For
Our "Newbies"*
*Lesson One -- people new to the
newsgroups (Usenet) and/or the World Wide Web
A BIG WELCOME TO THE INTERNET!
You will find that the Internet is a
wonderful resource for obtaining information and discussions on
any topic, including lupus and other rheumatic diseases. You may
also find yourself making new friends!
IMPORTANT
NOTICE FOR PARENTS
There is
"adult" and "commercial" content on both the
Newsgroups and the Web. Newsgroups in particular are plagued with
off-topic posts (see "SPAM" section for more clarification)
which can contain such content. We recommend that parents check
to see if their Internet Service Provider or their software
screens out whatever they don't want their children to see, or
supervise their children's use of the Internet.
DISCLAIMER
We cannot vouch for
the accuracy of any information you obtain on the Internet, or
the usefulness of any advice you receive. As with any public
domain, you must use caution and good judgement in evaluating
what is presented. We cannot be responsible for any harm that
comes to anyone resulting from their use of the Internet. We
recommend you evaluate all advice, especially medical, very
carefully and consult with your personal physician who knows you
and your case. We also recommend that you use the general common
sense and caution that most people use when interacting with
strangers -- be very careful about giving out personal
information, etc.
RESOURCES FOR YOU
People who are new to the Internet may
wish to check out some of these resources to better understand
how the "Net" is structured and to better use it to
meet their needs.
People who wish to post a message to
newsgroups (Usenet) are strongly advised to 1) read the group for
a few weeks before posting to get a "feel" for the
group and learn what is accepted and of interest to the group and
2) get information about Internet etiquette, or
"Netiquette" from one of the resources below or other
sources of this information.
This list is not "required
reading", certainly not in its entirety. Many resources are
posted here to provide a variety of points of view, questions
answered, and methods of presentation in the hope of increasing
the chances of there being at least one which is of benefit to
you. They are not in order of importance or ease of
understanding; the order is alphabetical so feel free to skip
around. There are varying levels of technicality in these
references so if one intimidates you--please try another!
Cyber
Course- An informative on-line course on understanding
the Net, how to properly use it, how to get the most out
of it. Will train you well! Has a New
Newbie Home Page which is where to
start if you are very new to the Net.
- Deja News
- A web site which is a very valuable resource for
newsgroups. Has new user information, tools for you to
browse through newsgroups and search for groups which
might interest you. Has archived (older) messages which
you can read to view the history of a particular group.
Also has a way for you to post to newsgroups through
their site.
- Emily Postnews
Answers Your Questions on Netiquette
- What NOT to do!!! A must-read for all newbies,
and anyone else who wants a good laugh!
- FAQ
Website
- This resource provides the FAQs (Frequently Asked
Questions; recommended reading before posting to a
newsgroup) for many newsgroups.
- How
to Find the Right Place to Post (FAQ)
- This is a FAQ (list of Frequently Asked Questions
and answers) about finding groups which address the topic
of interest to you.
- Hints
on Writing Style for Usenet
- This is a short article with some good things to
keep in mind before posting a message of your own.
- How to Use the Internet
- This was written for Netcom users but has info
relevant to everyone. Topics include e-mail, World Wide
Web, Gopher, newsgroups, FTP file transfer, TELNET,
finger, and Internet Relay Chat.
- How
to Work with the Usenet Community,
- A
Primer on How to Work with the Usenet Community
A good introduction to Usenet (newsgroups). The above are
two ways to get to the same document.
- The
Net--User Guidelines and Netiquette
- A guide to Internet etiquette and ways to get to
what you want on the Net.
- Newbie.net
- Web site with useful links and services for
newbies.
- News.announce.newusers
FAQ
- This is a "FAQ" -- frequently asked
questions answer page -- for the useful newsgroup, news.announce.newusers
(click on the group name here to go to the group itself).
Includes "FAQ about FAQs".
- News.newusers.questions
FAQ,
- Answers
to Frequently Asked Questions About Usenet
These are FAQs (articles which answer Frequently Asked
Questions) for the useful newsgroup, news.newusers.questions
(click on the group name here to go to the group itself).
Lots of Usenet questions are answered in this newsgroup.
If you can't find an answer to your question in FAQs, you
can ask it in the group.
- Talk City
-- Internet Guided Tours!
- Rules
for Posting to Usenet
- Some good advice to read before posting a message
to Usenet (newsgroups).
- What
is Usenet?
- Answers this question, and also explains what
Usenet is not.
- What
is Usenet? A Second Opinion
- This document goes into some Usenet-using issues.
- Yahoo's
Beginners Guides
- LOTS of good links (other resources you can click
on and go to) here.
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