Connecting to the Internet Using SLIP/PPP

Presented by Bhupinder S. Sran, Computer Information Systems Department
DeVry Institute
North Brunswick, NJ

What are my Choices for Connecting to the Internet?

• Shell Account
• SLIP/PPP Account

What is a Shell Account?

• Text only. No graphics.
• Your computer dials into a "host" computer that is a part of the Internet.
• Your computer never becomes a part of the Internet. It just acts as a "dummy" terminal to the host computer.
• You do not have access to the data on your hard disk drive and floppy disks while connected.
• Software needed: A communications program that can dial out. Ex. ProComm, Telix
• Where to get a shell account: Internet Service Provider, Colleges and other organizations you may be a part of.
• Cost: $5 to $20 per month.
• You don't need a powerful computer. Almost any computer will do.

What is a SLIP/PPP Account?

• Provides a graphical user interface to the Internet.
• Your computer dials to a "gateway" computer that is a part of the Internet.
• Your computer becomes part of the Internet while connected.
• You have full access to date on your hard drive and floppy disks while connected.
• Software Needed:
Your Provider should send disks to get connected. Make sure they send directions on how to install.
• Where to get a SLIP/PPP Account: Internet Service Provider
• Cost: $7 - $30 per month. For $20, you should be able to get unlimited access.

What is SLIP/PPP?

SLIP and PPP are two slightly different ways to connect to the Internet through a normal telephone line

They make it possible for your computer to become part of the Internet.

If you get a choice between SLIP or PPP, choose PPP. It supports error correction.

Steps in Getting Yourself Connected to the Internet with a SLIP/PPP Account

1. Make sure you have the right hardware (computer, modem, phone line).
2. Locate a Provider who:

• provides a local access phone number
• provides good technical support
• is recommended by someone

3. Call the Provider to get:

• information about their montly rates
• information on connect time allowed
• the telephone number that you would use to connect
• information about technical support... Is that number local? Toll free? Hours of Service?

4. Call the operator to verify the numbers the provider gave you are in fact local.
5. Call the provider to signup and have them send you the necessary software on diskettes with instructions.
6. Follow the instructions provided with the software to install it and configure it (more later).
7. Call the provider if there are problems. It can save you a lot of time.

What you Need to Make a SLIP/PPP Connection

Computer

• 486 or Pentium is recommended. A 386 will do.
• 8 megabytes of RAM. 16 is preferred.
  

OR

• Macintosh with 68030 processor
• 8 megabytes of RAM
• HD Superdrive
• 10 -12 megabytes of free hard disk space
• System 7 or higher

Windows (not for Macintosh)

Windows 3.1, 3.11, 95 (Need 16 Megs of RAM), NT (same)

Modem

For connecting your computer to a phone line.
The faster the better (14.4, 28.8, 33.6, 56.6 Kbps)

Phone Line

If the line has call waiting feature, learn how to disable it.

Software that does SLIP/PPP

Example: Trumpet Winsock is Freeware that can be used for Windows 3.1
Windows 95 and NT have this software built-in
Mac users can try MACPPP

Tools to Ask for

1. Browser (Either Netscape, Internet Explorer or even Mosaic will be OK)
2. Email
3. FTP (file transfer protocol)
4. Newsgroups
5. Telnet
6. IRC (internet relay chat) optional

SLIP/PPP Account with a Commercial or Internet Service Provider

Amercia Online, Compuserve, Prodigy, AT&T, MCI, Sprint, INJersey, etc...

Helpful Hints

1. Avoid 1 year contracts.
2. Beware of hourly connection rates. They can add up.
3. Keep the number of your Internet Service Provider handy.
4. Call the provider when necessary.
5. If you are using a credit card to make monthly payments to the provider, make sure you monitor your monthly statements.
6. If the diskettes from the provider have been sitting around a while, don't use them to install software on your computer. Ask the provider to send you a new set of diskettes.
7. If you already have some type of Internet software installed (AOL, Compuserve, VersaTerm Links, etc...), it may conflict with your new communication software. If this is the case, call your new provider to help you troubleshoot. Usually it involves deleting your previous software.

Common Abbreviations

Source: More Internet for Dummies by Levine and Young