The Internet

"The Net", A global network that connects more than tens of thousands of networks, millions of large multiuser computers, and tens of millions in more than 100 countries.

• The best way to describe the Internet is what it's not:
• It's not a single location
• There is no single entry point
• There is no single control
• There is no single type of application.

• What you need.
• A Modem - A device used to convert computer-compatible signals to signals that can be transmitted over the telephone lines, then back again to computer signals at the other end of the line.
• Phone line.
Or
• Direct network connection - LAN ( Local Area Network), A system of hardware, software, and communications channels that connects devices on the local premises. Just like what we use in the microcomputer labs and RESNET.
• To connect on a direct network connection you need a N.I.C. (a network interface card), these cards are different than modems in that they link your computer directly to the network using the network protocols. Most N.I.C. cards that are used today are Ethernet cards which communicate over the Ethernet network protocol.

Communication Software

• Terminal emulation mode - The keyboard, the monitor, and the data interface function like that of the terminal being being emulated. It switches the computer from a stand alone PC, to a terminal working off another large server computer which is usually remotely located.
• File Transfer Protocol - (Ftp) - Communication software that enables the transfer of files between a PC and another computer.
• Download - The transfer of data from a remote computer to a local computer.
• Upload - The transmission of data from a local computer to a remote computer.
• In this class we will be using software called WS-FTP, the icon looks like this 
  
• If you are working from home you will not have this software on your computer. You will need to bring your disk to school or learn to FTP from your home.
• Host Mode - Is the flip side of the terminal operation, allows you to set up your computer so users can call in and establish a communications link via terminal emulation.
• Fax Support - Communication softwre lets you send and receive faxes directly from your PC.
• FACSIMILE
• Bps or Baud Rate - (Bits per Second ) The number of bits that can be transmitted per second over a communications channel.
• If you have a modem that handles 56kps, it's doing 56,000bps
• These are some other technical terms on how computers communicate
• Parity checking - Built in checking procedure for recieving and sending data. None is the most common, even is the other choice.
• Data bits - Specify the number of bits in the character or byte (seven bits, for even parity, or eight bits.)
• Stop bits - You select 1 for PC-based data communications.
• Data flow - Full duplex should usually be used. Half duplex is transferring one direction at a time, and Full is of course transferring both directions at same time.
• Logging on procedure
• Establish a link
• Dial up Networking or
• LAN (Local Area Network) link is permanent
• Enter user ID and password
• Surf, mail, ftp, etc. etc.
• Log off - Don't tie up the network.

• Information Services- A commercial network that provides remote users with access to a variety of information services.
• American Online, Prodigy, Microsoft Network , Genie, etc. etc.
• Fancy software that supplies pretty GUI.
• They have had outragous growth.
• Still only 25% of PC owners subscribe to an online information service.
• They offer lots of services.
• Newsgroups
• Chat rooms
• Magazines
• Ticket Info
• Internet Service Provider(ISP) - Acts as a gateway to the Internet, it is a direct connection to the internet, using software that enables a direct link via TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol).
• Usually local companies (but these days the local companies have been bought up in many cases by National companies. They still try to look local, but when you call them you're talking to somebody in Georgia.
• Onte Wireless - They have dial up access, and wireless (faster) access, as well as cell phones and 802.11 products (home wireless kits for Internet mobility around your house or dorm). Montana.net
• Look in the phonebook for many, many other choices.
• Provide internet access as well as usually web advertising
• web pages
• banners
• Monthly fees vary, make sure it is a local call.
• Speeds vary.
• How many users per modem dial up access?

• Direct Network Connection - The PC must have TCP/IP software and be connected to a LAN that is directly linked to an internet host.
• Global Net's wireless access that I stated above is a Direct Network Connection
• So are all DSL carriers such as Broadband, and Bridgeband here in Bozeman.
• Much faster
• No dial up log ons, because always connected.

HISTORY OF THE INTERNET

• The government started the whole thing. 1969
• ARPNET -Dept. of Defense Advanced Research Project Agency sponsored a project to create a new community of geographical dispersed scientist who are united by technology.
• First linked UCLA to Stanford. Then on to three computers in Califonia and one in Utah.
• In a couple of years it expanded to 20 sites, in 20 years it expanded to 200 sites (1981)
• Then Kaboom
• Every University in the country wanted to sign up. It became harder and harder to manage, particulary with the large and growing number of university sites on it. So the broke it up into two parts. MILNET and ARPANET
• MILNET was the military sites.
• ARPANET was the non-military sites.
• Around 1990 the commercial world was let in to the network and ARPA was disbanded, and NSFNET took over.
• National Science Foundations Network.
• This made the World Wide Web in 1991
• Today commercial networks have taken over, but no one entity controls or owns the Internet.

TechnoWords

The lovely people at CS150 have put together a rather extensive lists of definitions to help you travel thru cyberspace and beyond. Please look through these, learn these, and use these words as often as possible.
Click here for terms to know.
 

How the Internet Works

• Domain Names
• The three letter endings (make sure you know which each means)
• .edu
• .com
• .org
• .gov
• .net
• .mil
• .int
• IP addresses
• Routers
• Backbone Routers