This list of Frequently Asked Questions will continue to expand throughout the semester, so please check back with further questions.
1. Do I have to have my own computer to take this class?
You do not need your own computer. However, in order to do well in this class, it is essential that you spend much of your time online. Thus, it is highly recommended that you do have your own computer with a reasonable internet connection. If you do not have your own computer, you should recognize that there are numerous computers on this campus that you have access to as a student -- but you should expect to spend time in those labs using those computers.
For those interested in hardware requirements, it is recommended that you have access to a reasonably fast internet connection, but it is not necessary. New computers and modems are relatively expensive. Students who don't have the money to buy a slick new machine, but would like to work on a computer at home, should consider buying a used computer and modem. For under $300 (and probably less) any student can buy a used computer and modem that will allow you to satisfy the requirements of the course.
You can find cheap computers advertised on the Internet in the newsgroup la.forsale, or pick up a copy of the Recycler.
2. Do I need to buy an expensive modem to go with my new computer?
Not necessarily. You do need a modem if you are going to connect from home, and the faster it is the better off you will be. But if you want to go the cheap route you can purchase an old 2400 bps (very slow) modem for very cheap, probably around $25. You can also find these at la.forsale or in the Recycler. While such a modem will certainly get you through the semester, keep in mind that the slow connection may be frustrating.
For those that desire a faster modem on a cheaper budget, you might want to look at http://www.cnet.com/Content/Reviews/Compare/Modems/. This is a database of comparative reviews of fast modems for the thrifty shopper. To find out more information about fast modems look at http://stage.macworld.com/pages/december.95/Feature.1631.html.
3. Do I need to spend money on an Internet Service Provider (ISP)?
Not necessarily. CSUN provides students with a very good Internet connection that offers a UNIX shell account and SLIP/PPP connectivity; these services can be accessed via modem by calling a Northridge telephone number. Please note, however, that if dialing Northridge is long distance for you, you would save money in the long run by subscribing to an ISP. You can get a reliable Internet connection for about $20 a month. CSUN maintains a list of recommended ISPs at the Learning Resource Center; you can visit that list at http://lrc.csun.edu/HyperNews/get/john/isps.html. A much larger list is maintained at http://thelist.com for those who want more options.
4. Will I learn basic Internet skills in this class?
Not really. The instructor is not equipped to teach basic internet skills in this class, and will spend very little class time focusing on these skills. That doesn't mean he won't answer questions or point you in the direction of useful resources; only that the course materials assume the student either already has some internet skills or is prepared to learn them quickly as the semester begins. Some of the exercises are designed to help you learn these skills for yourself, which is the only effective way to teach computer skills.
One principle that students will learn early in the semester is what is known in computer jargon as RTFM, or "Read the Fucking Manual." There are manuals all over the internet (and in the box that your computer came in) which explain how to use various components of the Internet. It is expected that students will use these manuals to educate themselves about the Internet. For your convenience, I maintain an active index of RTFM material at http://www.csun.edu/~hfspc002/454/rtfm.html which should help you find the information you need.
5. Will I need to install special software in my computer over the course of the semester?
Probably. Internet software for the World Wide Web is available free to students from various sources on the Internet. Installation instructions, which vary across platforms, are also available on the Internet as well as in the downloaded software packages. For your convenience, I will maintain an active index of sources for Internet software at http://www.csun.edu/~hfspc002/454/dtfs.html. From this page, students will be able to download software for various platforms.
6. What if my Internet service is through America On Line?
America Online (AOL), and other services like it (CompuServe, GNN, Prodigy, EWorld, and the Microsoft Network), is not technically an ISP -- it is a commercial Online Service Provider that happens to offer Internet access as one of its services. These companies offer an easy interface for beginning users wishing to connect to the Internet. Most users of these services spend very little time on the Internet itself, instead using their local services such as chat rooms, bulletin boards, news, and information databases. The Internet services offered by these companies are very limited, but they have the advantage of ease of use for users with little computer experience. I would recommend AOL to beginning internet users who want to browse the Internet without contributing actively to its developing culture.
However, these services are very limited in their Internet capabilities. Additionally, their easy-to-use interface is a curse disguised as a blessing. The software keeps users from learning what they are actually doing when they push the pretty buttons. This drawback makes AOL and other services like it inadequate for most of the things we will do this semester. Additionally, these services tack on a hefty hourly charge for Internet connections. Local ISPs, on the other hand, usually offer unlimited Internet access for about $20/month. Thus, if you have an AOL account, I would strongly suggest getting an alternative ISP and perhaps abandoning your AOL account.
Additionally, AOL is very unpopular on the Internet. The following pages offer numerous other reasons to stay away from AOL, including: