Telnet (or SSH) was one of the earliest functions available to internet users in the 1990's. When logging onto a Telnet server, you are actually logging into a remote server computer and utilizing its resources. Early uses of Telnet included accessing on-line catalogues (such as that found in a library), and served to access the earliest forms of e-mail. Another early element of the internet was FTP. FTP, more accurately known as File Transfer Protocol, is a means of exchanging information from one computer to another. Most file downloads done on-line today are performed via FTP-sties.
Using Putty 0.56, I was able to Telnet to the library of Congress "locis.loc.gov" and successfully record the LOCIS searching hours. After initially connecting to the catalogue, selection choice "8" was used to access the "searching hours and basic commands".
Using WS_FTP LE, the Microsoft FTP site was accessed by using "ftp.microsoft.com" as the Name/Address Prompt. An anonymous connection was established by using "anonymous" as the userID and "guest@ualberta.ca" as the password. Once the Microsoft FTP site was opened, the "Softlib" directory was where the desired readme.txt file was located. At this point, it was easy to download the file to my computer's hard disk.
Instant messaging has been one of my favorite aspects of the internet ever since I began using ICQ back in the late 1990's. It is a great way to keep in contact with close friends or even family in a distant country. Today, I prefer to use Microsoft's MSN Messenger service for my needs. I chose MSN Messenger because of its simple interface, attractive (and customizable) layout, and the fact that most of my friends and acquaintances use it as well. The Messenger program can be downloaded onto your computer and each user has a login and password associated with their MSN Hotmail or MSN Passport account. Today, a Messenger account can be accessed from any computer since the advent of browser-based versions, such as WebMessenger, that does not require any downloading. This makes the service much easier to access, especially from public computers, or ones with user-restricted controls.
I use Messenger mostly as a convenient way to stay in touch with friends. Instant messaging is quicker and more efficient than using a telephone- since you can talk to multiple people simultaneously- while also removing the formality of writing an e-mail. In this particular sample session, I was talking to my friend Emils about his plans for his upcoming twenty-second birthday party.
WinZip and WinRAR are two common compression programs used to shrink down the size of one or a group of files, hence making them more "lightweight" for transfer. To "Zip" a file means to compress files down in size by adding them to a common Zip directory. Conversely, to Unzip or extract files is exactly the opposite: brining the compressed files back to normal size and usable format.
To create a new Zip file:
To open an existing Zip file:
(All actions performed through the WinZip Classic Interface.)
I found this module to be one of the most fun and interesting ones in the course. Although Telnet and FTP can be considered "ancient" technologies compared to present day capabilities, they are nonetheless extremely useful, efficient, and easy to use. File compression and extraction are another set of essential tool to anyone planning to download or transfer files via the internet. It's purpose will become more and more evident in the future as the amount file sharing increases, along with the size of the files themselves. Instant messaging has also become widespread in recent years. It is very hard to escape its allure and innovations are being made with every "update" and each new "plug-in" available. In fact, MSN has recently introduced video conversations as a sidebar to the Instant Messenger interface. I suppose technologies will continue to evolve as long as there is a market for them.
Last updated: April 7, 2005