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Setting Up Internet Access (PPP dialup)

The following instructions set up your Internet access. Before you start, please be sure that your membership includes PPP dialup time. Limited Memberships and Basic Web Hosting accounts do not include Internet access.

You will be using your modem to dial in to a Prairienet phone number. Prairienet modems are 56Kbps modems but will accept connections from slower modems. Note that maximum connection speeds for 56Kbps modems do note reach 56Kbps. This is universally true of this class of modem and is not unique to your Prairienet connections.

Once you have logged in, you will have established your Internet connection and programs running on your computer will be able to access the Internet:

• Browse the Web (Internet Explorer, Netscape, Mozilla)
• Send and receive email (Outlook Express, Outlook, Netscape Mail, Eudora)
• Read and post to USENET Newgroups (newsreaders incorporated into Internet Explorer, Netscape, Mozilla)
• Upload files via secure FTP (WinSCP, Mac)
• Log in to remote computers via telnet or SSH (secure shell)

Setting Up Your System

The following are the web version of PPP setup instructions you can get from the Prairienet Member Services office. To receive a setup packet, call 217-244-1962.

Windows 3.1

Windows 95/98

Windows 2000/ NT

Windows XP

Macintosh

Macintosh OS X

Take me to the Internet!

Once you have a connection established, you're ready to get on the Internet. When you want to connect, just double click on your new Prairienet connection icon. Once you are told that a connection is established, minimize the window. You must keep this connection going while you're running programs such as Internet Explorer, Eudora, SFTP or SSH.

Windows version from Windows 95 on come with the Internet Explorer browser linked from the desktop. The icon looks like a little globe and is usually called "The Internet". If you double click on this icon while your Prairienet connection is running, you'll first see the Microsoft homepage. You can configure this browser to start at any homepage of your choosing. With this built in browser, you can download any Internet software you require.

You can find most of the software you will need free for downloading on the Web. A good general source for Internet software is Tucows.

Finally, if you have any further questions that aren't covered here, don't hesitate to call the Prairienet Member Services at 244-1962 or email .