



 
 




















    Software Distribution On The Internet - A Primer










    Minuteman Systems

    June, 1994












 
 




 
 

    Introduction

         The  Internet is increasingly becoming a viable means for the
    distribution  of  software.   Originally  the primary users on the
    Internet   were   government-sponsored-research,  military  ,  and
    educational  organizations.   However,  since  approximately  1990
    there  has  been  a veritable explosion of new users, many of whom
    are  in  the  general public or the business community.  These new
    Internet  members  are often the ideal customer for the developers
    of many software programs.

         Surprisingly,  many  software  developers are unfamiliar with
    both  the  capabilities  of  the  Internet,  and  its users.  This
    document  is  written for them.  It will have more detail than the
    many  gee-whiz  "Wonders of the Information Superhighway" articles
    in  newspapers and magazines.  It's focus on software distribution
    will  filter  out  many  of the superfluous details present in the
    large volume of books being published.

    Readership

         This  document is targeted at smaller developers of software,
    both  amateur  and  professional.   Shareware and Freeware authors
    would  be  specific examples, but the methods described here would
    also  be  of  use  to  many  others  such as those at universities
    wishing  to widely distribute their works.  Besides software, text
    articles could also be distributed using this information.

         Technical pre-requisites of the reader are few but important.
    The  reader  is  expected  to  be  at minimum fluent in the use of
    personal  computers.   They  should  know  how  to operate dial-in
    communications  lines  to  electronic information systems (such as
    Compuserve  and  America On- Line).  They should be able to upload
    and download files, and know how to compress and decompress files.

         Unfortunately,  accessing  much  of  the  Internet requires a
    minimal-level  of ability to use the UNIX operating system.  Since
    many  DOS,  WINDOWS,  and MAC users are not familiar with that OS,
    bare-bones UNIX information will be provided.






 
 




 
 


         Additional Material - Software Distribution Kit

         This  document  will describe the basic methods to distribute
    text  and  software  via the Internet.  There is also a tremendous
    amount  of information available on the Internet that is useful in
    actually  carrying  this out - lists of places to distribute files
    to,  lists  of  access  providers,  etc.   It  is not practical to
    include  all  these sources within this this document.  Therefore,
    Appendices  are  provided  which  describe  how  to  access  these
    information sources.

         Additionally,  the  author will make available via diskette a
    "Software  Distribution  Kit"  containing all this information and
    additional  files and tools.  This will allow the reader to access
    the  information  at  a  great savings in both time and connection
    charges.  The Appendices describe the Software Distribution Kit in
    detail and tell how to order it.



























 
 




 
 
    Table of Contents
    1. Overview ............................................... Page-1
    2. Types of Network Systems ............................... Page-2
       Bulletin-Board-Systems -  or BBS'es. ................... Page-2
       On-Line Data Services  ................................. Page-3
       Computer Networks  ..................................... Page-4
       The Internet ........................................... Page-5
    3. Who and What Are On The Internet ....................... Page-6
       Internet Nomenclature  ................................. Page-7
       Services and Getting around the Internet ............... Page-8
       Telnet - Connecting To A Member Host.  ................. Page-8
       File Transfer Protocol - FTP ........................... Page-8
       FTP Via EMAIL  ......................................... Page-9
       Finding Files - Archie.  .............................. Page-11
       Finding People - Finger  .............................. Page-12
       Mail .................................................. Page-12
       Newsgroups ............................................ Page-13
       MailLists  ............................................ Page-14
       Electronic Magazines .................................. Page-14
       Moving around the Internet - GOPHER. .................. Page-15
       Other Services ........................................ Page-16
       Enough Already About The Internet  .................... Page-17
    4. Using The Internet To Distribute Software and Text .... Page-18
       Getting an Account .................................... Page-18
       Where to Send To ...................................... Page-19
          Anonymous FTP Sites ................................ Page-19
          Internet-Accessible BBSes .......................... Page-22
          Direct-Mail of Files To Specific People ............ Page-23
    5.  The Internet and Compuserve .......................... Page-24
    Appendix 1 - Support Files  ................................. A1-1
    Appendix  2 - The Software Distribution Kit ................. A2-1
    Appendix  2 - UNIX Command Summary  ......................... A3-1














 




 
 
    1.  Overview

         The  front  of  this document will provide information on the
    Internet.  Basic Internet concepts will be very briefly described

    - Internet history and architecture,
    - Comparison to BBS'es and online data services
    - Naming conventions,
    - Primary "tools" for connecting to host-sites,
    - Transferring files, etc.

    The remainder of the document will be more "hands-on"

    - How and where to get an Internet Account
    - Uploading/Downloading to The Internet
    - Transferring to recipient sites
    - Using "Mail" for distribution.

    Finally  a  large  number  of lists will be provided (The Internet
    community  loves  lists)  -  mostly  sources  and destinations for
    software  and  files,  but  also places to find out more about the
    Internet.

         Please Remember

         If  one  word had to be selected to describe the Internet, it
    would  be  "chaos".   Chaos  is at once the Internet's weakest and
    strongest  feature.  This document will try to be organized, but a
    certain amount of hands-on trial-and-error will be required by the
    reader when actually using the Internet.
















 
                                                                Page-1




 
 
    2.  Types of Network Systems

         The  Internet  is  more  easily  understood  if  it  is first
    compared  to  other  communications  systems  which  the reader is
    likely to be familiar with.  Let's start with

    Bulletin-Board-Systems - or BBS'es.

         This  basically  consists  of  a  single  personal  computer.
    However,  it's distinguished by (usually) having a large hard-disk
    storage  system (100's of Megabytes to Gigabytes).  Also, it has a
    device  which  allows  multiple  (up  to  50 or maybe 100) dial-in
    telephone lines.  It's possible to have a BBS with a low-power PC,
    a  small hard-disk drive, and only a single telephone line, but it
    would have limited u sefulness.

         Users  dial-in  and access the system.  The main features are
    usually

    - There's a library of files that can be uploaded or downloaded.
      They may be general in nature or fit a special purpose.
    - Sending mail from one user to another.
    - Posting notes in some organized fashion on one-or more discussion
      topics or "special interest groups" (SIGs).
    - "Real-time" electronic discussions or "chat" between two or more users.


         A couple last comments

    - BBS'es may be free or may charge a membership fee.
    - They usually don't have 800-number telephone service, so users tend
      to be local.
    - The "BBS" software comes from a handful of suppliers ("Wildcat" is one)
      so once you've become familiar with a couple, you can easily use them all.
    - BBS'es may be "general" in nature or set up for specific interest groups.
      This can range from gardening interests to "sinful, wicked" purposes.
      Increasingly, companies are setting up BBS'es, often with an 800 number,
      to provide service to their customers.


         There  are  a  lot  of  BBS'es  out  there.   There  are even
    magazines  for  BBS operators.  A pointer to a file of BBS'es will
    be appended to this document.



 
                                                                Page-2




 
 

    On-Line Data Services

         This  means  the  large  companies  like  Compuserve,  Genie,
    America-On-Line,  and  Prodigy.  These are really just large-scale
    BBS'es.   The  computer  tends  to be a mini-or main-frame system,
    often  with  some  sort of redundancy built in.  America On-Line's
    computer  system  is  in Vienna, VA.  It consist of 9 Stratus Inc.
    fault-tolerant  computers.  A fault-tolerant computer is one which
    can  keep  running,  without lo ss of computation or loss of data,
    even when certain elements fail.

         On-Line  Services also deal with telephone access on a larger
    scale.   Rather  than  having  individual users dial directly into
    their  services,  which  would  involve  a toll-call, the Services
    contract  with  a  nation- or world-wide telephone system carrier.
    America  On-Line uses Sprintnet.  When you dial AOL in Pittsburgh,
    you're  really  dialing  a  number AOL is buying from Sprintnet in
    Pittsburgh.   Sprintnet  r  outes the call through their system to
    their Pittsburgh office, and then into AOL headquarters.

         On-Line Services charge money, obviously, in return for which
    they  provide  an enormous range of service, and access to a large
    subscriber base.

         On-Line  services  are  increasingly  offering some degree of
    connectivity  to  the Internet, which will be discussed more later
    on.


















 
                                                                Page-3




 
 
    Computer Networks

         The  average  home-computer user is typically familiar with a
    pc  operating  by itself.  Connection to "networks" may often only
    mean using a communication tool such as PROCOMM to dial into a BBS
    or commercial On-Line-Service.

         However,  in many medium- to large-size companies where there
    are  a  sizable  number  of  computers,  the  computers  are often
    "networked"  together.   This  basically  means cables run between
    them  and  files and electronic mail messages can be moved between
    different machines, or to commonly-shared devices such as printers
    or  mass-storage systems.  Typically "Local Area Networks" or LANs
    consisting  of  a  vari ety of "Ethernet" or "Token-Ring" hardware
    and software perform this networking.  To connect between multiple
    LANs  at  remote  sites (say sales offices for one company, spread
    around  the country or the world), other hardware and software are
    used   with   cabling   from  the  telephone  carriers  (including
    microwave) to form "Wide Area Networks" or WANs.



























 
                                                                Page-4




 
 
    The Internet

         The   Internet   grew   out   of   an   early  attempt  at  a
    Wide-Area-Network.  The ARPANET was established in the late 1960's
    to    link    together   numerous   remote   sites   involved   in
    government-sponsored research.  It was very successful and started
    growing.  It's use spread to non-restricted utilizations.

         A  technical  strength  of  the  Internet is that it uses one
    communication-protocol  TCP/IP as a common language for all sites.
    This means that a wide variety of computer architectures and media
    can work together, because they all share the same "language".

         Numerous   networks   like   the   ARPANET  were  formed  and
    interconnected.   Collectively,  this  "Network  of  Networks"  is
    called  the  Internet.   As  of  the  Fall  of  1993, the Internet
    consisted  of  over  5000 networks.  One "Network" on the Internet
    could  consist  of a single computer, or thousands of computers on
    one   company's   network.   (Digital  Equipment  Corporation  has
    something  like 40,000 nodes on its one network).  Given that many
    computers are mini- or main-frame computers that may have hundreds
    or  even  thousands of user accounts, the total number of Internet
    user accounts can be seen to be in the millions.

         Incidentally,  the ARPANET itself was dismantled in the early
    90's




















 
                                                                Page-5




 
 
    3.  Who and What Are On The Internet

         The  Internet  is often drawn schematically as a "cloud" with
    individual  networks  connecting  into  the  cloud.   Anyone  on a
    network  connected  into the cloud can utilize various services to
    communicate  with  other  networks.   It's not important (for this
    document)  what goes on inside the cloud - its just important that
    any points connected into it can communicate.

         Some comments about specific types of networks connected into
    the Internet.

         a.  On-Line Services - The major services like Compuserve and
    Prodigy all have a point of interconnection to the Internet.  They
    typically  only make use of a subset of the wide range of Internet
    services  available.  Most often, they only provide the ability to
    send and receive electronic mail.

         b.   Individual  Companies  -  If  you  work for a company of
    (ball-park)  500  or  more  employees,  your company may be have a
    connection  from  their  internal  network to the Internet.  (They
    cost  from  $5000/yr up to perhaps $100,000 per year, depending on
    the rate of traffic supported and the range of services subscribed
    to.)  This  means you may be able to access some Internet services
    from a pc or mac on your desk.

         c.   Local  Access  Providers  -  Increasingly, companies are
    being  set  up  whose  main  service  is  to  provide  individuals
    inexpensive  access  to  the  Internet.   These  companies  have a
    mini-computer,  and  a  number  of dial-in lines.  Individuals can
    call  up and register for accounts at a relatively low price (such
    as  $5  per  month  plus $2 per hour of connect time.) You dial in
    with a pc using a terminal-emulator communication program, such as
    PROCOMM,  and  you  have access to a full range of services on the
    Internet,  and  you're  also  allocated  some reasonable amount of
    storage (1-2 Megabytes) on their system for moving files.

         d.    Local   BBS'es   -  the  small-time  BBS'es,  including
    vendor-support   sites,   are   increasingly  buying  an  Internet
    connection.   This  means  that once you have an Internet account,
    you   can   log  onto  their  BBS  without  having  to  dial  over
    long-distance land-lines.  There's virtually no "telephone charge"
    involved.   (However,  some  may charge a membership fee) Software
    publishers  -  you  can  distribute  a lot of sof tware a lot less
    expensively  this  way.   A  list  of Internet-accessible BBSes is
    included at the end of this document.
 
                                                                Page-6




 
 
         A  more comprehensive list of "what's out there" organized by
    content rather than company would include;

    - libraries : both card catalogs and (increasingly) books-on-line
    - transcripts of newspapers and magazines
    - vendor support sites
    - news services and financial information
    - software archives





    Internet Nomenclature

         Before proceeding, its necessary to describe the nomenclature
    on  the  Internet  for  user  accounts and sites.  You'll see many
    strange names of the general shape "username@organization".

         The  "organization"  consists  of  several names separated by
    periods   such   as  "oak.oakland.edu"  or  "world.std.com".   The
    rightmost  name  is  one  of  several  broadbrush categories - edu
    (educational), com (commercial), mil (military), gov (government),
    etc.   The  rest of the organization usually consist of a top-most
    name  (oakland)  assigned  by  a  central  naming  committee.  The
    organization   then  assigns  its  own  sub-org  names  (oak)  and
    user-account  names.  This mechanism greatly simplifies the naming
    process.


















 
                                                                Page-7




 
 
    Services and getting around the Internet

    Telnet - Connecting To A Member Host.

         Assume  that  you  have a terminal session running on a host.
    You  can  establish  a session on another host, almost anywhere on
    the Internet, by typing Telnet and the other host's name.

         Example;

         >TELNET oak.oakland.edu

         at  this  point  you  may  be  prompted  for  a  username and
    password.    Many  systems  accept  a  generic  username  such  as
    "anonymous"  or  "guest"  and  then  will  accept  anything as the
    password.     (Obviously.     many    really   require   a   valid
    username/password and you can't get on.)

         Once you've entered an acceptable username/password, you will
    receive  that  system's prompt and you will have a session running
    on  that  system  as  if you had logged on locally.  You will have
    full access to all system commands and services, within any limits
    imposed by the system's security.

         You  will be able to view directory structures and files, and
    perhaps  even  utilize the local Mail facility.  Generally you can
    type "help" to find out what's available.

         You  will not be able to transfer files to/from the site from
    your home host.  For that, you need the next service, FTP.

    File Transfer Protocol - FTP

         At  your  local host prompt, you can type FTP followed by the
    name  of  a  valid  host and you will establish a connection, much
    like  Telnet,  to  a  remote  host.   You  will be able to do some
    directory  browsing,  but  most  importantly  you  will be able to
    transfer files to/from your host using the commands "get" or "put"

         Like Telnet, you'll get prompted for a username/password, and
    "anonymous"  will often get you on the system.  Unlike Telnet, you
    will  not  be  able  to do some functions like "type" a file or do
    mail.

         A  substantial list of anonymous FTP sites is included at the
    end of this document.
 
                                                                Page-8




 
 
    FTP Via EMAIL

         Even if you don't have full Internet access, you may still be
    able  to  access much FTP functionality by sending EMAIL to sites.
    There are 2 types of approaches

         1.   Info  Servers - Some FTP sites respond to EMAIL requests
    as  well as direct FTP connections.  In general you mail a message
    to  the  FTP  handler-address, and it executes the contents of the
    message as if it were coming from an FTP connection.  In the event
    of  a  "get" instruction, it then emails back to you the requested
    file.

         I  said "in general" for several reasons.  First, not all FTP
    sites  (anonymous  or  otherwise) support this feature.  Secondly,
    those that do support FTP via mail do not all use the same command
    set.   To  find  out  how  to  use  a  particular  sites' FTP mail
    functions, you (usually) can send it a mesage with the single word
    "help"  (lowercase)  in  the  body, and it will mail back to you a
    file  with  the  instructi  ons.  While just the word "help" often
    works, sometimes other commands are supported .

         Example   -   mail   a   message   to   the   info-server  at
    info-server@nnsc.nsf.net.   The  "subject"  field can be anything,
    but have the body be

         request: info topic: help

         and you will receive a set of instructions

         A list of info-servers is available via anonymous ftp at host
    pit-manager.mit.edu  at  directory  pub/usenet/news.answers.   Not
    surprisingly,  its also available by email-server.  Send a message
    to  mail-server@pit-manager.mit.edu with the command "help" in the
    subject  field.   (Note  that this is different from other systems
    where you put "help" in the body).

         2.  ftpmail-servers - An info-server can only send files from
    its  own  system.   There  are  a  limited number of ftp-via-email
    systems which allow you to access files on any anonymous-ftp host.
    An ftp-mail-server accepts a command string in a message from you.
    It  then  does  its own anonymous ftp logon to the requested host,
    executes the command string, and mails you the results.

         Send   a   message   with   the   one-line   body  "help"  to
    ftpmail@pa.dec.com    or    ftpmail@decwrl.dec.com    to   receive
 
                                                                Page-9




 
 
    instructions  for  using  those ftp-mail-servers.  (Note that both
    are sponsored by Digital Equipment Corp - "dec")












































 
                                                               Page-10




 
 


         Finding Files - Archie.

         You can, within certain limits, locate files on the Internet,
    by  content  or  by name, using the "archie" service.  To do this,
    you must first Telnet to an "archie server".

         >Telnet archie.sura.net

         (Yes,  a  pointer  to a list of archie servers is included in
    this document)

         You  will then get an archie> prompt.  HELP will describe the
    features  available  on  that particular system.  Generally, using
    the  command  "prog  string"  will  locate  all  files  whose name
    includes  the characters "string".  You can also scan for files by
    strings  in  their  contents (works for text articles, but not for
    programs.).

         This  is a limited feature - no one archie server knows about
    all the files reachable via the Internet.
























 
                                                               Page-11




 
 
    Finding People - Finger

         Unfortunately, there does not exist today the equivalent of a
    telephone  system  "white  pages"  for locating individuals on the
    Internet.   If  you  Telnet to any one host, you can identify user
    accounts on that host by entering ">finger name".  This comes from
    the  depression-era  expression "to finger (point out) someone.  A
    list  of  user  accounts  with  name as part of the string will be
    presented.   More  co  mprehensive  people-searching  services are
    under development.





    Mail

         Almost all Internet hosts provide an electronic mail service.
    You  can  mail  to  anyone  on  the  net,  assuming you have their
    address,  and  you  can reach people on the commercial networks if
    you  know the proper service-prefix.  Mail is generally limited to
    text.  There are (complicated) methods for mailing non-text files,
    such  as compressed files (.ZIPs), pictures (GIFs, MPEGs, etc) but
    generally  it  is  be tter to use FTP to move files to on-Internet
    sites.





















 
                                                               Page-12




 
 
    Newsgroups

         These   are   postings  of  series  of  messages.   They  are
    "broadcast  across  the whole Internet, on specific subjects.  You
    call  up  a  "news reader" program on your Internet host to browse
    the different newsgroups and read the entries in each.  Since many
    Internet  hosts  are UNIX-based, the newsreaders tend to be rather
    difficult  to  use,  with cryptic commands.  On some systems there
    are  Windows-based  newsread  ers  which  tend to be a little more
    user-friendly.

         There  are  an  incredible  number of newsgroups - thousands,
    with  more  being  created every day.  They range from new-service
    postings and financial news, to computer-professional information,
    to  "recreational"  and  "alternative  lifestyles".  If you have a
    hobby  or  a  filthy,  disgusting  habit  you  can probably find a
    newsgroup for others who share it.

         Some sample names

    - alt.beer -discussions about beer
    - clari.news.davebarry - "clari" is a news posting service, and among
      other things posts the articles of syndicated columnists such as
      Dave Barry
    - rec.humor - jokes!
    - comp.msdos.announce - announcements about msdos services and
      programs available.
    - news.newsgroups.announce - news about new newsgroups


         When  you're using a newsreader, the postings in any specific
    newsgroup  generally  consist of a numbered series of titles, with
    the  phrase  "RE:" indicating postings that are replies to earlier
    postings.   Unfortunately,  there  is  a  high  content  of  RE's,
    especially with a lot of "junk".  The newsreader will usually have
    functions  for  saving  the  contents of one or more postings to a
    file, creating repli es, and posting new messages.









 
                                                               Page-13




 
 
    MailLists

         MailLists are a variant on Newsgroups.  These are Mailings to
    your  specific mailbox on selected topics.  There are thousands of
    MailLists,  and  you  have to subscribe to the ones you want.  You
    generally  send  a generic message with "enroll me" in the subject
    field   to   the   maintainer  of  the  MailList,  and  a  program
    automatically enrolls you.  Similarly, the MailList has an address
    to  which  you  mail  message s you want to post, and they will be
    automatically  re-mailed  to  all  members  of the MailList.  Some
    MailLists  are  "moderated"  - the maintainer will censor messages
    felt  to  be "inappropriate" - which can mean illegal, immoral, or
    just  a  waste  of  bandwidth.  Bookstores generally carry several
    books   which   have   listings   of  MailLists,  with  enrollment
    instructions.

    Electronic Magazines

         There   are   an   increasing  number  of  periodicals  being
    distributed,  usually  for  free,  on the Internet.  These are not
    repostings  of  commercial  efforts,  but  individual efforts on a
    "special  interest"  basis  -  many  of  them  are on professional
    topics.   I  don't  believe  there's  any  "advertising"  in them.
    Enrollment  is  much  like  for  MailLists.  Lists can be found in
    bookstores.





















 
                                                               Page-14




 
 
    Moving around the Internet - GOPHER.

         GOPHER  is  a menu-driven search tool for finding information
    on the Internet.  On an Internet account, typing GOPHER will bring
    up a menu.

         Moving  through the menu is quite straightforward.  Just type
    the  number  of the menu-item you're interested in, or use up/down
    arrow  to  make  a  selection.   There  are  a virtually unlimited
    combination  of  sub-menus.   Many end in actual files, often text
    files,  and you will be presented with options to copy the file to
    your home system.

         Note  that there is almost always a top-level-menu entry that
    says  something  like "access other GOPHER servers".  While no one
    GOPHER services knows about every file on the Internet, by hopping
    from  server  to  server you can cover almost the entire Internet,
    but admittedly it can take a long time.




























 
                                                               Page-15




 
 
    Other Services

         A  lot  of  people  are  working on advanced features to move
    around  the  Internet  and  locate  information.   WAIS (Wide Area
    Information System) is an existing wide-ranging tool for searching
    for  files  by  name  or  by  content.  WWW (World-Wide-Web) is an
    existing system for even more detailed searches.  MOSAIC is a tool
    under  development  from  several vendors, which is supposed to be
    the  ultimate  user-friendly  "search"  facility.   Some  of these
    tools,  due  to  using windows-like screens, require a workstation
    with  direct connection to t he Internet - that is, you can't just
    use PROCOMM to dial in from a home system onto a bigger system.


































 
                                                               Page-16




 
 
    Enough Already About The Internet

         The  preceding  general information is a sufficient grounding
    in  the basics of the Internet.  For more information, consult any
    of the many good books available in bookstores.  I'll just mention
    a  few  "lingo"  conventions that you'll run into on the Internet.
    Knowing these can make reading easier.

   "newbie" - A "newcomer". Keep in mind that by the time you've become
   even an "Internet newbie" with a valid Internet account, you're
   probably already well versed in using services like Compuserve.

   "wizard" - one who is very knowledgeable on the Internet. As a point of
   reference, the author is not a "wizard". I'm an Internet-service-user,
   and fairly uncognizant of the deep details of how the Internet actually
   operates. "wizard-ness" is a very multifaceted state of being.

   "Flames" and "flame-wars" - Exchange of mail or news-group postings
   with a high critical or emotional content. You would not believe the
   amount of bandwidth wasted on these. People say many things via the
   anonymity of the Internet that they'd never say in a person-to-person
   interaction.

   "BTW" - short for "By the way"

   "IMHO" - short for "In my humble opinion".

   "Net-surfing" - generally means hopping across multiple Internet
   resources, perhaps reading a lot of different files, or joining in a
   lot of newsgroups or "chat" groups.

   "Cypber-punk"- Generally a youthful person making use of the Internet,
   largely to "net-surf".













 
                                                               Page-17




 
 
    4.  Using The Internet To Distribute Software and Text

         This  section will actually be fairly straightforward.  We'll
    describe  how  to  get  on  the Internet, where to distribute your
    files to, and how to do it.

    Getting an Account

         Having an account on Compuserve, Prodigy, or one of the other
    large   data   services   is  probably  not  sufficient  to  allow
    distribution  of  files on the Internet.  These services typically
    only provide an electronic mail linkage to the Internet.  You need
    FTP  and/or  Telnet  to  get  around  on  the  Internet,  and they
    typically don't supply those services.

         So, to use the Internet you need an Internet account.  If you
    are  fortunate  enough  to  work  at  a  large enough company with
    Internet-access, you may already have FTP and Telnet access.  Many
    companies  only  subscribe  to  the  Internet  with privileges for
    electronic  mail,  but  many  also  utilize  other services in the
    course  of  their  business  (i.e.   many  high-tech firms need to
    transfer  binary  data-files  to  suppliers.)  You'll  have to ask
    around  at your place of employment.  Depending upon your personal
    situation,   it   may   also  be  necessary  to  find  out  what's
    "appropriate" use of the company's facilities for "personal" uses.

         Assuming you don't already have Internet access, the best way
    to  get  it  is  to  subscribe  to  an  Internet  Access Provider.
    Appendix  1 provides a list of these.  These often cost a lot less
    than  the  major commercial data services.  On the down-side, many
    tend  to  be  UNIX-based  systems  which  require some learning if
    you're  a  DOS,  WINDOWS, or MAC user.  Appendix 2 is a very basic
    listing  of  UNIX  commands,  Even  these  may vary from system to
    system.   You  can  usually  type  "HELP"  to  get  information on
    commands and services available on your system.

         These  accounts  are dial-in services, just like logging onto
    Compuserve  or  other  services.   You  use  PROCOMM  or a similar
    terminal  emulation  program.   Unfortunately  today most of these
    systems  do not offer a shell (like WINCIM) to reside on your home
    system  to simplify sessions.  You have to operate directly at the
    terminal  prompt.   Still, if you want to distribute software, you
    probably have the skills to learn your specific system.



 
                                                               Page-18




 
 
    Where to Send To

         The  places  you  may  distribute  your  files  to consist of
    several broad-brush categories.

    - Software Archive Sites and "Anonymous FTP Servers"
    - Internet-Accessible Bulletin Board Systems
    - Direct Mail To Specific Users


         Each will be described, with details on how to transfer files
    to  each.   As a working example, it will assumed that you have an
    account on an Internet host, which you are dialing into from a pc.

    Anonymous FTP Sites

         There  are  numerous sites or hosts around the Internet where
    software  and other files are stored and made available for public
    access.  A pointer to a listing is given in Appendix 4.

         "Anonymous  FTP site" mean that you can gain access to a site
    by  using  FTP and then entering "ANONYMOUS" as username, followed
    by  your  own  accountname ("bck@world.std.com" in my own case) as
    the password.  Please don't be misled or confused by the fact that
    some  sites  also  may  incorporate "anon" or "anonymous" in their
    address.

         The  procedure  for  posting  files  on an FTP site will vary
    somewhat  from  site to site.  We'll go through the details of one
    particularly  popular  site  as  an  example,  and  then  describe
    variations you may expect at other sites.

         Perhaps  the most well-known anonymous FTP site is the SIMTEL
    site.   This is an account originally installed by the military at
    White  Sands Missile Range.  It is one of the largest repositories
    of Freeware and Shareware in the world.

         For  security  reasons,  you  cannot  directly access SIMTEL.
    However,  numerous  exact  duplicates  copies of it are maintained
    around  the  Internet.  The most frequently used one is at address
    oak.oakland.edu.

         The  first  step  is to upload the file you wish to post from
    your  pc  or  mac to you Internet host over your telephone dial-in
    line.    Most   Internet   hosts   accept   any   of   the  common
    upload/download  protocols  such  as kermit, xmodem, Compuserve B,
 
                                                               Page-19




 
 
    etc.   (On  some  sites  you  have to specify if the transfer is a
    binary/zip  transfer  or an ascii-tect transfer.  On others it may
    be automatically sensed.  Consult the

         on-line help on your Internet host.)

         To  actually  access  the  FTP  site,  at  your host's prompt
    (typically ">") enter

         >ftp oak.oakland.edu

         after  a pause you'll receive a greeting message and a prompt
    for username.  Enter anonymous as follows;

         >USERNAME: anonymous.

         Caution  -  many  UNIX sites are case-sensitive.  You'll next
    get  a prompt for password.  Enter your full Internet address from
    your home system.

         >PASSWORD: bck@world.std.com

         After  a  series  of greetings you'll be at the top directory
    level on the server.  Type "ls" to get a directory listing.

         Before  preceding  to  actually post your file, it would be a
    good  idea  to  familiarize  yourself  with  the  SIMTEL directory
    structure.   There  is  a top-level directory called PUB where all
    software  goes.  Below PUB there are subdirectories for (at least)
    MSDOS  and  MAC  areas.   Within  each  are  a  great many program
    categories.

         At  the top level there are also a couple handy README files,
    some  very  large  INDEX  files,  and  some tools for browsing the
    indices.

         You can't read the README or any other files within FTP.  You
    must  copy  them to tour home system and read them there.  Do this
    as follows (there will probably be an FTP> prompt)

         FTP> GET filename (case is important!)

         Then exit FTP by doing

         FTP> QUIT

 
                                                               Page-20




 
 
         You'll  be  back  at your own system.  You can read the files
    on-line  (UNIX  systems  use a read-command called "MORE filename"
    instead instead of the "TYPE filename" familiar to DOS users.) Or,
    you can transfer files back to your pc/mac and read them there.

         Once  familiar  with  the  SIMTEL directory structure, you're
    ready to post.

         You  cannot  post files directly onto a SIMTEL mirror.  (Some
    sites   allow   direct  post,  others  don't).   Instructions  for
    submitting a file to be posted are in the file at path/name

         /pub/msdos/README.how-to-upload

         The instructions are pretty simple.  You'll be given the name
    of  the  SIMTEL  maintainer.  You'll be asked to send him an EMAIL
    message  describing your program.  You'll also get warnings n what
    is and isn't appropriate to post.

         By  return  mail  you'll get the name of an upload-site and a
    temporary  username/password.   Connect  to that site with FTP and
    use the "PUT filename" command to place your file there.

         That's  pretty  much  the  procedure.  A couple last comments
    about SIMTEL;

    - Your file, if accepted, will appear within a few days.
    - SIMTEL\PUB\MSDOS is mostly for DOS, but a number of WINDOWS programs are
    posted there also. There is no separate WINDOWS directory.
    - SIMTEL doesn't accept games except for very special purposes. There's
    other sites that do accept games. One, mentioned later on, accepts almost
    only games.
    - The SIMTEL system maintainer is quite helpful, if somewhat overworked
    (something like 300 uploads per month).  He's open to suggestions about how
    to organize the file structures.


         A  pointer  to  a comprehensive list of FTP sites is given in
    the appendices.  This list is by no means complete.  As you browse
    the  Internet you can find other lists of sites.  Also, bookstores
    have "Internet encyclopedias" with such lists.  Another major site
    besides   SIMTEL   is   the  games  archive  site  at  ftp.uml.edu
    (University of Massachusetts at Lowell, MA)

         Some  FTP  sites  are  easier  to upload to.  Many maintain a
    top-level  directory  named  "UPLOADS"  or something similar - you
 
                                                               Page-21




 
 
    just FTP-PUT your file in that directory.  All FTP sites have some
    top-level  README  or  similar  files  to  help  you find your way
    around.

    Internet-Accessible BBSes

         Shareware  vendors  often  post  their  programs on BBSes for
    wider  distribution.   Some  pay services to do this, paying a fey
    proportional to the number of sites posted to.

         There  are  a large and growing number of BBSes which are now
    directly  tied  to the Internet.  The appendices point to one good
    list.   I'm  not  aware  today  of  any  service which will do the
    posting  for  you.   In the meantime, you can do it yourself, with
    the knowledge that you are not paying any long-distance charges to
    reach  these systems.  (Some systems may charge fees to join.) You
    also  have  the  leverag  e  of  knowing  that a growing number of
    Internet  users  are becoming aware of, and starting to use, these
    systems

         Some   of  these  BBSes  are  admittedly  pretty  obscure  or
    specific.   However,  a  good  number are of the "more popular" or
    more general-purpose usage.

         There are a number of magazines available now either directly
    or  indirectly  targeted towards BBS users.  By picking up a copy,
    you  can  keep  pace  of  new  Internet-accessible systems as they
    become available.  Boardwatch and Online-Access magazines are two.
    Also,  the  Computer  Shopper magazine frequently carries lists of
    BBSes.
















 
                                                               Page-22




 
 
    Direct-Mail of Files To Specific People

         There  are  situations  where  you  may  wish  to send a file
    directly to specific individuals or groups of individuals;

         -  Sending  out  new  revisions  or  bug  fixes  to  existing
    customers  - You may have developed a list of "likely targets" for
    a  direct-mail  campaign.   This  may  occur  by using "finger" to
    identify  members  of  a  SIG  host,  by  recording  names  off of
    newsgroup postings, or numerous other clever means.

         Internet  mail  is geared towards sending text, not binary or
    compressed  files.  Some extra work is required to send those type
    of files, described below.

         In  order  to  send  a binary file over the Internet mail, it
    must  be  encoded  into a text format.  This means that the sender
    must  have  an  encoding  program,  and  the recipient must have a
    decoding program.

         UUENCODE  and  UUDECODE  are  the commonly used encode/decode
    pairs.   Most  Internet  host  systems have these programs running
    directly  on  them  This  helps  you  avoid  the "chicken and egg"
    situation of getting the decoding file to your recipient.

         The format is very straightforward.  To encode just use

         UUENCODE sourcefilename outputfilename and UUDECODE works the
    same way.

         Both  programs  are  also  widely  available as DOS programs.
    This  leaves  you  the option of doing the encoding or decoding on
    your  Internet host (usually UNIX based) or you pc.  The different
    versions are fairly compatible - you can encode on a pc and decode
    on a UNIX host, or vice-versa.

         DOS versions of both programs are widely available.  They can
    both  be  obtained,  with a number of related useful tools, on the
    previously-mentioned SIMTEL server, in the directory

         \pub\msdos\decode

         Most  UNIX  Internet  hosts have a software library and a DOS
    versions  of the programs are available there for download.  There
    follow-on package to this document includes a set of them.

 
                                                               Page-23




 
 
    5.  The Internet and Compuserve

         Included  here are a few basic facts about Compuserve and the
    Internet.   If  someone sends me relevant info on other commercial
    systems, it will be rolled into this document.

         Internet  functionality on Compuserve is presently limited to
    a mail connection only.  To send mail from your Compuserve account
    to  someone  on  the  net,  prefix  their  internet  address  with
    INTERNET:

         i.e.  INTERNET:bck@world.std.com to reach the author

         To  have someone on the Internet send mail to your account on
    Compuserve,  your  address  is  your  Compuserve  ID, with the ","
    replaced by a period, followed by @compuserve.com

         i.e.  74252.2350@compuserve.com to reach the author.

         Mail messages between Compuserve and the Internet are limited
    to 50kbytes maximum in length.

         Being  limited  to  email  does  not  eliminate entirely your
    ability  to  access  software  on  the internet, or to post files.
    Refer to the previous section on info-servers and ftp-mail-servers
    for  a way to access ftp-like services on internet hosts.  You may
    also  be  able  to  mail (uuencoded) files to host managers to get
    them posted.


















 
                                                               Page-24




 
 














































 
                                                               Page-25




 
 
    Appendix 1 - Support Files

    There  are a large number of lists available on the Internet which
    add great depth to the material described so far.  A number of key
    ones  are  described  in  the  following  list.  The mechanism for
    obtaining  these  files is included.  You can obtain a copy of all
    these  files,  plus  additional  documentation  and several useful
    software  tools,  by  contacting  the  author  as described in the
    Appendix.  This will spare you the time and expense of downloading
    the material yourself.

    Name:        PDIAL.TXT
    Description: List of Dial-in Internet Access Providers.
                 Describes about 100 providers. Arranged alphabetically and
                 by area-code. Provides phone numers, how to contact sysops,
                 and rate information where available.
    Size:        PDIAL.ZIP about 22,000 Bytes
    From:        FTP from nic.merit.edu in /internet/providers
    
    
    Name:        MODER.LST
    Description: Anonymous FTP Sites (&Moderators) With DOS/Windows Files.
                 Lists approx. 60 sites around the world specializing in
                 MS-DOS & Windows file archives. Arranged geographically.
                 Gives net address, and describes key directories. Gives net
                 address and name of moderator.
    Size:        MODER**.ZIP approx 18,000 Bytes ("**" means changes with Rev#)
    From:        FTP from SIMTEL /pub/msdos/info/moder*.zip
    
    
    Name:        ZAMFELD.TXT
    Description: List of BBS'es that can be logged onto via Internet.
                 Gives net address, decsription of contents, type of BBS
                 software, logon procedures. Presently about 30 BBS'es
                 listed, but this an an old list and there are probably
                 much on on newer revs of list.
    Size:        ZAMFELD.ZIP 18,000 Bytes
    From:        Download from GOPHER on WORLD
    
    
    Name:        USBBS115.LST
    Description: List of Dial-In BBS Numbers in US.
                 Arranged by area code. Includes about 3000 BBS'es.
                 Gives dial-in number, charges, BBS software type
    Size:        USBBS**.ZIP 120,000 Bytes
    From:        Download from SIMTEL /pub/msdos/bbslist/usbbs115.zip
 
                                                                  A1-1




 
 
    
    Name:        MAILLIST.TXT
    Description: List of Maillists on the Internet
                 Lists contact procedure and gives a brief description of
                 subject for each of 500+ maillists available on the
                 Internet.
    Size:        MAILLIST.ZIP 94,000 Bytes
    From:        Internet NewsReader, Article in news.announce.newusers.
                 Note - Re-posted periodically, in non-compressed format.
    
    Name:        YANOFF.TXT
    Description: Misc. Useful SIG's, Resources on Internet via FTP, MAIL
    Size:        YANOFF.ZIP 15,000 Bytes
    From:        FTP from csd4.csd.uwm.edu in /pub/inet.services.txt
    
    
    Name:        MAASINFO.TXT
    Description: Index of index files on Internet
    Size:        MAASINFO.ZIP 31,000 Bytes
    From:        FTP from niord.shsu.edu in maasinfo
    
    
    
    Note - SIMTEL mirror FTP site referenced above was oak.oakland.edu






















 
                                                                  A1-2




 
 
    Appendix 2 - The Software Distribution Kit

    This  document  is  copyrighted material.  It is distributed at no
    charge.  It may be copied and distributed freely, provided that it
    is in no way modified.

         A  "software distribution kit" containing numerous additional
    and  expanded  files, additional software, and an expanded version
    of  this  document,  may  be obtained for a nominal fee of $19.95.
    This  will  help cover the costs of reproduction and distribution,
    and also somewhat recapture the connection- time costs incurred in
    collecting this information.

         This  document  was prepared using Microsoft Word for Windows
    2.0.   It  includes  several  informative illustrations.  You will
    receive  a  laser-  quality printed version, and a softcopy of the
    sourcefile  of  the  document.   Other  formats  may  also be made
    available - ask.

         You  will also receive diskettes containing , at minimum, the
    files described on the following pages.  Several of the files were
    used  in  shortened  format  in  this document - the full versions
    provide  much  more  information.   The  expanded  version  of the
    FTP-sitelist,  for  example,  includes  not  only the list of site
    addresses,  but  the  addresses  of  the moderators, and a list of
    what's available at those sites.

         Again,  this  document  has  shown you how to find any of the
    above  on  your  own.   Order the Software Distribution Kit if you
    want to save both time and connection costs.

         To order, use the Order Form on the following page














 
                                                                  A2-1




 
 
    
                                 Order Form
                                 ----------
          Fill in the information below, and mail with a check or money order
          for $19.95 to
    
                           Minuteman Systems
                           P.O. Box 152
                           Belmont, MA. 02178
                           Service Telephone (617)489-5639
    
          Name _____________________________
      Company:____________________________
    
      Land Mail:
      Address ___________________Apt\MailStop___
          City/Town _____________ State__ ZipCode____
          Telephone -  Business:________  Home:__________
    
      Electronic Addresses:
      Internet :___________  Compuserve:__________
      Other:______________________________
    
    
    
          Media :  ___ 5.25" floppy   ___  3.5" micro-floppy
    
          How did you obtain this document?
    
          Service/BBS : Compuserve _  Delphi _  Prodigy _  Other ___
          Sample: _  Shareware Vendor :  Name _____________
          Other : ____________________________
    













 
                                                                  A2-2




 
 
                        PACKING LIST
                        ------------

MAILLIST.TXT  List of Maillists on the Internet
              From: Internet NewsReader, Article in news.announce.newusers

 ZAMFELD.TXT  List of BBS'es that can be logged onto via Internet
              From: Download from GOPHER on WORLD

USBBS115.LST  List of Dial-In BBS Numbers in US
              From: Download from SIMTEL /pub/msdos/bbslist/usbbs115.zip

  YANOFF.TXT  Misc. Useful SIG's, Resources on Internet via FTP, MAIL
              From: FTP from csd4.csd.uwm.edu in /pub/inet.services.txt

MAASINFO.TXT  Index of index files on Internet
              From: FTP from niord.shsu.edu in maasinfo

   MODER.LST  Anonymous FTP Sites (&Moderators) With DOS/Windows Files
              From: FTP from SIMTEL /pub/msdos/info/moder*.zip

  SIMTEL.TXT  Complete index of MSDOS files available on SIMTEL FTP sites
              From: Download from SIMTEL \pub\msdos

  SIMSRCH.EXE Progrqam to Browse/Select files in SIMTEL.TXT
              From: Author

 SIMSRCH1.TXT Documentation for using SIMSRCH
              From: Author

 UUENCODE.EXE Programs to encode/decode binary & zip files into text,
&UUDECODE.EXE suitable for transmission via Internet Mail.
              From: Download from SIMTEL /pub/msdos/decode

    PDIAL.TXT Lists of Dial-in Internet Access Providers
              From: FTP from nic.merit.edu in /internet/providers


 INETPRIM.DOC Microsoft Word for Windows source file of this document
              From: Author

Note - SIMTEL mirror FTP site referenced above was oak.oakland.edu




 
                                                                  A2-3




 
 
    Appendix  2 - UNIX Command Summary
    
    Above all else - remember that file and directory are case-sensitive !!!
    
    Append to a file          Command: cat file1 >> file 2
    
    Change Directory          Command: cd directory
                              [example   cd /pub ]
                              [cd without argument returns to
                                home or top directory]
    
    Copy a file               Command: cpy file1 file 2
    
    Current Directory         Command: pwd
                              ["present working directory"]
    
    Compress File             Command: compress file1
                              [compresses to file1.z]
    
    Decompress File           Command: uncompress file1.z
    
    Disk Space Left           Command: du
    
    List Files                Command: ls -argument (include the "-")
                              arguements -s = filesize
                                         -F = file type
                                         -cl = by date
                                         -a = invisible files
    
    Make New Directory        Command: mkdir new-directory-name
    
    Move a File               Command: mv filename directory
    
    Remove Directory          Command: rmdir directory-name
    
    Remove File               Command: rm filename
    
    Rename File               Use "Move File" to do this
    
    View Contents of a file   Command: more filename
    
    




 
                                                                  A3-1


