THE INTERNET

At Whitman, we enjoy free access to the internet. However, there are some things you should keep in mind when you go on the internet. It will turn around to bite you if you don’t respect it.

Information on the Internet

You can encounter two things on the Internet: people and information. Both can help you as you progress in your academic career.

People: The Internet allows you to be in contact with people—a lot of people. There are tools, such as e-mail, newsgroups, and listservs, to assist you in communicating with other people. These people are often more than eager to help out, providing answers to questions, and engaging you in thoughtful discussion.

Information: The Internet is a medium for accessing a vast amount of information. There are a number of search tools available through your browser (use the “Search” button). You can use these tools to find reference library databases and catalogs like Whitman’s own Penrose Library or the Library of Congress or other great information sources.

A word of caution: while you can often trust information on the Internet, occasionally you will find some that is inaccurate and misleading. You should always be cautiouswith information; be sure to double-check facts before citing them.

Surviving the Internet

Being new to cyberspace is, as you know, just like being new to a school. Everyone wants to be accepted and liked. On the network it is easier because outward appearance and things like personal hygiene don’t matter – but there are some things that do make a difference. The following list should help you make a good first impression on the Internet:

Ways to make friends and influence people:

• Be careful with your phrasing. Unlike the voice, electronic text cannot easily convey subtle moods, such as irony or humor. Your words represent you completely.
• Look before you leap. Consult FAQ’s and knowledgeable local people before asking an entire mailing list or newsgroup.
• Delete your sent-mail and other files that are no longer useful.
• Be forgiving of other people’s mistakes; you were a network newbie once too!
• Remember that the person reading your mail or posting mail is a person too, with feelings that can be hurt.
• Share expert knowledge, offer answers and help people who ask questions on discussion groups.
• Check grammar and spelling before you post.
• Know where you are in cyberspace.
• Respect other people’s time and bandwidth.
• Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you follow in real life.
• Conserve bandwidth when you retrieve information from a host or server.
• Read the FAQ (frequently asked questions) document.

Ways to avoid a crash landing:

• Don’t give anyone your password. Ever.
• Don’t say anything in email you aren’t willing to have broadcast on the nightly news. Email is not a secure channel.
• Don’t send on a chain letter. Nothing bad will happen to you if you ignore it.
• Don’t mail or post anything that you wouldn’t say to your reader’s face.
• Don’t use commands you don’t understand.
• Don’t post flame bait, don’t respond to flame bait, and don’t post spelling or grammar flames.
• Don’t post subscribe, unsubscribe, or FAQ requests.
• Don’t waste expert readers’ time by posting basic information.
• Don’t waste time and bandwidth.
• Don’t read other people’s private email; respect their privacy.
• Don’t break the law.

Table of Contents

• whit.bits Home
• Tips and Tricks
• Quick Links
• Glossary

• Getting on the Whitman Network
• Your Marcus Account
• Whitman Technology Resources
• Getting Help
• The Internet
• A Few Suggestions
• Some Final Thoughts