I work with computers, also, but yet to understand exactly
what it takes (resources, $$$, and the actual hardware and
software know-how) to set-up and configure a complete system
that able to interact with the Internet.
Where one learns such information I do not know, but I would
like to certainly find out and learn. Anyone out there habe
any information on this?
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Alan "Al" Cherino Phone: (818) 354-9142
Jet Propulsion Laboratory Email:
4800 Oak Grove Drive alan.j.cherino@ccmail.jpl.nasa.gov
Pasadena, CA 91109 - or -
Mail Stop: 301-345 acherino@natasha.jpl.nasa.gov
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******Moderation Note******
There has been a number of messages on this subject and it seems
that no one really knows connections to this magic net happen. Of course
we all use it, but how do our organization get connected. First I should
say I'm not really any kind of net guru but I have set up net access a few
times. I am not going to get into details as it really is not germain to
this list. But here is the basic idea. First and formost the Internet is
not automatic to any one, and it ain't free neither. Basically in order
to setup access to the Net you must go through an Internet provider.
Exactly what is ment by provider varies a bit. There are regional
Internet providers and they are the "real" "Internet providers". The one
I connect to is WestNet, but locally there are several companies (that get
their feed through WestNet) that provide accounts on thier systems that
allow Internet access for an individual (much like those that some of you
use and like some of the freenets). These same providers may also provide
and IP number and domain name for small companies and organizations like
schools etc...In which case they become your provider. The trick to
getting a triabl college or any other organization on the net is to find
a situation where you run a line between a router at a provider and a
router at the school. The school then has access to the net
(sometimes the cost is little sometimes it is a lot --depends on
circumstances). At the same time the school or orgaanization must
acquire a valid ip address and domain name (your provider can help with
this). Once you have a physical connection and an ip address/domain name
your on the net. Those of you that really understand this process will
for give me for flying loose with the exacts on this, but I feel that
this gives folks a feel for how it happens. As for costs, understand
that if you have a bunch og Gov contracts (DOD, DOE, etc) maybe the Gov
will pay your bills. If you are a Univ with lots of research grants the
money is there for the net. If you are a small tribal college well it it
harder to get soemone to pay the various bills (Net type bills included).
Hope this helps people understand the idea bit better.
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