Copyright © 1994 by Tracy LaQuey and Editorial Inc.Now that you know what you want to do on the Internet, or at least where you want to go exploring, you'll wantto get connected. There isn't just one place you can go to get access; paths and roads to the Internet are many. The best one for you will depend on your circumstances, your needs, and--to some extent--your pocketbook. This chapter tells you what you need to get started, your choices for individual access, where to go for services, and the basics for connecting a business organization. Many of the details apply only to the U.S. market, but most of the general information applies to the rest of the world, as well. Demand for Internet access is increasing worldwide, but there are more connectivity choices for individuals and businesses in the United States because of the many competing provider services there.
Modems are, simply put, computer appliances that convert the digital signal from your computer into an analog sound wave that can be transmitted over telephone lines. A modem at the other end converts the analog signal back into a digital signal that is understood by the computer you're talking to. Exciting advances are being made in modem technology, with faster speeds and more error-free data transmission. High-speed modems can reduce errors from line noise and even do data compression. As with any computer-related purchase, you should buy the very best modem you can afford--perhaps even a bit better than you can afford. Technology changes fast, and five years from now, today's high-speed modems will be as obsolete as that dinosaur of modems, the 300bps acoustic coupler.
If you've already got a slower modem, don't despair just yet. Many individuals are still using 2400bps (or slower) modems that they've had for several years to access the Internet and other services. All of the access and information systems support them, and, for the occasional user, the difference in online and/or long-distance charges may not be too significant. (The higher your modem speed, of course, the less time it takes you to get information.) Using a 2400bps modem, you can access electronic mail, Telnet, FTP, and the terminal client gopher application. However, the bigger the message or file, the longer it will take to show on your screen or transfer to your computer. If you've got a 2400bps modem, you're pretty much limited to text-based communication, unless you have a lot of patience.
If you plan to spend a lot of time online and run applications like Mosaic, or if you need quick, error-free access, spring for a high-speed modem with error correction and data compression. Many of the new Internet applications incorporate multimedia, and require you to drive in the fast lane of the infobahn. You can use Mosaic if you're dialing into the Internet with a modem, but you must be using a modem that runs at least 9.6Kbps, preferably at 14.4Kbps (or faster). Prices for these high-speed modems keep falling; they're available today from $100-$200 (U.S.). That's pretty reasonable, and you can probably show savings immediately in connect-time charges alone. (The faster your modem, the faster you can transfer information.) See the "Full-Access Dial-up Connection" section to learn how to use Mosaic and other client applications via a dial-up link.
The ideal modem for telecommunications not only communicates at high speeds but also has error correction and data compression features. Error correction protocols help filter out line noise, which throws "garbage" characters--like "{{pdf{{{"--on your screen, and they ensure an error-free transmission. Most file transfer programs also have a mechanism to ensure accurate file transfers. Data compression, while a useful feature, may not help you much on some bulletin boards and information services that have already compressed their files because your modem can't compress them any further. Shopping for a modem gets you into a complexity of feature combinations: speed, modulation protocols, data compression, and more. Claims, particularly for speed, may not be what they appear to be. So it would be wise, especially if you are planning to spend a lot for a high-speed modem, to check some independent sources before you buy. The information box (opposite) decodes some of the seemingly cryptic modem standards.
The third column estimates the time it would take to transfer a 100K file (the average size of many documents or image files on the Internet).
Modulation Standard Speed Approx. Time for 100K File Transfer V.22 1200bps 14 minutes V.22bis 2400bps 7 minutes V.32 9.6Kbps 2 minutes V.32bis 14.4Kbps 1 minute V.34 28.8Kbps 30 seconds Standard Type V.42 Error Correction V.42bis Data Compression MNP 4 Error Correction MNP 5 Data CompressionNotes:
Speeds are represented here in bits per second (bps), not in baud. Baud rates and bps are different terms, and faster modem speeds are always measured in bps.
Be aware that the other end must support the same standards in order to achieve the desired connection rate.
V.34 is also known as "V.fast," and is supposed to be available in the summer of 1994.
A popular high-speed modem these days is one that conforms to V.32bis with V.42 and V.42bis. You should expect to spend in the neighborhood of $120-$200 for a good modem.
There are many other standards. See the "Getting Connected" section in the Appendix for more information about modems.
When you use FTP or Gopher to transfer a file, be aware that you are transferring the file to the Internet- connected computer you are dialed into, not to your own computer. If you want the file to reside on your PC or Mac, then you have to execute another transfer process by downloading it using a different kind of file transfer protocol, such as Kermit, Xmodem, Ymodem, or Zmodem. This is perhaps one of the biggest stumbling blocks for new users--the confusion about where the file actually is and how to make it show up where you want. In this situation, when you're transferring files, just think of this Internet-connected computer as the "middle guy." When you transfer a file to the middle guy using FTP or Gopher, remember that you then need to tell the middle guy to transfer it to your own computer. Think of it as a "two-step transfer" dance.
For example, suppose that you're using Kermit to dial into an Internet-connected computer on the Zilker Parknet (a commercial Internet provider located in Austin, Texas). You're zipping around the planet checking out the scene, when you find an archive of online books available via anonymous FTP on host vtucs.cc.vt.edu in the Files/infores/books directory (the URL is ftp://vtucs.cc.vt.edu/Files/infores/books). After you browse the digital shelves looking for a book you can curl up with on your laptop and read, you decide on Walden by Henry David Thoreau. To get this, you have to change to the walden directory (cd walden), and then get the file (get walden).
At this point, Walden is on the Zilker Parknet computer (the middle guy), not on your own computer. You need to initiate another transfer (using Kermit, Xmodem, Ymodem, or Zmodem, for example) from Zilker Parknet to your PC or Mac.
Here's how to do this if the middle-guy computer and your computer both have Kermit. First, fire up Kermit on the middle-guy computer, in this case, the Zilker Parknet computer. If you're using a Unix system, you can type, kermit -s walden (the "-s" means send). Then, on your own computer, you need to select the "receive file" option. You can do this a number of ways--it depends on what system you're using. Refer to your communication software documentation for the exact details. (FYI, this online book archive is also available via Gopher on host gopher. vt.edu, path Eris Information Services/Eris Files/Information Resources/Books.)
Although you're not interactively using the Internet, you can still do a lot of useful things, such as download electronic mail and news, reading messages and postings at your leisure on your home computer rather than tying up a phone line or running up connection charges. But be aware that not all of the Internet's applications, particularly remote login, Gopher, and Mosaic, are available to you, since you can't issue commands and receive information interactively when you're not connected. Despite this limited functionality, these client connections are recommended for novice users, because they are more user- friendly than many of the public-access systems. With such access, you work with a familiar graphical application on your PC or Macintosh, not on a foreign computer account. You also don't have to worry about taking the extra step of transferring files from a middle-guy Internet computer to your home computer (as you do with dial-up terminal emulation access)--the software does all of this for you.
What makes this happen is a fast modem (the fastest you can get, at least 9.6Kbps), and software that conforms to Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP) or Point-to-Point-Protocol (PPP). Either of these, used in conjunction with graphical Internet client applications like Gopher and Mosaic, brings the power and flexibility of the Internet straight to your home computer over an ordinary telephone line. SLIP and PPP are different, but each performs essentially the same function--that is, they make your computer a peer computer on the Internet. A SLIP or PPP connection is a great way to connect, but it can be more expensive and a bit more difficult to configure.
When you use this type of connection, you are actually executing Internet applications on your own computer, not on an Internet-connected computer that you've dialed into. For example, if you want to transfer a file using FTP from a public-access site, you transfer that file straight to your home computer instead of working with the terminal-emulation middle guy. Similarly, you can use a client Gopher application that lets you point and click your way through Gopherspace. The Gopher menus appear as folders on some systems, which is very intuitive. Or, try exploring the WorldWideWeb using Mosaic. It's much more interesting when the Web is in color (if you've got a color monitor, of course).
How It Works. You must dial into another computer or terminal server that is running SLIP (if your computer is running SLIP) or PPP (if your computer is running PPP) to make this connection. (These remote ends are known as SLIP or PPP servers. They help you get set up at the beginning of the connection, but they are essentially "invisible" after you get going.) You'll also need a unique Internet Protocol (IP) address, because your computer must be identified on the network. Your IP address may stay the same, or it may change every time you connect. Your provider will most likely assign you an address, or the remote SLIP/PPP server will assign you a number to use when you make the connection. You may want a registered hostname as well, but as with the IP address and any other required information and parameters, your network provider will probably be able to assist you. The "Getting Connected" section in the Appendix lists some SLIP and PPP implementations, as well as some popular client applications.
One of the company's software engineers told us about how the Internet recently saved the day (and night) for him when his boss needed a network monitoring problem fixed by Friday morning (and it was 4:59 p.m. on Thursday)! A quick search into the Internet produced a gold mine of network monitoring programs. He chose one of the simpler ones, customized it, and within an hour was done and on his way home. "Another victory for Truth, Connectedness, and the Internet Way!"
Many public-access providers are expanding and adding access points in more cities, so you may want to contact them for their latest local dial-in information. Some of them also offer assistance with buying and installing modems and communications software. Pricing structures vary widely, with monthly access fees, connect charges, or a combination. The services all provide for a wide range of modem speeds.
More often than not, the type of computer into which you're dialed is running the Unix operating system. Don't fret, though, if you don't know Unix. Many providers also offer menu systems that eliminate the requirement of a "computer science Unix internals degree" and simplify things greatly. If you are forced to wade through the Unix muck, be sure to refer to Chapter 6, which includes information on some common commands, applications, and how to get help if you get stuck. To be fair, Unix isn't all that bad, and once you get the hang of the system, it can be quite fun to use. It's just not very intuitive to the novice.
See the "Providers" section in the Appendix for a list of public access dialup systems compiled by Peter Kaminski.
See the Appendix to find out if there's an education network or Freenet in your area.
CompuServe Packet Network (CPN). CompuServe has hundreds of local-access phone numbers all over the world. You need not subscribe to CompuServe's information service to use CPN--you'll be billed for your use through your provider. If your chosen system allows access via CPN, use your modem to dial CompuServe's information service, (800) 848-4480 in the United States, to find your closest CPN access number. Hit {RETURN} to get to the HOST NAME: prompt, and enter the command phones to use their number look-up service. If you're outside the United States, call +1 614-529-1340 to obtain access information using a voicemail system.
Toll-Free Service. There are some Internet providers in the United States that offer a "toll-free" 800 number that gets you access to a communications or terminal server. This is a very flexible option that can be used for travel or remote areas. Be aware, however, that 800 numbers are not free, and the cost is passed on to you, just like a long-distance charge. Typically, the costs range from $7 to $10 per hour, so be sure to inquire about rates before jumping aboard. The last thing you need is a big surprise on your bill, because those blissful Internet hours can add up quickly. Providers offer terminal emulation, SLIP/PPP access, or both.
Major City Dial-in Service. Some commercial providers offer dial-in "ports" around the world, giving telecommuters and travelers local access in major cities. Access is usually made via the local phone system to a terminal server or communications server connected directly to the Internet. A terminal server is basically a "bouncing off" point to the Internet, a computer that accepts connections and allows you to use the Internet to remotely login to other computers. Terminal servers have modems attached to them so that users can dial in and, from there, remotely login to any computer on the Internet, or initiate a SLIP/PPP connection to become directly connected.
Who does it: UUNet's TAC Access, EUnet's Traveller (major cities in Europe), and PSI's Global Dialing Service (GDS) offer local dial access in many cities.
Copyright © 1994 by Tracy LaQuey and Editorial Inc.