How do I get connected to the Internet?

What You Will Need

To connect your PC to the Internet, you will need

• a Windows PC (386 or higher processor),
• Internet access software (the Sampler),
• a standard analog modem (14.4k baud or higher is recommended),
• and an account with an Internet service provider.

The faster your dial-up modem runs, the better your performance will be. We recommend using a modem that is at least 14.4 kilobits per second but 9,600 bit per second modems will also work. The WebSurfer Sampler is limited to 19.2k baud modem speed. (The full version of Internet Chameleon supports higher dialup speeds of up to 115.2 kbps and high speed native ISDN. Regular Chameleon also supports LAN access to the Internet if you have a gateway to the Internet on your LAN.)

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Internet Service Providers

To complete the connection, you need an access account with an Internet service provider. Service providers have a high speed link to the Internet and can provide you with a phone number which will connect your PC to the Internet. Your service provider will also maintain your electronic mailbox and supply you with an e-mail address.

To open a dialup account with an Internet service provider, you can either

• use the NetManage Automatic Internet application to sign up for a new account online with a credit card,
• or contact a provider directly (see the Readme file for more information).

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Automatic Internet makes acquiring and configuring for a new access account easy and fast!

• Simply choose one of the five providers (Alternet, Cerfnet, IBM, PSI's Interramp, Portal) by clicking on the appropriate folder tab on the main screen. Each of these providers offer local access nationwide. IBM also offers Canadian access.
• Select the More Info button to read about that provider.
• Hit the Signup button to fill in your required registration information. A credit card is necessary to authorize the transaction.
• Hit the Send button to send your registration information directly to the provider.

The provider will give you several pricing options to choose from. Within 5 minutes, the provider will assign you a new account and automatically configure the Sampler for that account. Your new dial-up interface will appear in Custom.

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When contacting a provider directly, ask for a dialup account (not a shell account). The Chameleon WebSurfer Sampler supports all SLIP, CSLIP, and PPP dialup connections. A monthly or hourly fee will be charged for using your Internet access account. Pricing varies by provider. Some providers offer regional access only while others offer nationwide local access or 1-800 access. Be sure to call the provider to ask whether they service your area.

Next, create your own dial-up interface using Custom. See the readme file "websamp.wri" for more instructions.

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Click here to go back to the Introduction to the Chameleon WebSurfer Sampler.