Module 1

Module 1 – Hardware and Protocols

(1) Surf the Web: How the Web works

Learn the net (1996). Surf the web: How the web works. Retrieved January 12, 2007 from http://www.learnthenet.com/english/html/13wworks.htm

This ‘beginners’ tutorial provides a good overview of complex ideas and avoids overwhelm by not including too much detail. In well written sentences it exposes readers to terms such as web browser, servers, routers and hypertext, with key words and phrases in bold. The colours are good – black text on white background - the font is a good size and white space is used well. A number of terms (shown in green) are hyperlinked to adverts, but the mouse-over function brings up a small pop-up box, so readers can decide whether to go further into the ad or not. Colourful cartoon-style illustrations provide visual explanation of text. The tutorial takes up the middle panel, with general site navigation options on the left hand side and hyperlinked text ads listed on the right. More ads sit at the page’s end.

The page also discusses the W3C and provides some WWW history with external links to, among others, Tim Berners-Lee. There is also an interactive option allowing users a taste of what it was like to surf the net in past years. Related articles are hyperlinked at the page’s end.

Though the product of a private US company (Learn the Net), the page is not overly commercial, instead just providing easy-to-understand lessons about the internet. The page does contain adverts, but they are usually relevant to the general content, though one advertises Irish culture and history.

The site made an industry Top 100 Sites list in 1999 and 2000 and has been running since 1996. It was last updated in late 2006, so its topicality rating should be high.

Concepts - Using the www is not the same as knowing how the internet works. Even a basic knowledge of the processes involved can empower users to solve problems and get more from their internet use.

(2) FTP new user guide

Ipswitch, Inc. (n.d. ) FTP new user guide – FTP 101, A beginner’s guide. Retrieved January 12, 2007 from http://www.ftpplanet.com/ftpresources/basics.htm

This page is what it claims to be – a basic guide for those new to FTP. It is well-written and accessible, explaining FTP functions and uses, including FTP sites and FTP clients. A handful of hyperlinks offer short definitions of key words and background information and at the end of the page three hyperlinks can take readers further (see below). The information is split into different sections using headers and the text is broken up into small paragraphs so the reader does not have to negotiate a great block of text to learn. The tutorial text is black on a white background in a central panel whose width is easy on the eye. Key words and terms are highlighted using italics. A screen shot illustrates the typical two-panel design of any FTP client. A black and dark red boarder make up the screen, while a yellow left-hand panel displays links to purchase or download three related products. In other words, the tutorial text is the main feature of the page and there are virtually no visual distractions.

The website is sponsored by a US-based company, Ipswitch, Inc., which makes FTP products. This does not result in a heavy-sell however as the tutorial itself is neutral – the company’s products are not mentioned, the text instead makes general references to the FTP process. To take the tutorial further however, the company’s FTP products are used. The page was last modified in July, 2006.

Concepts – File Transfer Protocol is one of the most basic functions that computer users make use of every day, perhaps without knowing it. The technology allows anyone, from home computer dabblers up, to make use of what the internet offers. Understanding how FTP works and knowing what FTP products are available allows users to run a large business or download (transfer) songs in their bedroom.