Top 10 reading list for new Internet users

This list of the best online reading for Internet newbies was compiled by Andy Gilbert (andy_gilbert@sips.state.nc.us). Andy writes, "The documents below point to more electronic locations than you could reach in a lifetime. There is no shortage of information on the Internet. Be selective and thorough with the data you gather. Tons of information is easily obtained, so make quality of reference materials a priority over quantity." You can get the most recent edition of the top ten reading list at gopher.sips.state.nc.us or http://www.sips.state.nc.us/.

rfc1462.txt, FYI on "What is the Internet?": This FYI RFC answers the basic question "What is the Internet?" and is produced by the User Services Working Group of the Internet Engineering Task Force. Containing a modified chapter from Ed Krol's book, "The Whole Internet User's Guide and Catalog," the paper covers the Internet's definition, history, administration, protocols, financing, and current issues such as growth, commercialization, and privatization. ftp.concert.net:/rfc
rfc1594.txt, Answers to Commonly asked "New Internet User" Questions: The goal is to document the most commonly asked questions and answers about the Internet. ftp.concert.net:/rfc
Internet Services Frequently Asked Questions and Answers: This document should help you find answers to frequently asked questions about the Internet. Usually, the answers are already available on the Net in one or more detailed documents. In these cases, this document will tell the reader where to find the information in question. Thus, when possible, this document will only point you to another document - that one may have the information you need, or it may point you somewhere else. rtfm.mit.edu:/pub/usenet/news.answers/internet-services
rfc1580.txt, Guide to Network Resource Tools: The purpose of this guide is to supply the basic information that anyone on the network needs to try out and begin using basic network tools. A basic knowledge of networking terminology has been assumed, as well as familiarity with the basic tools of networking. ftp.concert.net:/rfc.
Zen and the Art of the Internet: This is an older verion of the best-selling book Zen and the Art of Internet by Brendan P. Kehoe. The purpose of this booklet is two-fold: first, it's intended to serve as a reference piece, which someone can easily grab on the fly and look something up. Also, it forms a foundation from which people can explore the vast expanse of the Internet. Zen and the Art of the Internet doesn't spend a significant amount of time on any one point; rather, it provides enough for people to learn the specifics of what his or her local system offers.
Information Sources: the Internet and Computer-Mediated Communication: This document lists pointers to information describing the Internet, computer networks, and issues related to computer-mediated communication (CMC). Topics include the technical, social, cognitive, and psychological aspects. ftp.rpi.edu:/pub/communications
Scott Yanoff's Special Internet Connections list: A well-indexed list of interesting things to see and do on the Internet. ftp.csd.uwm.edu:/pub/inet.services.txt
Everybody's Guide to the Internet: This outstanding guide to the Internet was written to help open doors to the vast mounds of information available on the world's largest network, the Internet. ftp.eff.org:pub/Net_info/Guidebooks/Everybodys_Guide/netguide.eff
There's Gold in them thar Networks! This paper presents some of the "gold nuggets" of information and file repositories that could be useful. ftp.concert.net:/rfc/rfc1402.txt
Surfing the Internet: This short, non-technical article is an introduction to Internet communications and how librarians and libraries can benefit from net connectivity. It includes descriptions of electronic mail, discussion lists, electronic journals and texts, and a resource listing. nysernet.org:/pub/resources/guides/surfing.2.0.3.txt

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