The University of Pennsylvania's Online
Computing Magazine
Printout-Almanac Digest
Modem update
Penn has taken the following steps to alleviate the
number of busy signals that users receive when
dialing-in to PennNet.
- Negotiated fee-based dial-in access with a local
service provider; see Penn DCANet Dialup Program below.
- Added 128 modems to the 60-minute PPP modem pool,
bringing the total in that pool to 384 modems.
- Revised Penn's PPP software and documentation
to allow modem users to switch easily between
different modem pools. Software and documentation
are available at the CRC, 3732 Locust Walk.
All modems in the 60-minute PPP pool (573-4777)
and the 30-minute express PPP pool (573-9773) are
now capable of speeds up to 33.6 Kbps. Further
details can be found on the web page
"Planning for Remote Access to PennNet via Modem".
Penn DCANet Dialup Program
For-fee dial-up access to PennNet and the
Internet is now available to the Penn community.
The University has contracted with DCANet, a local
Internet provider, to offer Penn users a full
range of services and support at very attractive rates.
The highlights of the Penn DCANet Dialup Program are:
- No session limits.
- No busy signals.
- No toll charges from Philadelphia and suburbs,
South Jersey, and Delaware.
- Fast connection rates: modem speeds up to 33.6 Kbps
and ISDN speeds up to 128 Kbps via a dedicated
connection between PennNet and DCANet.
- Low prices: The regular access plan includes 90
hours of modem connect time per month at $14.95/month,
and the extended access plan includes 180 hours of
modem connect time per month at 16.95/month. ISDN
connect time accrues at a different rate. A $14.95
startup fee is charged for each new account.
- Same PPP software that is used to access Penn's
modem services.
While the program provides an attractive alternative
to those who wish to avoid Penn modem pool busy signals
and session limits, or who have been paying long-distance
charges to access PennNet, it does not currently permit
access to all University services. FinMIS, NetNews via
a graphical client, some Library services, and some
School and departmental services cannot be accessed
from a DCANet account. DCANet subscribers will need
to dial in to a Penn modem pool whenever they need to
access such services. Because the DCANet service and
Penn's modem services use the same PPP software, switching
among services is easy. NetNews access to Penn
newsgroups from DCANet is currently possible by
telnetting to a Penn host computer and then using
a host-based newsreader, such as tin.
Penn users can sign up for the Penn DCANet Dialup Program
from DCANet's Web site.
Those who
cannot sign up online should contact DCANet at 302/654-1019
or help@dca.net. A PennNet Network ID and password are
required in order to sign up. Software and documentation
are distributed at the CRC, 3732 Locust Walk. Technical
support is provided by DCANet; please see the DCANet Web
site for details and additional information.
ISC support services
ISC has reorganized and renamed several of its
support services.
- ISC's First Call help line and CRC walk-in support
services have combined to form the ISC Client Services
Group, headed by First Call's founding Director, Michael
Kearney. The new group consolidates all of ISC's direct
client contact operations, placing walk-in, telephone, and
electronic-mail help services under one organizational umbrella.
It completes a two-year plan to unify these activities across
the ISC, streamlines client contact operations, and aligns
these services for future development under the campus
computing restructuring plan. The ISC Client Services
Group will continue to provide services through existing
channels. Clients will continue to receive telephone
support at 573-4778 (57-FIRST), e-mail assistance from
"help@isc", and walk-in services at the Computing Resource
Center, 3732 Locust Walk.
- ISC's distributed staffing program, which places computing
specialists at client sites under tailored contract arrangements,
serves as the foundation of a new group, ISC Support-On-Site,
headed by former CRC Director Don Montabana. The distributed
staffing program has incubated within the CRC for the past two
and one-half years under Don's leadership. It now serves 1500
computer users in 4 organizations across campus. The campus
computing restructuring plan emphasizes the benefit of placing
computing support close to computer users, and campus units
interested in exploring the possibility of contracting for
support services at their location are encouraged to contact
Don at 898-7205 or montaban@isc.
- ISC's Technology Learning Services, or TLS, headed by James
Gist, has changed its name to ISC Training Group. The group
continues to provide a range of resources to assist individuals
and organizations in acquiring and maintaining technology
skills. Services include instructor-led courses and self-paced
tutorials at the Computing Resource Center on Locust Walk,
technology learning needs assessment, and customized training
programs. Contact the Training Group at 573-3102 for further
information.
Penn Printout Online
See Penn Printout Online for an article
about Open Transport, as well as a
page of tips -- including how to
get Netscape to print the URL of the
page you are viewing when you print text; tips from ISC First Call
from their frequently asked questions file; and a pointer to the newest
additions to the web from the
Penn Web Providers Team.
