Internet works: SIGNAL's guide to surfing savvy

Some have called the Internet an information superhighway cluttered with gimmicks, advertisements and pointless promotional material. But the citizenry of the world has come to rely on the World Wide Web as a source of information, a forum for sharing support and grief, and a way to understand the cultures of countries around the world.

This issue of SIGNAL includes extensive coverage of two topics-the war on terrorism and European technology-with a common link: communications. On the day of the attacks on the United States, the Web became an international information source. Essential Web sites began operation almost immediately-including those delivering news, rendering aid, soliciting donations, searching for victims or honoring those lost. The following sites represent only a small sample of the way information related to the war on terrorism has been gathered and shared during history's first conflict in the Internet age.

At the same time, the Web is fostering understanding among nations and helping citizens of many countries stay abreast of changes in technology, economics, governments and policies. Several Web sites have organized a variety of international information sources in user-friendly formats.

The New York Tones on the Web www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2001/09/ 16/12DEST.7.slideshow_1.html

The widespread availability of videotape and digital cameras allowed images of the events as they unfolded to be readily available worldwide via the Internet and broadcast media. This home page offers a slide show of some of the most striking images.

September 11th Fund

www.uwnyc.org/sep11

Immediately following the attacks, residents of the affected areas brought food, water and clothing to the areas, blood donors poured into collection centers, and many looked to the Web to find out where to send monetary donations. This site continues to offer ways to help as well as updates about how contributions are being distributed.

CNN.com/U.S.

www.cnn.com/2001/US/09/11/ chronology.attack/index.htmi

Few people will forget where they were when they first heard the terrible news on September 11. Visitors to this site will find an hour-by-hour chronology of the events of the day as well as photos and links to related information.

NOVA Online

www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/wtc

At this companion site to a Public Broadcasting Service documentary about the destruction of the World Trade Center's twin towers, visitors can learn how the towers were built and why they collapsed as well as read first-hand survivors' accounts.

The September 11

Web Archive

http.//september11.archive.org

The Library of Congress, the Internet Archive and webArchivist.org collaborated to create this collection of Web material about the terrorist attacks. It preserves the impressions of individuals, groups, the press and institutions from around the world that appeared in numerous Internet locations on and after September 11.

www.defend America.mil

www.defendamerica.mil

Comprehensive coverage of the events of the last year is available at this site, which features news articles and photographs of the military's contribution to homeland security and the war on terrorism. The site is updated regularly so visitors can stay abreast of current events.

www.europaworld.org

www.europaworld.org

The terrorist attacks of September 11 demonstrated how critical it is to keep informed about events in other nations. Visitors to this site will find news stories about a variety of topics-from education and energy to peacekeeping and trade issues. Coverage includes items from specific countries as well as international organizations.

CNN.com europe

http://europe.cnn.com

This European counterpart to the U.S. edition features information about current events, sports and weather specifically about Europe and the surrounding nations. While the main page is presented in English, visitors also can access Arabic, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Italian and Korean versions.

VanDusseldorp & Partners

www.europemedia.net

Surfers interested in news specifically related to the technology industry in Europe will find in-depth information on topics such as standards for e-commerce and third-generation technologies. Articles are divided and accessible by country and technology sector.

NATO Consultation, Command and ControI Agency

www.nc3a.nato.int

This group reorganized nearly a year ago, but its activities have not changed. While the Web site is due for an update, visitors will find a useful organizational chart that connects them from a division's former name to the current title and information. The agency's communications and information systems division page features links to information about telecommunications standards and conferences and the military's use of commercial products.

Since September 11, numerous articles have appeared in SIGNAL that delve into the military's role in the war on terrorism and homeland security. Many of these stories can be found on SIGNAL's Web site at www.afcea.org/signal. To find information about TechNet Europe 2002, which takes place October 17 and 18 in Budapest, Hungary, go to www.technet-europe.com.