ActiveX

ActiveX, designed by Microsoft, is a complex system designed to integrate programs with interactive Internet content. In particular, Web sites can use ActiveX tools to create multimedia effects, interactive objects and complex programs. With ActiveX, your browser can download programs from Web sites and then execute those programs on your computer. The programs can even interact with your own software (such as your word processor, database, spreadsheet, and so on). ActiveX's main competitor is Java, developed by Sun Microsystems.


Web:

http://download.cnet.com/downloads/0-10081.html
http://www.microsoft.com/com/tech/activex.asp


Ad Blocking Software

I hate commercials. I hate junk mail. I hate spam. I hate telemarketing. And I particularly hate advertisements, especially on the Web. But I'm not the only one. There are many smart people on the Net who also dislike ads, and out of antipathy comes invention. Here is software that will block ads for you as you look at Web pages. Throught this book, I only put in resources that are free. However, in this case, I am making an exception, because I feel the service of blocking ads is so valuable. Some of these programs cost money (although you can try them for free, and they don't cost much anyway). Using an ad blocking program will make your Internet experience more enjoyable in two ways. First, you won't have to look at ads. Second, Web pages will load faster because you won't have to wait for ads to download (be transferred) to your computer.


Web:

http://www.adsubtract.com/
http://www.adwiper.com/
http://www.guidescope.com/
http://www.junkbusters.com/ijb.html
http://www.savethefreeweb.com/
http://www.zapada.com/


Browsers

A browser is an Internet client program you use to access the Web. Modern browsers can also read Usenet discussion groups, and send and receive mail. To extend the capabilities of a browser, you can use programs called "plug-ins". These Web sites have news about the browser industry, including a feast of rumors, news and tips. There are also lists of available browsers, in case you want to try a new one. (There are a lot more than you might think.)


Web:

http://browsers.evolt.org/
http://webtips.dan.info/brand-x/
http://www.freewarehome.com/Internet/Web_Browsers_t.htm...
http://www.sofotex.com/download/Browsers/
http://www.upsdell.com/browsernews/
http://www.w3schools.com/browsers/


Internet Explorer Browser

Microsoft's Internet Explorer (IE) is one of the two most popular browsers on the Web (the other one being AOL's Netscape). IE is more than a standalone browser. It is a complex program that is designed to be part of Windows. IE is also designed to work in an integrated manner with many other Microsoft programs, including Outlook Express (an email program and Usenet newsreader), FrontPage Express (a Web page editor), and Windows Media Player (a multimedia player). Here is what I think you should do. First, use this Web site to get the latest version of Internet Explorer (it's free), if you don't already have it. Then, from within IE, pull down the Tools menu and select "Windows Update". This will connect you to a Web site where you can see all the available programs (also free) and choose the ones you want. At the very least, get the Windows Media Player and the Web Accessories.


Web:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/


Java

Java is a complex system designed to support programs that can be downloaded from the Web and run automatically. For example, when you are visiting a Web site, selecting a particular link might send a program to your computer, where it will be run by your browser (which knows how to run Java programs). Why is Java important? On its own, a browser can only do so much. It can download and display data. It can also play sounds, show you pictures and images, and so on. But the capabilities of a browser are limited to what is built-in, or what is added by using plug-in or helper programs. With Java, it is possible to write a program to do just about anything, and then put that program on a Web site. When someone visits the site, the program is sent to his or her computer, where it is executed. Java is also important because it is the focus of a huge effort to build an Internet environment that can be run on various types of computers and other devices. Although Java was originally developed by Sun Microsystems, many other companies are riding along. Java's main competitor is ActiveX, developed by Microsoft.


Web:

http://www.ibiblio.org/javafaq/
http://www.java.sun.com/
http://www.javaboutique.internet.com/
http://www.javacoffeebreak.com/
http://www.javashareware.com/
http://www.lundin.info/

Usenet:

Google Newsreader alt.www.hotjava
Google Newsreader comp.lang.java
Google Newsreader comp.lang.java.advocacy
Google Newsreader comp.lang.java.announce
Google Newsreader comp.lang.java.api
Google Newsreader comp.lang.java.beans
Google Newsreader comp.lang.java.corba
Google Newsreader comp.lang.java.databases
Google Newsreader comp.lang.java.gui
Google Newsreader comp.lang.java.help
Google Newsreader comp.lang.java.machine
Google Newsreader comp.lang.java.misc
Google Newsreader comp.lang.java.programmer
Google Newsreader comp.lang.java.security
Google Newsreader comp.lang.java.softwaretools
Google Newsreader comp.lang.java.tech
Google Newsreader comp.lang.javascript

Listserv Mailing List:

List Name: advanced-java
Subscribe To: listserv@discuss.develop.com

Listserv Mailing List:

List Name: java
Subscribe To: listserv@discuss.develop.com

Listserv Mailing List:

List Name: java
Subscribe To: listserv@yorku.ca

IRC:

#openjava (EFnet)


Javascript

Javascript is a language that allows programmers to write small programs (scripts) that can be imbedded in the HTML for a Web page. When your browser reads the HTML, it interprets the Javascript and performs whatever function the program tells it to do. Javascript can be used for all kinds of interesting and useful effects on a Web page. And you can use it even if you aren't a programmer: if you find a script you like -- on somebody else's page or on an archive -- you can copy it to your page. (Of course, if the script is original work, you should ask for permission.)


Web:

http://www.faqs.org/faqs/computer-lang/java/javascript/
http://www.javascript.com/
http://www.jfind.com/
http://www.wsabstract.com/javaindex.shtml

Usenet:

Google Newsreader comp.lang.javascript

Majordomo Mailing List:

List Name: javascript-developer-talk-list
Subscribe To: majordomo@maillist.peak.org

IRC:

#javascript (Undernet)


Javascript Archives

You don't have to be a programmer to use Javascript on your Web pages. Here are some Web pages with lots and lots of free scripts, yours to snarf at will.


Web:

http://jakarta.apache.org/builds/scripts/projects/
http://javascript.internet.com/
http://www.javafile.com/
http://www.javashareware.com/cfscripts/jscripts.cfm
http://www.wsabstract.com/cutpastejava.shtml


Link Checkers

If your Web site contains a lot of links to other sites, you have a problem. How do you keep the information up to date? A link checker is a program that automates the process of testing links to see if they still work. As someone who spends a lot of time checking Web sites, I can tell you that link checkers have their place, but they are far from perfect, and they don't take the place of a smart person checking lists of links by hand.


Web:

http://home.snafu.de/tilman/xenulink.html
http://lithops.mastak.com/hlv/
http://www.cyberspyder.com/cslnkts1a.html
http://www.davecentral.com/urlcheck.html
http://www.linkchecker.kyosoft.com/features.htm
http://www.linklint.org/


Lynx

Lynx is a text-based Web browser that runs under a variety of operating systems including Unix, VMS, DOS, Windows and OS/2. I like Lynx because it is fast (no graphics) and easy to use. Even if you have the most powerful graphical computer around, give Lynx a try. When you are after pure information, no browser is faster.


Web:

http://www.lynx.browser.org/


Mozilla Browser

Within the world of Unix and the Internet, there has been a long tradition of free, open software. Today, many people depend on such open products: Linux and FreeBSD (types of Unix), Perl (a scripting language), Apache (a Web server), and many more, including all the programs associated with the Free Software Foundation. On January 23, 1998, the Netscape company announced that they would become part of this tradition by distributing their browser for free and by making the source code readily available. (This was before AOL bought Netscape.) The new, open-source browser, was renamed Mozilla. Mozilla is now maintained by an international community of programmers.


Web:

http://www.mozilla.org/


Netscape Browser

Netscape is one of the two most popular browsers on the Web (the other one being Microsoft's Internet Explorer). What we refer to as "Netscape" is actually a collection of programs called Netscape Communicator. This collection includes a browser (named Navigator), an email program (Messenger), a Web page editor (Composer), an instant messenger program (AOL Instant Messenger), and a scheduling program (Calendar). The browser can also act as a Usenet newsreader. All of these programs are available for free. Netscape, by the way, is owned by AOL.


Web:

http://browsers.netscape.com/browsers/


Plug-Ins

A plug-in is a program designed to enhance the capabilities of a browser by processing a particular type of data that the browser cannot handle on its own. For example, if you visit a Web site that has music videos, you cannot look at the videos unless you have a plug-in that can process that type of video data. Your browser comes with various plug-ins, but there will be times when you need others. These Web sites provide information about plug-ins and how to get them. (Note: Within Internet Explorer, many of the jobs carried out by Netscape plug-ins are done by ActiveX controls. However, Internet Explorer is designed to use Netscape plug-ins.)


Web:

http://cws.internet.com/32plugins.html
http://wp.netscape.com/plugins/
http://www.plugins.com/
http://www.wdvl.com/Software/Plugins/
http://www.web3d.org/vrml/browpi.htm


Pop-up Blocking Software

Of all the Web-based ads, the most annoying are the pop-up ads. Because pop-up ads are displayed in separate windows, you have to manually close each one. Moreover, some ads are programmed so that when you close them, they spawn even more windows. The solution is to use pop-up blocking software. (I do, and I think it's great.) Note: If you already use an ad-blocking program, you may find that it blocks pop-up ads. However, if it isn't doing a good enough job, you will have to use a separate pop-up blocker.


Web:

http://www.anarelion.com/aalku/WebWindowKiller/
http://www.emsproject.com/FS
http://www.panicware.com/product_dpps.html
http://www.searchsleuth.com/
http://www.southbaypc.com/noads/


RealPlayer

RealPlayer is an audio/video program from RealNetworks that allows you to use streaming technology to listen to audio and watch video over the Net. RealPlayer also makes it possible to listen to live broadcasts, such as radio stations or special events. Your browser may already come with RealPlayer. If not, you can find the software you need here. You can also start here to look for some of the many places around the Net that use RealPlayer to broadcast.


Web:

http://www.real.com/


VRML

VRML (Virtual Reality Markup Language) is a system used to create three-dimensional objects. Using VRML, designers can create imaginary 3-D worlds that you can visit and explore. To do so, you need either a browser that handles VRML or a VRML plug-in for a regular browser. These resources will help you learn how to use VRML, as well as find any tools you may need.


Web:

http://www.refraction.com/vrml/
http://www.sics.se/dce/dive/
http://www.web3d.org/vrml/vrml.htm

Usenet:

Google Newsreader comp.lang.vrml


Web Browser Talk and General Discussion

When you use the Web, your experience starts and ends with a browser. The browser you use very much colors your experience, so it is no surprise that people have strong opinions about what they like and what they dislike. In addition, the Web browser industry is fast-moving and highly competitive, with new browsers, plug-ins and related technology appearing all the time. All of this makes for a lot to talk about when it comes to browsers, and these Usenet groups are the places to be. (Take my browser, please.)


Usenet:

Google Newsreader comp.infosystems.www.browsers.mac
Google Newsreader comp.infosystems.www.browsers.misc
Google Newsreader comp.infosystems.www.browsers.ms-windows
Google Newsreader comp.infosystems.www.browsers.x


Web Log Analysis

A Web log is a file, kept on a Web server, in which information is stored about how the Web pages on that server are being accessed. To make sense of this information, you must use a Web log analysis program. You can use such a program to tell you how many people have been to your site, what pages are the most popular, what pages or images might be missing, which browsers people are using, and more.


Web:

http://www.davecentral.com/webstat.html
http://www.kresch.com/resources/Log_Analyzer/
http://www.programfiles.com/xq/asp/catid.475/qx/


Web Server Talk and General Discussion

When you connect to a Web site, your browser requests data from a program called a Web server. Web servers are complex software systems that require a fair amount of care and feeding. These are the Usenet groups in which you can discuss Web servers: what is available, how they work, tips, questions, answers, and lots and lots of opinions.


Usenet:

Google Newsreader comp.infosystems.www.servers.mac
Google Newsreader comp.infosystems.www.servers.misc
Google Newsreader comp.infosystems.www.servers.ms-windows
Google Newsreader comp.infosystems.www.servers.unix