U.C. Davis USENET FAQ Part 5 of 6
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The U.C. Davis USENET FAQ Part 5 of 6
Frequently Asked Questions at and about U.C. Davis
(c) Copyright 1995 & 1996
by
David F. Prenatt, Jr.
King Hall, 1995 Alumnus
U.C. Davis School of Law
University of California
Davis, CA 95616-5210
<mailto:Net...@dcn.davis.ca.us >
The U.C. Davis USENET FAQ may be comprised of more than one part. If it
is, please see the TABLE OF CONTENTS in Part One for a complete list of the
questions that I have attempted to answer and for other important legal
information. Caveat emptor: I assume no obligation to anyone through the
publication of the U.C. Davis USENET FAQ. Furthermore, all versions of the
U.C. Davis USENET FAQ are my personal property and are protected by
applicable copyright laws. All rights are reserved except as follows: I
hereby give my permission to anyone who has access to this version of the
U.C. Davis USENET FAQ to reproduce the information contained herein for
non-profit purposes, provided that proper credit is given to me as the
author of this FAQ and that I am notified of any use other than personal
use. I may revoke permission to reproduce any version of this FAQ at any
time.
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The U.C. Davis USENET FAQ Part 5 of 6
Frequently Asked Questions at and about U.C. Davis
(c) Copyright 1995 & 1996 by David F. Prenatt, Jr.
10) FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LIFE AFTER U.C. DAVIS AS A COLLEGE
GRADUATE.
10.1) ATTENDING GRADUATE SCHOOL.
10.1.1) Should I attend graduate school after I graduate from U.C. Davis?
That's a very personal decision, but generally speaking it's not a
good idea to attend graduate school right after you graduate. Some
people enjoy college so much that they can't bear the thought of
leaving. However, don't attend graduate school straight out of
college simply because you can't find a job. You'll just put yourself
further into debt without any real idea of what you want to do once
you complete your education.
10.1.2) When should I attend graduate school?
That's a very personal decision, but generally speaking the people who
get the most out of graduate school are the people who have at least
three years of work experience or other experience in their chosen
career. Work experience or other experience outside of college will
help you find out what to expect from the real world once you complete
graduate school. You may do so well in your chosen career that you do
not wish to return to school. On the other hand, you may also find
out that you don't really want a career in the field that you have
chosen. If this is the case, you are well-positioned to change
careers by going to graduate school with absolutely no harm done.
10.2) STARTING A CAREER.
10.2.1) How do I decide on a career objective after I graduate from
college?
You need to do some planning in terms of short term and long term
career objectives and then focus exclusively on your short term career
objectives. By definition, your short term career objectives will
enable you to achieve your long term career objective. Thus, it is
critical that you focus exclusively on your short term career
objectives.
Make a list of the things that you are looking for in an ideal
job, and make that job your ultimate long term career objective.
Next, make a list of the job skills that are necessary for you to
perform well at the job that you have chosen as your long term career
objective. Now, compose a resume of the skills that you have. If
there is something missing from your resume in terms of the skills
that you need to land your ideal job, make your short term career
objective a job where you can acquire the skills that you need, and
keep your ultimate objective to yourself while you do whatever is
necessary to land a job where you can acquire the skills that you
need.
Whatever you do, don't brag about your long term career
objectives. This is a sure fire way of making certain that you will
not achieve them. If you receive recognition for having goals rather
than achieving them, you will have no incentive for achieving them.
Besides, those who are jealous of your long term goals will try to
discourage you from trying to achieve your goals. Ambitious people
challenge the self-esteem of people who are not ambitious.
Once you land a job that will help you fulfill your short term
career objective, stay with that job for at least a year. No matter
how you feel about the job after you take it, you will need a good
reference to land your next job. At the end of each year, start the
process all over again. Make a list of the things that you are
looking for in an ideal job, and repeat the process of setting a short
term career objective by determining the qualifications that you need
to obtain your ultimate career objective. This may involve a
promotion where you are working or looking for a whole new job working
somewhere else. At this point, don't be surprised if the nature of
your ideal job has changed. After achieving a short term career
objective, you will have more complete information about whatever
opportunites are available to you.
10.2.2) Shouldn't I choose a career based upon how much money I can make?
Absolutely not. This will inevitably lead to career burn out. No
matter what job you have, you need to earn enough money to support
yourself. However, if you take a job strictly based upon income
potential, you will not do a good job. The best way to maximize your
income potential is to do a good job at a job that you enjoy doing.
10.2.3) Are there any career planning resources on campus?
Yes. Contact the Internship and Career Center (ICC) at (916)752-2855
for more information. Readers with a web browser may also visit the
ICC Home Page on the World Wide Web (<http://icc.ucdavis.edu/ >).
10.3) MARRIAGE.
Reasonable minds can and do differ as to what does and does not belong
in a FAQ. However, a FAQ maintainer makes the final decision as to
his or her FAQ's content. As I have received numerous inquires from
U.C. Davis students who want advice on the topic of marriage
(specifically prenuptial agreements), I have included this section.
In essence, this section is nothing more than a rational appeal to
those who are contemplating marriage at the end of their undergraduate
college education to use good sense in making a very personal decision
that will have a profound impact upon their entire future.
10.3.1) Should I get married after I graduate from college?
That's a very personal decision, but many people whom I know do get
married towards the conclusion of their undergraduate education or
shortly thereafter. Many other people also make plans to get married
at this time. Too often this is done for all of the wrong reasons.
I can honestly say that most people whom I meet do not understand
that the institution of marriage is primarily a legal contract that
creates many legal obligations that have little or nothing to do with
love, romance, companionship, or security (the most common reasons
that people give me for why they want to get married). If you are not
married, your default next of kin are your parents (or siblings,
etc.). However, the person that you marry replaces your parents (or
siblings) as your legal "next of kin." In other words, if you are in
the hospital, your spouse becomes the person who decides whether or
not to pull the plug on you.
When you marry someone, not only does that person become your
legal guardian (i.e., next of kin), you become that person's legal
guardian. This means that you become responsible for all of your
spouse's legal and financial obligations and he or she becomes
responsible for all of yours. This is true whether or not either one
of you knows what legal or financial obligations your spouse assumes
or has assumed in the past. If your spouse is a compulsive gambler or
drug addict, he or she can drive you into bankruptcy (usually without
giving you any clues that this is happening); if your spouse cheats on
his or her taxes, you must make good with Uncle Sam. If you decide
that you want to end your marriage, you can do so, but it will cost
you dearly in attorneys fees.
10.3.2) Why do people get married?
There are many reasons, but the most legitimate reason that I have
heard is that both partners in a committed relationship want to
formalize their long-term commitment to have an exclusive relationship
with each other. If this is true for you and your future spouse, then
you should think long and hard about the inadvertent consequences of
making such a commitment. Circumstances will change, and so will you
and your future spouse. Make plans accordingly.
10.3.3) Do you have any advice for someone who wants to get married?
While I won't give you any legal advice, my personal advice is that
you sit down with your future spouse and write down what obligations
you intend to assume for each other (legal and otherwise) once you are
married. Start with the default obligations that are part of every
marriage contract and continue from there. If one of the terms of
your marriage contract presents a problem, then you should resolve
that problem as best you can before tying the knot. While you can't
work out all of your problems before you get married, you can work out
some of them, and you might save yourself a fortune in future
attorneys fees.
10.3.4) What can I expect after I get married?
Everything will change, and there's no way to predict how things will
change. Even if you and your spouse are the same people before and
after your marriage, the world will treat you differently after you
get married. As a result, you will both begin to see yourselves and
the rest of the world differently and make whatever adjustments are
necessary. One of the most fundamental changes in the way that the
world treats you when you are married is that you are no longer
recognized as an individual. You are treated as one member of a
couple. Most of your friends will also be married couples because the
lifestyles of your single friends will be incompatible with yours, so
your single friends will probably drift away.
11) FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE U.C. DAVIS COMMUNITY
ABOUT COMPUTERS AND LIFE ON THE INTERNET.
I have attempted to answer some basic questions about computers and
life on the Internet in this section. However, the best place to get
answers for your computer questions as a member of the U.C. Davis
virtual community (i.e., a student, faculty member , or staff member)
is from the Information Technology-Campus Access Point (IT-CAP
<mailto:ith...@ucdavis.edu) at (916)752-2973 or from the USENET
newsgroup ucd.comp.questions (<news:ucd.comp.questions >); readers
with a web browser may visit the Network Administrator Resources FAQ
Page on the World Wide Web (<http://tsp.ucdavis.edu/nar/NAR-FAQS.html
>). If you want to speak to an IT-CAP consultant, you should be
prepared to furnish them with your login id and identification number.
11.1) BASIC QUESTIONS ABOUT COMPUTERS.
11.1.1) Why should I use a computer?
It is easier and faster to accomplish certain tasks by using a
computer.
11.1.1.1) Do I really need to use a computer?
No. You don't need to use a computer, but many tasks are impossible
to accomplish without a computer. In fact, many classes at U.C. Davis
integrate a USENET newsgroup into the course.
11.1.1.2) Isn't it difficult to learn how to use a computer?
No. Learning to use a computer is very easy, but this is a very well
kept secret because many people who are familiar with computers are
very intimidating to people who do not know how to use computers.
11.1.1.3) How can I get the computer training that I need?
Admit your ignorance, both to yourself and to the people who offer you
help. Teaching people how to use computers is extremely difficult,
but it doesn't have to be that way. Many people erroneously assume
that they understand how computers work, and this makes teaching these
people extremely difficult. Of course, people who are technically
proficient may not be able to communicate with you or they may not be
interested in helping you. Avoid these people.
11.1.1.4) What practical uses would I have for a computer?
Most college students find that using a computer for word processing
is much easier than typing a paper. While this is not the only
application for computers, it is quickly becoming one of the most
common and most popular (second only to computer games). Once you
become familiar with word processing, however, you may want to check
out some of the other applications for personal computers. Stop by
any store that sells software and do some window shopping.
11.1.2) Do I need my own computer?
No. Computers are as ubiquitous as telephones. The only reason you
would want to own a computer is for convenience, much like owning a
cellular phone.
11.1.2.1) What kind of a computer should I buy?
You should buy a computer with the features that you want at a price
you can afford. If you are reading this FAQ for a recommendation,
then you probably want a Macintosh(r) or an IBM/IBM Clone (PC).
11.1.2.1.1) What is the difference between a Macintosh(r) and an IBM/IBM
Clone (PC)?
Macintosh(r) computers are much higher quality technology than IBM
technology. However, IBM is the standard for computer technology and
is much more affordable than Macintosh(r). Thus, if you are on a
limited budget, you probably want an IBM/IBM clone, especially because
whatever you do buy will be obsolete when you buy it.
11.1.2.1.2) What is an IBM clone?
IBM buys its technology on the open market and sets the standard for
other computer companies (at least it used to do so). Many companies
build IBM clones that meet or exceed IBM's standards (i.e., 100% IBM
Compatible). In fact, most IBM clones are no longer properly referred
to as IBM clones, but rather as PCs ("Personal Computer System").
11.1.2.2) What kind of features should I have on a computer?
There is no easy answer to this question, but as a general rule avoid
all the bells and whistles and buy only proven technology. New
technology is inherently unreliable because many bugs are found only
after a product has been released. Members of the U.C. Davis
community have access to a variety of computers, so find out for
yourself what features are the most useful and reliable.
11.1.2.3) What kind of accessories should I get on my computer?
It depends upon what type of applications you are using. If you are
reading this FAQ, you probably only need a printer and/or modem, if
that; you can probably get by without either one.
11.2) What computer facilities are available for students at U.C. Davis?
U.C. Davis provides computer facilities for all registered students,
including word processing and Internet access. Check with IT-CAP
(<mailto:ith...@ucdavis.edu >) at (916)752-2548 for more information.
Readers with a web browser may visit the Lab Management Home Page on
the World Wide Web (<http://lm.ucdavis.edu/ >).
11.2.1) How do I obtain access to the computer facilities at U.C. Davis?
If you are a student, staff, or faculty, open a Unix account (i.e, an
ez-account or one of the various other accounts that may be available
to you). You can do this in less than 10 minutes at virtually any of
the computer rooms anywhere on campus. However, you will usually have
to wait at least 24 hours before your account is activated.
11.2.2) Will I lose access to the computer services at U.C. Davis after I
graduate? [Rev]
Yes. Your account will be tagged for expiration the day after you
graduate, and you will have to prove that you are still affiliated
with the University to retain your computer privileges. In other
words, you are not entitled to computer privileges after you graduate
unless you remain affiliated with the University, and your privileges
may be unceremoniously interrupted at any time after that.
11.2.3) What should I do to make sure that I still have access to computer
services at U.C. Davis after I graduate?
For a small monthly fee, the Davis Community Network (DCN) will give
you 50 hours of access to the dial-in computer services that U.C.
Davis provides to it students, including the ucd.* newsgroups. [Note:
mother.com, America On Line, and some other private ISPs/BBSs provide
access to the ucd.* newsgroups.] Anyone can telnet to the DCN server
to join the DCN (<telnet:wheel.dcn.davis >). For further information,
see the davis.dcn USENET newsgroup (<news:davis.dcn >) or visit the
DCN Home Page on the World Wide Web (<http://www.dcn.davis.ca.us/ >).
The National Public Telecomputing Network (NPTN) also sponsors
"Freenets" that provide free Internet access. For more information,
e-mail NPTN (<mailto:in...@nptn.org >) or ftp NPTN's Freenet Guide
(<ftp://nptn.org/pub/nptn/nptn.info/concept.community.computing >).
The most satisfactory and reasonably priced for profit ISP is UUNET.
For more information on UUNET, send your snail-mail address to UUNET
(<mailto:in...@uunet.uu.net > uunet!info). Whatever Internet service
provider that you choose, you will probably have to provide your own
computer and your own modem.
11.3) What is the Internet?
The Internet is the product of a worldwide computer network developed
by the military in the late 1960s (ARPANET), nurtured by academicians
over the last 20 years or so, and currently used primarily as a medium
for the communication and free exchange of information and ideas for
anyone who knows how to obtain Internet access. There are more
breathtaking Internet applications, but they are not for "newbies" and
they are well beyond the scope of this FAQ.
11.3.1) How can I obtain access to the Internet?
You can use your ez-account (or other U.C. Davis Unix account) to
"telnet" to one of the computers at U.C. Davis from one of the
computer rooms on the U.C. Davis campus, from your home computer via
modem, or from any other computer system on the Internet that has
telnet capabilities.
11.3.1.1) How do I obtain access to the Internet from one of the computer
rooms on the U.C. Davis campus?
Every computer room is different. Check with the site attendant.
11.3.1.2) How do I obtain access to the Internet from my home computer?
You will need a modem and some sort of communications software. Once
you have your communications software up and running, you can dial
(916)752-7900 to access the various computer services that are
available to U.C. Davis students, faculty, and staff through IT-CAP.
With an IBM/IBM Clone PC system, you are well advised to use the
Windows operating system. This will enable you to install a
constellation of public domain and educational software programs
available to U.C. Davis students free of charge from IT-CAP (Trumpet
Winsock, WinQVT, Win32s 1.2, Wgopher, Netscape, Mpeg, and Lview).
Contact a consultant at IT-CAP (<mailto:ith...@ucdavis.edu >) at
(916)752-2548 or in person at Shield's Library for information on how
to obtain copies of the programs that I listed above or other programs
that will work on whatever computer you may have. Once installed, the
programs that I listed above will give you access to the Internet
through a U.C. Davis SLIP connection by dialing (916)752-7925 (PPP
access is also available). [Note: Some of these programs may run
*very* slowly on a SLIP connection depending upon the type of computer
that you have.]
11.3.2) How do I communicate with other people on the Internet?
Communication between individuals on the Internet usually takes place
through the institutions of e-mail and the USENET newsgroups. These
are the most straightforward and easy to use Internet applications.
Live time conversations also take place with the Internet Relay Chat
(IRC); the World Wide Web provides access to multimedia communication.
I hesitate to mention the highly intrusive Internet communication
software "talk/ytalk," but for those of you who want more information
on how to interrupt people with a talk request, contact David T.
Witkowski (<mailto:dtwit...@ucdavis.edu >; readers with a web
browser may visit David T. Witkowski's Ytalk Primer on the World Wide
Web (<http://www.ece.ucdavis.edu/~witkowsk/ytalk.html >).
11.3.2.1) Are there any rules for e-mail and the USENET newsgroups.
Yes. U.C. Davis imposes regulations for e-mail and the USENET with
its Acceptable Use Policy. There are also informal rules of conduct
that are enforced by the Internet community (fondly referred to as
"netiquette"). For information on the Acceptable Use Policy, contact
Donald Dudley (<mailto:djdu...@ucdavis.edu >), King Hall Class of
1993, at SJA (916)752-1128. As for netiquette, use your own good
judgment.
11.3.2.2) What is the difference between e-mail and the USENET newsgroups?
The primary difference between e-mail and the USENET is privacy.
However, neither e-mail or the USENET are completely confidential.
While an e-mail message is not completely private, it is directed to a
particular individual or group of individuals; a USENET article is
available to anyone who has access to the newsgroup where the article
is posted. If you want to conduct confidential communications over
the Internet, check out an encryption program such as PGP ("Pretty
Good Privacy").
PGP has a public domain version that is available free of charge
to anyone who is using it for non-commercial purposes. It has
thwarted virtually every attempt that people have made to crack it.
What makes PGP unique is that the key that encrypts your mail (i.e.,
your "public key") is distinct and separate from the key that
unscrambles it (i.e., your "private key"). Unless you tell someone
your private PGP key or someone guesses it (which could take thousands
of years of computer time) or discovers it by eavesdropping, no one
can read your PGP encrypted mail.
11.3.2.2.1) How do I use e-mail?
The most straightforward and easy way to use e-mail is by using a
program called "pine" (pine is an acronym for "pine is nearly elm"--
elm was an e-mail program that preceded pine). To use pine, type in
"pine" (without the quotes) at the Unix prompt. The pine application
is menu-driven, so just follow the instructions that you see on the
screen.
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End Document:
The U.C. Davis USENET FAQ Part 5 of 6
Frequently Asked Questions at and about U.C. Davis
(c) Copyright 1995 & 1996
by
David F. Prenatt, Jr.
King Hall, 1995 Alumnus
U.C. Davis School of Law
University of California
Davis, CA 95616-5210
<mailto:Net...@dcn.davis.ca.us >
Link to Next Document:
<http://www.dcn.davis.ca.us/~netesq/USENET-FAQs/ucdavis/part6 >
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