nCity 9Net Setup

Connecting to the Internet using OS9:: Most ISPs require OSX these days, but a few may still allow connection using outdated browsers under OS9 (Netscape version 7.02 is probably the last, best choice for OS9 browsers). While possible, surfing the 'net under these conditions will not be a pleasant experience and will result in numerous errors as the browser encounters file types it cannot handle. eMail might still be possible.....
ISP-supplied software (CDs):: Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) provide a CD with software installers that handle configuration and may also install additional (unnecessary) software. Your Mac already has everything it needs for communications, and a manual configuration (as described below) is often the best bet. We recommend avoiding installation of any third-party software supplied by your ISP; such software for OS9 has probably become extinct anyway. If your ISP requires the use of special software, best to find a different ISP (see nCity's Links page).
: There are (at least) four control panels which contain settings critical to configuring internet and email communications. Illustrated instructions below will walk you through the setup process.

First (of course), you'll need an account.: Pick an Internet Service Provider (ISP) with local dialup service in your area to avoid long-distance charges. ISPs come in a wide variety, from free to exorbitant; best to avoid both extremes. The "free" ones plaster you and your emails with ads, while the most expensive ones (AOL, Earthlink) charge far too much for basic service. Ask friends and neighbors to recommend a local dialup ISP, or go high-speed broadband with DSL, cable or a satellite connection.

Collect and record your account info:: While you're on the phone opening your new account, ask your ISP for the following information, and write it down exactly as it is told to you (spelling, upper/lower case):

Confirmation of your new user name and your new password
The ISP's local dialup number(s), preferably two or more
ISP's Domain Name Server (DNS) addresses (example: 012.345.678.910)
ISP's "pop" and "smtp" mail settings

ALSO: Keep the above information somewhere safe, in case you need to reconfigure your settings someday.

Internet Control Panels:

Modem Control Panel: If your modem is functioning properly, you can skip this one.....; It's primary function is to marry your modem to its proper script, a set of instructions specific to each make/model of modem. (Cable/DSL modems operate on ethernet and ignore the Modem Control Panel.)

If your Mac has an internal modem (which nearly all do), the script shown is correct. Otherwise, you should choose the script named for your modem. This is also where you can turn those strange connect noises on/off (useful for troubleshooting once you get used to 'em). Pulse dialing pretty much disappeared with the dial telephone; and the "ignore dial tone" function is there to help with certain rare cases when maintaining a connection is problematic (normally off).

Remote Access (also known as "PPP" in older OS versions): This is the Control Panel that provides identification, verification, tells the modem what number to dial, and provides some other options.
: With an ISP account, you will be a Registered User (as shown).; Name: Might be either a username alone ("yourname") or the complete email address ("yourname@whatever.net"), as specified by your ISP.; Password is your (secret!) password; check the Save Password box if you'd rather not bother with typing it in every time you connect.

Incidentally: If you suddenly find you cannot connect for no apparent reason, and you get a message saying your username or password is invalid, don't rush to fix it. This often happens when an ISP's server is down (and your settings are fine). Unless someone has actually changed your username/password, you'll just have to wait a day or two until the ISP gets things straightened out on their end. Or, if you have a secondary dialup number, type it in and give it a try. Sometimes a secondary phone number will take you to another (hopefully functional) server. Might even be faster, too.
: Under the Options button, you'll find three tabs:

The Redialing Tab will dial a second number if the ISP's line is busy: this is the place to put your ISP's second-line phone number.

The Connection Tab provides options available while connected:: "Verbose logging" records every interaction between your modem and the server - useful for troubleshooting an intermittent connection.; "Launch status app" opens a window that displays connect speed and status so you can monitor efficiency and activity.; "Flash icon in menu bar" puts up an icon that blinks while online.; The remaining options will "ping" the server every five minutes which _might_ prevent your ISP from bumping you offline (doubtful, tho); and a "disconnect if idle" setting.

The Protocol Tab should have both compression boxes checked, as shown.: "Connect automatically" will establish a connection for you automatically when you launch your browser or any other internet-related application.; "Connect to command-line host" is for use as a terminal, as when connected to an old-fashioned bulletin board (BBS). It opens a terminal window for live communication and manual modem commands. For internet/email, this option must be off.

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) for Dialup:: Two versions are presented here; one for 56K analog modems, and a second one for digital modems (DSL/Cable). First, the 56K settings:

If you are using an analog (24K, 33.6K, 56K) modem, the two popup menus should be set as shown ("PPP" and "Using PPP Server").; The IP addresses obtained from your service provider go into the "Name server addr." box (separated by returns). The more of these you have, the better - depending on the server's configuration. If your modem can't connect to the first one, it'll try the next IP address.; The "Search domains" box may contain ISP's name (as shown), but it can also remain empty.

Broadband (DSL/cable/satellite) settings, TCP/IP Control Panel:

Digital modems connect via Ethernet; most use a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, or DHCP Server; thus the Client ID is usually left empty and all other fields are filled in automatically.


The Internet Control Panel:: This one directs traffic between your computer, your browser, your email application, and certain other functions requiring email or a connection. It also allows you to set up multiple configurations (with different user names, passwords and preferences) for multiple users. When given a name and saved, a set is then selected (made active) from the Active Set popup menu at the top of the Internet control panel.

Open the Edit Sets disclosure triangle ( ).
Under the Personal Tab, you can enter any name or nickname you wish.: Other entries may be filled-in or left blank.
Under the E-mail Tab, enter your username and password.: Your ISP's post office protocol (pop) and simple mail transfer protocol (smtp) preferences should be entered as instructed by your ISP.

Most ISPs use "pop" or "pop3" - but it varies - it must be exactly as the ISP describes. Likewise the "smtp" setting; it must read exactly as your ISP instructs. (You may have to specifically request these settings.); "Default E-mail Application" sets your preferred email application; select one from all onboard email programs in the popup list.

Under the Web Tab:: Unfortunately, all browsers have their own Home Page setting which may override the (~recommended~) setting shown here. Same goes for the Search Page.

The most important settings under the Web Tab are:
: "Download Files To" - Use the Select button and navigate to a folder for multiple users if you wish, but I recommend using the desktop as shown.
: "Default Web Browser" - determines which browser will be used for internet and other browser-related documents/functions. The popup list contains all onboard browsers.

The News and Advanced Tabs may be left preconfigured or left blank.: These settings are not required to connect.

Also see nCity's Forum page for information about cookies, cache files, domains, and more.

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