From: dhirmes@hamp.hampshire.edu
Newsgroups: alt.hypertext
Subject: The Hypertext FAQ
Date: 7 Jan 93 17:14:49 EDT
Organization: Hampshire College
NNTP-Posting-Host: hamp.hampshire.edu



	    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) File for

			  alt.hypertext

	       version 0.9 (ASCII) - January 1993

       compiled by David Hirmes (dhirmes@hamp.hampshire.edu)

       hypertext versions of this FAQ will soon be available.


NOTE: THIS FAQ FILE IS STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION, PLEASE DO NOT DISTRIBUTE.


       Contents:

       1.0 - Introduction
		1.1 What is hypertext?  What are its origins?
		1.2 What is the difference between hypertext and hypermedia?
		1.3 Where can I get info on hypertext on the Internet?
			1.3.1 Usenet Newsgroups
			1.3.2 Bitnet Lists
			1.3.3 Gopher
			1.3.4 FTP sites
		1.4 Hypertext publishers
       2.0 - Hypertext systems (ordered by platform)
		2.1 MSDOS/Windows
		2.2 UNIX/XWindows
		2.3 Macintosh
       3.0 - Selected Bibliography
		3.1 Recommended
		3.2 Bibliographies
		3.3 Periodicals
       4.0 - On-Line hypertext services/systems/projects
		4.1 World Wide Web (WWW)
		4.2 Wide Area Information Services (WAIS)
		4.3 HYTELNET
		4.4 Gopher
		4.5 Project Guttenberg
       5.0 - Glossary [NOT implemented in this version.]


1.0 Introduction

1.1 What is hypertext?  What are its origins?

    The short answer: "Non-sequencial writing"
    see: --Bush, V. (1945) "As We May Think" Atlantic Monthly,
	 176/1, July, pp. 101-108.
	 --Nelson, T.H. (1981), "Literary Machines" (self-
	   published and electronic versions available)

    The long answer:

    The term "hypertext" eludes a simple definition.  The
easiest explanation might be "a non-linear grouping of linked
nodes".  Ted Nelson, who coined the phrase in his book "Literary
Machines", called it "nonsequencial writing", and it was only later
that hypertext was considered a medium limited to the computer.  While
the idea of a non-linear form of writing can be traced back
centuries, the first model of a electronic based system which
could link various blocks of text appears to be a 1945 article in
the Atlantic Monthly by Vannevar Bush entitled "As We May Think".
     By 1945, Bush had realized that an era of information was
approaching.  He commented:
 "The summation of human experience is being expanded at a
prodigious rate, [but] the means we use for threading through the
consequent maze to the momentarily important item is the same as
was used in the days of square-rigged ships."
    Bush wrote of a "memex", a conceptual machine that could store
vast amounts of information, in which a user had the ability to
create information "trails": links of related text and
illustrations.  This trail could then be stored and used for
future reference.  Bush believed that using this associative
method of information gathering was not only practical in its own
right, but was closer to the way the mind ordered information.
     Ted Nelson picked up on Bush's ideas in his book "Literary
Machines" (1981).  His ideas revolved around a system called
"Xanadu" in which a user could create a "hypertext", a document
consisting of linked "nodes".
"A link is simply a connection between parts of text or other
material.  It is put in by a human.  Links are made by
individuals as pathways for the reader's exploration; thus they
are part of the actual document, part of the writing."
    A node is simply a discrete unit of text, graphics, sound, or
whatever.  Within each node, there are links to other nodes.
This is the basic structure of a hypertext.  Nelson took Bush's
ideas a step further with his Xanadu project-- he envisioned an
entire "docuverse" of interconnected, networked hypertext; a
system that would inevitably replace print publishing.  But more
on that concept later.
     The concept of "hypertext" has changed a lot since Bush and
Nelson first proposed the idea.  The notions of what a hypertext
is and what it can and cannot do have blurred.  In my opinion,
all printed texts are not necessarily going to benefit by being
turned into hypertext documents.  Hypertext is not a panacea for
information handling, nor is it going to revolutionize the way
humans think and interact...
     There are many arguments as to the exact definition of
"hypertext".  When Nelson first coined the phrase he was simple
referring to "nonsequencial text", which could be accomplished
just as easily on paper as it could on a computer.  Since then,
the definition has vastly expanded to encompass a wide variety of
computer-related information systems.  I feel that attempting to
find a definitive response to the question "What is hypertext?"
is not only impossible, but unnecessary.  I see hypertext as more
of a set of tools, not all of which need to be implemented for
the end result to be considered a "hypertext system" or
"hypertext document".  The tools used for an on-line card
catalogue are much different than of a computerized medical
tutorial or a hypertext novel.

1.2 What is the difference between hypertext and hypermedia?

	Both terms are nebulous, but for the most part, hypertext
is the more general term.  Hypermedia refers to the ability to use
several "media" (text, graphics, sound, video) in a single "document"
(or "presentation", etc).

1.3 Where can I get info on hypertext on the Internet?

1.3.1 Usenet Newsgroups

     Try these newsgroups:

     alt.hypertext
     comp.infosystems.*

1.3.2 Bitnet lists

     --There is a Bitnet List:
     The LINKS Forum is moderated.  Contributions should be relevant, sound,
 in good taste, objective, coherent, concise, and nonrepetitious.  Diversity
 is welcome.
 **PLEASE** include your name & internet From: address, especially .UUCP folks
 *TO CONTRIBUTE: to LINKS@ACM.ORG, with relevant, substantive "Subject:" line.
		Contributions will not be ACKed.
 *TO SUBSCRIBE: send message to LISTSERV@ACM.ORG with body "SUBSCRIBE LINKS"
 *TO UNSUBSCRIBE: send message to LISTSERV@ACM.ORG with body "UNSUBSCRIBE LINKS"
	PLEASE DO *NOT* ASK FOR SUBSCRIPTION TO LINKS@ACM.ORG!!!
 *REQUESTS: please to LINKS@ACM.ORG.
 *MODERATORS: can be reached at LINKIT@DATAMONT.IT

1.3.3 Gopher

	--Try using Gopher's Veronica with a keyword of "hypertext".

1.3.4 FTP sites

[There are a number of FTP sites around the net that have info and programs
on or about hypertext.  There is no central site as of yet.  Use Archie
to scan for the most current information.]

Host: wsmr-simtel20.army.mil pd1:<msdos.hypertext>
Includes: many public domain hypertext systems and such.
Note: there are several mirror sites to simtel, one is wuarchive.wustl.edu

Host: iesd.auc.dk (130.225.48.4) /hypertext
Includes: HyperBase, an active multiuser backend for hypertext systems
	  written in C++.

Host: irie.ais.org (141.211.206.16) /pub/hypertext
Includes: a hypertext fiction for the Macintosh

Host: cs.dal.ca (129.173.4.5) /pub/comp.archives/alt.hypertext
Includes: the files "hypertext-standards" & "qualifiers-on-hypertext-links"

Host: media-lab.media.mit.edu /
Includes: the file "hypertext-dynamic-text-conference.Z"

Host: wuarchive.wustl.edu (128.252.135.4) /mirrors4/macintosh/hc
Includes: the files "hypertext.sit"

Host: rigel.acs.oakland.edu (141.210.10.117) /pub/macintosh/hc
Includes: the file "hypertextrpt31.sit"

Host: plains.nodak.edu (134.129.111.64) /pub/mac/pub/hypercard/stacks
Includes: the file "hypertext-workshop.hqx"

Host: nexus.yorku.ca (130.63.9.66) /pub/bibliographies
Includes: "hypertext-daul.bib","hypertext-harpold.bib",
	  "hypertext-hughes.bib","hypertext2.bib".

Host: cs.dal.ca (129.173.4.5)
Includes:
    Location: /pub/comp.archives/alt.hypertext
      the-world-s-first-hypertext-dissertation-format
    Location: /pub/comp.archives/comp.fonts
      hypertext-based-truetype-specifications

Host: flash.bellcore.com (128.96.32.20) /pub/nielsen
Includes: the file "hypertextTripReport.hqx"


1.4 Hypertext publishers

	--Eastgate Systems (134 Main St. Watertown, MA 02172, phone:
617-924-9044) publishes a number of hypertexts (fiction and non-fiction)
for the Macintosh.
	--The Voyager Company (1351 Pacific Coast Highway, Santa
Monica, CA 90401 phone: 310-451-1383) publishes a number of "expanded
books" for the Macintosh.  Hypertext purists would not consider these
true "hypertexts", but it's still worth while to mention.


2.0 - Hypertext systems/applications/programs

[note:  I've only seen and used some of these systems.  To find
 out more about these systems, write or call the companies.  All
 addresses and phone numbers are in the U.S.
 Some of this info is stolen from Philip Seyer's book, "Understanding
 hypertext : concepts and applications"]

2.1 MSDOS/Windows

[note: many IBM-PC public domain and shareware hypertext can be found in
the FTP site wsmr-simtel20.army.mil in the directory pd1:<msdos.hypertext> ]

BlackMagic
NTERGAID, Inc.
2490 Black Rock Turnpike, Suite 337
Fairfield, CT 06430
203-368-0632
notes: shareware, msdos.

CLASS HT
1st-Class Expert Systems Inc.
526 Boston Post Road 150 East
Wayland, MA 01778
508-358-7722
notes: "expert systems develoment capability"

Guide
Owl International
14218 NE 21st St
Bellevue, WA 98007
206-747-3203 or 800-344-9737
note: $795 suggested retail.  windows 3.1.

HyperRez
MaxThink
Niel Larsen
44 Rincon Road
Kensington, CA 94707
415-540-5508 bbs: 415-540-6114
notes: creates hypertexts that can go memory resident.

Hyperdoc
Hyperdoc Inc.
1 Almaden, Suite 620
San Jose, CA 95113
408-292-7970 FAX: 408-292-7617
notes: $995 retail. "industrial strength hypertext".

HyperTIES
Cognetics Corporation
Charlie Kreitzberg, President
55 Princeton-Hightstown Road
Princeton Jct, NJ 08550
609-799-5005
notes: robust hypertext system.

HyperTSR
Tab Books
Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850
800-822-8138
notes: create on-line hypertexted help and go memory resident.

HyperWriter
NTERGAID Inc.
2490 Black Rock Turnpike, Suite 337
Fairfield, CT 06430
203-368-0632
notes: a professional, enhanced version of Black Magic.

IBM LinkWay
IBM Corp.
Boca Raton, FL 33431
404-238-3245
notes: robust hypertext system.

Ize
Persoft, Inc.
465 Science Drive
Madison, WI 53711
608-273-6000

Knowledge Acquisition Systems (KAS)
INDUCTEL Inc.
Order Dept.
18661 McCoy Ave
Saratoga, CA 95070
800-367-4497 or 408-866-8016

Personal HyperBase
Cogent Software
21 William J Heights
Framingham, MA 01701
508-875-6553

Plus
Spinnaker Software
201 Broadway 6th Fl
Cambridge, MA 02139-1901
800-826-0706 FAX: 617-494-1219
notes: similar to Apple's Hypercard.  Need at least a 286.

Window Book Technology
Box Company Inc.
56 Howard St
Cambridge, MA 02139
617-576-0892

Windowcraft
Windowcraft, Inc.
1000 Main Street,
Acton, MA 01720
508-263-7674
notes: similar to Apple's Hypercard

Xanadu
Xanadu Operation Company
550 California Ave, Suite 101
Palo Alto, CA 94306
415-856-4112
notes: Ted Nelson's baby.  Now under the wing of AutoDesk, Inc.


2.2 UNIX/Xwindows

Hyperbole
"Hyperbole is an open, efficient information browsing and management system
based around a hypertext model.  It is intended for everyday work on any UNIX
platform supported by GNU Emacs (or Epoch from the University of Illinois or
Lucid Emacs from Lucid Inc).  Hyperbole allows hypertext buttons to be
embedded within unstructured and structured files, mail messages and news
articles.  It offers intuitive mouse-based control of information display
within multiple windows.  It also provides point-and-click access to ftp
archives, Wide-Area Information Servers (WAIS), and the World-Wide Web (WWW)
hypertext system through encapsulations of software that support these
protocols."
Hyperbole can be found at: wilma.cs.brown.edu (128.148.31.66) /pub/hyperbole


2.3 Macintosh

HyperBASIC
Teknosys, Inc
3923 Coconut Palm Drive, Suite 111
Tampa, FL 33619
800-873-3494 or 813-620-3494
FAX: 813-620-4039 CompuServe: 73237,2370
notes: create XCMD for Hypercard.

Guide
Owl International
14218 NE 21st St
Bellevue, WA 98007
206-747-3203 or 800-344-9737

Hyperbook Maker
Ideaform
PO Box 1540
Fairfield, IA 52556
515-472-7256
notes: prints Hypercard stacks.

HyperCard
Apple
notes: comes with every Mac, but the new Macs come with only a
"Hypercard Player" which doesn't allow hypercard stack creation.

StorySpace
Eastgate Systems, Inc.
134 Main Street
Watertown, MA 02172
617-924-9044
notes: $215 suggested retail.

SuperCard
Silicon Beach Software
PO Box 261430
San Diego, CA 92126
619-695-6956
notes: similar to HyperCard with more features including color and the ability
to make a stack into a stand-alone application.


2.4 Other

NoteCards
notes: developted at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center.  Runs on Xerox
Workstations under LISP.


3.0 - Selected Bibliography

3.1 Recommended

Here are some books I'd recommend:

Berk, Emily, ed., "Hypertext/hypermedia handbook" /  New York : Intertext
     Publications : McGraw-Hill, c1991.  xvii, 583 p. : ill. ; 24 cm.
notes: pretty complete, starts with the basics and moves on to more
       advanced topics.  Includes many case studies and large
       bibliography.

McKnight, Cliff, "Hypertext in Context" / Cambridge University Press, 1991
notes: very well written, slim volume deals with most of the major issues
of hypertext theory and design.

Seyer, Philip C., "Understanding hypertext : concepts and
     applications" /  1st ed.  Blue Ridge Summit, PA : Windcrest, c1991. xii,
     263 p. : ill., maps ; 25 cm.
notes: well written.

Barrett, E., ed., "Text, ConText, and HyperText" / MIT  Press, 1988.
notes: sort of the classic.  Very, um, "erudite".  The sequel is
"The Society of Text" (1989).


3.2. Bibliographies

There are several published bibliographies of books, articles, etc., on
hypertext issues that I know of:

Lamb, Annette C.  Emerging technologies and instruction :
     hypertext, hypermedia, and interactive multimedia : a selected
     bibliography /  Englewood Cliffs, N.J. : Educational Technology
     Publications, c1991.  64 leaves ; 29 cm.

Knee, Michael.  Hypertext/Hypermedia : an annotated bibliography
     /  New York : Greenwood Press, 1990.  xv, 178 p. ; 24 cm.

Texas A&M University also publishes an electronic bibliography, but I
can't find it on the Internet.


3.3 Periodicals

???

4.0 - On-Line hypertext services/systems/projects

4.1 World Wide Web (WWW)

[Copied from a post by joe@athena.mit.edu (Joseph C Wang)]

WHAT IS IT?
-----------
World Wide Web (WWW) is a hypertext project which seeks to build a
world wide network of hypertext links.  There are several different
browsers for this system including a simple tty interface.  For a
demos of the terminal browsers for WWW, telnet to the following sites:

 telnet info.cern.ch or telnet 128.141.201.74 (SWISS)
 telnet eies2.njit.edu or telnet 128.235.1.43 (USA [NJ])
 telnet vms.huji.ac.il or telnet 128.139.4.3  (ISRAEL)
 telnet info.funet.fi or telnet 128.214.6.100 (FINLAND)

Login as "www"


4.2 Wide Area Information Services (WAIS)

from "Overview of WAIS" by Brewster Kahle:
"The Wide Area Information Servers system is a set of products supplied
 by different vendors to help end-users find and retrieve information over
 networks.  Thinking Machines, Apple Computer, and Dow Jones initially
 implemented such a system for use by business executives.  These products
 are becoming more widely available from various companies."

for more info FTP to quake.think.com /pub/WAIS

to experience a WAIS server, you can telnet to quake.think.com
and login as "wais".


4.3 Hytelnet

[Copied from the WHATIS file included in the hytelnet package]

	HYTELNET is designed to assist you in reaching all of the
		  INTERNET-accessible libraries, Freenets, CWISs,
		  Library BBSs, & other information sites by Telnet.

	HYTELNET is designed specifically for users who access
		  Telnet via a modem or the ethernet from an
		  IBM compatible personal computer.

	HYTELNET, when loaded, is memory-resident. Once loaded hit
		  Control + Backspace to activate the program. To
		  leave the program temporarily hit ESC. To remove
		  from memory hit ALT-T while in the program.

Check out Archie for the closest FTP site that has HYTELNET.


4.4 Gopher

[This info is copied from the gopher FAQ file]

Q0:  What is Gopher?

A0:  The Internet Gopher client/server provides a distributed
     information delivery system around which a world/campus-wide
     information system (CWIS) can readily be constructed.   While
     providing a delivery vehicle for local information,  Gopher
     facilitates access to other Gopher and information servers
     throughout the world.

Q1:  Where can I get gopher?

A1:  via anonymous ftp to boombox.micro.umn.edu.  Look in the directory
     /pub/gopher


Q2:  What do I need to access gopher?

A2:  You will need a gopher "client" program that runs on your local PC
     or workstation

     There are clients for the following systems.  The directory
     following the name is the location of the client on the anonymous
     ftp site boombox.micro.umn.edu (134.84.132.2) in the directory
     /pub/gopher.

      Unix Curses & Emacs   :  /pub/gopher/Unix/gopher1.02.tar.Z
      Xwindows              :  /pub/gopher/Unix/xgopher1.1a.tar.Z
      Macintosh Hypercard   :  /pub/gopher/Mac_client/
      Macintosh Application :  /pub/gopher/Mac_client/
      DOS w/Clarkson Driver :  /pub/gopher/PC_client/
      NeXTstep              :  /pub/gopher/NeXT/
      VM/CMS                :  /pub/gopher/Rice_CMS/ or /pub/gopher/Vienna_CMS/
      VMS                   :  /pub/gopher/VMS/

     There are also a number of public telnet login sites available.
     The University of Minnesota operates one on the machine
     "consultant.micro.umn.edu" (134.84.132.4) See Q3 for more
     information about this.  It is recommended that you run the client
     software instead of logging into the public telnet login sites.  A
     client uses the custom features of the local machine (mouse,
     scroll bars, etc.)  A local client is also faster.

Q3:  Where are there publicly available logins for gopher.

A3:  Here is a short list, use the site closest to you to minimize
     network lag.

     Hostname                  IP#              Login   Area
     ------------------------- ---------------  ------  -------------
     consultant.micro.umn.edu  134.84.132.4	gopher  North America
     gopher.uiuc.edu           128.174.33.160   gopher  North America
     gopher.uwp.edu	       131.210.1.4      gopher  North America
     panda.uiowa.edu           128.255.40.201	panda   North America
     info.anu.edu.au           150.203.84.20    info    Australia
     gopher.chalmers.se        129.16.221.40    gopher  Sweden

     It is recommended that you run the client software instead of
     logging into the public telnet login sites.  A client uses the
     custom features of the local machine (mouse, scroll bars, etc.)  A
     local client is also faster.

[For more info on Gopher, see the Usenet newsgroup infosystems.gopher.
 The full text of the FAQ can be obtained there.]


4.5 Project Guttenberg

	Project Guttenberg scans in non-copyrightten books and creates
ASCII files out of them.  For more information contact Michael Hart
(HART@vmd.cso.uiuc.EDU).  I believe at least some of the electronic
books (Etexts) are on Sim-tel pd1:<msdos.books>

[End of alt.hypertext FAQ version 1.0 (Jan1993).]
Newsgroups: alt.hypertext