Connecting to the Internet

Introduction.

The Internet provides computer users with access to library
systems, information servers, program archives and databases
worldwide.

The purpose of this handout is to describe some of the ways
that an individual user can connect to the Internet and take
advantage of its resources.


Access via PSUVM.

The Center for Academic Computing (CAC) academic mainframe
(PSUVM) is connected to the Internet.  Anyone with an
account on PSUVM may use the TELNET and FTP programs on
PSUVM for Internet access.

Separate handouts are available from the CAC describing
TELNET and FTP on PSUVM.


Access via Networked Microcomputer.

Microcomputers at the CAC public microcomputer laboratories
are connected to the Penn State Data Backbone, and therefore
to the Internet.  Software is provided on each system for
direct TELNET and FTP access to Internet resources.

Private departmental or office microcomputers on LANs having
gateway access to the Penn State Data Backbone will have
Internet access if the proper communication software has
been installed on the microcomputer.  Individuals should
contact their LAN administrator for details concerning their
situation.

Individuals with individual backbone (IBC) connections to
their office microcomputer are connected to the Penn State
Data Backbone, and therefore to the Internet.  The proper
for TELNET and FTP use on the Internet should also have been
provided.


Access via Asynchronous Communication

Asynchronous (modem or dataswitch-based) access to the
Internet may be achieved via the TN1 TELNET server.

Modem-based users may access the TELNET server by using
their favorite VT100-class terminal emulator and dialing
into the CAC dial-in modems. (865-2424 for 2400 baud or
863-0459 for 1200 baud)  At the Dataswitch Request: prompt
enter the name TN1.

Those with high-speed dataswitch lines in their offices may
also access the Telnet server by using their favorite VT100-
class terminal emulator and specifying TN1 at the Dataswitch
Request: prompt.

Once the connection to TN1 is established the CONNECT
command may be used for TELNET access to Internet systems.
For example, to achieve a TELNET connection to the CAC NeXT
system Vivaldi one would use the following command:

     CONNECT Vivaldi.psu.edu

Please note the following limitations on Internet access
through TN1:

     (1) TELNET is the only service available through TN1.
         Internet FTP access is not available through TN1.

     (2) For security reasons, TN1 access is limited to Penn
         State hosts and permitted external systems only. If
         you have a valid need for including an external
         system in the TN1 permission table you should
         contact the Office of Telecommunications at
         865-1940.


Access via a unix Workstation or Mainframe.

All CAC computers and most Departmental computers running
the unix operating system are connected to the Penn State
Data Backbone, and therefore to the Internet.  The TELNET
and FTP programs should work for Internet resource access on
these systems.


Access via other Penn State Computer Systems.

Internet access may be available from other Penn State
computer systems besides the ones mentioned earlier in this
handout.  Contact the system administrator to determine if
the computer system you are using has Internet access and
how to make use of it.


Sources of Information and Help.

The proper avenue for obtaining information and help when
trying to access the Internet will depend on (1) the access
method you are using, and (2) the nature of the problem you
are experiencing.


If you are accessing the Internet through any CAC system
(including the TN1 TELNET server), or are having problems
using TELNET or FTP on any CAC system, you may obtain
information and help by calling:

          CAC Help Desk
       12 Willard Building
         (814) 863-1035
      (9:00am-4:30pm M-F)
     (7:00pm-11:00pm Sun-Th)
         email:HELPDESK

If you are accessing the Internet from a non-CAC workstation
or mainframe computer you should contact the system
administrator for that computer system.

If you are having problems using a remote service through
the Internet, your only options will be to contact the
person or persons responsible for support at that site or to
use any built-in online help available.


Hardcopy Internet Documentation?

An excellent document titled "Zen and the Art of the
Internet" is available to serve as an introduction to
TELNET, FTP and other aspects of the Internet.  This
document is available via two routes:

     (1) It may be purchased at Gnomon Copy, Kinkos or the
         Penn State Bookstore in State College.

     (2) It is available in Postscript form on the PSUVM
         file server PCLIB.  It may be downloaded from
         PCLIB and copied to any Postscript printer for
         printing.  It is located in PCLIB under the
         'PCINFO' library and the 'Hints and Miscellaneous
         Text' subdirectory.


About this Handout...

This handout is produced as part of the Office of Computer
and Information Systems Internet training initiative.
Questions and/or suggestions regarding this document should
be directed to:

     Gerry Santoro (gms@psuvm.psu.edu)
     (814) 863-7896