Minimum System Requirements for Internet Access:

For PCs-

386 with 4 megs of ram
Windows 3.1
14.4K modem.

For a MACintosh-

OS v7.0 or newer
at least 5 megs of ram
14.4K modem.

Where to get Internet Access

If you have purchased a new computer in the past several years, you undoubtedly have software for America On Line and/or Compuserve or some other internet service. If you wish to go this route, it is a simple process to get connected. Just open the software on your machine and follow the on-screen instructions. If you do not have this software, but wish to use a major service, you can contact:

America On Line 800-827-6364
CompuServe 800-848-8990
Prodigy 800-213-0992
Microsoft Network 800-386-5550

If you would prefer to use a Local Internet Service Provider (ISP), check your yellow pages, under "Internet access". There are too many throughout our Council to list them all here.

Advantages of Local ISP’s over the big guys:

You will be dealing with a local businessman who is concerned about you as a customer.
You will be able to select your mode of payment. Major services require credit cards that they automatically charge your bill to.
You may be able to get free web space for a Troop or Pack web site.
Customer service tends to better, faster and more personal.

O.K. now you are hooked up, what can you do with this Internet stuff?

World Wide Web – Often the only thing people think about when they hear "internet". The web is an incredible maze of information ranging from religious sites to adult sites. It is called a "web" because the sites are connected to one another through the use of "Hyperlinks" or "links". Using these links you can navigate from site to site with just a click of your mouse. Many people have concerns about their children finding these adult sites; however, there is software available, such as Net Nanny, Cyber Sitter, CyberPatrol, Safesurf and others. These programs lock out adult sites from your computer. There are many, many Scouting related sites on the web. A few of these are listed on another page. One of the most-used types of web pages is the "Chat Room". Here people can communicate with others around the world. Many of these sites may be found unsuitable by many parents, though there are some chat rooms specifically for Scouts and Scouters, that tend to be more acceptable.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) – Little used, due to the popularity of the web, FTP sites contain files which you can download from the internet to your computer. These files range from documents to graphics to programs.

Telnet – This is another area whose use is decreasing, due to the growth of the web. Telnet is mostly used for bulletin board services and local chat rooms.

E-mail – E-mail, or electronic mail, is mostly used for communicating directly with another person anywhere in the world. Through e-mail lists, though, a single message can be sent to many people who share a common interest. There are many lists, dealing with all types of subjects. A few of the Scouting related lists are:

Scouts-L – Deals with issues concerning all youth programs, though discussions tend to focus on Boy Scouting and Cub Scouting and, to a lesser degree, Girl Scouting.
Arrow-L – For Order of the Arrow members only.
Woodbadge-L – Discussion focuses on Wood Badge training issues.
Scouts-LDS – Specifically for Scouts and Scouters in units sponsored by the Church of Latter Day Saints.
Scouts-UMC - This is an open list for all who wish to exchange dialog on civic youth-serving agencies/scouting in the United Methodist Church.
Explorer-Net ExplorerNet is an informal discussion group for Exploring and Venture units (and their individual members) worldwide.

Other areas of the Internet do exist, although their functions are generally duplicated by web sites.

Chat Rooms and E-mail Lists Vocabulary

Chat rooms and e-mail lists have a vocabulary all their own. A lot of commonly used words and phrases are often abbreviated, to save key strokes. The following is a list of frequently used abbreviations.

Boy Scout Abbreviations

BOR -- Board of Review, final step in obtaining next rank
COR -- Chartered Organization Representative -- go-between for the troop
JLT -- Junior Leader Training, a leadership course for youth with a troop position.
YIS -- Yours In Scouting, a favorite sign-off
WWW -- A favorite sign off of people who have been honored with election to the Order of the Arrow, a service group of campers within the BSA.
ASM -- Assistant Scoutmaster
SM -- Scoutmaster, adult leader, answers to the troop committee.
CC -- Comittee Chairperson, head of the troop committee (adults)
SPL -- Senior Patrol Leader. The highest youth leadership position in a troop.
DE, CE -- District Executive, Council Executive. Paid professional staff members
Wood Badge -- A high-intensity adult leader training course.
AOL – Arrow of Light
PLC - Patrol Leaders' Council
DAM – District Award of Merit