FINDING SOFTWARE Home Page

Session 11

Objectives

1. Use the Internet to find software (new software and upgrades to existing software)
2. Use the Internet to obtain software
3. Identify and understand the implications of different file types (.sit, .hqx, .sea, etc.)
4. Understand the process of downloading software (i.e. what is happening locally and what is happening during ftp).
5. Use "README" files, Installation documents, and "Release Notes" documents to find needed information about downloaded software.

Keywords / Concepts

1. ftp (file transfer protocol)
2. ARCHIE
3. "mirror" site
4. "README" files
5. Release notes
6. "alpha" or "beta" software

Prerequisites

1. software for ftp, such as Fetch for MacIntosh
2. software for ftp for PC (WS_ftp)

Lesson Plans

• File transfer protocol (FTP) the concept
• Archie
• Fetch
• Downloading software review

Homework

• Practice ftp using WWW and using FTP software.
• Practice using ARCHIE to locate software.
• Download and install Netscape for your computer at home and school.

References

1. Quick reference to finding information on the Internet

Evaluation

Do you think you understand the concept and process of FTP? Do you think you could FTP on your own? Could anything have been explained differently or in more detail?