Overview

Today's session will continue the introduction to Wilkes1 that we introduced on Monday. By the end of today's session, you will know:

1. How to edit files on Wilkes1 using Pico.

2. How to send and receive e-mail messages on Wilkes1 using Pine.

We will also discuss the first computer-based assignment for the semester.

It is possible to edit files on Wilkes1 using the "pico" command.

Pico is a simple editor that has fewer features than a word processor (e.g. Microsoft Word) and is used in this class only for creating small files directly on wilkes1. A full featured word processor allows you to create, format, edit, collate, and print documents located on the hard drive or floppy disk of PCs. In contrast, pico allows you to create simple ASCII text files directly in your account on wilkes1.

A few sites that describe pico in more detail are given below:

• Stanford University
• UNC-Greensboro
• University of Michigan

To do:

Telnet to wilkes1.

1. You know what to do, so do it!!.

Create a .signature file (note the dot before the word "signature"). At the wilkes1> prompt,

1. Type "pico .signature"

Notice the space after pico, which is the name of the program you want to run. You should be aware that spaces can be very important to the computer and in this case separate the program name "pico" from the file that is being edited ".signature". Try leaving out the space and see what response you get.

2. Type a .signature file that contains at least your name and correct e-mail address. Feel free to add another line containing a witty saying or something else noteworthy.

For example:

Kenneth M. Klemow, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology and Friend to Mankind
kklemow@wilkes.edu

Note!!: The menu bar on the bottom of pico shows the available commands. The caret (^) represents the control key. For example, the menu bar shows ^O WriteOut, this means simultaneously hold the control key and the "O" to save (Write out) the file you are working on.

3. After typing a line similar to that shown above use the ^O WriteOut command to save the file.

4. Use the ^X command to exit pico.

Many students are aware that modern communication centers on the ability to send and receive electronic messages (e-mail) between computers linked to the Internet. E-mail provides a fast, low-cost way of communicating to people throughout the world. Moreover, it serves as the basis for sending files as attachments to others.

E-mail can be accessed through Wilkes1, through "handling programs" like Eudora, or through web-based programs like "Hotmail."

• The advantage of accessing your e-mail through Wilkes 1 is that you can check your messages from any computer linked to the Internet.
• Conversely, the advantage of using a handling program is that you will have the ability to see complex formatting (colors, fonts, styles) that might be embedded in messages sent to you. Moreover, handling programs allow you to see graphical images, and send and receive attachments in an easier fashion.

Accessing your e-mail using your Wilkes1 account is often done by using a program called Pine. Pine was developed at the University of Washington. Check out their site.

To do:

Access Pine from your wilkes1 account.

1. Make sure that you are logged into your home directory on wilkes1. If you are not sure, type "cd ~"

2. Type "Pine" (you do not have to use caps)

You should see a menu of options that will allow you to compose a new message, check current e-mail messages, update your address book. Below the menu is a series of keyboard commands that will allow you to do various tasks by typing appropriate keys.

See what folders are in your list

1. Type "L"

How many folders do you see?

2. Highlight the names of the folders by moving the appropriate arrows.

View the e-mail messages that may be accumulated in your inbox.

1. Select the "inbox" folder and hit return (alternatively, you can type "M" to return to the main menu, and then Type "I" to see the list).

2. Determine the number of messages that you have.

Open one message

1. Scroll up or down using the arrow keys until you locate a message of interest.

2. Hit "return" to view your message.

Now that you know how to access your e-mail through Pine, it's time for you to compose and send one of your own using that system. This will be done in the form of an exercise that will count as a graded assignment.

A description of that assignment is given here.