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Connecting to the Internet Using a Modem in Macintosh OS 8.1 -> 9.2



Before you can use a modem to open a network connection, you must configure the TCP/IP control panel. You also should check your modem configuration and create access profiles for the Internet Service Provider(s) you're using. The instructions below assume you're dialing in to the HomeNet modem pool.



Parts of this document:

Configure TCP/IP

Click on the Apple in the upper-left corner of your screen and select Control Panels and then TCP/IP. A dialog box appears.

Make the following changes; be certain to configure the fields in the order listed below. Note: Depending on how User Mode in the Edit menu is set (the default is Basic), you may see some additional fields on the upper-right side of the window as shown in the example.

Connect via: Select PPP from the popup menu (this protocol for both PPP and Remote Access dial-ups)

  • Configure: Select Using PPP Server from the popup menu

  • IP Address: Default value "<will be supplied by server>" is correct

  • Subnet Mask: Default value "<will be supplied by server>" is correct

  • Router Address: Default value "<will be supplied by server>" is correct

  • Name Server Address: Enter both 128.146.48.7 and 128.146.1.7

  • Additional Search Domains: Enter ohio-state.edu

No further entries are required. Close the dialog box by clicking in the upper-left corner or by choosing Quit in the File menu. When prompted whether to keep the changes, click on the Save button. Restart your computer; the new settings will not take effect until you do this.


Check your modem configuration

To check values set for your modem connection, click on the Apple in the upper-left corner of your screen and select Control Panels and then Modem. A dialog box appears.

Do the following:

  • Indicate which port your modem is plugged into (the modem port or the printer port) or whether it is a built-in modem.

  • Select the type of modem you have from the Setup popup menu. It is very important for your system to know what kind of modem it has.

  • Indicate whether you want sound on or off.

  • Check the box next to tone or pulse dialing, depending on which you use.

Close the dialog box and then click on the Save button to keep any changes you've made.


Create a Remote Access or PPP profile

If you're running Mac OS 8.5 or later, select Control Panels and then Remote Access (for versions of Mac OS lower than 8.5, choose PPP instead of Remote Access). A dialog box appears.

The dialog boxes for Remote Access and PPP are almost identical, so regardless which you're using, follow the instructions below. First click on the Options button to set the preferences you would like to use.

  • Redialing tab: Choose Redial main number only from the popup menu and then specify the number of times to redial and the length of time (in seconds) between each attempt.

  • Connection tab: Check the options Use verbose logging; Launch Status application when connecting; and Flash icon in menu bar while connected.

  • Protocol tab: Check the options Connect automatically when starting TCP/IP applications; allow error correction and compression in modem; and Use TCP header compression.

Next, create a dialing profile to use; enter:

  • Name: Type the username that corresponds to the Internet Service Provider you're using. For example, if you want to dial the HomeNet modem pool, use your OSU Internet username (name.nn).

  • Password: To guard against unauthorized access in your name, we recommend leaving this field blank and not checking the box next to Save password. Type your password only when you're ready to make a connection.

  • Number: Type the telephone number for your connection. For the OIT HomeNet modem pool, these numbers are 722-9800 for a 30-minute connection and 722-9900 for a 6-hour connection. If necessary, supply the area code and any other dialing codes required—more about this in the section "Long Distance Network Connections."

  • If you have call waiting, OIT recommends you temporarily disable it using whatever code is appropriate for your phone service (*70 for many commercial services or *74 for UNITS service). Use commas to separate portions of the dialing command for example, using the HomeNet numbers:

      722-9800 (or with call waiting disabled, *7n,722-9800)
      722-9900 (or with call waiting disabled, *7n,722-9900)

To keep the new profile, choose Configurations from the File menu and when prompted, click on the Save button. Use the "Configurations" dialog box to create additional profiles. For example, you may want to create one for each of the HomeNet phone numbers (30-minute and 6-hour) or for another Internet Service Provider.

Important: Connecting with Open Transport and PPP or Remote Access is an alternative to Open Transport and MacSLIP. Use this configuration if possible, as PPP and Remote Access are newer services built into the operating system, and are much more stable then the outdated MacSLIP program.


Connect to the Internet using a modem

When the option Connect automatically when starting TCP/IP applications (on the TCP/IP Protocol tab) is turned on, you don't need to manually open a connection before using a program that requires access to the Internet for full functionality (e.g., an e-mail, newsreader, or Web browsing software). As soon as you start the program, an Internet connection automatically is initiated. If you haven't saved your password in the dialing profile, you're prompted to enter it before the connection is completed.

If you ever do need to open a connection manually, click on the Apple in the upper-left corner of your screen and then choose Control Panels/Remote Access (or PPP). Alternatively, beginning with Mac OS 8.5, you can simply click on the Control Strip at the bottom of your screen, choose the dialing profile you want to use, and then click on Connect. The Control Strip also provides an easy way to keep track of your connection. Click on Status Display to select from Icon only, Time connected, or Time remaining.

When prompted, enter your username (if you’re prompted to do so) and password to connect.

Don’t forget! When you’re finished, be certain to close your connection by clicking on the Disconnect button.




Current Record: 1019

Create Date: 11-19-2002
Last Reviewed: 03-19-2008
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