Page Contents -
1. Choosing an ISP
2. Setting up your PC to connect to the Internet
3. Network Protocols

1. Choosing an ISP

There are so many ISPs out there that choosing one can be a nightmare. Try asking friends what ISPs they use and what they think of their service. Also take a look at www.internet-magazine.com and see how ISPs perform.

Ask an ISP for its free sign up cd (If available) over the phone or email to help you get connected. It should then just be a case of inserting the cd and you will be guided through the setup process to create your account. If the ISP is free you may not need your credit card details, but if you're asked for them don't worry: when creating an account for the first time you will be connected to a secure server.

A few ISPs require you to set up your PC yourself, and in this case the guide below will be a great help. 
When signing up you will be asked for a range of info, again depending on the ISP. Remember your name will be used for your email and web site address. 

I.e. Bob Smith may take the form of:

Bob@smith.ISP.com and http://smith.ISP.com OR
Bob.Smith@ISP.com and http://server.ISP.com/Bob.Smith 

With ISP being the name of the ISP you sign up to.

2. Setting up your PC to connect to the Internet

Note: Most of the start of this process will be handled when signing up to an ISP using a sign up CD, but if you have to do it manually follow through each step below. Also you may need to use this process at a later date.

Before you start you will need to know the following:

The ISP phone number that is right for your modem.
Some ISPs have different numbers for users to use. Your modem will be a 33.6kbps 
(or less), OR a 56kbps (k56Flex, x2, v.90), OR even ISDN (64k, 128k). Each one may have its own number so use the one that is right for you to get the best connection for your modem.
(See your modem manual to see the standard it uses)Right you're ready to start...

The next screen will confirm you have finished. Press the finish button and return back to the Dial-up Networking box. You'll see the connection you have just made there. Right click and select ' Properties '. You will then be met with the screen below:

Please note. Some settings may not be needed for certain ISPs. Due to the huge number available it is not possible to list every configuration, but at each point everything is explained clearly. If you do have problems connecting to your ISP, check the settings and change them until your connection is achieved.

Having a wrong setting will not blow up your PC! The worst that can happen is your modem won't connect.

(The configure tab is covered in the modem's section)

Make sure the PPP is selected (as shown).

Now about the advanced options:

Log on to network: Try without it. It's not needed with most ISPs and it just adds an extra 20 seconds for you to connect.

Enable software compression: A few ISPs offer this and leaving it on will do no harm, but you can try turning it off to see if you can get any improvements.

Require encrypted password: Your ISP has to support this. Most of the time, you can leave it unticked.

Require data encryption: Again same as for the password (above).

Record a log a log file for this connection: Records a log file. Useful if you're having connection problems, but for general use leave it unticked.

3. Network Protocols

NetBEUI and IPX/SPX Compatible boxes should be unticked. These are used for other networks like LANs. Only TCP/IP is need for internet communication, and the other two could cause connecting problems or even pauses when using the internet.

Most ISPs use dynamic IP allocation so the settings shown left should be fine. So use this as default.

A few ISPs offer static IP address's that you can add in the ' specify an IP address ' and settings will be entered in the ' specify name server addresses '. The values will depend on your ISP. If you don't know what these are then contact us, only if you can not connect via the settings shown left.
Make sure you include your ISP name and we will help.

SCRIPTING TAB: Only use this if you wish to run a script. For more information type 'scripts' in Windows help. You do not need to use a script.

MULTILINK: If you have two modems and wish to use both to connect to the net (you'll have to use two phone lines) then this is the option you will need to use. Both modems have to be compatible like the Diamonds 56ke PRO modem with shotgun technology. Again for more info type ' multilink ' in Windows help.

Your PC is now set up. Now all that is left is to actually get connected to the internet.

Enter the Dial-up Networking box and double click on your ISP connect icon. You will be faced with the following: