ROBIN'S REPORT THREE
SEARCHING WITH GOPHER


Leave me EMAIL
MY HOMEPAGE - which contains a list of my files.
DR. LEON JAMES HOMEPAGE - for a list of Dr. James' files

This report contains my step by step account of my experiences while learning how to use Gopher and also how to search with Veronica. This report comes from a novice's point of view since before I started this report all I knew of gophers was they lived in the ground and came up evey year to tell us if spring was coming . . . oh, no, wait, that's the groundhog. Well, anyway, you get the point.

  • Step One:

    I was told the best way to get to Gopher was to log on through Lynx which I did. Once I got into Lynx, with the help of a friend I worked my way through the various menus. First, I pressed the Options which took me to another menu where I pressed the User Mode. While at the User Mode, I had to make a determination using my down arrow key whether to pick novice, intermediate or advanced. My friend told me to pick advanced (otherwise, I would never have known).

  • Step Two:

    I used my down arrow to find Search and Explore On-Line Universe. It sounded like that would take me where I wanted to go, so I clicked on it. I went down to where it read Lycos, Inc. and typed in GOPHER and then entered on Go Get It.

  • Step Three:

    I was in Gopher! I was thrilled I made it this far. Gopher certianly isn't as "user friendly" as Netscape. Anyway, picked a topic that looked like it might take me to Veronica. I picked Guide and Network Resource Tools. I found at quickly that this was the wrong way. I backed up and went to Additional Gopher Sites and when I clicked on it I got another menu and one read All Gopher Sites in the World. Wow, sounded great so I clicked and found just what I was looking for: Gopher Searching Using Veronica.

  • Step Four:

    Now I was ready to begin my search. I typed in recommended search sites. My search came up empty. However, at this point I realized I don't need the recommended (that is what the search engines are for, duh). I then typed in search sites and was thrilled to see all of my options. My excitement didn't last long. The first three I tryed to pull up were not accessible. I finally pulled one up and to my surprise, it was completely illegible. So, what did I do--I pressed q to quit--WRONG! It took me completely out of Gopher and I had to start all over again!!!

  • Step Five:

    Try a new method! I changed my approach and instead of going through Lynx I went through Netscape. I thought it would be easier to handle. I found Veronica through YAHOO where I simply typed in Veronica. Yahoo found thirty-one directors matching Veronica and I proceeded to check them out. However, when I began clicking on them only more frustration. Many of the directories I tried wouldn't connect. When I finally got through to one--I typed in my search which was "search sites". I waited a few minutes and it acted like it was done, but there was nothing. I thought maybe it was confused or something disconnected so I entered again. This time I got a response; I was so happy, until I started reviewing them. They all had to do with science--the solar system stuff and even some genetic mutation. This wasn't exactly what I had in mind. I went back to begin my search again and this time typed in "search tools." My computer froze and I was ready to scream!

  • Step Six:

    I can't work with Veronica anymore. But, if you would like to try may be you should check out the VERONICA-FAG. I have to move on, she is giving me a head ache. I decided to switch and try my luck with Jughead. I typed in Jughead at the Yahoo prompt. Serveral entries for Jughead came up and I picked the one which was for searching the net. When I got in I entered "search engines". I figured this had to give me something.
  • Step Seven:

    Finally, I got something worth all of my effort. The first entries that came up regarding search engines was not relevant to my topic. But, as I proceeded through the sites, I noticed a few that were very relevant and interesting. Here are a few:

  • HOP AND STICKY:

    This homepage brags it has "links to on-ramps, search engines, and software (plus a few cool links). Great starting page." I have to agree it was a good place to start. It is seperated into categories. The first category is on-ramps, where it has links to Yahoo, Inter-links, Global Network Navigator, and Point (top sites). Next it has search zones, which include Alta Vista, Web Crawler, Lycos, and InfoSeek. He also has a list of software links for information about different kinds of software for different programs and computers. There are also links to the author's homepage, a link for "pornography". It is in quotes for a reason. It is in protest to the Title V, the 1996 Telecommunications Act which is trying to put limits on free speech which includes censoring on the Internet. It is an interesting little plug and not very long if you have a minute to read it.

    I found this, like the author said, a good place to start, but now I must move on.

    I don't know how I missed it the first time, but after clicking back to the links Yahoo found, I saw a category for search engines. It was called "Computers and Internet: Internet: World Wide Web: Search the Web: Search Engines" and then it listed serveral search engines. I began my hunt through them.

    I found a link called BabyOIL BabyOIL which claims "Simple interface to some of the most popular Internet resources: WWW, Libraries, Software, People, Tech Reports, and Online Documents." I clicked on this and found it well set up and easy to navigate through. I think it could be beneficial to some people (especially beginners).