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Path: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu!dreaderd!not-for-mail Message-ID: <yolo/faq/part3_1084010824@rtfm.mit.edu> Supersedes: <yolo/faq/part3_1081511793@rtfm.mit.edu> Expires: 19 Jun 2004 10:07:04 GMT References: <yolo/faq/part1_1084010824@rtfm.mit.edu> X-Last-Updated: 1996/06/25 From: Internet Esquire <netesq@dcn.davis.ca.us> Organization: Internet Esquire(SM) Newsgroups: yolo.general,news.answers Subject: Yolo County, California USENET FAQ Part 3 of 3 Followup-To: poster Summary: This article is Part Three of a Multipart compilation of information on items of interest to readers of the yolo.* newsgroups and other parties interested in Yolo County, California. Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.EDU Originator: faqserv@penguin-lust.MIT.EDU Date: 08 May 2004 10:08:13 GMT Lines: 611 NNTP-Posting-Host: penguin-lust.mit.edu X-Trace: 1084010893 senator-bedfellow.mit.edu 574 18.181.0.29 Xref: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu news.answers:271017 Archive-name: yolo/faq/part3 Posting-Frequency: monthly Last-moidified: Jun. 25, 1996 Version: 21Jun96 [ASCII/Multipart] URL: <http://www.dcn.davis.ca.us/~netesq/USENET-FAQs/yolo/part3.html > Ebb: <http://www.dcn.davis.ca.us/~netesq/USENET-FAQs/yolo/part2.html > The Yolo County, California USENET FAQ Part 3 of 3 Frequently Asked Questions about Yolo County, California (c) Copyright 1995 & 1996 by David F. Prenatt, Jr. Internet Esquire(SM) P.O. Box 74632 Davis, CA 95617-5632 <http://www.dcn.davis.ca.us/~netesq/ > <mailto:NetEsq@dcn.davis.ca.us > The Yolo County, California USENET FAQ (Yolo County USENET FAQ) may be comprised of more than one part. If it is, please see the TABLE OF CONTENTS in Part One for a complete list of the questions that I have attempted to answer and for other important legal information. Caveat emptor: I assume no obligation for anyone through the publication of the Yolo County USENET FAQ. Furthermore, all versions of the Yolo County USENET FAQ are my personal property and are protected by applicable copyright laws. All rights are reserved except as follows: I hereby give my permission to anyone who has access to this version of the Yolo County USENET FAQ to reproduce the information contained herein for non-profit purposes, provided that proper credit is given to me as the author of this FAQ and that I am notified of any use other than personal use. Permission to reproduce any version of this FAQ may be revoked by me at any time. - - - - - The Yolo County, California USENET FAQ Part 3 of 3 Frequently Asked Questions about Yolo County, California (c) Copyright 1995 & 1996 by David F. Prenatt, Jr. 4) THE HISTORY OF YOLO COUNTY. 4.1) The Aboriginal Inhabitants of Yolo County. As long ago as 40,000 years, the aboriginal inhabitants of California (known collectively as the "California Indians") first arrived in Yolo County. The most recent aboriginal inhabitants of Yolo County were primarily the Patwin ("the people" in their native tongue). Like most aboriginal Californians, the Patwin relied heavily upon oak tree acorns as their primary food supply. The Patwin employed a basic monetary system that was recognized by their neighboring culture groups and helped prevent most conflicts over territories and resources. This monetary system also formed the basis for an extensive trade network that stretched throughout California, notwithstanding the dearth of long distance travel and communication between different culture groups in aboriginal California. 4.2) Spanish and Mexican Occupation. While the Age of Exploration and subsequent historical developments took their toll upon all cultures in the New World, it had no special or noteworthy impact upon the aboriginal inhabitants of Yolo County. Early on, the Spanish Mission system came very close to Yolo County with the founding of San Francisco de Asis in 1776. However, this mission and other neighboring missions had little influence on the life of aboriginal California residents outside of the San Francisco Bay Area. By the time San Francisco Solano was founded in 1823 the Mission System was no longer even a viable institution in California. 4.3) The Gold Rush and the Advent of Agriculture. The discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill in 1848 (days after the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo) triggered a large westward migration to California, but once again the migration stopped short of Yolo County, this time primarily on the east side. Of all the counties bordering the Sacramento River, Yolo County maintained the slowest population growth. The Sacramento River formed an inhospitable barrier that most 49ers simply had no reason to cross for any appreciable length of time. Meanwhile, however, the aboriginal population of Yolo County that had avoided the missionization process disappeared virtually overnight, succumbing to the totally exotic forces of alcohol, disease, and hostile white emigrants. After the Gold Rush, agriculture emerged as the primary industry in Yolo County. Yolo was one of the original counties established when California became a state, but to this day, Yolo County remains an obscure, rural agricultural area, but for the presence of U.C. Davis (formerly the U.C. College of Agriculture, and before that the U.C. Berkeley farm) in its midst. Yolo County agriculture is comprised almost entirely of automated tomato harvesting and processing, a multi-billion dollar agribusiness that dominates 90% of the national market in tomatoes. The Yolo County Historical Museum, located at 512 Gibson Rd in Woodland, exhibits artifacts and displays dating from the time of the Gold Rush through the end of the Depression. Contact the Yolo County Historical Museum at (916)666-1045 for more information. 5) FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT COMPUTERS AND LIFE ON THE INTERNET FROM MEMBERS OF THE YOLO COUNTY COMMUNITY. 5.1) BASIC QUESTIONS ABOUT COMPUTERS. I have attempted to answer some basic questions about computers in this section. However, the best place to get answers for your computer questions is from your own Internet Service provider (ISP). 5.1.1) Why should I use a computer? It is easier and faster to accomplish certain tasks by using a computer. 5.1.1.1) Do I really need to use a computer? No. You don't need to use a computer, but many tasks are impossible to accomplish without a computer. 5.1.1.2) Isn't it difficult to learn how to use a computer? No. Learning to use a computer is very easy, but this is a very well kept secret because many people who know how to use computers are very intimidating to people who do not know how to use them. 5.1.1.3) How can I get the computer training that I need? Admit your ignorance, both to yourself and to the people who offer you help. Teaching people how to use computers is extremely difficult, but it doesn't have to be that way. Many people erroneously assume that they understand how computers work, and this makes teaching these people extremely difficult. Of course, people who are technically proficient may not be able to communicate with you or they may not be interested in helping you. Avoid these people. 5.1.1.4) What practical uses would I have for a computer? Within the last ten years, the number of practical applications for personal computers has mushroomed to the point where anyone who is not computer literate is at a serious disadvantage in the competitive worlds of education and commerce. Computer games were the original hook for most consumers, and word processing has since emerged as the most popular practical application for end users. As useful as these applications are, however, they are little more than flotsam when compared with the phenomenal software vessels that sail the vast ocean of computer technology. But don't take my word for it: Stop by any store that sells computer software and do some window shopping. 5.1.2) Do I need my own computer? No. Computers are as ubiquitous as telephones. The only reason you would want to own your own computer is for personal convenience, much like owning a cellular phone. 5.1.2.1) What kind of a computer should I buy? You should buy a computer with the features that you want at a price you can afford. If you are reading this FAQ for a recommendation, then you probably want a Macintosh(r) or an IBM/IBM Clone (PC). 5.1.2.1.1) What is the difference between a Macintosh(r) and an IBM/IBM Clone (PC)? Macintosh(r) computers are much higher quality technology than IBM technology. However, IBM is the standard for computer technology and is much more affordable than Macintosh(r). Thus, if you are on a limited budget, you probably want an IBM/IBM clone (PC), especially because whatever you do buy will be obsolete when you buy it. 5.1.2.1.2) What is an IBM/IBM clone (PC)? IBM buys its technology on the open market and sets the standard for other computer companies (at least it used to do so). Many companies build IBM clones (properly referred to as PCs) that meet or exceed IBM's standards (i.e., 100% IBM Compatible). 5.1.2.2) What kind of features should I have on a computer? There is no easy answer to this question, but as a general rule buy only proven technology and avoid all the bells and whistles. New technology is inherently unreliable because many bugs are found only after a product has been released to the general public. Try out a variety of computers and find out for yourself what features are the most useful and reliable. 5.1.2.3) What kind of accessories should I get on my computer? It depends upon what type of applications you are using. If you are reading this FAQ for a recommendation, then you probably only need a modem and/or a printer. 5.2) What is the Internet? The Internet is the product of a worldwide computer network developed by the military in the late 1960s (ARPANET), nurtured by academicians over the last 20 years or so, and currently used primarily as a medium for the communication and free exchange of information and ideas for anyone who knows how to obtain Internet access. There are more breathtaking Internet applications, but they are not for "newbies" and they are well beyond the scope of this FAQ. 5.2.1) How can I obtain access to the Internet? [Rev] You can use any computer system that has "telnet" capabilities or you can use your home computer to telnet via modem to an Internet Service Provider (ISP). An ISP is an entity that provides a "gateway" to the Internet for "end users." An ISP typically has a "Unix based" computer system that is linked to every other computer on the Internet around the world. Computers that are part of the Internet are in constant communication with each other via underground cables, telephone lines, satellite feeds, etc. End users access the Internet by using their computer accounts to telnet to the gateway services provided by an ISP. A gateway to the Internet is any service that allows an end user to communicate with a computer that is part of the Internet. Many Bulletin Board Services (BBSs) provide gateways to the Internet. To provide Internet access for their customers, these gateway services must telnet to an ISP themselves. Some of the more popular commercial gateway services that are not part of the Internet are losing their appeal as ISPs now offer direct access to the Internet at a reduced rate by eliminating the middleman. In Yolo County, mother.com is the primary ISP for commercial users. For more information on mother.com's services, contact "mom" at (916)757-8070; (800)557-8070. Readers with a web browser may visit mother.com's Home Page on the World Wide Web (<http://www.mother.com/ >). Due in no small part to the spectacular growth of the Internet that occurred late in 1995, a number of ISPs, based in Yolo County, are now forming, and a number of low cost ISPs that are not based in Yolo County are beginning to maintain a Yolo County presence. We are living in interesting times, and it's too soon to tell what the long term effects of this current market shakeup will be. Taking harbor with an established ISP will give you no long-term guarantees. as some of the most viable ISPs were formed very recently. In any event, whatever ISP you choose, you will have to provide your own computer and your own modem. 5.2.1.1) How do I telnet from a computer system that has telnet capabilities? At the Unix prompt, simply type in "telnet" (without the quotes) and the name (or IP address) of the computer system which you wish to access. For example: telnet computer.system where computer.system is the name of a hypothetical computer system that you wish to access by telnet. You will then be asked for your account name and password, which is assigned to you by your ISP. 5.2.1.2) How do I obtain access to the Internet from my home computer? You will need a modem and some sort of communications software. Check with your ISP for further information. 5.2.2) How do I communicate with other people on the Internet? [Rev] Communication between individuals on the Internet usually takes place through the institutions of e-mail and the USENET newsgroups. These are the most straightforward and easy to use Internet applications. Live time conversations also take place with the Internet Relay Chat (IRC); the World Wide Web provides access to multimedia communication. I hesitate to mention the highly intrusive Internet communication software "talk/ytalk," but for those of you who want more information on how to interrupt people with a talk request, contact David T. Witkowski (<mailto:dtwitkowski@ucdavis.edu >; readers with a web browser may visit David T. Witkowski's Ytalk Primer on the World Wide Web (<http://www.ece.ucdavis.edu/~witkowsk/ytalk.html >). 5.2.2.1) Are there any rules for using e-mail and the USENET newsgroups. In most instances, yes. Most ISPs impose regulations for e-mail and the USENET. There are also informal rules of conduct that are enforced by the Internet community (fondly referred to as "netiquette"). For further information on official regulations on e- mail and the USENET, contact your ISP. As for netiquette, use your own good judgment. 5.2.2.2) What is the difference between e-mail and the USENET newsgroups? The primary difference between e-mail and the USENET is privacy. However, neither e-mail or the USENET are confidential. An e-mail message is directed to a particular individual or group of individuals; a USENET article is directed to anyone who has access to the newsgroup where the article is posted. If you want to conduct confidential communications over the Internet, check out an encryption program such as PGP ("Pretty Good Privacy"). PGP has a public domain version that is available free of charge to anyone who is using it for non-commercial purposes. It has thwarted virtually every attempt that people have made to crack it. What makes PGP unique is that the key that encrypts your mail (i.e., your "public key") is distinct and separate from the key that unscrambles it (i.e., your "private key"). Unless you tell someone your private PGP key or someone guesses it (which could take thousands of years of computer time) or discovers it by eavesdropping, no one can read your PGP encrypted mail. 5.2.2.2.1) How do I use e-mail? The most straightforward and easy way to use e-mail is by using a program called "pine" (pine is an acronym for "pine is nearly elm"-- elm was an e-mail program that preceded pine). To use pine, type in "pine" (without the quotes) at the Unix prompt. The pine application is menu-driven, so just follow the instructions that you see on the screen. [Note: Not all ISPs support the pine application.] 5.2.2.2.2) How do I use the USENET newsgroups? The most straightforward and easy way to use the USENET newsgroups is by using a program called "tin." To use tin, type in "tin" (without the quotes) at the Unix prompt. The tin program is menu-driven, so just follow the instructions. [Note: Not all ISPs support the tin application.] 5.2.2.2.2.1) How many USENET newsgroups are there? There are several thousand USENET newsgroups (more than anyone could ever hope to read), and there are more being created every day. Thus, you should decide which newsgroups you want to read. 5.2.2.2.2.2) How do I figure out which newsgroups I want to read? The USENET newsgroups are organized into a heirarchy that includes regional and other domains. You can use this hierarchy to select-out thousands of newsgroups that do not interest you. With tin, use the "yank" command (with the "y" key), the "search" command (with the "/" key), and the "subscribe" command (with the "s" key). After you've subscribed to the named groups that you want, simply yank out the rest. The "unsubscribe" command (the "u" key) will eliminate unwanted groups. For more information, use the online help in tin (^g). 5.2.2.2.2.3) What regional domains are available from the Yolo County USENET? No discernible population of Internet users currently exists to define the exact boundaries of the Yolo County USENET. However, the newsgroups in the yolo.* regional domain seem to be the logical foundation of the Yolo County USENET. I have also received numerous inquiries about the yolo.* newsgroups from readers of the sac.* newsgroups. The geographic area of both these regional domains are logically subordinate to the geographic area of the ca.* domain. 5.2.2.2.2.4) What newsgroups are available on the yolo.* USENET domain? The yolo.* USENET domain is comprised of the following newsgroups (which should be self-explanatory): * yolo.general (<news:yolo.general >). * yolo.life (<news:yolo.life >). * yolo.news (<news:yolo.news >). * yolo.news.admin (<news:yolo.news.admin >). * yolo.test (<news:yolo.test >). The yolo.* newsgroups are available to the general public courtesy of the mother.com news server (<newsrc://news.mother.com >) thanks to the efforts of Steve Wormley at mother.com computer services. 5.2.2.3) How do I use the IRC? To use the IRC, type in "irc" (without the quotes) at the Unix prompt. There is online help available for the IRC and many of the people whom you meet on the IRC will be willing to answer many of your questions. You will also find a FAQ on the IRC on the news.answers USENET newsgroup (<news:news.answers >). [Note: Many ISPs do not support the IRC. It is a resource hog.] 5.2.2.4) How do I access the World Wide Web? You can access the World Wide Web by using a text-based program, such as "lynx," or by using a "web browser," such as "Netscape." Access to the multi-media features of various web sites (i.e., pictures and sound) is the biggest advantage of using Netscape. 5.2.2.4.1) How do I use lynx? Simply type in "lynx" (without the quotes) at the Unix prompt and follow the instructions that you find on the screen. 5.2.2.4.2) How do I use Netscape? Netscape is easy to use and has many exciting and revolutionary multi- media/multi-protocol features, but you will probably need help from someone who knows what he or she is doing to learn how to use Netscape. Visit the Netscape Home Page on the World Wide Web for more information (<http://home.netscape.com/ >). 5.2.3) What resources are available over the Internet? In addition to the communication and exchange of information that people can accomplish over the Internet using e-mail, USENET, and IRC, people can download archived information from computers on the Internet using "file transfer protocol" (ftp). 5.2.3.1) What is ftp and how does it work? The ftp function resembles the telnet function (the basic method of gaining access to the Internet for e-mail and the USENET), but ftp is only used for downloading or uploading information. There are generally two ways to access a computer via ftp, anonymous and privileged. 5.2.3.2) How do I use anonymous ftp? When you know which anonymous ftp site has the information that you want, log onto it using the ftp program: * Type in "ftp" (without the quotes) at the Unix prompt, followed by the name of the ftp site that you wish to access. For example: ftp ftp.site where ftp.site is the name of a hypothetical ftp site that you want to access. * You will be asked to provide your username, type in: anonymous * You will then be asked to provide your password. DO NOT TYPE IN YOUR PASSWORD! *ANONYMOUS* FTP IS SUPPOSED TO BE *ANONYMOUS*. If you wish, you may type in your Internet address as a return address, but you do not need to do so. Virtually any response to the password request will give you access to an anonymous ftp site. * Type in the GET command, followed by the exact name of the file that you want. For example: get ftp-document where ftp-document is the name of a hypothetical ftp document that you want to obtain via ftp. This procedure will retrieve any ASCII document. * If for some reason, there is something wrong with the document you obtain, it is probably not an ASCII document, so start over at the beginning and set the code to binary by typing in "binary" (without the quotes) after you have opened the anonymous ftp site. For example: binary This should fix the problem so that you can GET the document that you want. If it doesn't, then the file you have is probably compressed or encrypted, so you will need to find out what program you should use to decompress or decrypt the file. [Note: Check with your ISP for more information on the quirks of its ftp programs.] 5.2.3.3) How do I use privileged ftp? A privileged ftp site requires an actual username and an actual password (as opposed to an anonymous ftp site). Privileged ftp sites have all of the features of an anonyomus ftp site; you can also use the PUT command with privileged ftp. For example: put ftp-document where ftp-document is the name of a hypothetical document that you want to load to your privileged ftp site. 5.2.3.4) How do I obtain ftp files by e-mail request? For information on ftp by e-mail service, send an e-mail message to ftpmail@decwrl.dec.com with the text "help" somewhere in the body of the message. Many ftp sites have mail-server software that will send ftp files by e-mail request. For example, to obtain this faq by e- mail send the following message to mail-server@rtfm.mit.edu (pending approval of the *.answers team): send usenet/news.answers/yolo/faq/part* . . . quit Where * is replaced by the numbers 1 and 3 in successive lines of text. Other FAQs that I have written are archived at rtfm.mit.edu in the usenet/news.answers directory under the appropriate archive name. See Section 1.5 for more information about these other FAQs. To obtain one of these other FAQs, change the text of the line in your e- mail message that begins with send so that the archive name yolo/faq/part* is replaced with the archive name of the other FAQ. 5.2.3.5) How can I find out what information is available via ftp? You can use various "search engines" on the Internet. For example, my favorite search engine for the World Wide Web is Yahoo (<http://www.yahoo.com/ >). 5.2.3.6) What is a gopher? The term gopher refers to both a computer protocol and a type of menu- driven computer application that utilizes that protocol. People use gophers to burrow through the Internet, figuratively speaking, and help them find the information that they want. Gophers are named after the mascot of the University of Minnesota where the gopher protocol was developed. All the gophers in the world are interconnected, so if you want to use a gopher, simply type in "gopher" (without the quotes) at the Unix prompt and follow the directions. 5.2.3.7) Who (or what) is/are Veronica and Jughead? Veronica (*Very *Easy *Rodent *Oriented *Netwide *Index to *Computer *Archives) and Jughead (*Jonzi's *Universal *Gopher *Hierarchy *Excavation *And *Display) are somewhat dated gopher-based search engines, but you are not that likely to encounter him. 5.2.3.8) Who (or what) is Archie? Archie (*Archive *Retrieval *C--- *H--- *I--- *E---) is a search engine that helps you locate computer programs that are archived on ftp sites on the Internet. To use Archie, simply type in "archie" (without the quotes) at the Unix prompt. 5.2.3.9) How do I transfer files to and from my personal computer and my Internet account? [New] You can put your files on a diskette and use one of the workstations on campus to ftp your files to and from your Internet account. Alternatively, there are several file transfer programs available to accomplish such tasks. Your best option among those that are currently available is a kermit file transfer. Kermit is public domain software that is available from IT-CAP; instructions for kermit file transfers are available on the World Wide Web at the U.C. Davis Network Administrators FAQ: <http://tsp.ucdavis.edu/nar/FAQ-UNIX.html#Tag-MSKermit > 5.3) LOCAL LEGENDS ON THE YOLO COUNTY USENET. Nominations for this category are welcome. I will make the final decision as to who qualifies. As it stands right now, the only person to create any appreciable activity on the yolo.* USENET newsgroups was the mysterious (perhaps fictional) Mitch Kauffman who purported to take control of the yolo.life newsgroup (<news:yolo.life >) (claiming to rename it "yolo.mitch"). Other than "the Mitch," the yolo.* newsgroups have been conspicuously void of controversial or newsworthy activity. 6) REVISIONS FOR FUTURE VERSIONS OF THE YOLO COUNTY USENET FAQ. [Note: Expect periodic revisions in this section and/or its subsections.] I have made every effort to make sure that the structure and organization of this FAQ will not require much change. If information is substantially changed or deleted, I will include specific notations bracketed in the section headings as follows: * [CORRECTIONS]--If information is revised because of substantial inaccuracy, I will mark the heading with this notation; I will *not* note minor corrections. * [New]--New section. * [Rev]--Revised section. * [Moved from . . .]/[Moved to . . .]--Section moved; information unchanged. As the above notations are meant to accomodate regular readers of this FAQ, these notations will only appear for one month. 6.1) CHANGES IN THIS VERSION OF THE YOLO COUNTY USENET FAQ FROM PREVIOUS VERSIONS. [Rev] This version of the Yolo County USENET FAQ is more complete and accurate than previous versions, as I have had the time to include the helpful feedback that I have received from various readers. Moreover, the organizational structure of previous versions of this FAQ helped me conduct the personal research necessary to discover certain obscure information resources. These information resources helped me fill in many of the missing details that belong in a FAQ like this, but the job is still not done. 6.2) CHANGES THAT WILL TAKE PLACE IN FUTURE VERSIONS OF THIS FAQ. [Rev] No changes are currently planned for the structure and/or organization of future versions of this FAQ. I will simply fill in the remaining details and revise the information in this FAQ when it becomes outdated and/or as I receive further feedback from my readers. - - - - - End Document: The Yolo County, California USENET FAQ Part 3 of 3 Frequently Asked Questions about Yolo County, California (c) Copyright 1995 & 1996 by David F. Prenatt, Jr. Internet Esquire(SM) P.O. Box 74632 Davis, CA 95617-5632 <http://www.dcn.davis.ca.us/~netesq/ > <mailto:NetEsq@dcn.davis.ca.us > Last Document. - - - - -