Get Connected to the Internet

MSJ Technology column

In your last column you mentioned using Connectivity Software from a home computer What is this and how do I get a copy?

Technology Answers:

The University's Connectivity Software, officially known as "The Windows Internet Access Kit: Dialing In to a NAS," is a must-have! With this software, free for any U of M student, you can access all of the Internet from your own home computer. A few of the programs that are included are Dialer to establish a telephone connection, FTP for file transferring, Trumpet for reading newsgroups, Host Presenter to telnet (login) to remote computers, Netscape's Web browser, and more.

So, how do you get the software? First, you will need 4 blank, formatted diskettes. Take the disks to any campus computing site or the Business School Computer Lab. Using the FTP program, connect to ftp.ifs.umich.edu or login.itd.umich.edu. Use your uniqname and password to log in. If you have never used FTP, ask a lab consultant to help you.

Once in FTP, use the File/Change Directory command to change to the swdist/bundles/windows/win_conn.kit directory. In the dial_up directory, copy the three files called disk1.exe, disk2.exe, and readme.txt. In the ip_apps directory, copy apps1.exe, apps2.exe, and readme.txt. Use a separate disk for each of the large exe files. Using a word processor, read and print the readme files, which will guide you through the exact installation instructions.

If you are a Mac user, there's software for you as well. You can find it in the swdist/bundles/mac directory.

Expect to set aside at least an hour or so when installing. But once you have it up and running it's pretty easy to use. Additional detailed installation and setup documentation can be found on the Internet at http://www.us.itd.umich.edu/bin/itddoc/newotfdoc?ID=S4187. Use Netscape on any Computer Lab terminal, click the Open icon, and type the http address.

If you have a question on using technology or the Internet, e-mail it to the MSJ's TECHNOLOGY ANSWERS at spert@umich.edu.