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rfc:rfc1290

Network Working Group J. Martin Request for Comments: 1290 Ohio State University FYI: 10 December 1991

                There's Gold in them thar Networks!
                                 or
           Searching for Treasure in all the Wrong Places

Status of this Memo

 This RFC provides information for the Internet community. It does not
 specify an Internet standard. Distribution of this memo is unlimited.

Abstract

 This document was presented at the 1991 ACM SIGUCCS User Services
 Conference.  It appears here in its updated form.
 There is a wealth of information on the network.  In fact, so much
 information, that you could spend your entire life browsing. This
 paper will present some of the "gold nuggets" of information and file
 repositories on the network that could be of use to end users.
 The ultimate goal is to make the route to these sources of
 information invisible to the user.  At present, this is not easy to
 do.  I will explain some of the techniques that can be used to make
 these nuggets easier to pick up so that we can all be richer.

Table of Contents

 1.0  Introduction................................................   2
 2.0  Lists and Indexes of Network Resources/Bibliographies/
      Information Available over the Network......................   2
 3.0  Libraries Available over the Network........................   6
 4.0  Anonymous FTP Sites.........................................   7
 5.0  Network Information Centers - NICs..........................   8
 6.0  Network Statistics..........................................  10
 7.0  Campus Wide Information Systems - CWIS......................  11
 8.0  Internet Bulleting Board System/Interactive
      Databases/Freenet...........................................  19
 9.0  WHOIS - E-mail white pages..................................  22
 10.0 Books.......................................................  23
 11.0 Free Periodicals/Tabloids/Magazines.........................  23
 12.0 Glossary....................................................  25
 Security Considerations..........................................  26
 Author's Address.................................................  27

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1.0 Introduction

 This paper is a list of the essential things, in my view, that a
 person who is responsible for providing network information should
 have in their hands as reference material.  One of the basic problems
 of information is making it easily available to those who have need
 of the data.  Libraries have been performing a cataloging function
 for many centuries.  Information flow is now being provided at such a
 fast rate that it is difficult to keep up with it, even partially.
 Computer networks have only added to the problem by opening up even
 more information.
 Attempting to make this wealth of information available to those who
 would find it useful poses some problems.
 First, we need to know of its existence.  To that end, this paper
 provides an index into the vast realm of network information. Most of
 the documents listed here are POINTERS to the final information.
 Second, even if you know of a document's existence, you may not know
 if it is important or relevant.  Few of us are knowledgeable in more
 than a limited area.  We need to rely on others to make us aware of
 the importance of databases in a specific discipline. The librarians
 can be of great assistance here.  They are familiar with the research
 databases that individuals search in Law, Mathematics, and many
 others.
 Finally, once the existence and importance are known, the information
 needs to be indexed so that researchers can find it.  This is the
 most difficult task to accomplish.  Information available on the
 network is hardly ever static.  It is always moving, growing,
 changing, and dying.  Computers should be able to assist us in
 managing this ever-changing environment.  Right now, we have to
 catalog the information as it passes through the network.  In my
 case, I generally save it in a file somewhere, spending far too much
 time trying to retrieve it again when needed.

2.0 Lists and Indexes of Network Resources/Bibliographies/

   Information Available over the Network
 2.01  Internet Resource Guide (Document)
    An excellent guide to major resources available on the network.
    The Table of Contents includes chapters on Computational
    Resources, Library Catalogs, Archives, White Pages, Networks,
    Network Information Centers, and Miscellaneous

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    Source:
    Anonymous FTP to NNSC.NSF.NET
    cd resource-guide
    get resource-guide.ps.tar.Z (Postscript) or
    get resource-guide.txt.tar.Z (ASCII Text)
    Search:
    Telnet to pac.carl.org
    (Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries)
    Select terminal type
    Choose Item 3 (Information Databases)
    Choose Item 65 Internet Resource Guide
    You can then browse or do a keyword search
    To quit type //EXIT
 2.02  Anonymous FTP Sites (Document)
    A list of all the sites on the Internet that support anonymous
    FTP.
    Source:
    Anonymous FTP to pilot.njin.net
    cd pub/ftp-list
    get ftp.list
    Search:
    Telnet to quiche.cs.mcgill.ca
    login as user archie
    type help to get a list of commands
    type prog topic - where topic is the keyword for the search of
                      a program or topic
 2.03  INDEX - Index of all RFC's - (Document)
    RFC-1118 - The Hitchhikers Guide to the Internet
    RFC-1175 - A Bibliography of Internetworking Information
    RFC-1173 - Responsibilities of Host and Network Managers
    RFC-1206 - Answers to Commonly asked "New Internet User"
               Questions
    RFC-1207 - Answers to Commonly asked "Experienced Internet User"
               Questions
    RFC-1208 - Networking Glossary of Terms
    Source:
    Anonymous FTP to nis.nsf.net
    cd rfc
    get $index.rfc
    get RFC1118.TXT-1

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    get RFC1175.TXT-1
    get RFC1173.TXT-1
    get RFC1206.TXT-1
    get RFC1207.TXT-1
    get RFC1208.TXT-1
 2.04  Interest Groups  List-of-Lists (Document)
    This is a document that list the mailing lists or groups that
    exist.  To get on the list to receive updates, send e-mail to
    Interest-groups-request@nisc.sri.com.
    Source:
    Anonymous FTP to ftp.nisc.sri.com
    cd netinfo
    get interest-groups
 2.05  Regional Network Policies (Documents)
    Many regional networks have developed policies on responsible use
    of their network.  You can retrieve copies of these policies on
    line by anonymous FTP.
    Source:
    Anonymous FTP to ftp.nsic.sri.com
    cd netinfo
    dir
    get ???.policy
    where ??? is the name of the regional network.  The dir command
    will give you a directory of the filenames.
 2.06  Campus ethics/policy statements (Documents)
    Many universities have developed more complete policies based on
    the regional network policies.  If you wish to look at some to use
    as guidelines for your own campus, you can get them through
    anonymous FTP.
    Source:
    Anonymous FTP to ariel.unm.edu
    cd ethics
    dir
    get ???.policy
    where ??? is the name of the university or college.  The dir
    command will give you a directory of the filenames.

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 2.07  VAX book (Document)
    Joe St Sauver of the University of Oregon has developed a very
    complete guide of information on the network available via
    anonymous FTP.  The following is a quote from the README file:
    "While it is tailored to the University of Oregon's VAX8000
    system, the skills it illustrates are general enough to be of
    interest to users at most other VAX sites, and even users at many
    non-VAX sites connected to the national networks." There is a
    major section on Network Topics that is excellent.  It is a large
    document, over 300 pages.
    Source:
    Anonymous FTP to decoy.uoregon.edu
    cd pub/vaxbook
    get vms.ps  (for postscript format)
    get vms.mem (lineprinter format)
 2.08  Network Tidbits  COMPUNET BIBLIO (Document)
    This is a "Network Bibliography" by Elliott Parker from the
    Journalism Dept. of Central Michigan University.  It contains a
    bibliography of network related documents that he finds helpful.
    Source:
    Listserv
    Send e-mail to comserve@rpiecs (BITNET)
    the message should contain the following one line request
    SEND COMPUNET BIBLIO
    You will receive the file "COMPUNET BIBLIO" via return mail as
    well as a "Welcome to Comserve" message and a "Getting started
    with Comserve message."  If you are unfamiliar with how the
    program listserv works on BITNET, these documents are a good
    start.
 2.09  Internet Tour Macintosh Hypercard 2.0 Stack (Program)
    This is a Macintosh hypercard 2.0 stack that does a nice job of
    describing some of the functions of the Internet.  It has a
    section that you can modify for your own institutions needs.
    Source:
    Anonymous FTP to nnsc.nsf.net
    cd internet-tour
    get Internet-Tour-README

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    get Internet-Tour.sit.hqx
    Note this is a stuffed and binhexed file.  So you must have the
    program Stuffit to convert it to an executable file on the
    Macintosh.
 2.10  A Survey of Educational Computer Networks (Document)
    This is a document that list the mailing lists or groups that
    exist.  To get on the list to receive updates, send e-mail to
    Interest-groups-request@nisc.sri.com.
    Source:
    Anonymous FTP to ariel.unm.edu
    cd library
    get networks survey
 2.11  Network Managers's Reading List (Document)
    This is a document is an annotated list of books and other
    resources of use to network managers who are using TCP/IP, UNIC,
    and Ethernet technologies.
    Source:
    Anonymous FTP to ftp.utexas.edu
    cd pub/netinfo/docs
    get net-read.txt

3.0 Libraries Available over the Network

 There are hundreds of libraries available over the network, far too
 many to list here.  There are several documents available that list
 Internet accessible Libraries.  There are two major documents that
 list many libraries.  One is Internet-Accessible Library Catalogs and
 Databases, coauthored by Dr. Art St. George of the University of New
 Mexico (stgeorge@bootes.unm.edu [Internet] or stgeorge@unmb [BITNET])
 and Dr. Ron Larsen of the University of Maryland.  The other is UNT's
 Accessing On-Line Bibliographic Databases by Billy Barron,
 (billy@vaxb.acs.unt.edu [Internet]).
 3.1  UNT's Accessing On-Line bibliographic Databases (Document)
    Source:
    Anonymous FTP to vaxb.acs.unt.edu
    cd library
    get libraries.ps (postscript format)
    get libraries.txt (ASCII text version)
    get libraries.wp5 (Wordperfect 5.1 source)

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 3.2  Internet-Accessible Library Catalogs & Databases (Docment)
    Source:
    Anonymous FTP to ariel.unm.edu
    cd library
    get library.ps (postscript format)
    get internet.library (ASCII text version)

4.0 The Mother Lode of Anonymous FTP Sites

 Throughout this document, there are listed sites for specific
 documents.  Most of the documents listed in this paper are only
 indexes to more information.  A big problem is searching through all
 of this information to find what you want.  Listed below are some of
 the major sites for specific programs.
 You can also use Archie for searching for specific programs. (See
 Search: category under Anonymous FTP sites above.)
 4.1  Washington University (Anonymous FTP)
    Washington University represents perhaps one of the most popular
    sites for software on the network.  The mirrors directory is where
    a copy of all of the wsmr-simtel20.army.mil files are kept.
    Wsmr-simtel20-army.mil is the originator and keeper of major
    amounts of public domain software.  Their site, however, is often
    overloaded with connections and difficult to make connection to.
    You will find enough software here to keep you busy for the rest
    of your life.  The mirrors directory MSDOS and Macintosh
    directories contain files for those specific machines.
    Anonymous FTP to wuarchive.wustl.edu
    cd mirrors
    cd msdos
    for Income tax time cd taxes
    for unzipping files cd zip, type binary, and get pkz110eu.exe
    for education software cd education
    for graphics files cd giff, tiff or graphics
    cd macintosh
    for the macintosh there are directories for applications, inits,
    sounds, reviews and many more.

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 4.2  KERMIT (Anonymous FTP)
    Kermit is a public domain file transfer protocol that is available
    for just about all microcomputers, minicomputers, and mainframes.
    It is very popular and has been has been utilized by many computer
    facilities everywhere.
    Anonymous FTP to watsun.cc.columbia.edu
    cd kermit
    get read.me
    For executable versions of kermit
    cd bin
    get READ.ME file and read for specifics of what file to get
    For the IBM PC I get msvibm.exe after typing binary to activate
    the binary transfer mode.
 4.3  NCSA Software for Network Access from PC's
     (Anonymous FTP)
    Source:
    Anonymous FTP to ftp.ncsa.uiuc.edu
    cd NCSA_Telnet
    cd PC/Telnet  (for IBM PC Software)
    get telxxbin.zip
    where xx is the current version number
    (in binary format, I also suggest getting readme files)
    cd Mac/Telnet
    get telnet.x.sithqx  or
    where x is the current version number
    (in binary format, I also suggest getting readme files)

5.0 Network Information Centers - NICs

 These are the individuals to contact if you want information on what
 networking is all about, and how you can connect.  They can put you
 in contact with the individuals in your area that can assist you in
 obtaining a network connection.
 They can also provide assistance if you don't know who else to ask
 about network topics.

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 5.1  Defense Data Network (DDN)
    Goverment Systems, Inc. (GSI)
    Attn: Network Information Center
    14200 Park Medow Drive
    Suite 200
    Chantilly, VA 22021
    (800) 365-3642 or (703) 802-4535   FAX (703)-802-8373
    NIC@NIC.DDN.MIL
    The main NIC on the Internet.  The source for network numbers,
    domain names, and much more.
 5.2  NSF Network Service Center (NNSC)
    NSF Network Service Center
    Bolt Baranek and Newman Inc.
    10 Moulton St.
    Cambridge, MA 02138
    (617) 873-3400
    NNSC@NNSC.NSF.NET
    Corinne Carroll
    NNSC Staff
    Publishes Newsletter called NSF Network News; to subscribe,
    contact them at address above.
 5.3  NSFNET Information Services (NIS)
    NSFNET Information Services
    Merit Network, Inc.
    ITI Building
    2901 Hubbard, Pod G
    Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2016
    (313) 936-3000 or 1-800-66MERIT
    NSFNET-INFO@MERIT.EDU
    Publishes Newsletter called Linkletter, to subscribe send e-mail
    to NSFNET-linkletter-Request@merit.edu.

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 5.4  SRI International Network Information Systems Center (NISC)
    SRI International
    Network Information Systems Center
    333 Ravenswood Avenue, Room EJ291
    Menlo Park, CA 94015
    (415) 859-6387 or (415) 859-3695
    Fax: (415) 859-6028
    NISC@NISC.SRI.COM
 5.5  BITNET (NIC)
    BITNET Network Information Center
    Corporation for Research and Educational Networking (CREN)
    1112 16th Street, N.W.
    Suite 600
    Washington, DC 20036
    (202) 872-4200
    INFO@BITNIC
    Lisa Covi, BITNET Support

6.0 Network Statistics

 If you would like to publish statistics in your newsletter about your
 institutions network traffic into and out of the NSFNET backbone, you
 can obtain information on either the packets or bytes sent.  I prefer
 the bytes since that can be translated into some sort of
 understandable figure.
 6.1  Files containing monthly information on NSF Internet
      backbone traffic by packets or bytes (Document)
    Source:
    Anonymous FTP to nis.nsf.net
    cd stats
    get nsfyy-mm.ptraffic  where yy is year, 91 and mm is month, 06
    get nsf91-06.ptraffic  ptraffic is the packet traffic
    get nsfyy-mm.btraffic  where yy is year, 91 and mm is month, 06
    get nsf91-06.btraffic  btraffic is the byte traffic

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7.0 Campus Wide Information Systems - CWIS

 The information provided in this paper is primarily intended for the
 individuals who will use this information to then provide methods for
 access from their own computing environment.  Although standards have
 been proposed, there are no "packages" that give you access to all of
 the information presented here.  What we at Ohio State University
 have done, as have several other universities, is to provide a menu
 to the user that accesses these services and databases behind the
 scenes.  In fact, Ur had to go into the shell scripts to look up the
 network addresses of these machines, because I rely on the menu for
 access as well.
 As the name "Information Systems" implies, the user wants access to
 the information without having to know exactly how to get to it.  In
 this way, the network is invisible to the end user.  All they need to
 know is what they want, not the command structure needed to actually
 get the information.
 At the present, the menu system seems to be the easiest way in which
 to lead the end user to the information.  A term "knowbot" has been
 used to describe the ability to indicate what information you wish in
 free form, and have a "knowbot" which knows what is available, go out
 and retrieve it.
 The following are some of the places you can connect to for a
 demonstration of their capabilities.
 7.1  Appalachian State University
    conrad.appstate.edu (152.10.1.1)
    Login as info.
    Emulate a VT100.
    Hardware/software:  DEC/VTX
    Contact:  Ernest Jones (jonesel@appstate.bitnet)
 7.2  Arizona State University PEGASUS and ASEDD
    asuvm.inre.asu.edu
    Login as helloasu.
    Use tn3270.
    Hardware/software:  Running PNN News Network Software under
    VM/CMS
    (with Profs and FOCUS).
    Contact:  Joy Kramer (iejxk@asuvm.inre.asu.edu)

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    Contains two databases:  PErsonal Guide to ASU Stuff (PEGASUS)
    and Arizona State Economic Development Database (ASEDD).
 7.3  Clemson University
    eureka.clemson.edu
    Login as public.
    Emulate a VT100.
    Hardware/software:  DEC/VTX
    Contact:  Amy Slankard (amy@clust1.clemson.edu)
    System contains information on: Weather for SC, NC, and GA;
    economics; plants; animals; engineering; food; home, health,
    family and youth.
 7.4  Columbia University
    cal.cc.columbia.edu
    Login as calendar.
    Contact:  David Millman (dsm@cunixf.cc.columbia.edu)
 7.5  Cornell CUINFO
    cuinfo.cornell.edu
    Connect to port 300.
    Use telnet or tn3270.  Different versions of telnet or tn3270
    have different syntax for defining the port.  The following are
    the most common:
    TELNET cuinfo.cornell.edu 300
    TELNET cuinfo.cornell.edu::300
    or TELNET cuinfo.cornell.edu..300
    Hardware/software:  VM/CMS; IBM S/370 assembler; locally written
    Contact:  Steve Worona (slw@cornella.bitnet)
    CUINFO of interest to non-Cornell community members:
    Uncle Ezra     The Electronic Counselor - first program of its
                   kind; a must see
    Directories    Student and Staff directories includes staff
                   electronic addresses
    Ski Reports    Up to the minute Upstate New York Ski Reports
                   (Seasonal)
    Jobs Listings and Descriptions of jobs at Cornell

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    Computing Extensive on-line information regarding computing at
                   Cornell
    Patents   Descriptions of current patents held by Cornell
    Various Newsletters Newsletters from numerous campus groups
    Weather   Up to the minute local weather forecast
 7.6  Lafayette Integrated, Networked Campus - LINC
    lafibm.lafayette.edu (139.147.8.4)
    Use telnet or tn3270.  When you see the LINC logo, ignore the
    ALT-L advice and clear the logo by pressing Enter.  On next
    screen, instead of logging on, type DIAL MUSIC (case does not
    matter).  On login screen that appears, use GUEST as ID, and
    GUEST as password.
    Hardware/software:  IBM 9375 running MUSIC/SP
    Contact:  Patrick Ciriello  (ciri@lafayacs.bitnet)
 7.7  Lehigh
    ibm1.cc.lehigh.edu
    Use tn3270.
    At the VM prompt, type DIAL MUSIC, and at the /ID prompt, type
    LUNA.
    Hardware/software:  IBM 4381 running MUSIC.
    Planning to move to AIX on RS/6000s.
    Contact:  Timothy J. Foley (tjf0@ns.cc.lehigh.edu)
 7.8  Mississippi State University (MSUinfo)
    isis.msstate.edu (130.18.164.2)
    Login as msuinfo.
    Terminal type: enter yours, most supported.
    Hardware/software:  UNIX/TechInfo
    Contact:  Bennet George (George_Bennet@admin.msstate.edu)
    Contains:  announcements, campus events, community events,
    continuing education offerings, jobs, recent press releases,
    research funding opportunities, etc.
 7.9  MIT TechInfo
    Accessible either via telnet, or via a native Macintosh
    application that uses the MacTCP drivers to access the TechInfo
    server. MacPlus with 1 Meg memory or better required, System 6.0.3
    or better, and licensed MacTCP drivers.

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    Source code available freely to other schools looking to get
    started quickly - contact folks listed below.
    For telnet access:
    telnet techinfo.mit.edu (18.72.1.146)
    No username/password is required.
    Once you're in, you can use upper or lower case commands.
    To exit the system, use the QUIT command.
    For native Macintosh access:
    anonymous ftp to net-dist.mit.edu, look in the /pub/techinfo
    directory, fetch techinfo.hqx Binhex (public domain tool)
    required to decode the binary.
    Contact:  Tim McGovern (tjm@mit.edu), (617) 253-0505
    Bugs:  bug-techinfo@mit.edu
    Comments:  comment-techinfo@mit.edu
    Administration:  admin-techinfo@mit.edu
 7.10  New Mexico State University NMSU/INFO
    info.nmsu.edu
    Login as info.
    Emulate a VT100.
    Hardware/software:  DEC/VTX
    Contact:   D. Brian Ormand (bormand@nmsuvm1.bitnet) or
    (bormand@nmsu.edu)
 7.11  North Carolina State University Happenings!
    ccvax1.cc.ncsu.edu (128.109.153.4)
    Login as info.
    Emulate a VT100.
    Hardware/software:  DEC/VTX
    Contact:  Harry Nicholos (hmn@ncsuvax.bitnet) MIT TechInfo
 7.12  NYU ACF INFO system
    info.nyu.edu (information.nyu.edu) (128.122.138.142)
    Emulating a VT100 or better enables some additional suboptions.
    Contact:  Stephen Tihor (tihor@ACFcluster.nyu.edu) or
    (tihor@nyuacf.bitnet)

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 7.13  Pima Community College
    pimacc.pima.edu
    Login as pimainfo.
    Emulate a VT100.
    Hardware/software:  DEC/VTX
    Contact:  Terry Loftus (tloftus@pimacc.pima.edu) or Al Camberos
    (acamberos@pimacc.pima.edu)
 7.14  Princeton News Network PNN
    pucc.princeton.edu
    Use telnet or tn3270.  When you see the VM 370 logo, clear it,
    and instead of logging on, enter pnn (case does not matter).
    Clear the information screen that appears.
    Hardware/software:  VM/CMS - locally written. A UNIX version and
    a Mac HyperCard version are up, running, and available. All
    versions (CMS, UNIX, HyperCard) are available to universities at
    no cost.
    Contact:  Rita Saltz (rita@pucc.bitnet)
    System and Development:  Howard Strauss (howard@pucc.bitnet)
 7.15  Rutgers University
    info.rutgers.edu 98
    No password required.
    Can be accessed from any microcomputer or terminal.
    Hardware/software:  written in lush (a public domain program);
    runs on any SUN workstation.
    Contact:  Leny Struminger (struming@zodiac.rutgers.edu)
    INFO contains university wide activities, graduate courses
    catalogs, Faculty/Staff phone directory, computer services,
    libraries online catalog, weather, news, bus schedules, etc.
 7.16  San Diego State University
    wintermute.sdsu.edu
    Login as sdsuinfo.
    Emulate a VT100.
    Hardware/software:  pnn & nmm
    Contact:  Richard Caasi (caasi@sdsu.edu)

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 7.17  University of Arkansas
    uafsysb.uark.edu
    Login as info.
    Hardware/software:  IBM 4381-14, VM/HPO 6.0, Cornell's CUINFO
    module
    Contact:  Susan Adkins (sa06037@uafsysb.bitnet) or
    (sa06037@uafsysb.uark.edu)
    System contains information on: Calendar of events, campus e-mail
    directory, and hours and services.
 7.18  University of Colorado at Boulder
    culine.colorado.edu 852 (128.138.129.2 852)
    Login as CULINE.
    Contact:  Donna Pattee (pattee@spot.colorado.edu)
 7.19  University of Denver
    du.edu
    Login as atdu.
    Contact:  Bob Stocker (bstocker@ducair.bitnet)
 7.20  University of Minnesota at Duluth
    ub.d.umn.edu
    Login as info.
    Emulate a vt100.
    Contact:  Frank Simmons (fsimmons@ub.d.umn.edu)
    System contains over 700 documents ranging from athletic schedules
    to micro-computer prices to art gallery showing schedules. All
    commands are displayed at the bottom of each screen and separate
    on-line help is available. Keyword searching is available,
    although at this time only words in the titles of documents are
    used.
 7.21  University of New Brunswick, Canada, INFO
    unbmvs1.csd.unb.ca (131.202.1.2)
    Login with application id INFO.
    There is no password required.
    INFO is a full-screen CICS application running under MVS.

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    tn3270 emulation.
    Contact:  Bonita Mockler (bgm@unb.ca)
    System contains:  University Calendar, class timetable, phone/fax
    numbers for faculty/staff/students, faculty and staff email ids,
    seminar schedules, minutes, newsletter, etc.
 7.22  University of New Hampshire's VideoTex
    unhvtx.unh.edu (132.177.128.58)
    USERNAME:  student (no password required).
    Control-z to log off.
    VT100/VT200 terminal emulation.
    Hardware/software:  DEC/VTX
    Contact:  Robin Tuttle (r_tuttle1@unhh.unh.edu)
    System includes: phone directories, campus calendar, job listings,
    off-campus housing list, undergraduate catalog, class schedules,
    newsletters, services and programs, rights and rules of conduct,
    athletics and recreation information, activities and workshops.
 7.23  University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill INFO
    info.oit.unc.edu (128.109.157.1)
    Login as info.
    Emulate a VT100.
    Hardware/software:  DEC/VTX
    Contact:  Judy Hallman (hallman@unc.bitnet)
    System contains:  Campus directory; job openings; "The Independent
    Study" catalog (courses people can take by correspondence);
    undergraduate catalog; continuing education classes; several
    campus newsletters, including "Newsbrief," the weekly campus
    computing newsletter.
 7.24  University of North Carolina at Greensboro MINERVA
    steffi.acc.uncg.edu
    Login as info or MINERVA.
    Emulate a VT100.
    Hardware/software:  DEC/VTX
    Contact:  Norman Hill (hillnr@uncg.bitnet)

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 7.25  University of North Carolina at Wilmington SEABOARD
    vxc.uncwil.edu (128.109.221.3)
    Log in as info.
    Emulate a VT100.
    Hardware/software:  DEC/VTX
    Contact:  Eddy Cavenaugh (cavenaughd@uncwil.bitnet) or
    (cavenaughd@vxc.uncwil.edu)
    System includes:  class schedule listings, institutional
    statistics, library services, faculty & staff publications,
    current university news releases, phone directories, facilities
    schedules.
 7.26  University of Northern Iowa
    infosys.uni.edu
    Log in as public.
    Prefers a vtxxx terminal, but works with unknown terminal types.
    Hardware/software:  The program uses UNIX tput clear, tput mc4,
    and tput mc5 (for printing).
    Contact:  Mike Yohe (yohe@iscsvax.uni.edu)
 7.27  University of Pennsylvania - PennInfo
    In final testing phase; due for release at the beginning of
    November, 1991.
    penninfo.upenn.edu
    (no login id is needed).
    Emulate a VT100.
    Hardware/software:  MIT's Techinfo; type HELP for directions
    Human contact:  Valerie Glauser (glauser@dccs.upenn.edu)
    Comments:  penninfo-comments@dccs.upenn.edu
    Bugs:  penninfo-bugs@dccs.upenn.edu
    Human contact:  Valerie Glauser (glauser@dccs.upenn.edu)
    PennInfo can be accessed via MIT's TechInfo MAC client program as
    well.  We've modified the MAC client slightly because we have
    different contact information at Penn than MIT does.

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8.0 Internet Bulleting Board System/Interactive

   Databases/Freenet
 There are several systems you can establish a connection with,
 sometimes referred to as an "anonymous telnet" session, that provide
 a variety of services/information.  In some respects they resemble
 Campus Wide Information Systems, in others they are more like
 bulletin boards or interactive databases.
 A file containing the most frequently asked questions about Bulletin
 Board systems is available via anonymous ftp.
 Source:
 Anonymous FTP to polyslo.calpoly.edu
 cd pub
 get alt.bbs.faq
 Listed below are some of these types of systems:
 8.1  Cleveland Freenet - Case Western Reserve University
    Telnet to freenet-in-a.cwru.edu
    Follow the menu driven instructions.
 8.2  Heartland Freenet
    heartland.bradley.edu (136.176.10.10)
    Login as fnguest
 8.3  Youngstown Freenet - Youngstown State University
    Telnet yfn.ysu.edu
    Type visitor at userid prompt and follow menu driven
    instructions.
 8.4  Ocean Network Information Center
    Telnet delocn.udel.edu
    When the Userid: prompt appears type INFO and press Enter/Return
    key.
 8.5  Geographic Name Server
    Telnet martini.eecs.umich.edu 3000
    To use just type the name of the city and state you would like
    information on, just like you would on the last line of a postal

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    address.  Example: Zanesville, OH
 8.6  ISAAC
    ISAAC, the Information System for Advanced Academic Computing,
    serves as a clearinghouse for information about the use of IBM-
    compatible hardware and software as aids to instruction and
    research in higher education.  Membership is free to all students,
    faculty, and staff at institutions of higher education.
    For more information call 206-543-5604.
    ISAAC requires that you register before you can access the system.
    To register, type register for the userid and password and fill in
    the information, using the TAB key to go from field to field.
    Once registered you will be assigned a userid and password; you
    must connect again, this time typing your assigned userid and
    password.
    To access ISAAC, you need to establish a telnet connection over
    the network.  If you do not have network access, you also can call
    over phone lines.  Call 1-800-237-5551 in the U.S. or, within the
    local Seattle are or outside the United States, call 1-206-543-
    3761.
    telnet isaac.engr.washington.edu  or  128.95.32.61
 8.7  FEDIX
    FEDIX is an on-line information service that links the higher
    education community and the federal government to facilitate
    research, education, and services.  The system provides accurate
    and timely federal agency information to colleges, universities,
    and other research organizations.
    There are no registration fees and no access charges for using
    FEDIX.  The only cost is for the phone call.
    FEDIX provides daily information updates on:
    Federal education and research programs (including descriptions,
    eligibility, funding, deadlines).
    Scholarships, fellowships, and grants.
    Available used government research equipment.
    New funding for specific research and education activities from

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    the Commerce Business Daily, Federal Register, and other sources.
    Minority assistance research and education programs.
    News and current events within participating agencies.
    General information such as agency history, budget, organizaitonal
    structure, mission statement. etc.
    For more information, contact the HELPLINE at 301-975-0103
    Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm EST, except on federal holidays.
    telnet 192.111.228.1
    At the login: prompt type fedix
 8.8  STIS
    Science and Technology Information System at the National Science
    Foundation.
    Information includes: the NSF Bulletin, Guide to Programs, grants
    booklet - including forms, program announcements, press releases,
    NSF Telephone Book, reports of the National Science Board,
    descriptions of research projects funded by NSF - with abstracts,
    and analytical reports and news from the International Programs
    Division.
    Publications may be searched by using a keyword, such as japan or
    volcano; using a phrase, such as exchange of scientists and soviet
    union; or by selecting a broad topic like biosciences.
    For more information, contact the National Science Foundation,
    Phone (202) 357-7555, FAX (202) 357-7745, TDD (202) 357-7492 or
    via E-Mail stis@nsf.gov (Internet), stis@nsf (BITNET).
    telnet stis.nsf.gov
    At the login: prompt type public
    At the terminal type prompt type vt100nkp.
    Enter your terminal type [blank=vt100]: vt100nkp
    You are then asked for a userid of up to 8 characters.  If you are
    a new user, you will be asked to supply your name and address for
    record keeping.  You can then search the NSF publications for
    information and have the information sent to your e-mail address
    if you wish.  STIS provides a menu system.  To get back to the
    main menu, press the esc key until you have the main menu on the

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    screen.  Press the arrow key until Exit is highlighted, and press
    enter to exit STIS.
 8.9  Weather
    Source:
    Telnet madlab.sprl.umich.edu 3000

9.0 WHOIS - E-mail white pages

 WHOIS is a program available on many workstation/mini/mainframe
 computers that can connect to another computer. By supplying a
 persons name, it will respond with information it has on the person.
 A similar program called finger does the same type of thing, except
 it only supplies information on individuals with an account on that
 specific computer.  Whois generally is operating on a database
 containing most of the individuals at the university, not just on the
 machine you connect.
 The following is a list of universities that have a whois service
 working.  It is not, by any means exhaustive, and I would be
 interested in knowing about others that may exist so I can add to
 this list.
 9.1  The Ohio State University
    Telnet to osu.edu or
    Use Whois command whois -h osu.edu
    Enter firstname.lastname
    Example: whois -h osu.edu jerry.smith
 9.2  University of Oregon
    Use Whois command whois -h oregon.uoregon.edu
    Enter firstname.lastname
    Example: whois -h oregon.uoregon.edu Rose.Smith
 9.3  University of Virginia
    Use Whois command whois -h whois.virginia.edu
    Enter lastname, firstname middlename
    Example: whois -h whois.virginia.edu Smith, John James
 9.4  University of Pennsylvania
    Use Whois command whois -h whois.upenn.edu
    Enter lastname, firstname
    Example: whois -h whois.upenn.edu Smith, Judy

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 9.5  University of Wisconsin
    Use Whois command whois -h wisc.edu
    Enter firstname lastname
    Example: whois -h wisc.edu Jane Smith
 9.6  MIT
    Use Whois command whois -h mit.edu
    Enter firstname_lastname
    Example: whois -h mit.edu Robert_Smith
 9.7  Indiana University
    Use Whois command whois -h iugate.ucs.indiana.edu
    Enter firstname_lastname
    Example: whois -h iugate.ucs.indiana.edu Gerald_Smith

10.0 Books

 For a more complete listing, see sections 3.08 and 3.11.
    Internetworking with TCP/IP Principles, Protocols, and
    Architecture by Douglas Comer, Prentice Hall, ISBN 0-13-470154-2.
    The Matrix, Computer Networks and Conferencing Systems Worldwide
    by John S. Quarterman, Digital Press, ISBN 0-13-565607-9.
    !%@:: A Directory of Electronic Mail Addressing and Networks, by
    Donnalyn Frey and Rick Adams, O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., ISBN
    0-937175-39-0.
    The User's Directory of Computer Networks, Edited by Tracy L.
    LaQuey, Digital Press, ISBN 0-13-950262-9.

11.0 Free Periodicals/Tabloids/Magazines

 Below are just a few of the periodicals qualified subscribers can
 receive free.  I find the first four, PCWeek, MacWeek, Info World,
 and Network World, the ones I try to glance over routinely.  Others
 are dedicated to specific network, LAN, or UNIX topics that are
 useful if you have need for that information.
    PC Week
    P.O. Box 1767
    Riverton, NJ 08077-9767

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    MacWEEK
    P.O. Box 1764
    Riverton, NJ 08077-9764
    Info World
    P.O. Box 3013
    Northbrook, IL 60065-3013
    Network World
    161 Worchester Road
    Framingham, Mass. 01701
    Computer System News
    Circulation Dept.
    P.O. Box 2030
    Manhasset, NY 11030-7030
    Network Management
    Circulation Department
    Box 2417
    Tulsa, Oklahoma 74101-2417
    Unix Review
    Circulation Department
    P.O. Box 7439
    San Francisco, CA 94120-7439
    Communication News
    2504 North Tamiami Trail
    Nokomis, Fl 34275-9987
    LAN Times
    P.O. Box 652
    Hightstown, NJ 08520
    Communications Week
    Circulations Dept.
    P.O. Box 2070
    Manhasset, NY 11030
    LAN Computing
    101 Witmer Road
    O.O. Box 322
    Horsham, PA 19044-0322
    Midrange Systems
    P.O. Box 445
    Horsham, PA 19044-0445

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    Unix Today!
    Circulation Dept.
    P.O. Box 2170
    Manhasset NY 11030-4376

12.0 Glossary

    I use some concepts here that may not be familiar to all.  The
    following is a brief explanation of some of the concepts.
 12.1  BITNET:
    A network of normally mini or mainframe computers.  BITNET
    connects many universities and colleges together.  It provides
    e-mail and file transfer capabilities.  It does not have the
    ability to do remote login (Telnet sessions).
 12.2  Internet:
    A very large network that connects just about any type of
    computer together.  It supports e-mail, file transfer (FTP), and
    remote login (Telnet).
 12.3  Anonymous FTP:
    The ability to transfer a file from a remote computer connected
    to Internet without having an account on the remote computer.
    The program that performs the file transfer is normal FTP.  To
    connect to a remote computer offering anonymous FTP you can use
    the following commands from a computer connected to Internet:
    FTP Internet computer name
    When prompted for a userid:  type anonymous
    When prompted for a password type your e-mail address
    To get a listing of files type dir
    To change directory type cd directory name
    To get a file type get filename
    To get a binary file type binary then get filename
    To end session type quit
    Example:
    FTP pilot.njin.net
    Username:  anonymous
    Password:  yourname@computer.edu
    cd pub/ftp-list
    get ftp.list
    quit

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 12.4  Telnet:
    The ability to establish a connection to a remote computer
    connected to the Internet network.  There are two types of
    programs that are used to do this.  One, normally referred to as
    Telnet, normally establishes a VT100 type terminal emulation to
    the remote computer.  The second, TN3270, establishes a full
    screen IBM 3270 type terminal connection.
 12.5  Listserv:
    A program available on many BITNET connected computers that can
    act as a mail forward system and as a file repository.  BITNET is
    another network that links many colleges and universities
    together.  It does not normally link to military or government
    institutions as does the Internet.  To subscribe to a listserv,
    you normally send mail to the machine which has the mailing list
    with the command to subscribe.  As an example, to subscribe to a
    list for discussion of topics pertinent to Mechanical Engineering,
    you would send e-mail to listserv@utarlvml with the content of the
    message containing the one line command to subscribe:
    SUB MECH-1 John Doe  (Where John Doe would be your full name)
    The document "Interest Groups" listed below contains the list of
    the majority of these lists that you can subscribe.

Disclaimer

 The information provided in the previous sections has been put
 together from multiple sources acquired from the network.  Much of it
 came from reading newsgroups and trying things out to see how they
 worked.  The information is as accurate as I have been able to
 determine, as of December 5, 1991.
 I used a DEC5500 system running Ultrix to check most of these
 sources.  Most of the information is oriented toward Internet, since
 it has the ability to remote login (Telnet) and File Transfer (FTP).

Security Considerations

 Security issues are not discussed in this memo.

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Author's Address

 Jerry Martin
 Leader, Network Information Center
 Ohio State Univ. ACS, 1971 Neil Ave.
 Columbus, OH 43210-1210
 Phone: (614) 292-4843
 EMail: jmartin@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu

Martin [Page 27]

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