Internet Standards are rules put into place so that many types
of programs, such as Web browsers, FTP clients, and other
applications that communicate over the Internet will interact
smoothly. There is a governing group that determines and
documents these rules. The group is called the Internet
Engineering Task Force (IETF). The IETF is an international
group of computer people such as network designers, software
vendors, researchers, and operators. The IETF meets several
times a year to discuss current and emerging issues regarding
the Internet. Much of the technical work of the IETF is done in
working groups. These groups are organized by topics such as
Internet security. The IETF working groups are grouped into
areas, and managed by Area Directors. The Area Directors are
also members of the Internet Engineering Steering Group. The
output of these groups is a Request For Comment (RFC). The RFC
is a proposal for a new standard, and the working notes about
that new standard. An RFC is given a number, and is r