Module 1 Tasks – Internet tools - traceroute

Bunnies or brewing? How many hops?

Traceroute

I visited the site How stuff works for a lesson on traceroute. It describes traceroute as “it traces the route that a packet of information takes to get from your computer to another computer connected to the Internet”. Straightforward.

Then off to centralops.net/co/ ( I hadn't seen this type of protocol eg /co/ before) to use the traceroute tool.
Here are the hops:

(I copied and pasted these into a word doc without issue - BUT attempting to paste them directly into my blog as requested has resulted in much frustration and a very long post so my friends, you will have to be satisfied with a screenshot).

There were 19 hops to the Curtin server which was number 20 in sequence and the average time in milliseconds was 123 (one way).

The IP NUMBER of the hostname curtin.edu.au is 134.7.179.53

Because the process of accessing the internet is usually ‘transparent’ to users and so fast, it came as a surprise to me that so many hops were required. Users take so much for granted - a ‘slow’ internet connection is a source of frustration but they really have no idea why. This exercise demonstrates to me the concept (#25) of identity and location in that the ‘fixed’ and ‘known’ points that packets of data are carried through to reach the end user can be identified (and now, right there for you to see on screen ; )

Module 1 Tasks – FTP

Attack of FileZilla

File Transfer Protocol

Like Telnet, I have never used FTP before, but at least I am familiar with the term (being used as a verb).

I ventured to http://filezilla-project.org and downloaded the FileZilla client. This process was easier than the Telnet task for me. I did guess where to enter ‘recall.curtin.edu.au’ and logged in anonymously but it worked first go.

The answer to the burning question... according to the read me file, "CAPITALIZATION MATTERS!".

From reading Concepts 24 (Client-sever two way interactions) I especially like the idea that FTP enables an individual to publish information that can be taken, on demand [or ‘pulled’ ] by the user, rather than information being pushed at the user. Info push/pull are concepts I am familiar with from social media, so it’s gratifying to be able to see another connection.

Module 1 Tasks - Task B

May the Force be with you.

Blinkenlights

Hmmm. A lot of effort went into this. It’s quite slow, but you have to admire the creator’s patience! My second impression was that there is no way that I can control what's going on onscreen. My role is 'passive observer' and there is no interaction possible.Telnet (as a kind of legacy) should serve to remind us how fortunate we are now that we have such difference interfaces now– but I guess ‘we’ had to start somewhere.

So, rather than having to sit and watch the star wars “20th centure text“ version via Telnet, we can watch the clip of ‘star wars kid’ with his broom/light sabre (remember him?) and should we choose to, share it with anyone we want. 21st century users can choose to actively access information.

At the same time, we are constantly being bombarded by it. This is in part, (I think) to the development of interfaces and the sheer volume of people publishing information.

As technology has become part of everyday life (in many places globally) new communication needs arise and technology is being invented to cater for them.

In 10 years will we think youtube is passe?

Module 1 Tasks - Task A

And now for my next trick...

Telnet

Firstly, I had no idea that Telnet existed - until this week. Initially, I had some difficulty accessing Telnet (actually, this is an understatement!). I followed the instructions in Module 1 to the letter but, as nothing appeared like magic (as I am so used this happening when accessing the internet) I quickly went into frustration mode.
So, after trying again, I scrolled through our discussion boards until I found some help – thanks to Gino for being brave enough to post the question in the first place (as I in catch-up mode I have the benefit of others’ experience) and especially Zeak for the excellent Vista/Telnet demo... .The Telnet interface was usable, but from my point of view not particularly intuitive...we are spoilt these days.

The email from Deakin University is now in my inbox (hurrah!) and this task showed me that developments in interface usability and accessibility have come a long way and as current users, we should be grateful.

We can spend more time ‘doing’ than ‘enabling ourselves to do’.

Concept 23 states that the internet “...lessens the recognition of differences between humans and computers...”. In contrast, using Telnet it was very obvious to me I was interacting with a machine, using a tool for a specific use.

The other important lesson learned was don’t be afraid to ask for help – my course-mates are very helpful and this reflects the community nature of the internet generally i.e initially, someone has to figure out how to do things and people are more than willing to share.

More soon ; )