MAC FAQ

Index

1. Q. Does Ziplink supply software for my Macintosh?

   A. Yes. ZipLink is currently providing Internet Explorer 4.5 for the Macintosh. Open Transport TCP/IP and PPP dialer software is included if needed.

2. Q. Did you ever provide other software for the Mac?

   A. Yes, ZipLink sent out Internet Valet for the Mac to new members some time back, but we have discontinued fulfillment of that product. However, we still provide general support for the few customers who continue to use it.

3. Q. If I received a copy of Mac Valet before you discontinued it and have another Internet provider, will it cause problems?

   A. It is possible for Internet Valet to cause problems with other dialers or overwrite preference files for other Internet software that you have. If you already have a dialer, you should be able to set it up to connect to ZipLink. Go to Mac Configuration for instructions on setting up software you already have.

4. Q. Why am I having problems logging in with MacPPP?

   A. There are many factors that contribute to connection problems. First, using MacPPP, you should turn use terminal window on. To connect this way you will have to type ATDT (number you are dialing) then hit return. Then when login: appears on the screen, type yourhostname (your PPP login name; for most members this will be your username prefixed with a p) and hit return. It will prompt you for your password. Type it in. Once you get a ppp starting screen, click OK on your Mac. If this holds your connection, the problem is with your automatic login. You may want to set up a login script.

5. Q. How do I set up a login script in MacPPP or FreePPP?

   A. In MacPPP, click Config and then Connect Script to get to the area to setup a script. In FreePPP go into Accounts and choose Edit. Once there, click the popup Connect menu and choose Using Connection Script. Then click on the button Edit Connection Script. Both FreePPP and MacPPP have the same script format. Starting at the top, left click on Wait and in the box to the right of that type in: Go to the next line, click Send, type in yourhostname and click on the CR check box. Go to the next line, click on Wait and type word: in the text box. Go down to the next line, choose Send, in the text box type yourpassword, and remember to click the CR check box. Now when you login your software will use this script.

6. Q. Why I'm getting a Link Dead error using MacPPP?

   A. If you have been using MacPPP for a while and you suddenly get this error you should try to login with the terminal window as described in answer #4. It would seem that from time to time the authentication system in MacPPP has problems with our numbers. If you can login with the terminal window you should try setting up a login script as in answer #5. You should also double check your login name and password are typed in correctly.

7. Q. Why I'm I getting an unreliable connection using FreePPP?

   A. First you will want to go into the Account area and choose Edit. From here click on the Connection tab. Make sure that you are set for the speed of your modem. If you are set below the speed or too high above it can cause problems. Next make sure that you only have one copy of FreePPP in your control panels. You will want to do a search for FreePPP. This may also be a problem with your Init string for you modem. From the General tab click on the Modem button. Here if you have Autodetect Init string on turn it off. If you have it off you may want to try once with it on. To put in your own Init String click on the Use choice and then find your Init string in your user's manual. Type it in.

1. Q. Is there anything that is special about that Mac I should set for E-mail?

   A. Yes. You will want to go into your MAP control panel to set your location and into the Date & Time to set the correct date and time. If these are not set correctly any e-mail programs you use will have a problem putting the correct time and date stamp on outgoing e-mail messages.

2. Q. How do I send attached files with a Mac?

   A. As in the E-mail FAQ you typically will want to send attachments in MIME format. If you are using Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer as your e-mail program then you will automatically be using MIME. If you are using Eudora Lite, it does not have a MIME choice. You should set it to Apple Double. It is the same as MIME.

1. Q. What program do I need to upload files to my account?

   A. Though a few Web browsers can upload files, a better application to use is an FTP program. The one we recommend for the Mac is Fetch, which you can find here. If you use Fetch to upload your Web page(s), remember to upload as Raw Data. You will see this choice when you drag a file on top of Fetch to upload. If you don't use Raw Data then images may not show on your page correctly.

   Another Mac FTP program a ZipLink member recently suggested checking out is Transmit.

   For more on uploading files see our FTP FAQ, or if you're placing a home page on Ziplink, check out Building a Webpage.

2. Q. How do I download picture from the Web?

   A. Most major browsers allow you to download a picture directly from the page you are on. In Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer, you click and hold the mouse on the picture you wish to save. It will give you a choice to Save Picture as ... or Download Image to Disk.

1. Q. How do I setup my Newsreader?

   A. Every Newsreader needs a few pieces of information. Ziplink's News server is news2.ziplink.net You'll also have to put in your return address yourusername@ziplink.net .

2. Q. How do I download files or pictures from Newsgroups?

   A. With Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer, you can see images as they download, but these programs have problems with multipart posts, which many files and images are uploaded to newsgroups as. To handle these you'll want a Newreader application such as YA-Newswatcher, available here. It can download and decode files automatically. You may need a few extra utilities to help you handle binary files from newsgroups. One is YA-Decoder, which you can find here. It decodes UUencoded files, as well as MIME Base64, BinHex, and others.

1. Q. How do I talk to others while I'm on line?

   A. The most popular system for talking on-line to others members of the Internet community is called IRC (Internet Relay Chat). On the Mac there are a few good IRC or chat programs available. Ircle, located here, has some of the best features. This will allow you to connect with other Internet users across the world. IRC isn't the most user friendly system on the Internet. At the Ircle homepage you will also find links to information about IRC. If you are new to IRC we recommend visiting www.ircle.com

2. Q. What IRC servers should I use?

   A. Here are three servers to get you started.
   
   • irc.cris.com
   • us.undernet.org
   • irc.dal.net

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