PENN PRINTOUT
The University of Pennsylvania's Online Computing Magazine

November 1995 - Volume 12:2

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Accessing the Penn Web
(http://www.upenn.edu/)

There are several ways to access the Penn Web, depending on the software you are using and/or the type of network connection you have. The most popular Web access methods are summarized below.


For a graphical view

A graphical view of the Penn Web requires graphical browsing software, a high-speed network connection, and a relatively powerful computer (see "More on Netscape," below). Netscape 1.1N is the supported browser at Penn. Other free graphical browsers, such as Mosaic, work much like Netscape, but offer fewer or different features, resulting in less attractive screen layouts or inability to access some popular features, such as the Penn Library's interactive, online forms. Non- graphical browsers such as Lynx have additional limitations (e.g., no sound, video, or images).

  • Via Netscape (Macintosh or Windows) Web browser: Type http://www.upenn.edu/ under "Open Location..." in the Netscape File menu.


For a nongraphical view

A non-graphical view of the Penn Web requires no special browsing software on your desktop; a browser named Lynx is available on the remote system you connect to. If you already use the network for accessing e-mail, the Library's online catalog, or other networked resources at Penn, you should be able to use one or more of the methods below without additional hardware or software.

  • Via the PennNet annex prompt: Type t www.upenn.edu at the annex prompt.
  • Via desktop Telnet software, e.g., MicroPhone Pro 2.x, Host Presenter (Windows), NCSA Telnet (Mac): Use www.upenn.edu as the host address.
  • Via a University e-mail host: Enter lynx at the main menu on many systems. Dolphin, pobox, mail.sas, and eniac.seas are among the mail hosts that make Lynx available.


More on Netscape

Helper Applications for Netscape: Helper applications enhance Netscape's functionality. The following helper applications are supported at Penn:
  • Sound Machine 2.1 (Mac) for sound
  • Sparkle 2.1 (Mac) and MPEG Player 1.5 (Win) for video
  • Acrobat Reader 2.01 for viewing electronic documents in PDF format, with original fonts, graphics, and layout

Basic hardware/software requirements for Netscape:
  • Macintosh (030 minimum, 040 or PowerMac recommended) or Windows PC (386 minimum, 486 or Pentium recommended) Note: Windows95 is not supported on campus at this time.

Additional requirements-campus offices or ResNet rooms:
  • Ethernet card or adapter
  • Ethernet connection and TCP/IP software

Additional requirements-off-campus dial-up locations:
  • TCP/IP and MacSLIP/PPP or PPP for Windows software, together with a Network ID and password
  • High-speed modem (9.6 Kbps minimum, 14.4 Kbps or higher recommended) Dial-up phone numbers are 215/898-0834 (up to 14.4 Kbps), 215/573-4777 (28.8 Kbps, PPP only), and 610/444-5593 (up to 14.4 Kbps).

Where to get Netscape:
  • On disk: Netscape is included with MacSLIP/PPP for Macintosh and PPP for Windows, distributed at the CRC, 3732 Locust Walk.
  • DCCS AppleShare server: Netscape (Mac) and the Mac helper applications are in the "Netscape" folder; Acrobat Reader is in the "acrobat_reader" folder.
  • FTP server: Netscape and Acrobat Reader are in their own subdirectories in the /mac and /pc directories.

Netscape training: One-hour Bits and Pieces seminars; call ISC Technology Learning Services at 573-3102 or check the calendar section for dates.

Netscape documentation: Tip sheets on Netscape for Macintosh and Windows are available at the CRC and at http://www.upenn.edu/isc/document.html.


Assistance and information

Consult your School or office support provider, ISC First Call (573-4778), the CRC (3732 Locust Walk), or the 1995-96 PennNet Passport ($5 at the Book Store).