Network driver software, which enables your machine to speak TCP/IP (the Internet's mother tongue) is also required – Apple's MacTCP driver is standard (call Apple at +1 (408) 996 1010 for sales information). Macintosh SLIP options include InterSLIP and MacSLIP MacPPP connects Macs to PPP-based servers, as does InterCon's commercial InterPPP (email for more info). Installation and configuration of SLIP or PPP software, which handles communication between your computer and service provider, is your next task. Other helpful information on getting connected, including Susan Estrada's very helpful "Connecting to the Internet" document and DLIST are available under the Matrix heading on the WELL's Gopherspace. Begin your search by consulting the superb PDIAL (Public Dialup Internet Access List) edited by Peter Kaminsky. This may be a bit more difficult, depending on your location.
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Make sure that your modem is compatible with your other hardware and software before you make any non-refundable decisions!įind a provider in your local dialing area that supports either SLIP (for Serial Line Internet Protocol) or PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol), both of which allow IP connections to work over standard dialup telephone lines.
Data compression protocols (such as V.42bis) can increase the effective speed (or "throughput") of modems by as much as a factor of four. A 9600 baud modem (around $125) is required for acceptable IP performance faster V.32bis modems (14.4kb/s about $200) and others up to V.Fast and V.32terbo (28.8kb/s about $400) are better still. Digital dialup phone services such as Switched-56 (56 kb/s) and ISDN (up to 128 kb/s) lurk on the horizon, but standard modems and POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) are still the norm today. Setting up and configuring a temporary dialup IP connection is still an art. If your neighbors are not making full use of their Net.bandwidth, why not get them to share their excess with you? You may be able to get on Net by asking your local nerd to wire your PC to an existing LAN (Local Area Network) already connected to the Internet. Some businesses and many universities are already connected. A leeched line (using someone else's Net.connection) is the easiest, cheapest, and probably most common way to get direct IP service. There are three basic classes of direct IP service: Temporary Dialup, Leeched-line, and Leased-line.
In the last issue, we promised to get you riding one of those immensely cool but difficult to obtain direct IP connections.