PPP for Mac OS X

Notes: Penn discontinued its free "express modem pool" (215-573-9773) service on June 30, 2002. For information on remote access service options, check the Remote Access web site.

These instructions are for configuring your computer for a dial-up modem service. Many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) use configurations that are similar to these for their PPP setup. Check with your ISP for their specific settings.

This instructions assume that you have administrative access to your Macintosh.

Mac OS X has built-in networking software based on Point-to-Protocol (PPP). PPP, together with a modem and telephone line, simulates a direct Ethernet connection to the Internet, though at somewhat slower speeds.

This document describes how to configure Mac OS X for dial-up networking on your personal computer. It includes:

• Obtaining network applications
• Requirements for a modem connection
• Configuring the modem
• Setting up a modem to access the Internet and configuring TCP/IP
• Connecting to the Internet
• Getting help

With PPP activated and the appropriate application, you can:

• Browse the World Wide Web
• Transfer files from remote computers (anonymous FTP)
• Read or post to newsgroups
• Connect to remote computers
• Access electronic mail

Obtaining network applications

The Computing Resource Center (CRC) (Sansom West, 3650 Chestnut St., Suite 202) distributes network software on the PennConnect CD-ROM. There is no charge for the software.

The PennConnect CD-ROM contains the recommended web browser and the other Penn-supported networking applications. You can install these directly from the CD-ROM.

Medical Center students can obtain the networking software from Information Services (13th floor, Blockley Hall). Faculty and staff of the UP Health System can obtain networking software from the local support providers in their departments.

Requirements for a modem connection

• 350 MHz G3 processor (or above) with 128 MB RAM. As always, more memory will enable you to run more applications at one time.

• Apple Mac OS X version 10.1.2 or above.

• A 56 Kbps modem. See ISC's Supported Network Hardware page (www.upenn.edu/computing/product/networkhardware.html ) for recommended modems.

Configuring the modem

1. Turn on your modem and computer.

2. Click the Apple icon located on the menu bar in the upper left corner of your desktop.

3. Choose "System Preferences..." from the pop-up list.

4. Click on the Network control panel.

5. From the "Location:" pop-up list, select "New Location...".

6. In the Name your new location: field, type your ISP's name and click "OK". For example, type DCANet.

7. From the "Configure:" pop-up list in the top portion of the control panel, select "Internal Modem".

8. Click the "Modem" tab.

9. From the "Modem:" pop-up list, select the name of your modem.

   Note: Most internal modems on recent Macintoshes are listed as "Apple Internal 56K Modem (v.90)".

10. Continue with the instructions in the section below, "Setting up a modem to access the Internet and configuring TCP/IP."

Setting up a modem to access the Internet and configuring TCP/IP

1. Click the "PPP" tab.

2. Type the appropriate telephone number for your Internet connection in the Telephone Number: field. Consult your ISP's Internet telephone list for the specific telephone number for your local calling residence. The following example uses a DCANet local Philadelphia calling number.

   To configure your Internet phone number		Type the following
   A phone without call waiting,		1-267-299-9821
   A phone with call waiting * Touch tone phone Rotary phone Student Telephone Service (STS) * Call waiting will return automatically when you disconnect from the Internet.		Insert before the number: *70 1170 229,

3. Type your ID in the Account Name: field and your password in the Password: field.

4. Click the "TCP/IP" tab.

5. In the Domain Name Servers field, type your ISP's domain address. For example, for DCANet, type: 204.183.80.2 207.245.82.2

6. Type your ISP's domain name in the Search Domains field. For example, for DCANet, type: dca.net

7. Click "Save".

8. Choose "Quit System Prefs" from the System Prefs menu.

Connecting to the Internet

1. Open the Applications folder on your hard drive.

2. Double-click "Internet Connect".

3. Click Connect. You should hear some negotiation sounds from your modem.

4. Once connected, you may use networking software. Penn's supported network applications are contained on the PennConnect CD-ROM.

   For information on how to get an e-mail account at Penn, see the instructions at www.upenn.edu/computing/email/email.html.

5. When you are ready to disconnect, quit all open network applications and then terminate your modem connection by clicking the minimized Internet Connect icon on the dock.

6. Click "Disconnect".

Getting help

Students in the College Houses and Mayer Hall: Contact the Residential Computing Support program by filling out an online help request form. A list of houses and links to request forms are available.

Students living off-campus, in Sansom East or West, or in a fraternity or sorority house: Contact First Call at 215-573-4778 or send e-mail to help@isc.upenn.edu. Walk-in assistance is also available at the Computing Resource Center (Sansom West, 3650 Chestnut St., Suite 202).

For more information on where to go for computing support services, check the Support Look-up Table (www.upenn.edu/computing/view/support/). You can also contact First Call at 215-573-4778 for a referral.

For information about using Internet applications, see the Computing Publications and Documentation page (www.upenn.edu/computing/help/doc/).