Scott_A_Dalrymple@cup.portal.com (03/16/90)
In response to a request for how to get RFCs online:
Here are two ways to get RFCs:
I. via NIC Mail Services
This is an automated service provided by the DDN Network Information
Center. It allows access to NIC documents and information via ordinary
electronic mail. This is especially useful for people who do not have
access to the NIC via a direct Internet link, such as BITNET, CSNET
and UUCP sites.
To use the mail service, send a mail message to SERVICE@SRI-NIC.ARPA.
In the SUBJECT field, request the type of service you wish followed by
any needed arguments. The message body is normally ignored. Large files
will be broken into smaller separate messages. The information you
request will be sent back to you as soon as possible.
The following services are currently available:
HELP This message; a list of current services.
HOST xxx Returns information about host xxx. WHOIS xxx can
also be used to get more details about a host.
IEN nnn nnn is the IEN number or the word INDEX.
NETINFO xxx xxx is a file name or the word INDEX.
RFC nnn nnn is the RFC number or the word INDEX.
SEND xxx xxx is a fully specified file name.
WHOIS xxx Returns information about xxx from the WHOIS service.
Use "WHOIS HELP" for information on how to use WHOIS.
Example SUBJECT lines:
HELP
RFC 822
RFC INDEX
NETINFO DOMAIN-TEMPLATE.TXT
SEND RFC:ASSIGNED-NUMBERS.TXT
HOST SRI-NIC.ARPA
WHOIS LOTTOR, MARK
I recommend you start with a subject of
RFC INDEX
No text is needed in the actual body of the email message.
This way, you can pick and choose what you want.
Another good subject is:
SEND NETINFO:00NETINFO-INDEX.TXT
This will give you a list of non-RFC documents that are available.
II. via cic:
Send mail to: info-server@sh.cs.net
No subject is necessary.
In the body of the message:
REQUEST: INFO
TOPIC: HELP
This will tell you how to do it. In a nutshell, this is:
Send mail to: info-server@sh.cs.net
No subject is necessary.
In the body of the message:
REQUEST: RFC
TOPIC: RFC123
TOPIC: RFC1000
...etc...
REQUEST INFO
TOPIC: ???
TOPIC: ???
...etc...
etc...
REQUEST: END
This should do you...
Scott Dalrymple Scott_A_Dalrymple@cup.portal.com
Computer Sciences Corp. * DISCLAIMER: If CSC ever found out what I've *
Hanover, MD 21076 * I've said here, they would probably deny it! *