E X P L O R I N G I N T E R N E T An Introduction to Networking for Cooperative Extension September 1992 The National Research and Education Network (NREN), a part of Internet, is a worldwide network that provides access to valuable information collections and services. Using Internet, you can search subject matter databases, participate in discussion groups, and send or receive electronic mail (e-mail). Almanac, telnet, discussion groups, mailing groups, and listservs are only a few services available to you through Internet. Listed below are short descriptions of these information services and some basic procedures to help you get started. The first step in getting access to Internet is to establish an account on a computer that is connected to the network. All land-grant universities have computers connected to Internet. If you have questions on how to get to Internet from your location contact your computer support staff. ----------- ALMANAC ----------- Almanac is an internetwork information server where requests are submitted and processed through electronic mail. Currently four Almanac servers are in operation and more are in the planning stages. To access information in Almanac simply send a request to Almanac using your e-mail program and Almanac will put the requested information into your electronic mailbox. Here are a few tips to get you started using Almanac. Current Almanac Sites ------------------------------------------------------- Location Internet Address ------------------------------------------------------- Oregon State University..........almanac@oes.orst.edu Purdue University................almanac@ecn.purdue.edu Extension Service-USDA...........almanac@esusda.gov North Carolina State University..almanac@ces.ncsu.edu HOW TO: Find What's In Almanac 1. Send an e-mail message to almanac@oes.orst.edu OR almanac@ecn.purdue.edu OR almanac@esusda.gov OR almanac@ces.ncsu.edu. * Each site maintains a subject catalog for their location. * Almanac doesn't require anything in the subject line. 2. In the body of your message type the command: send catalog * Don't include any additional text in your message. * Use lower case characters. 3. When you read your e-mail, the catalog should be in your mailbox. * Many factors influence how long it takes for Almanac to honor a request-some take only a few seconds, others a few minutes. HOW TO: Get the Almanac Users Guide 1. Send an e-mail message to almanac@oes.orst.edu OR almanac@ecn.purdue.edu OR almanac@esusda.gov OR almanac@ces.ncsu.edu * Each site maintains an Almanac Users Guide for their location. 2. In the body of your message type the command: send guide 3. When you read your e-mail, the guide should be in your mailbox. * If your e-mail program can't handle messages larger that a certain size (K), use the slimit command. Check the user guide for details. ----------- TELNET ----------- The telnet program allows you to login to a computer located in another location on the Internet. You can use telnet to access a computer located in the next state just as easily as one located in another country. Over 100 libraries allow you to use telnet to access their computer-based library catalogs and a number of universities and colleges maintain information services. One important point to remember is once you access a remote computer, you must use commands specific for that system. If you're having problems navigating through a system try typing the command: HELP for instructions. Check with your computer support staff to see if you have telnet access over Internet from your location. Telnet examples: ---------------------------------------------------- Location: Pennsylvania State University Name: PENpages Addresss psupen.psu.edu Username: Your two-letter state abbreviation, i.e. NY, PA Type: Information Service/database Location: Clemson University Name: CUFAN Addresss eureka.clemson.edu Username: public Type: Information Service/database Location: Colorado Association of Research Libraries Addresss pac.carl.org Type: Library catalog Location: California Name: CSU Freso ATI-NET (Advanced Technology Information Network) Addresss caticsuf.csufresno.edu Username: super Type: Information Service/database HOW TO: Telnet To Another Computer 1. >>From your system prompt type the command: Telnet followed by the destination computer address. For example, to access the computer at the Pennsylvania State University where PENpages is located type the following: Telnet psupen.psu.edu. * Telnet may be a menu choice or available from your system prompt. Check with your computer support staff for instructions on how to telnet from your location. * >>From the Telnet> prompt, you must type the command: open then the destination computer address. * An address may be numeric. 2. At the username prompt enter a username. In this example the username is the 2-letter abbreviation for your state, i.e. PA, NY, FL. No password is required for PENpages. * Usernames and passwords vary from system to system. Many locations have adopted a standard username anonymous and password guest. * Commands to exit a system vary among locations. If the system doesn't indicate how to exit, try typing close, exit, quit, or bye. ---------------------------------- Mailing Groups and Listservs ---------------------------------- Mailing groups, forums, discussion groups, and listservs are special interest groups where questions or issues are sent to the group via e-mail. Members of the group discuss the topic while all members observe the dialog. Some lists are more active than others and after subscribing to a list you may receive few or dozens of e-mail messages weekly. Mailing groups are available through Almanac. Listservs are available through Internet and BITNET. It's recommended that if you subscribe to a group or list that you have a personal e-mail account. Remember when you reply to a question posted by a member, your message is placed in the mailbox of every member of the group. Another type of mailing group available is a "server." Almanac servers are designed for one-way communications only. They are typically used by an author to distribute newsletters or news releases. * Do not send mail to Almanac mailing group servers. HOW TO: Subscribe to an Almanac Mailing Group 1. Send an e-mail message to almanac@oes.orst.edu OR almanac@ecn.purdue.edu OR almanac@esusda.gov * Each site maintains a Mailing List Catalog for their location. 2. In the body of your message type the command: send mail-catalog * The Mailing List Catalog describes the mailing groups available at that site. * Items designated as "servers" are reserved for one-way communications. Subscribing to a "server" list is similar to signing up for to a newspaper or magazine subscription. When new information is published you will receive a copy in your e-mail box. * Items designated as "forums" are discussion groups or interest groups. 3. To subscribe to a group, send an e-mail message to the Almanac site where the mailing group you wish to join is located. For example to subscribe to the "CITExtension" newsletter you would send a message to Almanac@esusda.gov. 4. In the body of your message type the following: subscribe and the name of the group. For example to subscribe to the "CITExtension" newsletter you would type: subscribe usda.cite 5. To unsubscribe from the group, send an e-mail message to the Almanac address of the group and in your message type the command: unsubscribe and the name of the group. For example to remove your name from the "CITExtension" newsletter mailing group send a message to Almanac@esusda.gov and type the command: unsubscribe usda.cite HOW TO: Subscribe to a Listserv Discussion Group 1. Send an e-mail message to LISTSERV@ followed by the listserv address. For example to subscribe to a list located at the University of Maryland you would type the following: LISTSERV@UMDD.UMD.EDU * Listservs are available via Internet or BITNET. Most BITNET systems require .BITNET as part of the address. 2. In the body of your message type the command: SUB followed by the name of the list and your first and last name. For example to subscribe to a list called "Dairy-L" you would type the following: SUB DAIRY-L Joe Smith (The Listserv management will send a message via e-mail with additional instructions and information.) 3. To post a message to the group, send an e-mail message to the name of the list followed by the listserv address. For example to ask a question to the "Dairy-L" members you would send an e-mail note to DAIRY-L@UMDD.UMD.EDU and type your question in the body of your message. 4. To unsubscribe from the group, send an e-mail message to the listserv address and the command: SIGNOFF and the listname. For example to unsubscribe from the Dairy-L listserv you would send a message to LISTSERV@UMDD.UMD.EDU and in the message type the command: SIGNOFF DAIRY-L __________________________________________________________ = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Here are a FEW resources available via Internet that may be of interest to you. Of course, we can't list all the resources available. If you know of a resource of interest to Extension professionals send a note to Deborah Shaffer at DSHAFFER@ESUSDA.GOV. ------------------ GENERAL INTEREST ------------------ Name: Disaster Factsheets Service: Almanac--database Address: almanac@ecn.purdue.edu Instruction: Send an e-mail message to almanac@ecn.purdue.edu. In the message type the following command: send factsheet catalog How to get a factsheet: Send an e-mail message to almanac@ecn.purdue.edu. In the message type the following: send factsheet and the name of the factsheet, for example: send factsheet hugo04 ------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Satellite Teleconference Calendar Service: Almanac--database Address: almanac@oes.orst.edu Instruction: Send an e-mail message to almanac@oes.orst.edu. In the message type the following command: send extension satellite-calendar ------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Nationwide Extension Job Vacancies Service: Almanac--database Address: almanac@oes.orst.edu Instruction: Send an e-mail message to almanac@oes.orst.edu. In the message type the following command: send extension vacancies ------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: ES-USDA Press Releases--from the Office of Public Affairs Service: Almanac--mailing group server Address: almanac@esusda.gov Instruction: To Subscribe: Send an e-mail message to almanac@esusda.gov. In the message type the following: subscribe usda.news ------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Ag a.m.-daily national agriculture news Content: * * * * * * * COPYRIGHT NOTIFICATION * * * * * * * AG a.m. is intended for use by USDA policymakers only. Redistributing AG a.m.outside USDA by any means violates copyright on the source material. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Service: Almanac--mailing group server Address: almanac@esusda.gov Instruction: To Subscribe: Send an e-mail message to almanac@esusda.gov. In the message type the following: subscribe usda.agam ------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: CITExtension--ES-USDA bi-monthly newsletter focusing on communications and technology Service: Almanac--mailing group server Address: almanac@esusda.gov Instruction: To Subscribe: Send an e-mail message to almanac@esusda.gov. In the message type the following: subscribe usda.cite ------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Technology Transfer in International Development Service: Listserv Address: LISTSERV@AUVM.BITNET Instruction: To Subscribe: Send an e-mail message to LISTSERV@AUVM.BITNET. In the message type the following: SUB DEVEL-L yourname To Send a Message to the Group: Send an e-mail message to DEVEL-L@AUVM.BITNET ------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: DEOS: The Distance Education Online Symposium DEOS-L and DEOSNEWS Content: DEOS, the Distance Education Online Symposium, consists of DEOSNEWS and DEOS-L. DEOSNEWS is a weekly/biweekly, international, electronic journal for distance education. DEOS-L is an international discussion forum for distanc education, originally established to facilitate discussion of the issues presented in DEOSNEWS, as well as other issues of interest for distance educators. Contact: Morten Flate Paulsen,editor MFP101@PSUVM.BITNET Service: Listserv Address: LISTSERV@PSUVM.PSU.EDU or LISTSERV@PSUVM.BITNET Instruction: To Subscribe: Send an e-mail message to LISTSERV@PSUVM.PSU.EDU. In the message type SUB DEOS-L yourname OR SUB DEOSNEWS yourname To Send a Message to the Group: Send an e-mail message to DEOS-L@PSUVM.PSU.EDU ------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Weather Underground-a U.S. weather service Service: Telnet Address: downwind.sprl.umich.edu 3000 OR 141.212.196.177 3000 Instruction: >>From your system prompt type: Telnet downwind.sprl.umich.edu 3000 ------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: MOLIS--Minority On-line Information Service Content: Provides current information about Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic-Serving Institutions. Contact: 301-975-0103 Service: Telnet Address: fedix.fie.com Instruction: >>From your system prompt type: Telnet fedix.fie.com At the login prompt type: molis At the USERID prompt type NEW and follow the NEW user instructions. Additional Notes: Also available via modem at 301-258-5016 or 800-626-6547. Modem setup: 8-N-1; Baud rate: 1200, 2400, or 9600. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: QUERRI--Questions on University Extension Regional Resource Information Content: QUERRI is a database of bibliographic information on more than 12,000 educational resources produced by Extension specialists in the north central states. Contact: Sorrel Brown, J2.NCR@ISUMVS.IASTATE.EDU Service: Telnet Address: isn.rdns.iastate.edu Instruction: >>From your system prompt type: Telnet isn.rdns.iastate.edu. At the dial prompt type: QUERRI ------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Extension Review Service: Almanac--database Address: almanac@ecn.purdue.edu Instruction: Send an e-mail message to almanac@ecn.purdue.edu. In the message type the following command: send er extrev ---------------------------------- AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES ---------------------------------- Name: National Agricultural Market News Database--from the USDA Agricultural Market Service Service: Almanac--database Address: almanac@oes.orst.edu Instruction: What's available: Send an e-mail message to almanac@oes.orst.edu. In the message type the following: send market-news catalog How to get a report: Send an e-mail message to almanac@oes.orst.edu. In the message type the following: send market-news and the code number of the report, for example: send market-news mpcn001 ------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Water Quality Information Management Database Service: Almanac--database Address: almanac@ecn.purdue.edu Instruction: What's available: Send an e-mail message to almanac@ecn.purdue.edu. In the message type the following: send wq catalog How to get a report: Send an e-mail message to almanac@ecn.purdue.edu. In the message type the following: send wq and the code number of the report, for example: send wq wq-13.in ------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Research Results Database--from the Agricultural Research Service and the Economic Research Service Service: Almanac--database Address: almanac@esusda.gov Instruction: What's available: Send an e-mail message to almanac@esusda.gov. In the messsage type the following: subscribe usda.rrdb How to get a report: Send an e-mail message to almanac@esusda.gov. In the message type the following: send rrdb and the code number of the report. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: PENpages--online information service containing over 10,000 documents of agricultural and consumer-oriented information Service: Telnet Address: psupen.psu.edu Instruction: >>From your system prompt type: Telnet psupen.psu.edu. At the username prompt enter the 2-letter abbreviation for your state, i.e. NY, FL, OR. User Guide: Available from Support@psupen.psu.edu or by writing to Computer Services, 405 Ag. Admin. Bldg, University Park, PA 16802. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Sustainable Agriculture Showcase Bibliography Service: Almanac--database Address: almanac@oes.orst.edu Instruction: What's available: Send an e-mail message to almanac@oes.orst.edu. In the message type the following: send extension showcase catalog ------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Sustainable Agriculture Discussion Group Service: Almanac--mailing group forum Address: almanac@oes.orst.edu Instruction: To Subscribe: Send an e-mail message to almanac@oes.orst.edu. In the message type the following command: subscribe sanet-mg To Send a Message to the Group: Send an e-mail message to sanet-mg@oes.orst.edu ------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Dairy Science Discussion Group Service: Listserv Address: Listserv@umdd.umd.edu Instruction: To Subscribe: Send an e-mail message to listserv@umdd.umd.edu. In the message type the following: SUB DAIRY-L yourname To Send a Message to the Group: Send an e-mail message to DAIRY-L@UMDD.UMD.EDU ------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Beekeeping Discussion Group Content: BEE-L is for the discussion of research and information concerning the biology of bees. This includes honey bees and other bees. Members communicate about sociobiology, behavior, ecology, adaptation/evolution, genetics, taxonomy, physiology, pollination, and flower nectar and pollen production of bees. Contact: Mary Jo Orzech, Bitnet: MJO@BROCK1P.BITNET Service: Listserv Address: LISTSERV@ALBNYVM1.BITNET Instruction: To Subscribe: Send an e-mail message to LISTSERV@ALBNYVM1.BITNET. In the message type the following: SUB BEE-L yourname To Send a Message to the Group: Send an e-mail message to BEE-L@ALBNYVM1.BITNET ------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Aquaculture Discussion Group Content: For individuals interested in the science, technology and business of rearing aquatic species. Contact: Ted White, University of Guelph Internet: zoowhite@vm.uoguelph.ca Service: Listserv Address: LISTSERV@VM.UOGUELPH.CA Instruction: To Subscribe: Send an e-mail message to LISTSERV@VM.UOGUELPH.CA. In the message type the following: SUB AQUA-L yourname To Send a Message to the Group: Send an e-mail message to AQUA-L@VM.UOGUELPH.CA ------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Veterinary Informatics Discussion Group Content: This list has been created to stimulate discussion in the area of Informatics, with special reference to the field of Veterinary Medicine. Related topics include Clinical decision support systems, laboratory information management, imaging, disease nomenclature and coding systems, expert systems, knowledge bases, etc. Discussions related to specific hardware and software implementations are welcome as well as approaches to specific approaches to challenges in veterinary informatics. Contact: Jim Case DVM,Ph.D, University of California Bitnet: JCASE@UCDCVDLS.BITNET Service: Listserv Address: LISTSERV@UCDCVDLS.BITNET Instruction: To Subscribe: Send an e-mail message to LISTSERV@UCDCVDLS.BITNET. In the message type the following: VETINFO yourname To Send a Message to the Group: Send an e-mail message to VETINFO@UCDCVDLS.BITNET VETINFO%UCDCVDLS@UCCVMA.UCOP.EDU ------------------------------- HOME ECONOMICS/FAMILY LIVING ------------------------------- Name: MAPP-The National Family Life Database Name: The International Food and Nutrition Database (IFAN) Name: Senior Series--contains information on aging and the elderly Service: Telnet to PENpages Address: psupen.psu.edu Instruction: >>From your system prompt type: Telnet psupen.psu.edu. At the username prompt enter the 2-letter abbreviation for your state, i.e. NY, FL, OR. Choose the Index-Keyword search option and search using the keyword MAPP, IFAN-DATABASE, SENIOR-SERIES or another keyword of interest. User Guide: Available from Support@psupen.psu.edu or by writing to Computer Services, 405 Ag. Admin. Bldg, University Park, PA 16802. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Food Market News Service: Almanac--mailing group server Address: almanac@oes.orst.edu Instruction: To Subscribe: Send an e-mail message to almanac@oes.orst.edu. In the message type the following: subscribe fdmktnews-mg ------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Food for Thought Content: Food For Thought is a nationally syndicated food and nutrition news column authored by Dr. Jean Mayer, President of Tufts University and Jeanne Goldberg, R.D., lecturer in nutrition at Tufts University. This news column appears weekly in PENpages. [(c) 1990, Washington Post Writers Group] Contact: Audrey Maretzki, AMARETZKI@psupen.psu.edu, (814) 863- 4751 Service: Telnet to PENpages Address: psupen.psu.edu Instruction: >>From your system prompt type: Telnet psupen.psu.edu. At the username prompt enter the 2-letter abbreviation for your state, i.e. NY, FL, OR. Choose the Index-Keyword search option and search using the keyword FOOD-FOR-THOUGHT. Current issues are available from "Recent Changes to PENpages," located under the Menu option. User Guide: Available from Support@psupen.psu.edu or by writing to Computer Services, 405 Ag. Admin. Bldg, University Park, PA 16802. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Family Science Network Content: Mailing group for researchers and scholars whose work focuses on family science, marriage and family therapy, family sociology, and the behavioral science aspects of family medicine. The purpose of the list is to enhance communication among family scientists and to support research programs; provided by the Department of Family Studies, UKY. Contact: Greg Brock, GWBROCK@UKCC.BITNET Service: Listserv Address: LISTSERV@UKCC.UKY.EDU Instruction: To Subscribe: Send an e-mail message to LISTSERV@UKCC.UKY.EDU. In the message type the following: SUB FAMLYSCI yourname. (The list manager will provide additional instructions.) To Send a Message to the Group: Send an e-mail message to FAMLYSCI@UKCC.UKY.EDU ------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: FAMNET Discussion Group Content: FAMNET is a discussion group for Extension Specialists interested in programs and issues related to families, children, and youth. The purpose of FAMNET is to facilitate timely communications between and among Extension Specialists. FAMNET would include: timely dissemination of information on calls for proposals from from other federal agencies, sharing of research, evaluation methods or data, resource materials, data on families issues or trends, public policy issues, comming events, etc. Specialists would also be able to share plans for new programs and seek others to network with in the developmental process. Contact: Ron Daly, RDALY@esusda.gov Service: Almanac--mailing group forum Address: almanac@esusda.gov Instruction: To Subscribe: Send an e-mail message to almanac@esusda.gov. In the message type the following: subscribe famnet To Send a Message to the Group: Send an e-mail message to famnet@esusda.gov. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Family Economics News Description: Family Economics News, a monthly newsletter published by Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; written for Cooperative Extension System educators working with family economics, family resource management, and consumer education topics; contains research abstracts, details about new Extension educational materials, and updates of activities of the Federal Extension partner. Contact: Jane Schuchardt, JSCHUCHARDT@esusda.gov Service: Almanac--mailing group server Address: almanac@esusda.gov Instruction: To subscribe: Send an e-mail message to almanac@esusda.gov. In the message type the following command: subscribe usda.fenews ------------------------------- 4-H/YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ------------------------------- Name: Youth Net Discussion Group Content: Youth Net is a multidisciplinary electronic network for individuals interested in research on adolescents. Service: Listserv Address: LISTSERV@INDYCMS.IUPUI.EDU Instruction: To Subscribe: Send an e-mail message to LISTSERV@INDYCMS.IUPUI.EDU. In the message type SUB YOUTHNET yourname To Send a Message to the Group: Send an e-mail message to YOUTHNET@INDYCMS.IUPUI.EDU. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Questions regarding this handout contact: Deborah Shaffer, ES-USDA, CIT and the Pennsylvania State University 3086A Wyllys Place, West Point, NY 10996, (914) 446-7848 Internet: DShaffer@esusda.gov or Shafferd@psupen.psu.edu "Exploring Internet" is available from Almanac@esusda.gov by issuing the one line command: send internet exploring-internet. Version 2.0 ------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- The Cooperative Extension System's programs are open to all citizens without regard to race, color, sex, handicap, religion, age, or national origin. Mention or display of a trademark, proprietary product, or firm in text or figures does not constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and does not imply approval to the exclusion of other suitable products or firms.