Introduction to the Internet

Starting to use the WWW (World Wide Web)

Available Software

Connecting

Each page on the Web appears as a complex document that integrates styled text, images, sounds, and animations. Such page may also contain hyperlinks to other Web documents such that clicking on these hyperlinks jumps you to a new page on the same or different Web server.

Basic Concepts

Basic Browsing and Posting

To start using the Web, you should use the SILS home page as a launch point, the home pages of other SILS students, and Web information sources such as Information Clearinghouse, JumpStation, and W3 Catalog. By browsing the web, you will learn what type of information is available and record key locations for later examination.

To make a personal home page that's part of the Web, start by creating a directory in your SILS account. Create a directory "~/Public/HTML", and in that directory create a file "HomePage.html" by completing the following template (using any text file editor): 

<HTML>
<HEAD>
<TITLE>My Home Page</TITLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY>
<H1>My Home Page</H1>
<H2>Basic Introduction</H2>
<!--Enter in some personal information such as your name, program, and year.
You can also discuss some personal or academic history or career goals.-->
I am currently a graduate student at the University of Michigan, and in my
first year of study in the School of Information and Library Studies, or
<A HREF="http://www.sils.umich.edu/">SILS</A>, program. Last year
I graduated from the U of M with my Bachelor's Degree, and when I have
completed school I plan on becoming an Information Specialist for a major
corporation. <P>

<H2>Current Projects</H2>
<!--Describe some of the things you are working on, for work or school or
even on your own.-->
I work for the University's Grad Library stacking collecting books and
stacking shelves. (<I>Do I need to say its boring?</I>) <P>

I am taking 4 classes right now, but my most favorite is 529, where I am
learning HTML by creating cool pages like this one. <P>

I also spend the rest of my free time by collecting donations for various
local charities. <P>

<H2>Interests and Hobbies</H2>
<!--Here is a chance to talk about the things you like to do and more.-->
I <B>really</B> enjoy the Ann Arbor night life during the 
summer. I regularly attend the "Top of the Park" celebrations, and I live
the Art Fair. I am a movie buff and I like to play Euchre with my
roommates (because I usually win). I like classic rock and roll music,
but I also have <B>every</B> Phil Collins album on CD. <P>

<H2>Places to Go</H2>
<!--Often users want to share a list of of links to their favorite Web
documents, such as things relevant to their work or interests.
Feel free to replace these with your own favorites.-->
<UL>
<LI><A HREF="http://oneworld.wa.com/htmldev/devpage/dev-page.html"><B>
WWW &amp; HTML Developer's JumpStation</B></A>
<LI><A HREF="http://hypatia.gsfc.nasa.gov/NASA_homepage.html"><B>
NASA Home Page</B></A>
<LI><A HREF="http://www.cosy.sbg.ac.at/rec/startrek/index.htm"><B>
Star Trek Home Page</B></A>
</UL>
<HR>
<!--Add your E-mail address and today's date...-->
<ADDRESS> username@umich.edu - 1/10/95 </ADDRESS>
</BODY>
</HTML>

Creating Documents Using HTML

Once you have set up a simple home page, you can learn how to create your own documents and place them online. It is important to know the the SILS Web server assumes the files you wish to make available must reside in the "~/Public/HTML" directory in your account. To create or edit files for the Web, you must learn HTML. HTML files are simply text files where sections of the text are identified by "Tags" that specify the function of the enclosed text (not the format or appearance, as in most text editors). Most tags are composed of two parts that bracket the specified text, such as the bold tag <B>some old text</B>. The first tag identifies the beginning of bold emphasis, and the second the end of such emphasis. Also, certain tags may stand alone, such as the paragraph end tag or the graphic image tag, or have special formats such as the list elements. Tags may also be nested to a certain degree, but browsers are not required to handle complex nesting. Finally, since certain characters are used to identify tags, these characters must be "escaped" so that they can be drawn normally by the browser rather than interpreted as commands. Here is a summary of basic tags that you may find or use:

Basic Tags (2 parts)

Embedded Elements (1 part)

List Structures (Many parts)

Special Characters (1 part)

Other Notes

This document was created at the University of Michigan School of Information and Library Studies (SILS), but it has been designed for public use. Permission is hereby granted for unlimited print and electronic redistribution. Your feedback is encouraged.

fprefect@umich.edu - 12/17/94