Welcome

Welcome to Prodigy Internet! You’re just a few clicks away from everything the Internet has to offer—the World Wide Web, email, chat, newsgroups, and more.

Prodigy Internet may already be installed on your computer. If you see a Prodigy Internet icon on your desktop, double-click it now to begin using the software. Your first step after launching the program will be to register as a Prodigy Internet member. Help on how to register and use the service will be available once you’re online.

If you don’t see the Prodigy Internet Icon, then the software is not installed on your computer. To install the Prodigy Internet software, proceed to the Prodigy Internet section now.


Using Help

To make sure you get the most out of your Prodigy Internet experience, we’ve provided several layers of Help to assist you.

To access this Help file again in the future, simply click the Help button on the Prodigy Internet sign-on window. For help on using Windows 95, press the F1 key. When you’re using Windows 95 Help, you’ll notice green text with either a solid-green underline or a dotted-green underline. This text is called a hotspot, or hypertext—move your Cursor over a hotspot and notice how the cursor image changes to a pointing hand. Click on a hotspot to jump to another Help section or to open a Help Pop-Up Window containing additional Help information.

The words select, press and single-click refer to the same action in this document (bold text is used for emphasis throughout this Help file). Double-click means simply that—click twice in rapid succession. You can also use the TAB key on the keyboard to position your cursor and press the ENTER key to activate the item.

Select Troubleshooting Tips for solutions and suggestions on how to resolve common problems.

Select Installation--Quick View for an overview of requirements for installing Prodigy Internet.


Before You Begin

Before you try to register, make sure that Prodigy Internet is already installed on your PC and ready to use—look for the Prodigy Internet icon on your desktop. If you see the icon, double-click on it now to begin. Help on how to register and use Prodigy Internet features will be available once you’re online.

If you don’t see the Prodigy Internet icon on your desktop, you probably don’t have the software installed. In that case, make sure your system meets the following requirements before you begin to install and use Prodigy Internet:

•	Windows 95 CD-ROM or disks (the installation process may require these)

•	Minimum 486 processor

•	Minimum of 16MB RAM

•	20MB of available hard disk space

NOTE: Prodigy Internet requires 20MB for the installation process – the required disk space is reduced after installation.

•	28,800bps modem (14,400bps minimum)

•	Prodigy Internet CD-ROM

See Also

Before You Begin Installing

Installing Prodigy Internet

Configuring Network Settings


Installation--Quick View

Installation is performed automatically by the Prodigy Internet software install “wizards.”  You will be guided step-by-step through the process.  Just fill in the appropriate areas with information about your system and continue through the procedure until complete.

This Help file explains the steps if they are performed manually.  Since the Prodigy Internet Setup utility does most of this work for you, this information is provided for your information only.

Both modem and network changes, e.g., Dial-Up Networking and DNS settings, take effect only after you restart your PC.

•	Modem. Installing a Modem

•	Network. Configuring Network Settings

•	Dial-Up Network. Installing Dial-Up Networking

•	Network Protocols. Installing Network Protocols

•	DNS Configurations. Changing DNS Configurations

•	Prodigy Internet CD-ROM. Installing Prodigy Internet


Before You Begin Installing

Prodigy Internet may already be installed on your PC.  If so, double click on the Prodigy Internet icon to register as a member. If not, the Prodigy Internet Setup “wizards” will guide you through the process automatically, allowing you to enter system-specific information via an easy point-and-click interface.  However, installation Help topics are provided in case you ever need to reinstall the software or change any network or modem settings. For a successful installation process, make sure you have the following items handy before you begin.

•	Windows 95 CD-ROM or installation diskettes

•	Prodigy Internet CD-ROM

•	Available telephone line

See Also

Installation--Quick View


Installing a Modem

Your PC may have arrived with a modem already installed. The Prodigy Internet Setup “wizards” will guide you through selecting your modem during installation.  However, if you wish to reinstall or add a different modem in the future, you can do so by selecting the Start button, then Settings, and Control Panel. Then double click  the Modem icon to display information on what modem is currently connected to your PC. If a modem isn’t connected, or you wish to add a different one you have installed in your computer, follow these instructions.  Remember to restart your PC after installing the modem.

1.	Make sure your modem is physically installed or connected to your computer.  Refer to the manual(s) included with your modem on how to physically install it.

2.	Select the Start button, Settings, and then Control Panel.

3.	Double-click the Add New Hardware icon and follow the displayed directions. Windows 95 should find and install your modem.  Windows 95 may not automatically detect some modems.  If your modem is not detected, you will be provided with a list to choose from. Try to find the manufacturer and model of your modem and click Next>.  If your specific modem is not listed, choose from the Standard Modem Types, based on speed, and click Next>.

4.	To check that your modem is active and connected to a communications (COM1 or COM2) port, click the Modem icon in the Control Panel folder. Then select the Diagnostics tab. It will display which modems are connected to which port on your PC.

Note:  Remember to restart your PC after you set up or change modem configurations. Your changes will take effect after you reboot.

See Also

Modem Setup

 Modem troubleshooting


Installing Dial-Up Networking

Dial-Up Networking needs to be installed in order to use Prodigy Internet. This is done automatically by the Prodigy Internet Setup “wizards” during installation.  However, you can check this or reinstall by opening the Dial-Up Networking in the My Computer folder on your desktop. If you don’t see it, you’ll need to install it before you can use Prodigy Internet. Do this by completing the following steps:

1.	Double-click the My Computer icon on your desktop and double-click the Control Panel folder. Or select the Windows 95 Start button, then Settings, and Control Panel.

2.	Double-click Add/Remove Programs icon and select the Windows Setup tab.

3.	Select the Communications check box and then click on Details.

4.	Select the check box for Dial-Up Networking.

5.	Insert the Windows 95 CD-ROM or diskette(s) when prompted. Files will be copied to your computer.

6.	Once files have completed copying, select OK to close all the windows and return to the desktop.

7.	Restart your PC to save the new settings.

8.	Verify that Dial-Up Networking is installed. Double-click the My Computer icon and make sure the Dial-up Networking folder is displayed. Repeat the install process if the folder isn’t displayed.

See Also

Installation--Quick View

Troubleshooting Tips

Dial-Up Network Troubleshooting


Configuring Network Settings

Your PC may have arrived with Prodigy Internet installed or you may have already installed it yourself. The Prodigy Internet installation process configures settings and network setup automatically through a series of step-by-step “wizard” screens.  However, at some point you may want to change the network setup or configuration. You’ll need the following components to configure your network:

•	A connected modem

•	Microsoft Dial-Up Networking feature

•	Correct network protocols and settings

Before you begin, check to see if Dial-Up Networking is already installed. Do this by double-clicking the My Computer icon on your desktop and locating the Dial-Up Networking folder. If the folder is displayed, continue by clicking on the Installing Network Protocols hyperlink below. If you can’t find the Dial-Up Networking folder, install that first by clicking on the Installing Dial-Up Networking hyperlink below.

See Also

Installing a Modem

Installing Dial-Up Networking

Installing Network Protocols

Changing DNS Configurations

Installation--Quick View

Dial-Up Network Troubleshooting


Changing DNS Configurations

Your PC may have arrived with Prodigy Internet installed or you may have already installed it yourself. The Prodigy Internet installation process configures settings and network setup automatically through a series of step-by-step “wizard” screens.  However, at some point you may want to manually change the Domain Name Server (DNS)  configuration. Do this by completing the following steps:

1.	Launch and connect the Prodigy Internet software (typically accomplished by double clicking the Prodigy Internet Icon on your desktop).

2.	Double click the My Computer icon on your desktop and then double click the Dial-Up Networking folder.

3.	Select the Prodigy Internet icon (highlight by single clicking).

4.	Select File from the menu bar and then Properties from the drop down menu.

5.	Select the Server Type button.

6.	You don’t need to check any options in the Advanced Options section, but you must check the TCP/IP checkbox in the Allowed Network Protocols section. Once this box is checked, click the TCP/IP Settings button.

7.	Select Server Assigned IP Address and then select Specify Name Server Addresses.

8.	In the text boxes for Primary and Secondary DNS settings, type 198.83.19.241 for Primary and 198.83.19.244 for Secondary (the “dots” or periods are supplied for you). Type over any numbers (including zeros) displayed in the text boxes

9.	Check Use Default Gateway on Remote Network, then select OK.

10.	Continue selecting OK until you see the message: “Do you want to restart your computer now?” Select Yes. Your changes won’t take effect unless you restart your PC.

Note: If you have problems connecting after you’ve changed the DNS information as described here, check the Global DNS settings.

See Also

Installation--Quick View

Troubleshooting Tips

Checking Global DNS


Installing Network Protocols

Your PC may have arrived with Prodigy Internet installed or you may have already installed it yourself. The Prodigy Internet installation process configures settings and network protocols automatically through a series of step-by-step “wizard” screens.  However, at some point you may want to manually change network protocols and the following information is provided to assist you.  Before you begin to work with the Network Protocols, make sure that the Dial-Up Networking folder is displayed in the My Computer folder. This indicates that Dial-Up Networking is installed. If you don’t see the folder, install Dial-Up Networking by clicking on the link below. Then complete these steps to install Network Protocols:

1.	Double-click the My Computer icon on your desktop and then double-click the Control Panel folder, and finally, double-click the Network icon. Or select the Windows 95 Start button, select Settings, select Control Panel and then double-click the Network icon.

2.	Select the Configuration tab.

3.	Make sure that both the Dial-Up Adapter and TCP/IP are listed under “The following Network components are installed” list box.

4.	If not, begin installation by selecting the Add button.

5.	On the Select Network Component Type window, select Adapter, then Add.

6.	On the Select Network Adapters window, select Microsoft from the Manufacturers listing, then select Dial-Up Adapter from the Network Adapters list.

7.	Select OK until the Configuration tab is redisplayed.

8.	If TCP/IP isn’t installed (from step 3), select the Add button.

9.	On the Select Network Component Type window, select Protocol, then select the Add button.

10.	On the Select Network Protocol window, select Microsoft from the Manufacturers listing, then select TCP/IP from the Network Protocols listing.

11.	Select OK.  Select OK in the Network Control Panel window and then restart Windows 95.

Note: If you see a message regarding an IP address from a DHCP server, select No to disable the message.

See Also

Installation--Quick View

Troubleshooting Tips

Installing Dial-Up Networking


Checking Global DNS

You may want to check the Global Domain Name Server (DNS)  settings if you have trouble connecting and you’ve already set or changed the Dial-Up Networking DNS settings. Global DNS settings typically do not need to be active in order to use Prodigy Internet.  You may have Global DNS configured if you have used the Internet over a LAN (Local Area Network) with connection via a network card installed in your computer.  If you are not connected to the Internet over a LAN and/or do not need Global DNS settings, follow the steps in the Connecting with Global DNS settings disabled section below.  If you are connected or intend to connect to the Internet over a LAN and/or need Global DNS settings to be active, refer to the Connecting with Global DNS settings enabled section below.  Note:  You may want to refer to your system administrator if you are unsure about Global DNS settings and have Internet connection over a LAN.

Connecting with Global DNS settings disabled

1.	Select the Windows 95 Start button, select Settings, select Control Panel and then double-click the Network icon. Select the Configuration tab.

2.	Double-click the TCP/IP component.

3.	Select the DNS Configuration tab.

4.	If NO names appear in the Host and Domain text boxes and NO DNS numbers are displayed, select Disable DNS. If names do appear in the Host and Domain text boxes and DNS numbers are present, refer to Step 4 in the Connecting with Global DNS settings below.

5.	Continue selecting OK until you see the message “Do you want to restart your computer now?” Select Yes.

6.	Your changes won’t take effect if you don’t restart your PC.

Connecting with Global DNS settings enabled

1.	Select the Windows 95 Start button, select Settings, select Control Panel and then double-click the Network icon. Select the Configuration tab.

2.	Double-click the TCP/IP component.

3.	Select the DNS Configuration tab.

4.	If names appear in the Host and Domain text boxes and DNS numbers are listed, select Enable DNS and type prodigy in the Host text box and prodigy.net in the Domain text box. In the DNS Server Search Order text box, type 198.83.19.241 and select Add.  Also, in the same box, type 198.83.19.244 and select Add.  If there are no Host or Domain names or DNS numbers listed, we recommend that you refer to Step 4 in the Connecting with Global DNS settings disabled section above.

5.	Continue selecting OK until you see the message “Do you want to restart your computer now?”

6.	Select Yes.  Your changes won’t take effect if you don’t restart your PC.


Installing Prodigy Internet

All you need to do to begin using the software is to double-click on the Prodigy Internet icon. These installation instructions are provided in case you ever need to install Prodigy Internet.

1.	Click on the Windows 95 Start button, select Run.

2.	Designate the source of the Prodigy Internet installation software. To do this, type d:\setup (if you are using a CD-ROM to install; note that your CD-ROM drive could be a different drive letter, like e:\, etc.)

3.	The Prodigy Internet Setup “wizard” will start.  Displayed prompts will guide you, step-by-step, through the installation process.  You may be prompted to install network components, a dial-up adapter and/or the TCP/IP protocols if they are not already installed.  They are all necessary in order to connect to Prodigy Internet.  Have your Windows 95 CD-ROM or diskettes ready and follow the on-screen instructions.

4.	Prodigy Internet program files will be saved in a default directory of C:\Program Files\ProdNet. If you prefer the program files to be saved in another directory, type the new Path over the displayed drive and directory.

5.	The installation process will create a Prodigy Internet folder. Double-click the Prodigy Internet icon and follow the displayed prompts to register. After you’ve registered, you can begin using Prodigy Internet.

See Also

 Registration

Troubleshooting Tips

Configuring Network Settings

Installation--Quick View


Uninstalling Prodigy Internet

Always uninstall your existing version of Prodigy Internet before installing a newer version. Uninstalling involves saving customized files and then uninstalling the software.

To accomplish a safe uninstall, without losing customized information:

1.	We recommend that you save any customized, browser specific files, such as shortcuts or mail to disk.

2.	Double-click the My Computer icon on your desktop and double-click the Control Panel folder. Or select the Windows 95 Start button, then Settings, and Control Panel.

3.	Double-click Add/Remove Programs icon and select the Install/Uninstall tab.

4.	Select Prodigy Internet from the list of components on the lower part of the page.  Then select Add/Remove.

5.	Select Yes when you receive the confirmation message “Do you really want to uninstall?”

NOTE: Be sure to copy all the saved files back into their appropriate directories when you install the Prodigy Internet software again.


Troubleshooting Tips

Can't connect to Prodigy Internet?

If you're having trouble connecting to Prodigy Internet, the first thing you should do is launch the Net Assist for Prodigy Internet program. From there, you'll have access to your Windows 95 settings, Connection settings (i.e. modem).

Problem with the phone number you’re dialing?

If you see a message indicating a problem with the telephone number you’re dialing, the modem line may be hung, or stuck, in the communication (COM) port, or you might have dialed a wrong number. Turn the modem OFF, turn it back ON and restart your PC. (If you have an internal modem, it'll be reset when you restart your PC.)

Remember to include any required prefixes for your phone number, e.g., 9 for an outside line. You may include a comma after the 9, but don’t use dashes as part of a phone number--they're provided for you.

Wonder if your modem is dead or alive?

Select Control Panel, then the Modems icon, and the Diagnostic tab. You’ll see the status of ports COM1 COM2—select the COM port you’re currently using and then select More Info. If the result is a display of modem information such as address and speed, both your COM port and modem are fine. If you receive a message indicating that the COM port is in use, your COM port is hung up. Click OK and restart your PC.

See the Window 95 Help, modem troubleshooting section for more information.

Still can’t connect?

If you can’t connect to Prodigy Internet, check the items listed below. Make sure the settings and phone numbers are correct and try an alternate phone number.

•	Modem and phone line

•	Correct phone numbers

•	Dial-Up Networking

•	TCP/IP settings

•	DNS settings

If you changed the Dial-Up Networking DNS and still can’t connect to Prodigy Internet, refer to Checking Global DNS

When all else fails:

If you’ve checked all the network settings and still can’t connect to Prodigy Internet, call 1-800-213-0992. The Service Representative may ask you to relate the steps you’ve taken during installation in order to fully understand your connection problem. It’s a good idea to jot down both your steps and any displayed error messages and have them ready when you call. This is especially relevant if your modem and phone share the same line.


Improving Screen Resolution

Prodigy Internet was designed to display best at 640 by 480 resolution. However, some windows may not display clearly.

To change the screen resolution and/or color display, complete the following steps:

1.	Select the Windows 95 Start button, select Settings, and then Control Panel.

2.	Select the Display icon and then select the Settings tab.

1.	Move the slider in the Desktop area display box to 800 by 600 pixels.

2.	Or, change the color options under the Color Palette list box.

3.	Click Apply to put your changes into effect. There’s no need to restart your PC at this point.


Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to run Prodigy Internet?

You’ll need the following components to use Prodigy Internet:

•	Windows 95 CD-ROM or disks (the installation process may require these)

•	Minimum 486 processor

•	Minimum of 16MB RAM

•	20MB of available hard disk space.

NOTE: Prodigy Internet requires 20MB for the installation process—the required disk space is reduced after installation.

•	28,800bps modem (14,400bps minimum)

•	Prodigy Internet CD-ROM

What PC and software is Prodigy Internet compatible with?

We support IBM and compatible PCs with Windows 95 as their operating system. Full Macintosh and Windows 3.1 support is coming soon.

How do I disable call waiting?

Prodigy Internet uses your telephone line and modem to connect to the Internet. This means that your telephone line is busy during the time you’re connected and using Prodigy Internet. A call-waiting signal will break that connection and force you to reconnect.

If you have more than one telephone line, you can still receive and make telephone calls on that 2nd line while you’re using Prodigy Internet on your 1st line. And you need to disable call waiting only on the telephone line you’re using to connect to Prodigy Internet—call waiting can remain active on your 2nd telephone line.

Modems, phone lines, connections...what's this all about?

Prodigy Internet is your connection to the Internet. This means that a connection is established between your PC and Internet by dialing an access phone number using your telephone line through your modem. Your computer first calls a toll-free 800 number to get a list of local phone numbers; you then select the local phone number you want to use to access Prodigy Internet and then click the Dial button. This activates the Prodigy Internet connection. After the connection is established and you’re Online, this telephone line will be busy and you won’t be able to receive or make phone calls on it. If you have more than one telephone line, you can still use the other lines to make or receive calls while you’re using Prodigy Internet.

What's a phone prefix?

In reference to telephone numbers, a prefix is any number that must be dialed before your

7-digit telephone number. For example, if you need to dial 9 or 8 to get an outside line, the prefix would be 9 or 8. You can include a comma after the prefix when you type it.

I clicked Finish or Dial and nothing happens, now what?

Sometimes it takes several minutes to establish the Prodigy Internet connection. If there’s still no response after a few minutes, check to see that your modem is working correctly by completing the following steps.

Select Start, Settings, Control Panel, the Modems icon, and, finally, the Diagnostic tab. You’ll see the status of ports COM1 COM2—select the COM port you’re currently using and then select More Info. If the result is a display of modem information such as address and speed, both your COM port and modem are fine. If you receive a message indicating that the COM port is in use, your COM port is hung up which means that the port remains open even though the connection maybe lost. To open the COM port, click OK on this window and then Restart your PC.

See Also

Troubleshooting Tips


Overview of the Registration Process

To take advantage of Prodigy Internet, you’ll need to first register as a member. To begin the registration process, launch the software now by double-clicking the Prodigy Internet icon on your desktop.

As part of the registration process, we’ll ask you for personal details, some of which are optional. Instructions on the registration form will help guide you. But mainly, you’ll complete the following steps:

•	Provide Personal Information

•	Create a user name and password

•	Select a payment plan

•	Specify Method of Payment

•	Read and accept the membership agreement

See Also

Registration--Getting Started


Getting Started

Once you have launched the Prodigy Internet software, select Next and Back to navigate through the sign-on windows. As you step through the registration process, the graphic on the left side of each window will change to indicate where you are in the registration process.

If you already registered with Prodigy Internet, e.g. on another PC, click on I am already an existing member of Prodigy Internet. You’ll be prompted for your ID and password. And since you’re using a different PC, you’ll need to select a modem, give information for this telephone line, and select a local access number. You can also create a Location Name for your settings.


Selecting a Modem

You’ll be shown a list of modems currently installed on Windows 95. Select a modem from the list and then click Next to continue with the registration. The modem and telephone line connected to your computer will be used to access Prodigy Internet.


Telephone Information

Prodigy Internet needs information regarding your telephone before you can continue. Your  modem is used to place a call to Prodigy Internet through your local telephone line. Once you’re connected to the service, all information is passed to your PC through the modem and telephone line. If you have only one telephone line, you need to disable call waiting. Remember, you can’t place or receive phone calls when you’re using Prodigy Internet.

When you select Dial on this window, we’ll access a toll-free number that will find the local Prodigy Internet numbers in your area and display them in a window later in the installation process. These local numbers are the ones you’ll use whenever you access Prodigy Internet in the future.

Local Numbers

If you need to dial a Prefix to get an outside line, e.g., 9 or 8, type the prefix number, followed by a comma, in the local number text box. You don’t need to type the prefix 1 for long-distance numbers as that is automatically included in the dialing process.

Long-Distance Numbers

If you need to dial a number before you can dial long distance, type that number here.

NOTE: You don’t need to type a 1, it’s automatically included.

Call Waiting

If you have call waiting on the same telephone line you’re using for Prodigy Internet, you need to disable it before you can connect. Do this by clicking the check box in front of Disable Call Waiting—a check mark will display in the check box after you select it. Then select *70, *1170 in the call waiting code list box. Click the arrow to the right of the box to see all the numbers and then select a code by double-clicking it.

Area Code and Phone-Number Prefix

Type your area code and the 1st 3 digits of your phone number so that the nearest access number in your area can be found.

Touch-Tone Service

Check this box if you have touch tone service on the telephone you’re using to connect to Prodigy Internet.

Dial

Select Dial to continue Registration. We’ll dial a toll-free number that will find the local Prodigy Internet numbers in your area. They’ll be displayed in a window for you to select from. These local numbers are the ones you’ll use whenever you access Prodigy Internet in the future.


Selecting a Local Access Number

After your computer has dialed the toll-free number, you’ll be shown a list of local-access numbers. Choose the nearest or most convenient phone number from the list by double-clicking it. Be sure to choose the local phone number that also matches your modem speed. Then type a Location Name for this phone number. Create a location name that will be easy to remember, e.g., my office, home or LA office. Then select Dial to continue with the registration process.


After You Register

If you’ve completed the Registration process, you’re ready to explore Prodigy Internet. You can either continue and connect to Prodigy Internet now or leave and connect later. To connect now select Yes and then select Finish. To exit select No and then select Finish. The next time you want to use Prodigy Internet, double-click on the Prodigy Internet icon on your desktop.


User Names
User Name

You create user names when you first register for Prodigy Internet although you can add or delete user names anytime you’re connected. Select the user name you want to use for this session of Prodigy Internet. Click the arrow to the right of the drop-down list box to see the entire list.

If you add a user name for a new user and delete a user name, that user name will be deleted from this PC, but your Prodigy Internet account won’t be deleted. In other words, the user name and all associated information will be deleted but your Prodigy Internet account will remain active.

To add a user name, select Add and answer the displayed prompts. To delete a user name, select the user name, then select Remove.

Note: Each User represents a separate account. You can't enroll under someone else's ID.


Dialing Options

Type the information described here and then select OK when you’re finished to continue the connection process.

Dialing a Local Number

If you need to dial a Prefix to get an outside line, e.g., 9 or 8, type that number, followed by a comma, in the local number text box. You don’t need to type the prefix 1 for long distance numbers as that is automatically included in the dialing process.

Dialing a Long-Distance Number

If you need to dial a number before you can dial long distance, type that number here.

NOTE: If the long distance prefix is 1, you don’t need to type it here—it’s automatically included.

Call Waiting

If you have call waiting on the same telephone line you’re using for Prodigy Internet, you need to disable it before you can connect. Click the check box in front of Disable Call Waiting option—a check mark will display in the check box after you select it. Then select *70, *1170 or 70# in the call waiting code list box. Click the arrow to the right of the box to see all the numbers and then select a code by double-clicking it.

Touch-Tone Service

Check this box if you have touch-tone service on the telephone you’re using to connect to Prodigy Internet.

Dialing From

Type the number you’re calling from. Select the Location Name and type the location area code. You can add a new location or delete an existing one. First select the location name— click on the arrow to the right of the location name text box to see the entire list. Then select Add or Remove.

Dialing To

Type the number you want to use to connect to Prodigy Internet. You can either use the displayed number or select a new number. To use a new number, select the Select Phone Number button and choose the first option and supply your area code and exchange. Select the second option to get an access number from the entire list. The third option will allow you to type in an access number without looking at the list.


Choosing a Phone Number

This window displays a list of available Prodigy Internet access phone numbers. Select the phone number you want to use to connect the service, then select OK. Be sure to choose a phone that corresponds to your modem speed.


Disconnect

Tell us if you want us to automatically disconnect your PC from Prodigy Internet if there has been no network activity across your modem connection for a specified interval. Select the check box and type the time interval you want to pass before the automatic disconnect. This will protect you from forgetting that you’re connected to Prodigy Internet even though you’re not using it and incurring the connection costs. Then select OK.

If you don’t select the check box and specify a time interval, your Prodigy Internet session will remain connected until you log off or disconnect.

Note: Scrolling a Web page or writing an email does not generate network activity. Therefore, setting your timeout interval too low can cause you to lose your session.


Changing Your Modem

Select another modem from the list. Click on the arrow to the right of the modem text box to see the entire list. Then select OK. The modem you choose here will be in effect until you change it again. If you select Cancel, no changes will be saved.


Modem Settings

You can select another modem to use with Prodigy Internet—click the arrow to the right of the drop-down list box to see the entire list of available modems. You can also add a modem if it isn’t displayed on the list by selecting Add and then following the displayed prompts.


No Modem Installed

If you see the message We could not find an installed modem on your PC, select NEXT and follow the displayed instructions for installing a modem. When you finish, restart, or reboot, your PC—your changes take affect only after you reboot.

Or, you can install the modem on your own—select CANCEL to leave the registration process. Then select START, select Control Panel and, finally, select Add New Hardware. Follow the displayed instructions to install your modem. You don’t need to restart your PC with this method—Windows 95 automatically records your modem installation.

Now you can return to the registration process by double-clicking the Prodigy Internet icon on your desktop.


Current User Name and Password

Type the user name and password that you created when you registered (the password won’t be displayed). Prodigy Internet will also use other information you provided when you registered this user name, e.g., phone numbers, modem and location names.


Location

You can create and use one of multiple locations with Prodigy Internet, e.g., my office or home. A location is the name you assign to a set of information that includes the phone number you're dialing from, phone number you're dialing, long distance prefixes, call waiting options and your modem. When you use Prodigy Internet, you can just select the location name instead of retyping all the necessary information.

Select the location name you want to use for this connection. Click the arrow to the right of the drop-down list box to see the entire list. To add a new location, select New from the drop-down list.


Location Settings

Prodigy Internet needs information regarding your telephone before you can continue. Your modem is used to place a call through your local telephone line. Once you’re connected to the service, all information is passed to your PC through the modem and telephone line. If you have only one telephone line, you need to disable call waiting if you have it. Remember, you can’t place or receive phone calls when you’re using Prodigy Internet.


Save Location Name

Type the name you want to use for the modem and phone settings you just created. Examples are my office, home, etc. Prodigy Internet will use this name whenever it refers to this particular set of phone and modem information. Click Save to store the location and continue.


Select a Location

Tell us what Location Name to use for this session of Prodigy Internet—you can use the displayed location or create a new one. When you use Prodigy Internet, you can just specify the location name instead of retyping all the necessary information. You can create and use multiple locations with Prodigy Internet, e.g., my office, home computer.

Use Selected Location

Select this button to use the location displayed in the location text box.

Create New Location

Select this button to use a location not displayed in the current list. You can then create a new set of location information that includes different phone numbers, long-distance prefixes and call-waiting information.


Logon

Move your cursor over the window and double click on any spot where the cursor image, or shape, changes from an arrow to a hand.  Such spots are called hot spots – double clicking them displays a Help Pop-Up Window that contains information specific to that section of the window.  Click anywhere outside the pop-up window to close it.


Password

Type the password you created during registration.  The password will not be displayed.


Path

The course, or route, of how a file is stored on a hard or floppy disk. The path consists of the computer drive name, the directory name and filename separated by backslash \ or a colon :. For example, C:\program files\prodintr\system.ini instructs the operating system to save the file to the C drive, the program files directory, the prodintr subdirectory with the filename of system.ini.


Edit Settings

Change your location information or modem settings.


Sign On

Connect to Prodigy Internet and access the Internet.


Cancel

Close this window and end the connection process.


Dial-Up Networking

An icon in the My Computer program group on your Windows 95 desktop. You can use Dial-Up Networking to set up and maintain the various network settings needed for your PC to communicate with a network or the Internet.


Domain Name Server (DNS)

A DNS resolves names such as www.prodigy.net to an IP address such as 192.83.18.56 that can be understood by the network.


Location Name

A name you assign to a set of information that includes the phone number you're dialing from, phone number you're dialing, long distance prefixes, call waiting options and your modem. The next time you use Prodigy Internet, you can just select the location name instead of retyping all the necessary information. You can create and use multiple locations with Prodigy Internet, e.g., my office or home.


Scroll Bar

A bar to the right or along the bottom of a window that indicates more information is available beyond the borders of the window. Move the display by selecting the arrow or box in the scroll bar, holding down the left mouse button and moving the mouse. You can also click in the scroll bar above or below the arrow.


Personal Information

We'll need obvious information such as your name and address but your title and phone numbers, for example,  are optional. We use your mother's maiden name to verify your ID and make sure no one else has access to your account. The details you provide here won’t be shared or displayed without your prior knowledge and consent—so you can be comfortable and secure about sharing personal information with us.


Method of Payment

Please provide the credit card you want to use for your Prodigy Internet membership. The credit card information is never displayed nor can it be used for other purposes without your prior knowledge and consent.


Help Pop-Up Window

Double click on green text with a dotted underline to open a pop-up window like this one. Click anywhere outside the window to close it -- your original Help page will remain displayed.


Cursor

A flashing character that indicates the current active position on a window or screen. If you’re typing, the cursor indicates the position of the next character. Move the cursor with the mouse or with the arrow or TAB keys on the keyboard.


Click

The words select, press and single-click refer to the same action in this document (bold text is used for emphasis throughout this Help file). Double-click means simply that—click twice in rapid succession. You can also use the TAB key on the keyboard to position your cursor and press the ENTER key to activate the item.


List Box

A box, that appears to display a list of choices. Click on the arrow at the right of the box heading to open the list, then select a choice by double-clicking on it.


Prefix

In reference to telephone numbers, a prefix is any number that must be dialed before your 7-digit telephone number. For example, if you need to dial 9 or 8 to get an outside line, the prefix would be 9 or 8. You can include a comma after the prefix when you type it, but don't use hyphens or dashes between digits.


Restart

Closes all open windows and programs, saves your settings and then restarts, or reboots, your PC. Do this by selecting the Windows 95 Start button, the Shut Down option, and Restart the computer? Choose YES.

Always Shut down your PC instead of just turning it off or you may risk losing information.


Online
On-line

Connected, ready to use, or open to 2-way communication. You're online means that Prodigy Internet has established a live, interactive connection between your PC and the Internet using your telephone line and modem. Think of it as your PC talking with the Internet through Prodigy Internet. It also means that your telephone line is busy and won’t be able to receive or make calls.


Locations

You can create and use one of multiple locations with Prodigy Internet, e.g., my office or home. A location is the name you assign to a set of information that includes the phone number you're dialing from, phone number you're dialing, long distance prefixes, call waiting options and your modem. When you use Prodigy Internet, you can just select the location name instead of retyping all the necessary information.

Select the location name you want to use for this connection. Click the arrow to the right of the drop-down list box to see the entire list. To add a new location, select New from the drop-down list.


User Name

You create user names when you first register for Prodigy Internet although you can add or delete user names anytime you’re connected. Select the user name you want to use for this session of Prodigy Internet. Click the arrow to the right of the drop-down list box to see the entire list.

If you add a user name for a new user and delete a user name, that user name will be deleted from this PC, but your Prodigy Internet account won’t be deleted. In other words, the user name and all associated information will be deleted but your Prodigy Internet account will remain active.

To add a user name, select Add and answer the displayed prompts. To delete a user name, select the user name, then select Remove.

Note: Each User represents a separate account. You can't enroll under someone else's ID.