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A Little BackgroundCheryl Kirk
Author, Columnist, ConsultantRadio Show Co-Host
Seminar
Lots of General TipsLots of Questions
• You’ll definitely pick up something…a tip here, a tip there, and soon you’re saving lots of time.
• Varying levels of users are in this room. So test yourself to find out what you know and what you don’t know.
• Slides will be available online at www.alaska.net/~ckirk
The Back EndWhat’s a Protocol?
• Protocols are the languages of the Internet offering ways to communicate different functions and require programs that understand those protocols– TCP/IP - Networks different OS together
– HTTP - HyperText Transfer Protocol (Web)
– FTP - File Transfer Protocol
– NEWS - Newsgroup Protocol
– Telnet - Connection to other non-GUI computers
Protocol Tips
• When using your favorite browser the default protocol is HTTP so you don’t have to type http://
• Actually depending upon the version of browser you don’t have to type .com either. That’s also a default.
• “microsoft” or “alaska.net” or 24.17.139.42
Protocol Tips
• When you want to connect to a server running another protocol other than HTTP, depending upon the browser version you can simply type it it:
ftp://ftp.alaska.net
Protocol Tips
• Depending upon the browser version you can also include other things such as name and password:
ftp://ckirk:[email protected]
Protocol Tips
• If you specify a particular protocol that the browser understands but cannot display within a browser window a separate application will launch assuming you have everything configured properly:
telnet://alaska.net <-- Launches Telnetnews://alaska.net <-- Launches News Reader
Protocol Tips
• Some browsers, however won’t let you connect to ftp servers if you don’t include the password such as older versions of Internet Explorer: ftp://[email protected] would return an error
Protocol Tips
• Don’t include your password in the ftp address line, otherwise if someone comes along and goes back through your browse list, they could see it. Instead leave it out and let the browser ask for it
Protocol Tips
• If you’re using Windows 95 or above simply use the Run Command to launch your browser and find Web sites. However using this option requires you specify the protocol:
Run --> ftp://ftp.alaska.net or http://www.and.com
Connection Tips
• Set up your connections through the Dial-up Networking option instead of through the Control Panel / Network options if you have multiple providers.
• Make sure you only have TCP/IP chosen as your protocol for the particular dial-up connection. It’ll go faster
Connection Tips
• Record a log file if you are having problems with connecting. It may help in isolating problems and tell you where the dropped connection occurred.
The Back End
• What is a Primary and Secondary DNS Server?
– Domain Name Service (or Server) finds a server that has a list of network names, such as www.microsoft.com and translates them into network numbers, like 206.17.139.44
The Back End
• Where do you get these Internet Protocol (IP) numbers?
– They are assigned by the provider who in turn gets this list of numbers from their network provider, who finally gets them from the Internic.
The Back End
• Why is it faster sometimes when I find a sight and other times slower?– Speed of the connection, time of day, other
system’s busy, etc….– Every time you type www.microsoft.com it has
to find the DNS server and resolve the name with the IP address. Some systems “cache” or keep a list of the recently requested addresses and web pages for faster access
The Back End
• Can I use a DNS server outside my network?– You can specify other DNS servers if you’d
like, that are outside your network. If your ISP is overloaded then you could point to another ISP’s DNS server for resolving names to IP addresses.
The Back End
• What’s a WINS server?– Has nothing to do with the Internet but
everything to do with Microsoft Networks. Used to resolve Microsoft computer names with IP addresses. Why do you have that option? When you install the TCP/IP protocol, that’s another service you could use and is provided in the same properties sheet option.
The Back End
• Should I share files and printers while on the Internet?– Turn off file and print sharing options on
your computer when you connect to the Internet. It’s relatively easy for hackers to gain access this way, particularly if you don’t set passwords.
The Back End
• My password for my Dial-Up Connection keeps going away. Why?– If you can’t save your Dial-Up password
that means you haven’t set a password for your system or you don’t have the latest Service Pack upgrade for Windows 95 installed.
The Back End
• How do you get your own name, like www.cherylkirk.com?– You either get it from your Virtual Hoster,
or directly from the Internic at www.internic.net. You must have an IP address where the name will point.
– Costs vary depending upon if your hoster will pay for the registration fees.
The Back End
• How do you know if someone else already has your name and who that person is?– You search an online database using
Whois. You can find a Web interface to that database right on the home page of Internic.
• What’s the advantage of all these free Email Services?– You can be whoever you want to be
([email protected])– You can use them when posting public
replies– You can use them while traveling– You can use them to back up your email
Free Email Services
• What’s the best free service?– All are good. Some are faster on some
days and times than others. – Look for ones that:
• Give you at least 3-5MB of space• Will allow you to set up address books• Let you email attachments• Offer “Vacation” mail messages• Will forward mail or connect to POPMail
Free Email Services
• Include your real (or free) email address in the Bcc list when emailing so it’ll backup your messages.
• Use the Reply All feature when responding to replies so you’ll get the address included in the Bcc section
Free Email Services
• What about traveling and using them that way?– First check with your ISP to see if he/she
has a Web-based front-end to their email system. (http://webmail.flex.net)
– All you need is Web connection to that Free Email and you’re on! No more configuring anything
Free Email Services
• Traveling with Free Email– I use ZDNET mail (www.zdnetmail.com)
when I’m traveling because these days the free Internet Kiosks in the airports have links to ZDNet FREE. Without having to pay you can get your POPMail.
• How do you manage your mail?– I set up folders so that I can segment out
the email I get. • Folders for personal• Folders for jokes• Folders for business
– I do a monthly spring cleaning– I use the sort options to find what to delete
• How do you manage your mail?– I use my Address book and instantly add
anyone who has emailed me twice. – I set up Groups or Lists so I don’t have to
type long lists of addresses– I periodically save my Address book to either
an HTML file or a text file just in case– I use separate addresses for mailing lists I’m
on so and read those once a week
• Any Tips for Outlook Users?– Control - I switches you to the Inbox– Use the various Stationary to send HTML
formatted email(but make sure the recipient can read it)
– Check the Properties of a message to see how it got to you
– Use Filters in All email programs to filter out or sort messages into folders
Email Tips
• Any other general Email Tips?– Use the Sort feature to read through
Threaded Messages– Many other columns are available for sorting– Compress mail boxes on a regular basis – Use the Find option within your email
program to find people– Use Groups and Address books!
Email Tips
• Any other general Email Tips?– Don’t use your full name in the reply to field– Set up system so copies of messages are
saved either locally or remotely– Password features (remembering passwords)
are only good for when logging on. The password option can be bypassed to read saved mail
– Don’t use real email for newsgroup postings!
Speaking of NewsGroups
• What Are They?– Worldwide bulletin boards
Used to post messages and files)– Great source of information– Excellent way to market your products – Great way to get answers to questions– A real under utilized option by many– Can find anything including software
NewsGroups
• How do you get to them? – Can get to them just by typing
news://alaska.net in your browser– Can get to them through
www.dejanews.com and through other services
– The number of messages you see depends on the provider you are using
NewsGroups
• How long do messages stay out there?– Depends on provider’s setup– Use Dejanews to search for older postings– Some providers off a way to back out of
posting messages. Once it’s out there you have a hard time getting it off
NewsGroups
• What are some rules you use?– Try never to use your real email address– In your reply to: section change it to
something other than your real email address so you don’t get spammed
– Take everything with a grain of salt– Use them when you need an answer or
perspective on things
Newsgroups
• Why use DejaNews?– Quick way to find stuff– Great way to see what a person’s profile is– Gives you chance to back out of your
postings should you change your mind– Downside is you don’t get files
Newsgroups
• How do you use them?– When I want to advertise something...I post
a message from my evil twin– When I’m looking for people to give me
feedback about something– When I’m looking for the “best” program– If I’m in a pinch and I can’t find shareware– One word - PORN!
The Web
• What Web Browser is the Best?– It depends....
• Netscape is faster sometimes• IE is available all the time now with 98• It takes time to learn both• Opera is a great slimmed down browser that
will get you there fast• Older browsers like Navigator 2.0 or 3.0 are
relatively simplistic
The Web
• What do you recommend people do to get on the Web?– Buy a WebTV! ($99/$$183)– Great for older people– Excellent for a home system– You can now use your own ISP with
WebTV– Great for TV watchers who like to surf
WebTV
• Serves a purpose just like a blender serves a purpose. I can’t knead dough in my blender, but I can make Margaritas!
• I use it at home to use the net as an Entertainment option instead of a work option
• Fast, 56K modem, has good range of features, although some could be better
Traveling
• What do you use when you travel for network connections?– Believe it or not, I use America Online– Works great. Never had a problem where I
couldn’t connect on the road. Phones may be busy but...
– Offers TCP/IP connections! I can Telnet, use my own browser, use Outlook...
– I set up multiple cities before I leave
AOL
• AOL Sucks!– Most people say that based on past
experiences. Everything sucked a couple of years ago.
– Modems worldwide have been upgraded– Great for being an anonymous type– Excellent email features for blocking email
spammers
AOL
• What’s great about it– Always a CD available somewhere– Offers video and audio all in one– One word - FREE!– Another word - PORN!– Another word - Instant Messenger– One account - multiple users worldwide!
Instant Messaging
• What is it? How does it work?– You connect to the net, then use these
instant messaging systems to send instant messages without having to wait for email delays
– Allows you to set up group chats– Lets you exchange files on the fly– Quick way to check the comings and goings
of people
Instant Messaging
• What’s the best one to use?– Really is based on your preference– I use AOL Instant Messaging because I
can also see AOL people coming and going.
– AOL Instant messaging works with non-AOL users as well
– ICQ is very big and good
Instant Messaging
• How do you use it?– To keep track of friends – To explain things to people remotely– To chat with multiple people– As a way to let others know I’m online– To send files or updates without having to
set up an FTP server
Using Your System
• What are some just general shortcuts?– Drag and Drop is Big– Setting Up Folders – Setting Up Shortcuts
Drag and Drop
• Drag and Drop?– Amazing things you can do....just by
dragging and dropping• Upload/Download files• Save shortcuts/Bookmarks• Save single email messages• QuickLinks• Dragging from one program to another
Right-Clicking (or Holding Down Mouse Button)
• Big Time saver• Something you can use in any program• Can use to copy and paste without
keyboard• Can use it to save images as all sorts of
things• It’s amazing what you can do just by
Right-Clicking
Setting Up Your Screen
• Get more real-estate on your screen
• Memorize keystrokes instead of having huge buttons
• Turn off graphics for fast loading, then right-click to see images
Setting Up Your System
• Set up Folders, then drag and drop to those
• Drag and Drop to your Start Button• Set up Bookmarks so you don’t have
huge long running lists• Make sure you have plug-ins and helper
apps installed– RealVideo/Audio, ShockWave, etc.
General Browser Questions
• Why do some pages have .htm and others have .html and others have .asp or .cfm, etc?– These are file extensions used when creating
the file• .htm and .html are HyperText file extensions
• This can be set by the program creating the files
• .asp - Active Server Pages
• .cfm - Cold Fusion Pages
General Browser Questions
• What about security?– Never do business with someone you don’t
know– Always check for secured site options– Buy with Credit card with small balance– Report problems – Nothing is secure in this world
General Browser/Web Questions
• What do you think is nifty on the Net?– Definitely RealVideo – Definitely Broadcast.com
• You can see the Jerry Springer tape - Too Hot for TV!
• You can watch old TV shows• It’s like 24 hour cable without the cost• Most of the older shows are more audio-
oriented anyway
General Browser Questions
• What do you think is nifty on the Net?– Internet video conferencing
• IVisit, NetMeeting, CUSeeMe, etc.
– Microsoft’s Media Player• Contains all the popular formats
– IPIX and QuickTime VR things– Radio Stations– One word - Porn! – Web Cameras
Searching the Internet
• What’s the best Search engine?– It depends– There are Search Engines and Search
Directories– You need to learn idiosyncrasies of them– Use big search, then drill down– I use Infoseek, Altavista, Dogpile, HotBot,
Lycos sometimes depending upon what I’m looking for.
Searching the Internet
• Use Capitalization• Use + and -
– Add a plus before a word, plus this or minus that, etc.
• Use Quotes– “How the West Was Won”
• Use Ask Jeeves– Use Natural Language
Searching the Internet
• Drill down?– I go to Infoseek– I type in Bed and Breakfast– I type in Alaska and click search the results– I type in Anchorage and click search the
results again– I look quickly at dates and duplicates
Searching the Internet
• I use Altavista to find things that are common– Say I’m looking for a person. Instead of using
PeopleFinder, I use AltaVista to put in their name: David Grayson
• I use HotBot to find files– Say I’m looking for some Windows NT Policy
template files• I got to HotBot, click the option to search file
extensions, type in .adm
Searching the Internet
• I use Yahoo or Excite for more general things like:– TV Listings– Radio Stations– Travel stuff– Computer stuff
Searching the Internet
• I save my search results in my search folder
• I save my favorite pages in my favorite pages folder
• I use my own internal searching features to search those pages
• I email myself pages I find to remind me of things
Searching the Internet
• I don’t overlook searching within a Page. Use the Find in a Page option to find what you are looking for once you’ve drilled down.
• I use the right search option for the job:– MapQuest or MapBlast– PeopleFinder– www.555-1212.com for reverse phone #
lookups
Browser Tips
• How can I find a site I forgot about and didn’t bookmark?– about:global– about:history
Browser Tips
• How should I set up my browser?– Set up a large cache on a RAM disk or
removable disk– I do periodic cleaning – I update browser about 4 months after
update comes out– I let the browser do the work, like with typing
names– I open many windows
Browser Tips
• I use minimize all to go back to the desktop
• I use the Run command and explorer to open up and then create folders if I haven’t done so before getting online
• I use the Show Desktop button in Windows 98
Browser Tips
• The Personal Toolbar feature is a great addition to Navigator– You can add Web sites you like for quick, easy
access. Go to the site you want to add, move pointer over the area between the Bookmarks and the Location field. There will be a little page icon. Mouse pointer will change to a hand. Click and hold the left mouse button, drag the to the Toolbar
Browser Tips
• What about Printing? Nothing seems to work right– Use Print Preview instead of Print to print
page ranges– Copy or drag and drop information from
page to other programs for printing there– Email to yourself instead of printing– Use folders to save stuff
Spamming
• How do I stop all this spam?– Don’t use real email for newsgroup
postings– Don’t use real email for mailing lists– Don’t reply. Just ignore, but tell provider– Filter messages if you see a trend from a
particular spammer– Use ISP’s options for spamming
Spamming
• How do I stop all this spam?– Eventually there will be laws just like faxing– Don’t get hooked...display by sender in
your list of messages so that subjects like “I’m sorry” and “Urgent” can quickly be identified as spamming
– 3rd party spamming software I think is a waste of time
Downloading/Uploading
• What’s the best way to download things and from what source?– It depends
• I use download.com/shareware.com, etc.• I also use newsgroups, but then I have to deal
with encoding and combining
– Drag and Drop - Use it!– Always have Zip available.
Downloading / Uploading
• Organize before you download– Create folders for the compressed and
uncompressed files– User virus check on downloads as you
download– Save FTP sites or search results to a page– Use features of browser to upload files
Publishing on the Net
• What’s the best Web page making program?– It depends on what you want to do
• Easy: HotDog, HotMetal, Compose, FrontPage Wizard
• Advanced:FrontPage 98, Drumbeat 2000, NetObjects
• Good: DreamWeaver, PageMill
Publishing on the Net
• Use the HTML features of your programs– Word, Excel, Schedule, PowerPoint all will
make Web pages out of your data. Use those options, then edit them in your Web page making program
Publishing on the Net
• Forget about using Notepad to write HTML code. That’s like using WordPerfect to word process.
• Understand there are browser idiosyncrasies
• FrontPage put in it’s own specialized tags. Webots are available only if server has FP extensions
Publishing on the Net
• Learn the various alphabet soups:– DHTML– CSS– XML– ASP– CGI
Publishing on the Net
• What is a Virtual Host?– Gives you space on his system for you to put
your stuff– You use his server and all his options – He sets up your domain name to point to his
server– You still need network connections– Virtual Hosting/AOL
No need to worry
Publishing on the Net
• What do you look for when picking one?– Look for the future options– Look for easy Web-based access, not just
FTP access– Look for quick tech -support turnaround – Look for free options– Look at www.webhostdir.com
Thanks!
Any Questions?
