How to Obtain Publications on Computer Use Most CAC publications are now available electronically through the Penn State Gopher system. All faculty, staff, and students can now access Gopher through the new Access Account program. Electronic Information Access ================================================ To use access services on your own personal computer, you need (1) an access account, (2) a connection--either a backbone connection or modem, (3) communications software and (4) access client software. If you plan to use the services in Center for Academic Computing (CAC) public computer labs, you need only apply for an account. Students who plan to use access services in residence halls that provide backbone connection must have an Ethernet card for their personal computer and must apply for an Individual Backbone Connection (IBC). There are three ways to apply for an access account: (1) fill out an application in 12 Willard Building or 230 Computer Building or (2) run the Access Account software on a hard disk DOS machine in CAC labs or (3) use the APPLY command on PSUVM. For ongoing information and discussion about electronic information access, read the "psu.cac.access" news group on-line in Netnews. For more information, see the publication "Electronic Information Access at Penn State," available at 12 Willard Building and 215 Computer Building. Learning How to Access Electronic Information ================================= The CAC presents seminars on a variety of computer topics throughout the year. Seminar descriptions and schedules for are mailed to all full-time faculty in September and January. Copies are also available at Help Desks in 12 Willard Building and 215 Computer Building. Schedules are also posted on-line in Gopher and on PSUVM. PSUVM users can issue the command SEMINARS to browse through descriptions and register electronically. Publications on Usenet ======================================================= Usenet (commonly referred to as Netnews) is another source of on-line information. This interactive electronic bulletin board displays thousands of news groups containing articles on almost any topic you can imagine. Because of its interactive nature, Usenet is an ideal way to discuss various topics of interest with people around the world. You can post and read articles and reply publicly or privately. Usenet complements Gopher by allowing direct participation and discussion of topics ranging from favorite TV shows to new theories in physics. In many news groups, instructions for computer use and lists of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers are periodically posted for new users. For example, the "Access FAQ" answers many questions about electronic information access at Penn State. This FAQ is periodically posted in the "psu.cac.access" news group. DOCLIST on PSUVM ============================================================== Although Gopher is now the primary system for document delivery, many documents (especially those pertaining to PSUVM use) will continue to be available through the DOCLIST command on PSUVM. In addition to publications, thousands of on-line help files are supplied on-line. For more information about the PSUVM help system, enter the command "help psu" on PSUVM. Printed Materials ============================================================= The CAC will provide printed materials of only the following publications, which are available at Help Desks in 12 Willard Building and 215 Computer Building. Other documentation is available electronically. * Electronic Information Access at Penn State * Center for Academic Computing Guide * Academic Computing Newsletter * MUG Newsletter (newsletter of local microcomputer user groups) * Help Desk Bookmark * IBM/DOS Labs Bookmark * Macintosh Lab Bookmark * Microcomputer Order Center Brochure * PSUVM Keyboard Maps: Macintosh Tincan, Macintosh TN3270, IBM PS/2 YTERM, IBM PS/2 TN3270, IBM PS/2 Kermit, HDS AVT, HDS 200, IBM 3179G, IBM 3178 * Internexus handout from the Internet seminar sponsored by C&IS and the University Libraries. Included are the following documents: -- Introduction to the Internet -- Simple Introduction to Telnet -- Simple Introduction to FTP -- Simple Introduction to LISTSERV Conferencing -- Simple Introduction to Usenet NEWS -- Simple Introduction to Gopher -- Simple Introduction to LIAS and the Internet Commercial Publications ====================================================== Manuals from vendors such as IBM, SAS, or Apple Corporations can be referenced at CAC Help Desks or purchased from the vendor or a bookstore. A limited number of reference copies of vendor software manuals are also available at computer labs. These manuals can be signed out from the lab attendant for use in the lab. Reference copies of software manuals may also be available for loan to faculty whose students will be assigned to use the labs. Faculty interested in obtaining reference copies should contact Mary Ramsey at (814-865-4778, mer@psuvm.psu.edu). Pattee Library also provides computer manuals. Publications at Penn State Bookstore and Gnomon's Copy Service ================ The following publications on PSUVM applications are frequently requested by faculty for course use. These publications are available on-line. Although you can print them yourself, many people find it more convenient to buy copies through the Penn State Bookstore or Gnomon's Copy, a commercial copy service in State College. * Electronic Information Access at Penn State * PSU Guide to VM/CMS * VM/CMS Tools Guide * Introduction to Electronic Mail on VM/CMS * Guide for Instructors Using VM/CMS * Introduction to XEDIT * NETNEWS User's Guide * The Computer Connection (for PSUVM users) * Script Primer and Quick Reference Instructors who need CAC publications for their classes other than those listed above should call (814) 865-4757 or send a request by electronic mail to the publications group (docreq@psuvm.psu.edu). Arrangements can be made to send a master copy to the bookstore or Gnomon's Copy for reproduction. At locations other than University Park, computer room managers or bookstore managers should contact the publications group at University Park for assistance. Documentation Requests and Assistance ========================================= For assistance with obtaining publications electronically or for help with any computer problem, contact the CAC Help Desk. Your requests, suggestions and comments are welcome. Contact Mimi Ridenour at (814) 865-8217, send electronic mail to docreq@psuvm.psu.edu or post your question in the "psu.questions" news group on Netnews. January 1994