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SITKA CAMPUS
COMPUTER INFORMATION SERVICES
Elaine Craddick-Patt

Graphical/Multimedia Browser Access

break bar How Can I Use MIE/Netscape | Setting Up The Graphical Browser | Something To Consider break bar

How can I Use Netscape or Microsoft Internet Explorer from Home with a Modem?

Many people today want to use the graphical and microcomputer-based applications for accessing information on the Internet, such as World Wide Web graphical browsers like Netscape or Microsoft Internet Explorer. To do this you can not use just "any" communications software, but must use software that allows you to establish what is called a SLIP or PPP connection. This section attempts to assist in setting up a SLIP/PPP connection and adding applications like Netscape on top of it.

Setting Up the Graphical Browser

Instructions
Read this entire document and the other documents referenced in it for your specific microcomputer BEFORE you try to install any of this software.

  1. You must have a Kerberos username and password to access the ACAD1 dialups. If you do not have one, call Susie Feero at the University of Alaska, SE - Sitka at (907)747-7727.

  2. The hardware and operating systems versions you will need:
  3. Microcomputer-based Internet programs, like Netscape, require what is called a SLIP/PPP connection in order to run. However, it is critical to note that these software components operate together, not separately. You cannot run the Internet programs without the SLIP or PPP connection.

  4. Software like MacPPP/MacTCP and Trumpet Winsock are used to establish the SLIP/PPP connection. They are not designed to be used to log on to a computer system. They only keep the SLIP/PPP connection working properly. To actually do anything on the Internet like log on to a computer or browse the Web, you must add a program like Telnet or Netscape. These Internet programs run on top of the SLIP/PPP connection.

  5. To obtain information on getting MacPPP/MacTCP and Trumpet Winsock and setting it up on your computer, read thoroughly the following handouts for step-by-step instructions:
  6. Netscape has some good information for Windows 95 systems. Please read this if you are using Windows 95. The connection management software for Windows 95 is completely different than the software for Windows 3.x:

  7. After you have obtained, read, downloaded, installed, and configured the SLIP/PPP software you may want to get Netscape.

    See the handout on "Obtaining Netscape for Modem Users" for step-by-step instructions. To access this handout on ACAD1 type at the $ prompt:

  8. If you want to log on to ACAD1 or another computer system, you will need another program called TELNET. There are many different telnet programs available. Two popular ones are WINQVTNET for windows systems and NCSA Telnet for the Macintosh. Trumpet and MacPPP/MacTCP do NOT allow you to log on to computer systems by themselves. Use your newly installed version of Netscape to do a Net Search for programs like these.

  9. Many people prefer to read electronic mail using a program called Team Links instead of logging onto ACAD1 and using it's built in email program called DMW (DEC Mail Works). You can do a Net Search through Netscape for "Team Links". Team Links is available from the Sitka Campus for both Windows and Macintosh systems. For additional information on how to download and install Team Links see the handouts (from the $ prompt type):

  10. Note that Netscape and Microsoft Internet Explorers have popular e-mail clients built in. However, both these e-mail clients use a POP3 type server to send mail. Kerberos does not support POP3. YET. So you cannot receive email with it. You can, however, configure both browsers to send e-mail.

    For information on using Netscape mail, type at the $ prompt:
  11. If everything has installed correctly and been configured, you are now ready to test your connection. To start MacPPP, double click on MacPPP (or FreePPP) and click the OPEN button. To start Trumpet, double click on the Trumpet icon and choose Login from the Dialler menu. To form the dialup-networking connection with Windows95, double click on the Kerberos/ACAD1 icon you created. When the connection for your system is established, double click on the Netscape icon.

  12. Read the license agreements for the software you have downloaded VERY carefully. You are responsible for registering, purchasing, or licensing the software for your use. Some of the software may be freeware (no cost) or shareware (small cost). Read the license agreement; make sure you follow it!

  13. DONE! You are DONE!!! If everything is working, Congratulations! Go surf the net to celebrate! If you are experiencing problems, re-check your configurations and make certain all items are set as per the documentation.

    Something to Consider Before You Begin!

    Netscape, and other Internet tools like it, are very nice to use. They can make using the Internet much easier. However, configuring your microcomputer so that you can use Netscape is a technologically challenging process. Computer Internet Services (CIS) staff have consolidated their experiences and put together these documents to help you but each microcomputer configuration can be subtly different.

    Sitka's CIS has provided all the information that is available in these documents. If you are having problems getting connected, call Susie Feero at (907)747-7727. Be prepared to provide detailed information with your posting on where the connection is failing and what kind of behavior you are seeing. Without this kinds of information, she will not be able to help you.

    If you do not feel comfortable with the steps outlined above or the terminology and handouts do not make sense to you - STOP. Find someone who can come to your house to help you with this. CIS staff cannot do house calls. The set-up process is not something that can be readily or easily troubleshot over the telephone.


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    UAS-S Virtual Classroom Menu
    BIS Classes: BIS-193: Email and Basic Services | BIS-293: Introduction to Internet
    Continuing Education Classes: CE-Power Navigating the Web | CE-Web Page Making
    The Enhanced Java and Frames Classroom

    Email: mailto:ecpatt@ptialaska.netecpatt@ptialaska.net