Browse archives: 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995

Published on 07/24/1995 All articles from this issue

Tech FAQ's

printer friendly version

By Jim McFadden

Special to the Town Crier

Questions about things technical

This Frequently Asked Questions column focuses on the use of computer technology in the home. Your questions about the use of computers will be answered, or you will be directed to other sources, such as manufacturers. Your feedback and questions are encouraged as we look at this interesting subject together. Some of the information will, of necessity, be technical. However, please let me know if there is anything that is unclear or in serious conflict with what you know. To begin, lets take a look at the Internet.

1. What is the Internet?

The Internet is the world's largest computer network that evolved from the US Defense Department. Today, it is a community of people all over the world using computers to interact with one another over telephone lines. On the Net you can get information on a wide range of topics including government issues, academic research, and corporate information.

The most exciting aspect of the Net is now you can interact with the whole world. You can send email to your sister in Iowa, download a picture of your grandchildren living in France, read chocolate recipes from Holland, get files from a work associate in Ireland, see the latest weather satellite information from NASA, visit the Library of Congress, buy a coat or a computer, and much, much more. It is an outstanding way to keep in touch with friends, associates, and organizations.

2. How do I get on the Internet?

This question is one of the most asked these days due to the media attention about the Net. Service providers abound that provide access to the Net. A few of these services are Compserve (800-827-6364), eWorld (800-775-4556), Delphi (800-695-4005) and America On Line(800-533-4400).

They all provide services that will immediately get you an the Net with just your computer and a modem. Remember the higher the speed of the modem the better off you are as far as using the Net. A minimum of 14,400 bps (bits per second) is reasonable. America On Line has 28,800 bps connections available now.

In addition to the national service providers there are a proliferation of local providers. These require a little more technical knowledge on your part. Shop around for the best price and service from the local providers.

Be aware of such things as price comparison, technical support and how fast they respond to your inquiries. If they are too busy to answer your questions up front they will not be too reliable when you have technical glitches or can't get your email.

3. What is the WEB?

The World-Wide Web (referred to as WWW or the W3) is the fastest growing part of the Net. The WWW provides information in text format as well as graphics, sound and video. The information is located on WWW servers in what is referred to as a "home page." What is unique here is the information is in "hypertext" format. This is a dynamic linking of the information you are looking at with other locations and pages. This means that the user just clicks on the words or pictures they are interested in and they are linked to other pages and locations.

A software browser is used to access the web information. Each page has a unique address or URL (Uniform Resource Locator) that is used to call up that page on the screen. Today, people can access the WWW from many different types of browsers of which Netscape Navigator is by far the leader in this area. Once you see a good WEB page you will want one of your own.

4. What are Usenet newsgroups?

Newsgroups don't really hold "news", just messages from their contributors. Usenet newsgroups are a large collection of discussion groups about specific topics- involving millions of people from all over the world. There are over 16,000 newsgroups in existence and approximately 100 new newsgroups are created each month.

They cover discussions about politics, religion, news events, entertainment, music, education, etc. This is also the area that has a lot of adult material so parents need to be mindful.

5. How can I view encoded information that I see or is sent to me?

Standard Internet email programs can only send ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Exchange) text messages. They cannot send binary files containing graphic, audio or video images, word-processed documents, or executable programs.

To send these types of files via Internet email, the binary data must be converted to ASCII text through the use of an appropriate encoding utility program. Once the encoded email message has been received at the remote site, it must be decoded to obtain the original binary file. The following is a listing of useful utility programs:

For DOS/Windows users:

• UUENCODE/UUDECODE- use this program for UUENCODED messages.

• WINCODE- Is a Windows application for UUENCODED messages.

• XBIN- For BINHEX-encoded email message. XBIN will do the conversion from Mac format to DOS format.

For MAC users:

• BINHEX- Encoding/decoding utility when dealing with Mac files.

• UUTOOL- Encoding/decoding utility when dealing with DOS files.

• UULITE- Will combine files that are in sections into one for easy decoding.

Much of this software is "shareware" which requires that you send a fee to the author. It is usually inexpensive and you are on your honor.

6. What is Netiquette?

"Netiquette" means being polite and considerate of others on the Net. If you follow the basic rules of polite interaction with others, your time on the Net will be a happy one for you and those you come in contact with.

You should confine your posting to lists that deal with your topic of interest. An article on gun control would not be appropriate in a list that discusses classical music. Making a personal attack on someone (called "flaming"-making a posting that is violently argumentative) is discouraged. Disagreements, are inevitable, but limiting responses to a discussion of the topic and avoiding attacks upon the individual makes the use of the Net pleasant for all. What goes around comes around!

7. Are there any good books about the Internet?

There are a ton of these out there. Get a few books on the Net and it will become clearer and easier to understand. A few good books are listed below:

"Internet Starter KiT" by Adam Engst (With software included, this is my first choice when using local service providers)

"The Whole Internet" by Ed Krol, published by O'Reilly & Associates.

"!%@::A Directory of Electronic Mail Addresses" by Frey & Adams published by O'Reilly & Associates.

"Zen and the Art of the Internet" by Brendan Kehol

"Netguide" by Random house.

"Free Stuff from the internet" by Patrick Vincent.

In addition to books there are also a number of magazines published that are internet specific such as Internet World, World Wide Web Week and The Net. Also the DOS and MAC computer magazines are starting to carry loads of information about the internet.

8. What software is the best for using the WEB?

For WEB browsing Netscape appears to be the clear winner. However, America On Line now has a browser available and is the easiest way to jump in. The other major providers are quickly catching up in an increasingly competitive market.

9. What is the least expensive way to use the internet?

The Los Altos public library has free Net access. They have well trained docents who will help you navigate the Net. Make an appointment and check it out they do an outstanding job. Also an experienced friend that is using the Net is an excellent way to break the ice.

Another way to learn about the Net and cheap access is by locating a SIG (special interest group) in your area. SIG's are a good way for people to exchange information and ideas. One of the best places to look for SIG's is your local college or univeristy. Once you are on the Net, particularly the WEB, it is childs play.

10. How can a parent regulate what their children access?

Use America On Line, they have parental controls built in that can be activated and deactivated by the parent. The Net has a lot of "Adult material" that would offend most parents. So use common sense and be aware of what your kids are doing on your computer.

One of the best ways to prevent children (curious 8 year olds) from downloading RAW material and viewing it is not to have the decoding and viewing software available on the computer. On the WEB many adult sites have warnings and require credit card numbers prior to access. However, some adult magazines are easy sites to view on the WEB as well as many personal home pages with adult themes. Email to and from your children should also be monitored and discussed with them regularly.

Jim Mcfadden is a business consultant located in Los Altos. Please feel free to send questions or comments to jlmcfadden@aol.com or call 948-9000 x313 to leave a voice message.