The Internet handbook for writers, researchers, and journalists / Mary McGuire ... [and others].

Format:

Book

Contributor:

McGuire, Mary, 1956-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Computer network resources.

Authorship--Computer network resources.

Authorship.

Physical Description:

xii, 276 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm

Edition:

2000/2001 edition.

Place of Publication:

New York : Guilford Press, [2000]

Summary:

This indispensable guide helps novice and experienced computer users take full advantage of Internet and World Wide Web capabilities. Fully revised and updated, the 2000/2001 edition both provides a basic introduction to the Internet and describes specialized resources and tools for writers, researchers, journalists, and students. Bursting with helpful graphics, sample Web pages, and hints and tips in the margins, the Handbook shows users how to: -- Select an Internet Service Provider and Web browser software-- Develop and trouble-shoot effective Internet search strategies-- Find the best online databases, libraries, and omnibus sites-- Access hundreds of newspapers around the world-- Generate leads and make contacts by posting queries to mailing lists-- Communicate for free with e-mail -- no more phone tag!-- Avoid information overload and keep mail and address lists organized-- Become involved in writing and publishing online

Of particular utility, the new edition of the Handbook describes the latest generation of Internet search tools, as well as new features offered by older search engines. Other essential features include the full Associated Press Policy for Using Electronic Services, a comprehensive glossary of terms, and expanded lists of a wide range of useful Web sites.

Contents:

Chapter 1 Coming to Terms with Cyberspace 1

Beyond the hype: What's really available on the Net? 3

E-commerce on the Net 4

Health information on the Net 6

Education on the Net 7

Media on the Net 8

Internet tools: Keys to unlock the world of information 9

World Wide Web 10

Electronic mail 10

Other Internet applications 11

Challenges and opportunities in electronic communications 12

Looking ahead: Will the Internet "disappear"? 13

Focus on... 10 neat things you can do online 15

Chapter 2 Getting the Most Out of the Web 18

WWW: An overview 19

Browsers 19

Netscape vs. Explorer 19

Other browser options 21

Navigating basics 23

URLs 24

Browser features 26

Setting preferences 26

Browser hotlists 28

Tips for using browsers 29

Portal sites 31

Dancing with your browser: Other Internet applications 33

Streaming and other media 33

M3P 35

Video on the Web 35

Web conferencing 38

Focus on... PDF files 40

Online chat 41

Desktop videoconferencing 41

Chapter 3 Search Strategies and Techniques 44

Searching the Web for information 45

Developing a search strategy 46

The best place to start... 46

Search tools 47

Subject directories

a bird's-eye view 48

Focus on... UnCover Web 52

Search engines

the most comprehensive results 52

Metasearch tools 63

Starting pages for journalists

a place to browse 65

Comparing search tools 68

Chapter 4 Beyond Search Engines: The Undiscovered Web 72

Subject guides 73

Libraries on the Net 75

Focus on... Telnet 78

Databases 80

Media on the Web 85

Government information on the Net 90

Chapter 5 Beyond the Web: E-Mail; Finding Sources; Listservs, Newsgroups, and FAQs 94

Electronic mail as a research tool 95

A comparison of e-mail programs 97

A word of warning about e-mail 99

Finding people and experts on the Net 100

Finding e-mail addresses 100

Finding phone numbers, addresses, and reverse directories 101

Finding experts online 104

Listservs and newsgroups 106

Listservs: Where experts share information 107

Focus on... Listservs for networking 110

Newsgroups: Where people share opinions 113

Spying on people online 113

Conducting interviews online 114

Getting the FAQs 115

Chapter 6 Managing and Verifying Online Information 117

Evaluating information resources 118

Managing information overload 120

How to organize a hotlist 122

Focus on... Bookmark organizers and Net search assistant software 126

Personalized news 127

Managing e-mail overload 129

Personal information managers 131

Keeping up to date 132

Chapter 7 Writing for the Web 134

What is HTML? 135

Basic HTML tags 138

Tags that should be in all HTML documents 141

Common text-formatting tags 143

Hypertext links 144

Adding images to Web pages 147

Other tags and codes 148

Other HTML capabilities 149

Focus on... Making a Web page yourself 150

Web graphics 153

Clip art 153

Your own original images 154

Scanned images 155

Keeping image size in check 155

Web graphics file formats 155

Recommended graphics software (shareware) 156

Screen colors and Web browsers 157

Adding color to text and backgrounds 157

HTML editor software 158

Designing Web content 160

Page design 161

Navigation 162

A word about graphics 162

How to write for the Web 163

Putting your own Web pages online 169

How to publicize your Web site 170

Chapter 8 Technology: Beyond the Basics 174

Getting connected 175

Computers 175

Modems 175

Getting an Internet account 176

High-speed modems 178

Cable modems 178

Digital subscriber lines (DSLs) 179

Client/server computing

the skinny 180

Browser plug-ins 180

Offline browsers 183

Downloading software 184

Compressed files 186

Computer viruses 188

A Resources on the Web 192

I Professional and Internet Resources 193

II General-Interest Resources 234

B Citing online sources 254

C Copyright issues 256

D Associated Press policy for using electronic services 258.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

1572305509

OCLC:

42863288