Hitchhiker's Guide to the Internet

A practical primer on the early Internet that traces its technical and administrative evolution from ARPAnet to a collection of interoperating IP networks, and explains how sites should connect safely. It outlines operational structures such as network operations centers and regional liaisons, describes the RFC system and its categories, and details Network Information Center services and common retrieval methods like telnet and anonymous FTP. The text emphasizes hands-on procedures, troubleshooting, contact points, and curated references, supplemented by appendices and a glossary to help administrators prepare a local network for attachment and ongoing participation.