In order to begin participating in electronic discussion groups, you need a network connection and an email program. Then you should identify discussion groups that interest you. Literally thousands of computers are accessible via the Internet by anyone using telnet software . Telnet software, such as the library's Reflection software , and an Internet connection will allow an individual to logon to an accessible computer. Using telnet software, individuals simply specify the network address of a remote system in order to connect directly to a remote computer .
Some computer systems require that an individual be a registered user and have a password.
Individuals may also simply click a mouse on a hypertext link in order to connect to a specific remote computer, such as the UTC Library's Catalog or the MoccaSun Student Server . Commercial information systems, such as those operated by Dialog, STN, Biosis and BRS, are available for a price and do require a password. Once telnet software makes a connection, individuals must deal directly with the remote computer system, its rules and its command structure. A certain amount of intuition and the ability to work with ambiguity are often required to explore an unknown computer system. Literally thousands of computers are accessible via the Internet by anyone using FTP software.