Mac Format Internet Connection Guide

How to get on-line with your iMac, G3, PowerMac, Performa, or any Mac OS computer Easy-to-use step-by-step guide Plus time and money saving tips Ten things you'll need to know (possibly) o connect to the Internet through an Internet service provider or ISP (don't panic - we'll explain what all this T means over the next few pages), your Mac needs some basic information. If you sign up using Apple's Internet Setup Assistant (included with recent versions of the Mac OS) or configuration software supplied by an ISP, you won't need to worry about any of this because it will all be handled automatically. However, if you want to connect to an existing account, or to an ISP not listed in the Connection Assistant, you will have to enter the following manually. - This information will all be provided by your ISP when you open an account make a note of it here to keep it handy. Internet service provider (ISP) dial-up access number. The phone number that your Mac needs to dial to connect to the ISP's servers, not the “Support” number you dial to speak to a human being for help or advice. The dial-up access number is often a local-rate (0845 or similar) number, or there may be a local number for your area. There may be different numbers for connecting using different speed modems and connection protocols (36.6K, 56K, ISDN, etc) - make sure you've got the right one for you. If in doubt, ask your ISP first. ISP domain name. This is the “location” of your service provider on the Internet, the equivalent of a postal address. It usually takes a form such as apple.com or futurenet.co.uk. ISP DNS address (primary and secondary). DNS stands for Domain Name Server - the specific computer that will act as your gateway to the Net. Many ISPs offer a “secondary” server as a back-up, but you really need to specify only one - though sometimes your ISP sets this automatically when you connect. DNS addresses take the form of four groups of numbers separated by a period (full stop) between each, such as 123.45.678.90 (there may be any- thing between one and four numbers in each group, but there are always four groups). Mailhost address. Many ISPs use different systems for outgoing and incoming e-mail. Your outgoing mail will often be sent to an SMTP “mailhost” which you will need to specify. (SMTP stands for Simple Mail Transfer Proto- col, since you ask.) The outgoing mail address usually takes a form such as smtp.host.com or mail.apple.com. POPmail address. Your incoming mail may be handled by a separate “POP” (Post Office Protocol) server and you'll need to specify it before you can receive any e-mails. It usually takes a form such as pop.host.co.uk or mail.apple.com (it may be the same as the SMTP or outgoing mail address, but make sure you double-check). New…