Penn Computing
Computing Menu Computing A-Z
Computing Home Information Systems & Computing Penn

PPP for Mac OS 8.6/9.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.

The Mac OS 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 the Mac OS for dial-up networking on your personal computer. It includes:

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 8.6 to 9.2.2

  • 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 "Control Panels" from the pop-up list.

  4. Double-click on the Modem control panel.

  5. From the "Connect via:" pop-up list, select the port your modem is connected to.

    Note: Modern Macintoshes connect via the "Internal Modem" port and this will automatically be listed in the "Connect via:" field.

  6. From the "Modem:" pop-up list, locate and select your modem. If your modem is not on the list, choose the modem most closely related to your modem (by the same manufacturer).

  7. Close the Modem control panel window. Click "Save" if prompted to save changes to current configuration.

Configuring TCP/IP

  1. Double-click the TCP/IP control panel.

  2. From the "Connect via:" pop-up list, select "PPP".

  3. From the "Configure:" pop-up list, select "Using PPP Server".

  4. In the Name Server addr field, type your ISP's address. For example, for DCANet type:

    204.183.80.2 207.245.82.2

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

  6. Select "User Mode..." from the Edit menu.

  7. Click on the "Advanced" button in the User Mode dialog box and click "OK".

  8. Click the "Options..." button on the TCP/IP control panel window.

  9. Uncheck the "Load only when needed" box and click "OK".

  10. Close the TCP/IP control panel window. Click "Save" if prompted to save changes to current configuration.

Setting up a modem to access the Internet

  1. Double-click the Remote Access control panel.

  2. Select "Configurations..." from the File menu.

  3. Click the "Duplicate..." button.

  4. Type the name of your ISP and click "OK". For example, type DCANet and click "OK."

  5. Click the "Make Active" button.

  6. In the Remote Access control panel window, type your ID in the Name: field.

  7. Type the appropriate number for your Internet connection in the Number: field. Consult your ISP for the specific telephone number for your local residence. The following example uses DCANet and a Philadelphia calling area.
    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,

  8. If you want to initiate a connection, click "Connect" and follow the instructions in "Connecting to the Internet" starting at step 3. If you do not want to initiate a connection, close the Remote Access control panel and click "Save" to save changes to the current configuration.

Connecting to the Internet

  1. Click on the Apple icon in the upper left corner of your desktop, choose "Control Panels" from the pop-up list, and double-click the Remote Access control panel.

  2. Click "Connect".

  3. When you see the message asking for your password, type your password and click "OK". As the connection is being established, you should hear some negotiation sounds from your modem, after which you should be connected to the Internet.

  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. To "hang up," log off any services you are connected to and quit any network applications you have open, and then click "Disconnect" on the Remote Access control panel.

    Note: Simply turning off your Macintosh does not hang up your modem connection.

Getting help

Faculty and staff: Contact your local support provider. A directory is available (www.upenn.edu/computing/view/support/).

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/).

top

Information Systems and Computing
University of Pennsylvania
Comments & Questions
University of Pennsylvania Penn Computing University of Pennsylvania Information Systems & Computing (ISC)
Information Systems and Computing, University of Pennsylvania