Net11: Task D Traceroute

The aim of this next task is to view a couple of basic internet commands by visiting an internet site that provides internet tools. From this site I should be able to see how many routers are involved in the internet traffic from the selected internet site to curtin.edu.au. The results should show: the number of routers between the internet site and server; how long the packet of information took to move from the site to the chosen router and back again; you should also be able to view the Internet Protocol(IP) address of each computer router.
Firstly we have been asked to find an internet site that contains common internet tools such as traceroute and ping. I decided on a site provided http://network-tools.com/. I found their page was quiet easy to follow as traceroute, ping etc were contained in the left-hand side of the box. I just needed to click on Trace, type in curtin.edu.au in the provided space then submit. Next I was provided with the following information which I cut and pasted from the site:

http://network-tools.com/default.asp?prog=trace&host=curtin.edu.au

From this information I was then able to answer the task question. I was able to see that there were 21 hops.
I then went back to the box and this time selected the ping tool and with the same address, clicked go.

http://network-tools.com/default.asp?prog=ping&host=curtin.edu.au

I was then provided with information to answer the next task question. The average time in milleseconds from the tool site to the curtin server was 258.8ms.

As I found this task interesting and relatively easy I then decided to check out another site http://centralpos.net.co/ & follow the same procedure to trace to again curtin.edu.au. So again in trace I typed curtin.edu.au and clicked go:

http://hexillion.com/co/

Yes the answer was again 21 hops.
I then clicked on ping and submitted again. This time there was a different average of 253ms.

http://hexillion.com/co/

I am not sure how to cut and paste into this small window. Is there a special way I will have to check.

Again as I found I found this task interesting I have decided that if I have time to explore internet tools further I will download a freeware/shareware internet tools client

Module1: Task C: FTP

The aim of this next task is to test my ability to download using FTP an abbreviation for File Transfer Protocol. FTP is described as the standard way of moving files from one computer location to another with the use of the internet in ways that are not displayed. For this task I am to find an FTP client for my computer, download and install and explore the system, find a file and answer a question by finding a missing word.

My first step is to find an FTP client for my computer. FileZilla is recommended so I will type FileZilla into Google. http://filezilla-project.org/ Here I find FileZilla: the free FTP Client an open FTP client for Windows. I am definitely download for clients; now to open the download page. Here I am told that FileZilla_3.1.6_win32_setup.exe is recommended for Windows XP, that’s me! Now for my second download; that was relatively easy. Now I double click and open. Ok, I have decided to look for help! The suggested help information looks promising. http://uic.edu/depts/accc/network/ftp/introftp.html Now that I have read about the directory structure, everything looks clearer, the muddy water has cleared, so with renewed confidence, I tackle the task.

Firstly, I need to open the client screen. Now I type recall.curtin.edu.au in the host box, 21 as port, use anonymous as login and then click quickconnect. I find the file called readme. Next I download as directed. I then upload and I am able to answer the requested missing blank word. According to the readme file, CAPATLIZATION is the missing word.

The above task was relatively simple. Although I confess, on opening the client screen I was sent scurrying for help. After reading about the directory structure I felt relatively confident to tackle the task. Also after uploading I was not sure at first if I had followed the instructions correctly as the file page appeared in a simple form. I have discovered that FTP is an easy and standard way to transfer files between computers by using the internet. I would think it could have many uses as computers could exchange files on everything. I am not sure about security though! On re-reading my task notes I discover that FTP is mainly used today by people maintaining and changing sites on the web.

Module 1: Task B: Telnet

Task B is a carry on from the previous Telnet Task A. We are asked to telnet over to towel.blinkienlights.nl just incase we are feeling unimpressed with our Telnet experience.

Again I ran PuTTY and in the dialogue box typed towel.blinkenlights.nl for destination and clicked on Telnet. After connecting there was a brief introduction and then to my complete surprise, an animated Star Wars movie appeared! It was created with the use of text and numbers in simple frames. It was imaginative and entertaining with its humerous captions and movements. My imagination was sparked so I was left wondering how else telnet might be used today other than for database searches. I decided to delve further into Telnet history, its creativity, new applications and issues.

After a search of http://www.computer.hwstuffwork.com/web-server4.htm ; http://www.telnet.org/htm/places.htm; http://www.wathowe.com/navnet/history. html I found that although Telnet was originally developed for ARPnet and has become an outdated protocol largely as it is not secure and transfers commands and in the clear. Thats why Telnet clients are still used in the debugging of network services. Besides being used in large library and government databases it is now mainly used for MUD games. The later is a multi-player computer role-playing game in a virtual world. It is text –driven and played over the internet where security is not of number one importance. Here people escape into vitual worlds, a bit scary. I checked out the following MUD site address mud.connect.com/ which turned into a two second look. I am sure that that it has other new capabilities. I would possibly only knowingly use telnet for searching information in large library or other resource databases.

Module 1: Task A: Telnet

The aim of this exercise is to show how by using our Telnet application we can log on to a remote library computer to access its records rather than the web. In this case we have been asked to telnet to the Deakin library database computer.

Firstly, as I don't seem to be able to locate Telnet on my laptop I have decided that I need to find a Telnet client. After much research and reading I have decided on PuTTY which is a free client program for Telnet to run off Microsoft Windows XP. It will alow the window applicatition to send and receive data on telnet. From where I am sitting I should be able to type into windows and send straight to the Deakin library database computer which will then send it back to display on windows.

So I need to download PuTTY.exe from putty.org Just quietly I haven't downloaded a program on my own before. Ok that was easy now I can open PuTTY.

That was also simple. Now infront of me is the main configuration dialogue box. My first thought is to be confident and read and follow all the prompts to reach my destination. Firstly, I have been asked to specify the destination that I want to connect to: I will type library.deakin.edu.au. Next question; what connection type? I think that is what this exercise is about so I click on Telnet. Now to click open to tell my Telnet client to contact the Deakin Library database computer. It is working! I have been asked for the terminal I use. Ahah, there is a sense of accomplishment as I have been connected to the Deakin library database computer .

I have been instructed to search by author so I select author then type the given name, Bennahum and press enter. Two authors appear so following my instructions , I choose print this title. With this completed I then select to E-mail Printer. Here I am prompted to enter my email address to where the searched records need to be sent. That would be my student account. Then I am asked for an email note. By this stage I am feeling confident so I type Bennahum. Now to hit enter. Everything has suddently gone quiet. Now I am not so confident, a thought emerges. Have my results been sent to my address? To confirm I quickly log in where to my surprise and sense of accomplishment there is an email from DEAKIN UNI LIB containg my search results for the author, Bennahum!

In working through this exercise, I have learnt how Telnet a traditional system connects to and accesses large databases of computer's as in this case, Deakin library database computer. Telnet appears a fast and simple system. I was able to type commands to directly interact with the database computer, it was free and I was able to access from a distance without leaving my seat. Although I can see how telnet is a system for information searchers of large databases such as libraries it has limited use. There are decided diadvantages besides not being very exciting as there is no colour, uses simple text and numbers and has no graphics.

Top Five Tips for New Bloggers

1. You have decided on a blogger system, you have opened an account guided your way though the easy steps as with Blogger.com and named your blog, what to do next. Walk away if you want and come back later, I did. Possibly read discussions of experienced bloggers and if that is not helpful find other first time bloggers. You can return anytime by going to the Blogger.com site and logging in with your username and password that you recorded earlier.
2. Once logged in for first time use I would click on the setting icon. There is a lot of useful information out there on blog settings, very confusing. I suggest only doing the essential blog setup; a lot can wait for later. Settings display a number of tabs. The basic setting looks simple as you just read through the steps and make necessary changes. Oh, don't forget to scroll down and click on save settings.
3. Next I would look for and click on formatting whilst still in settings. Check that all posts will be separately titled and make other needed changes. Don't forget to scroll down and save setting.
4. Next click on comments tab in settings and select show if you want comments to be left by other people on your entry page. Again, don't forget to click on save settings to save your changes.
5. Finally follow the steps to post and write your first entry. The instrutions appear clear. Make sure you choose a topic for your first entry and then click the publish button. Now go, well that means me as well, good luck!