sun's rays are essentially parallel. He set up + a vertical post at Alexandria and measured the angle of its shadow + when the well at Syene was completely sunlit. Eratosthenes knew from + geometry that the size of the measured angle equaled the size of the + angle at the earth's center between Syene and Alexandria. Knowing + also that the arc of an angle this size was 1/50 of a circle, and + that the distance between Syene and Alexandria was 5000 stadia, he + multiplied 5000 by 50 to find the earth's circumference. His result, + 250,000 stadia (about 46,250 km) is quite close to modern + + + +Sellers [Page 39] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + measurements. Investigating the Earth, AGI, l970, Chapter 3, p. 66. + + The formula Eratosthenes used is: + + D A d=distance between Syene and Alexandria + _____ = _____ A=360 degrees assumption of round earth + a=shadow angle of vertical stick + d a D=to be determined (circumference) + + ---------------------------------------------------------------- + + Are you interested in participating? + + All you need to do is place a vertical stick (shaft) into the ground + at your school and when the sun reaches it's highest vertical assent + for the day (solar noon), measure the angle of the shadow of the + stick. + + -\ + - \ + stick -> - \ + - a \ a=shadow angle + - \ + - \ + ground___________________-______\_____________________________ + + By doing this experiment on the equinox we all know that the vertical + rays of the sun are directly over the equator, like the well at + Syene. Using a globe or an atlas the distance between your + location and the equator can be determined and the circum- ference + can be calculated. + + ***************************************************************** + But how about sharing your shadow angle measurement with others + around the real globe. + ****************************************************************** + + Send your measurement of the shadow angle____________degrees + + Send your location city ____________________________________ + + Send your location country _________________________________ + + Send your latitude _________________________________________ + + Send your longitude ________________________________________ + + + + + +Sellers [Page 40] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + We will compile all the data and send you a copy to use in your + classroom to compare the various locations and angles. + + If you're interested send us your data. We will compile and return + it to you. + + + ===================================== + Example Six, "Famous Black Americans" + ===================================== + + Project Name: Who Am I?: Famous Black Americans + + Subject Area: Social Studies, Research Skills + + Grade Level: Grades 4-12 + + Project Description: The goal of this project is to assist students + in increasing their knowledge of American + black history. Each week, on Monday Morning, + a set of three or four clues will be sent to + your account. The same will occur on + Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings. + At any time, through the end of the day on + Friday, your students may send their answer + (the name of the famous American identified + by the clues) to the following online + address: + + whoami@radford.vak12ed.edu + + A class should send only one answer each + week. If two are sent, the sponsors will + assume that the first of the answers is the + one intended to be submitted. + + The sponsor will collect all answers, compile + a listing of classes who send the correct + answers, and will forward this list to all + participants via email by early on the + following Monday morning. On that morning, + in addition, the sponsor will send all + classes a new problem. + + This project lasts five weeks, with clues + each week being given for a different famous + person in American history. + + + + +Sellers [Page 41] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + Project Length: Five Weeks + + Awards: Every Monday morning, participating classes + will receive an online message from the + sponsor congratulating those who have sent + correct answers during the previous week. At + the end of the five weeks, attractive + certificates will be awarded to all + participating classes (sent by way of the + Postal Service). In addition, classes which + have participated in each of the five weeks + will receive a separate style of certificate + for their school or class. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +Sellers [Page 42] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + +APPENDIX B: HOW TO GET DOCUMENTS ELECTRONICALLY + + The traditional way to access files available online on the Internet + is via a program based on the File Transfer Protocol (FTP). Many + information sites have hosts that allow "anonymous" FTP, meaning you + don't need to already have an account on the host in order to access + the files it makes public. This appendix will describe obtaining + files via anonymous FTP and describe obtaining files via the Internet + Gopher program. + + The online files sited in Suggested Reading can all be retrieved via + anonymous FTP. (Most can also be retrieved via Gopher.) In most + cases, when you see a reference to a file available for FTP, the + reference will give you both a computer hostname and a pathname. So, + for example, the ASCII text version of the EARN Resource Tool Guide + is on the host naic.nasa.gov in the /files/general_info directory as + earn-resource-tool-guide.txt. + + Many online files are mirrored on more than one host. RFC files, for + example, are so popular that several hosts act as repositories for + them; so, when they are cited, rarely is a hostname given. To find + out all about getting RFCs and FYIs, send a message to rfc- + info@isi.edu and in the body of the message, type 'help: + ways_to_get_rfcs'. RFCs are available both via electronic mail and + via Anonymous FTP, as well as via many Gophers. + + Anonymous FTP + + Some of this information about transferring files based on text + from the access.guide file referenced in FYI 19 [5] and written by + Ellen Hoffman and Lenore Jackson. + + If you are on a computer connected to the Internet and can use + FTP, you can access files online. If your VM/CMS, VAX/VMS, UNIX, + DOS, Macintosh, or other computer system has FTP capability, you + can probably use the sample commands as they are listed. If your + computer doesn't work using the sample commands, you may still + have FTP access. You will need to ask your system administrator + or local network consultant. If you don't have FTP, you may be + able to get files via electronic mail. + + If you are using a UNIX machine, you can use FTP directly from a + system prompt. For other computers, there are commercial and + public domain programs that will allow you to use FTP. (For + example, there is a very easy-to-use shareware program called + "Fetch" for the Macintosh.) + + + + + +Sellers [Page 43] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + Once you establish that you have FTP access, you will need to send + a series of commands to reach the host computer with the file you + want, connect to the appropriate directory, and have the file + transferred to your computer. A typical FTP session is described + here, but not all software is exactly alike. If you have + problems, check your software's documentation ('man' page) or + contact your local help-desk. + + This session uses the EARN Guide to Network Resource Tools in its + naic.nasa.gov home as an example file to be transferred. + + Here's what you can do: + + (1) Tell your computer what host you are trying to reach: + ftp naic.nasa.gov + + (2) Log in to the computer with the username "anonymous". You + will be prompted for a password; most often it is preferred + that you use your complete email address as your password. + + (3) Navigate through the directory to find the file you need. Two + useful commands for doing so are the one to change directories + ('cd'), which you can use to step through more than one directory + at a time: + + cd files/general_info + + and the command which shows you the files and subdirectories + within a directory: + + dir + + (4) Give a command to have the file sent to your computer: + get earn-resource-tools.txt + + (5) Quit FTP: + quit + + RFC Repositories: + + Following is a list of hosts that are primary repositories for + RFCs, and, for each host, the pathname to the directory that + houses these files: + + - ds.internic.net rfc + - nis.nsf.net internet/documents/rfc + - nisc.jvnc.net rfc + - venera.isi.edu in-notes + + + +Sellers [Page 44] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + - wuarchive.wustl.edu info/rfc + - src.doc.ic.ac.uk rfc + - ftp.concert.net /rfc + + RFCs are in the file format you see in the Suggested Readings + section, e.g., rfc####.txt, with #### being the number of the RFC. + To retrieve an RFC, then, you would FTP to a host above, log in as + anonymous, cd to the directory noted, and retrieve the RFC you + want. The file ways_to_get_rfcs, mentioned above, explains which + sites make RFCs available for electronic mail retrieval, and + provides directions for doing so. + + Remember that FYI documents, such as this one, are also RFCs, so + the information about RFCs applies to FYIs as well. You can + usually retrieve FYIs either by their RFC number, or by their FYI + number. FYI numbers are in the format fyi##.txt, where ## is the + number of the FYI. + + Gopher + + A relatively new method of viewing and retrieving information is + the Internet Gopher. A Gopher server presents information to a + users via a series of menus. By choosing menu items, the user is + led to files or to other services available on the Internet. + Gopher can also retrieve files for the user because it has an + interface to the File Transfer Protocol. So you can use Gopher to + obtain files rather than FTP. Once you have located a file you + want, you also have the option of mailing it electronically. + + Several Gopher servers are listed in the Network Servers portion + of Section 9 "Resources and Contacts". The InterNIC gopher, for + example, is one that provides access to the RFCs. + + Normally, the best way to access a Gopher server is by running a + Gopher client on your own host or network. However, if you do not + have that software, many Gophers are accessible via Telnet (see + the addresses in Section 9). To Telnet to a host, most often you + would give the command "telnet" and the hostname, for example: + telnet naic.nasa.gov. + + Unlike FTP repositories, which are accessible over the network but + which you have to access one at a time, many Gophers are linked + together over the Internet. Therefore, if you have access to one + Gopher, you usually have access to hundreds more. This huge + network of gophers and the vast amount of information they serve + is referred to as "gopherspace". You can use a service within + Gopher called "Veronica" to search gopherspace to see if there is + more information out there of a particular type you are interested + + + +Sellers [Page 45] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + in finding. From within Gopher, look for a menu item such as + "Search Gopherspace Using Veronica" to find out more information + about using the Veronica service. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +Sellers [Page 46] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + +APPENDIX C: GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED IN THIS DOCUMENT + + The following is a short glossary of terms used in this document. + For a more complete glossary of Internet terms, refer to FYI 18 (RFC + 1392), "Internet Users' Glossary". These definitions are largely + excerpted from that glossary. (See Section 8, "Suggested Reading", + above.) + + Anonymous FTP + + Accessing data via the File Transfer Protocol using the special + username "anonymous". This was devised as a method to provide a + relatively secure way of providing restricted access to public + data. Users who wish to acquire data from a public source may use + FTP to connect to the source, then use the special username + "anonymous" and their email address as the password to log into a + public data area. + + Cracker + + A person who uses computer knowledge to attempt to gain access to + computer systems and/or maliciously damage those systems or data. + + Dial-in (also dial-up) + + A connection, usually made via modems, between two computers (or + servers) over standard voice grade telephone lines. + + Download + + To copy data from a remote computer to a local computer. The + opposite of upload. + + DSU/CSU (Data Service Unit/Channel Service Unit) + + The digital equivalent of a modem. A Channel Service Unit + connects to a telephone company-provided digital data circuit, and + a Data Service Unit provides the electronics required to connect + digital equipment to the CSU. Paired together a DSU/CSU allows + computer equipment to be connected into the telephone digital + service for highly conditioned, high speed data communications. + + Electronic Bulletin Board System (BBS) + + A computer, and associated software, which typically provides + electronic messaging services, archives of files, and any other + services or activities of interest to the bulletin board system's + operator. Although BBSs have traditionally been the domain of + + + +Sellers [Page 47] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + hobbyists, an increasing number of BBSs are connected directly to + the Internet, and many BBSs are currently operated by government, + educational, and research institutions. + + EMail (Electronic Mail) + + A system whereby a computer user can exchange messages with other + computer users (or groups of users) via a communications network. + + FidoNet + + A network of computers interconnected using the FIDO dial-up + protocols. The FIDO protocol provides a means of "store and + forward" file transfer similar to UUCP. + + FTP (File Transfer Protocol) + + A protocol which allows a user on one host to access, and transfer + files to and from, another host over a network. Also, FTP is + usually the name of the program the user invokes to execute the + protocol. + + FYI (For Your Information) + + A subseries of RFCs that are not technical standards or + descriptions of protocols. FYIs convey general information about + topics related to TCP/IP or the Internet. See also: RFC (Request + for Comments). + + Gopher + + A distributed information service that links many types of + information from all around the Internet and presents it to the + user in a series of menus. Because hundreds of Gopher servers + cooperate in providing access to information and services, the + user sees a single, uniform interface to information that actually + resides on different host computers. The Gopher interface is very + easy to use, and public domain versions of the clients and servers + are available. + + Hacker + + A person who delights in having an intimate understanding of the + internal workings of a system, computers and computer networks in + particular. The popular media has corrupted this term to give it + the pejorative connotation of a person who maliciously uses + computer knowledge to cause damage to computers and data. The + proper term for this type of person is "cracker". + + + +Sellers [Page 48] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) + + The IETF is a large, open community of network designers, + operators, vendors, and researchers whose purpose is to coordinate + the operation, management and evolution of the Internet, and to + resolve short-range and mid-range protocol and architectural + issues. It is a major source of protocol proposals and standards. + + InterNIC + + A Network Information Center (NIC), funded by the National Science + foundation, that provides information about the Internet. The + InterNIC is a team of three contractors, each of which focuses on + a particular network support task. The three tasks are: + Information Services (the task most often cited in this document), + Registration Services, and Directory and Database Services. + + Kbs (Kilo-Bits per Second) + + A data transmission rate expressed in 1000 bit per second units. + For example, 56Kbs is 56*1000=56,000 bits per second. + + LAN (Local Area Network) + + A data network intended to serve an area of only a few square + kilometers or less. Since such are networks relatively small they + can usually be directly controlled by the users and operate at + relatively high speeds (up to 100Mb/s [10 million bits per + second]) over inexpensive wiring. + + Leased line + + A leased line is a special phone company permanent connection + between two locations. Leased lines are generally used where + high-speed data (usually 960 characters per second and higher) is + continually exchanged between two computers (in the Internet, + generally between routers). A leased line is billed at the same + rate per month independent of how much the line is used and can be + cheaper than using dial modems depending on the usage. Leased + lines may also be used where higher data rates are needed beyond + what a dial modem can provide. + + Listserv (mailing list server) + + An automated program that accepts mail messages from users and + performs basic operations on mailing lists for those users. In + the Internet, listservs are usually accessed as "listname@host"; + for example, the list server for the hypothetical list + + + +Sellers [Page 49] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + "newsreports@acme.org" would be called "listserv@acme.org". + Sending email to "newsreports@acme.org" causes the message to be + sent to all the list subscribers, while sending a message (to + subscribe or unsubscribe, for example) to "listserv@acme.org" + sends the message only to the list server. Not all mailing lists + use list servers to handle list administration duties. + + Mailing Lists + + A list of email addresses. Generally, a mailing list is used to + discuss certain set of topics, and different mailing lists discuss + different topics. A mailing list may be moderated, that is + messages sent to the list are actually sent to a moderator who + determines whether or not to send the messages on to everyone + else. Many mailing lists are maintained by a "listserv" (list + server) program that automatically handles operations such as + adding new people to the list. (See above.) In the Internet, for + those mailing lists maintained by a human, rather than by a + listserv, you can generally subscribe to a list by sending a mail + message to: "listname-REQUEST@host" and in the body of the message + enter a request to subscribe. To send messages to other + subscribers, you will then use the address "listname@host". + + Modem (MODulator/DEModulator) + + A device that converts the digital signals used by computers into + analog signals needed by voice telephone systems. Modems can be + "dial" or "leased line" type. Dial type modems are used on normal + telephone lines to call remote computers, and usually operate at + speeds between 120 to 1,920 characters per second. + + Network Access Provider (Network Service Provider) + + Any organization that provides network connectivity or dial-up + access. Service providers may be corporations, government + agencies, universities, or other organizations. + + Network News + + Another name for "Usenet News". + + + + + + + + + + + +Sellers [Page 50] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + NIC (Network Information Center) + + A central place where information about a network within the + Internet is maintained. Usually NICs are staffed by personnel who + answer user telephone calls and electronic mail, and provide + general network usage information and referrals, among other + possible tasks. Most network service providers also provide a NIC + for their users. + + Port + + TCP/IP assigns at least one address to a host computer, but + applications such as FTP must talk to a corresponding server + application on the host. The "port" is the way TCP/IP designates + the remote application. Most common Internet servers have + specific port numbers associated with them. For example, Telnet + uses port number 23. These are known as "well known ports" and + allow application programmers to write standard applications (such + as Telnet, FTP, etc.) that "know" where the corresponding server + is on a particular host. + + PPP (Point to Point Protocol) + + A protocol used to establish TCP/IP connections using serial lines + such as dial-up telephone lines. Similar to SLIP (see below), PPP + is a later standard that includes features such as demand dial-up, + compression, better flow control, etc. + + Protocol + + A formal description of message formats and the rules two + computers must follow to exchange those messages. Protocols can + describe low-level details of machine-to-machine interfaces (e.g., + the order in which bits and bytes are sent across a wire) or + high-level exchanges between allocation programs (e.g., the way in + which two programs transfer a file across the Internet). + + Protocol Stack + + A series of protocols linked together to provide an end-to-end + service. For example, the File Transfer Protocol uses the + Transmission Control Protocol, which uses the Internet Protocol, + which may use the Point to Point protocol, to transfer a file from + one computer to another. The series FTP->TCP->IP->PPP is called a + protocol stack. + + + + + + +Sellers [Page 51] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + RFC (Request for Comments) + + The document series, begun in 1969, which describes the Internet + suite of protocols and related experiments. Not all (in fact very + few) RFCs describe Internet standards, but all Internet standards + are written up as RFCs. The RFCs include the documentary record + of the Internet standards process. + + Router + + A computer which forwards traffic between networks. The + forwarding decision is based on network layer information and + routing tables, often constructed by routing protocols. + + SLIP (Serial Line Internet Protocol) + + A protocol used to establish TCP/IP connections using serial lines + such as dial-up telephone lines. Small computers, such as PCs and + Macintoshes, can use SLIP to dial up to servers, which then allow + the computer to act as a full Internet node. SLIP is generally + used at sites with a few users as a cheaper alternative than a + full Internet connection. SLIP is being replaced by PPP at many + sites. + + TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) + + TCP/IP is named for two of the major communications protocols used + within the Internet (TCP and IP). These protocols (along with + several others) provide the basic foundation for communications + between hosts in the Internet. All of the service protocols, such + as FTP, Telnet, Gopher, use TCP/IP to transfer information. + + Telnet + + Telnet is the Internet standard protocol for remote terminal + connection service. The name "telnet" also is used to refer to + programs that allow interactive access to remote computers, as + well as the action of using said programs. For example, the + phrase "Telnet to host xyzzy." means to interactively log into + host "xyzzy" from some other host in the Internet. + + Upload + + To copy data from a local computer to a remote computer. The + opposite of download. + + + + + + +Sellers [Page 52] + +RFC 1578 FYI Q/A - for Schools February 1994 + + + Usenet News + + An electronic bulletin board system created originally by the Unix + community and which is accessible via the Internet. Usenet News + forms a discussion forum accessible by millions of users in almost + every country in the world. Usenet News consists of thousands of + topics arranged in a heirarchical form. Major topics include + "comp" for computer topics, "rec" for recreational topics, "soc" + for social topics, "sci" for science topics, etc. Within the + major topics are subtopics, such as "rec.music.classical" for + classical music, or "sci.med.physics" for discussions relating to + the physics of medical science. + + UUCP (Unix-to-Unix CoPy) + + This was initially a program run under the UNIX operating system + that allowed one UNIX system to send files to another UNIX system + via dial-up phone lines. Today, the term is more commonly used to + describe the large international network which uses the UUCP + protocol to pass news and electronic mail. + + Virus + + A program which replicates itself on computer systems by + incorporating itself into other programs which are shared among + computer systems. + + WAIS (Wide Area Information Server) + + A distributed information service which offers simple natural + language input, indexed searching for fast retrieval, and a + "relevance feedback" mechanism which allows the results of initial + searches to influence future searches. Public domain + implementations are available. + + WWW (World Wide Web) + + A hypertext-based, distributed information system created by + researchers at CERN in Switzerland. Users may create, edit or + browse hypertext documents. The clients and servers are freely + available. The WWW servers are interconnected to allow a user to + traverse the Web from any starting point; in addition, many other + servers such as WAIS and Gopher have been incorporated into the + WWW servers. + + + + + + + +Sellers [Page 53] +
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