Windows 98 Network/Internet
Configure a Dial-up connection
 

First install your modem....

After getting all the requirements: modem, Internet account, phone line,
you need to install the modem and setup your account...
Installing an External modem is quite easy, just plug the modem data cable
(it's a cable with pins) into the back of your computer. Find a free COM port, similar
to the port used for plugin' a mouse. Connect the modem to its power supply, make
sure you computer is
OFF while doing this. When you're done, turn your computer ON, Windows will automatically detect the modem, you might be asked to insert a floppy
or CD for a driver.

Installing an internal modem can be tricky, you will need to open your computer case and find an empty slot called PCI to plug the modem.
If you've never done this before, ask your computer provider to do it. It will take just
a minute, or you can look into the modem's manual for installation guidance.
Teckies will review hardware installation in another tutorial.


Create a Dial-up Connection

Now that you're ready, make sure that your modem is
ON and connected to the phone line. If you have an internal modem, it's already on, since your computer is powered.
Most internet companies give you a CD to configure your computer for Internet access, so don't worry, just insert the CD and sit back, if nothing happens you need to run
SETUP Open My Computer>>CD-ROM double-click on any "SETUP" or "INSTALL" icon.

If you want to learn how to do this manually, keep reading...
Windows 98 comes shipped with a free browser
Internet Explorer 4.
You will need a browser to surf the net.
As mentioned before the Internet Explorer icon is located on your Desktop.
Internet Explorer 4 icon
If you don't see the IE icon, don't worry, just follow the instructions.
Make sure you have the Windows 98 CD and your ISP settings.
The ISP Settings are
dial phone number, DNS server...
Give your ISP a call and ask them for configs or ask a friend with the same ISP
to give you the settings.
From
Start>>Programs>>Internet Explorer run Connection Wizard
The configuration process starts, just choose the options specified below.
Remember to click
Next to go to next window...

I have an existing Internet Account through my phone line...


Select Option 2 "
I have an existing Internet Account through my phone line..."




Select this option if you are accessing the internet using an internet service provider...


Select Option 1 "
Select this option if you are accessing the internet using an internet service provider..."



Connect using my phone line


Select Option 1 "
Connect using my phone line"




Create a new dial-up connection


Select Option 1 "
Create a new dial-up connection"




ISP access number, Area Code, Country name and Code


Type the ISP access number
(not techsupport), choose Area Code, Country name and Code.



Username and Password
Type a username and Password, since this is the first time you signup, just use any username, you can change it later, forget about the password, "Are you sure you want to continue with a blank password"
answer
yes.



Advanced Settings


Make sure you have your ISP settings in front of you, click
Yes for Advanced Settings




PPP (Point to Point Protocol)


Choose Option 1 "
PPP (Point to Point Protocol)" click Next
This option is common to most ISPs, check your ISP for more details.



I don't need to type anything...

Select Option 1 "
I don't need to type anything..."
This option is common to most ISPs, check your ISP for more details.



Each time you logon to your ISP you are assigned a number called IP, most ISPs will
give you a different number each time you logon.

 My Internet service provider automatically...


Choose Option 1 "
My Internet service provider automatically..."




Remember that you can always change the settings later.

DNS and Alternate DNS server

Now you need to get your ISP
DNS server it's a 4 dotted number
e.g
194.195.165.2, you may be given two numbers, the second is
the
alternate DNS server. Fill the fields with the DNS numbers.



Specify a name for your connection


Specify a name for your connection, give it the ISP name
e.g Freenet, Beonline....



Don't create an email account now


When you are prompted to create an internet mail account
select Option 2 "
No"



Don't create a news account now


Select Option 2 "
No" for internet News account.




Don't create a Directory service account now


Select Option 2 "
No" for Internet Directory account.




To finalize settings, click
Finish. The Connection Wizard window is closed.

We will talk about Mail, News, Directory Service and learn how to setup
a mail account later in this tutorial.

Now, go to
Dial-Up Networking inside My Computer to check the connection
you've just created, r-click the connection icon and select
Properties
You can easily modify anything from here:

General tab



At General tab you can change the access phone number, Area Code...





TCP/IP Settings


Under Server Types click TCP/IP settings to change your ISP settings: DNS server...





Server Types - Advanced Options

Go to Server Types-Advanced Options and check "
Enable Software compression" if it's not, this option will speed up information transfer.
Some ISPs require "
Log on to Network", verify all settings with your Internet provider. Under Allowed Network Protocols TCP/IP should be the only checked option.



Other tabs like Scripting- useful for automating the connection and Multilink
will not be discussed in this section.

If you've made changes you want to keep press
OK, otherwise click Cancel



Note: Press CTRL-P to print the page   <<<Back Continue>>>



Tutorial Index

1p
What is Windows: What's exactly windows98, a brief description
2p Getting your Copy : Get your original copy of Windows98
6p Installing/Upgrading: Install using floppies, Cd-rom, Hard drive, Network
2p Final word on installation: Settings up your hardware (mouse, cd-rom, printer)


4p The Desktop:
Intro and short description <go>
Desktop Items (My Computer, IE) <
go>
Time, Date, Sound <
go>
Where everything Starts: the Start menu <
go>

6p Windows Basics:
Exploring Files and Folders <go>
Double-Click, what are extensions... <
go>
Click, Right-click uses <
go>
Shut Down your computer <
go>
Windows common tasks (open, close) <
go>
Scroll Box-Why is a window better than a piece of paper <
go>

9p Inside My Computer
A Brief Introduction to My Computer <go>
The Properties Window <
go>
My Computer's Components <
go>
The Control Panel <
go>
Easier Navigation <
go>
Common Actions <
go>
Selecting and Naming Files/Folders <
go>
Cutting the distances <
go>

12p Windows Applications
Brief Introduction to Windows Applications <go>
NotePad <
go>
WordPad <
go>
Paint <
go>
Phone Dialer <
go>
Imaging <
go>
Calculator <
go>
ActiveMovie Control and Media Player <
go>
CD Player <
go>
Sound Recorder <
go>
Volume Control <
go>
Games and Final word <
go>

5p Network/Internet
Brief Introduction <go>
Get a modem and Internet account <
go>
Configure a Dial-up connection <
go>
Signing up to your Internet Provider <
go>
Windows and the Internet <
go>

14p Network/Internet: Outlook Express
First time run... <go>
Description of Outlook Express <
go>
First clicks... <
go>
Compose your first message <
go>
Store email addresses in the Address Book <
go>
More about sending email <
go>
Working around <
go>
Looking around: find text, messages, people <
go>
Printing your messages <
go>
Format and Personalize your message <
go>
Changing Outlook Express Default options <
go>
Make your life easier <
go>
Sharing Outlook Express <
go>
Keeping Outlook Express in shape <
go>
Switch to Outlook Express <
go>