No Increase?  Try Advanced settings.
No Increase?  Try “Advanced” settings.

You’ve ran the Auto Tune-Up and received no increase in performance.

Most of the time this is because your Internet Service Provider has already made some basic adjustments to your Internet setting’s during installation.

Re-run Tune-Up using Advanced Tune-Up options.
Advanced Tune-Up uses more extreme Internet setting to achieve and increase in performance.

Yes
Three additional trials will be run to increase performance.

No
This stops the Tune-Up and your system is returned to it’s original settings.


Still No Increase?

You can run Advanced Tune-Up two more times.  Each time will include three trials, each with different Internet settings.

Check Now
Other factors that can effect your results are the files and settings that effect modem operation. By clicking on Check Now, Netoptimizer will check your computer to see if it’s setup to maximize your modem’s operation.


Modem Sanity Checks

The Auto Tune-Up window changes to display the Modem Sanity Checks in progress

Indicates the test was passed.

Indicates an adjustment or software update is available.

The “Explanation:” area will give you a description of the problem.

In the bottom right of the window are the Fix All and Fix buttons.

To activate all of the Fix buttons features you’ll need to be online.
Simply logon to your Internet Service Provider as you usually do and then return to the NetOptimizer window.

Fix All
This will fix all of the sanity errors detected by the test.  Some of the problems will be fixed automatically and for others you will be provided step-by-step from NetOptimizer’s Web site on exactly what to do.

Fix
This operates like the Fix All button except it only fixes the problem currently highlighted.

When all problems are corrected you will be returned to the beginning Auto Tune-Up window.

You can now run Auto Tune-Up again.  When asked if you want to use the “Advanced Tune-Up” click on YES.


TCP/IP, MTU and Windows Settings

How it all works

A good analogy is: TCP/IP takes a web page and cuts it into neat little chunks (data packets).  It wraps each chunk with an address (header) for the routers to send it to its destination (your computer).  Then all the wrapped chunks are delivered to your computer.

MSS
The size of each chunk of data

MTU
The size of the wrapper (slightly larger than the chunk of data)

RWIN
The number of chunks your computer can receive at one time

The maximum speed of TCP/IP transfers through a SLIP (Serial Line Protocol) or PPP (Point To Point Protocol) connection is limited by the speed of the modem.  In an “Best Case” situation your throughput should be 3.2 Kbytes/sec transfers with a 28.8 Kbps (kilobits per second) connection; 2.7 Kbytes/sec with a 24 Kbps connection; 1.6 Kbytes/sec with a 14.4 Kbps connection; etc.  Roughly a 1 to 9 ratio.  Each one Byte/sec of delivered TCP data rate requires 9 bps of modem connect rate.  The data transfer speeds mentioned are the ideal speeds one can achieve, but this is often slowed down by fragmentation which can occur in the transmission of data packets.

As you access various web sites, you will encounter routers on the download path with an IP default MTU of 576 bytes.  This is the most common MTU setting in use and is referred to as the "Internet Standard".  If you are using the Windows 95 default MTU setting of 1500, this can result in packet fragmentation slowdown (since you are trying to use TCP segments (MSS) larger than 536 bytes.)  Avoiding fragmentation has a major effect on file download speed.

MTU

Data on the Internet is sent in chunks called packets.  The Internet standard packet size is 576 bytes (including 40 bytes for address information).  This packet size is known as the Maximum Transmission Unit , or MTU.  The 536 bytes of data remaining after the address information is subtracted are known as the Maximum Segment Size (MSS).

The problem is that the default setting for Windows 95 Dial-Up Networking is an MTU of 1,500 bytes.  This setting is ok for Internet connections made through a LAN.  But since most consumers use a dial-up connection (an analog modem) it slows the download time while it resends the packets to accommodate the mismatched packet size.

MTU is usually set in conjunction with MSS, the Maximum Segment Size, and RWIN, the TCP Receive WINdow.  MSS is the largest segment of TCP data that the winsock is prepared to receive on that connection.  MSS must be smaller than MTU by at least 40 bytes, the size of the header and trailer information.  The tool will automatically adjust MSS when the user changes MTU.  RWIN determines how much data the receiving computer is prepared to receive. If RWIN is set too large it will result in greater loss of data if a packet is lost or damaged.  If it is set too small (e.g. 1x MSS), transmission will be very slow.  Normally RWIN is set to either 4x, 6x or 8x the MSS value which is 40 bytes less the MTU.

Adjusting the MTU

The manual Tune-Up provides access to the MTU adjustment.  When NetOptimizer is first run the MTU value will be grayed.  If the user used a third party program to adjust this value the currently selected value will be displayed.  If the value set matches 576 or 1500 then that button will also be highlighted.  The user can adjust to any value they wish by pressing the top (to increase) or bottom (to decrease) of the round button.  The user must press APPLY to accept the new value.

RWIN

The RWIN setting determines how much data the receiving computer is prepared to receive.  While significant improvement in transfer rates have been achieved with only the MTU setting, for maximum efficiency and even better results can be achieved with different settings for RWIN.  First try only the MTU setting change only and check the results.  The performance can even be better after making the RWIN settings changes as well.  There have also been reports that the MTU change produced good results that were negated by making the RWIN change.  However, there are many more reports that results were only good after they changed both!.

If RWIN is set too large, it can result in a greater loss of data if a packet is lost or damaged.  And conventional wisdom seems to agree that RWIN should be set to a whole integer multiple of MSS (MTU - 40).  According to Albert Belle Isle, setting your RWIN to anything other than an integer multiple of your MSS is a request to always send at least one "left-overs" sized packet per TCP data window-full burst.  Windows 95, according to Microsoft, uses a default value of 1500 for MTU and 8192 for RWIN which is then rounded up to the nearest MSS increment for the connection.  Using an MTU setting of 576 would appear to create a TCP Receive Window much too large for the 576 setting.  Nowhere have I seen recommendations for RWIN to exceed 10x (MTU-40).  The reasoning is basically that if RWIN is set larger than your ISP has his set, you risk experiencing "framing errors".

Adjusting the RWIN

With a manually set MTU, Windows 95 will apparently automatically limit MSS to MTU-40.  So if you set the MTU to 576, MSS will automatically default to 536 and you should experiment with different multiples of MSS for the RWIN setting.  Most sources seem to agree that RWIN = 4x MSS is a good choice to start with.  You can also experiment with 6x and 8x settings.  I have not seen any recommendations anywhere to use a higher figure than 10x MSS.  The user can select which RWIN value they want by pressing the buttons under the MTU adjustment button. The user must press APPLY to accept the new value.

TTL

Time To Live is a field in the IP header which indicates how long a packet should be allowed to survive before it is discarded.  TTL essentially determines the maximum number of hops permitted.  Windows 95 default is 32, but the Internet is growing larger all the time so changing it to the larger setting of 64 is a good idea.  Manual Tune-Up will permit the user to select which value they want to use.

PMTU

Path of Maximum Transmission Unit has two features; Discovery, which is suppose to find a path that will allow the transmission of the MTU packet without fragmentation, and BlackHole Detect which is suppose to detect MTU routers that do not return ICMP messages.

Discovery

PMTU Discovery is used to automatically determine an "Effective Path for sending" by determining the largest size MTU that does not require fragmentation anywhere along the path from the source to the destination.  PMTU Discovery is enabled by default in Windows 95.  In theory when the MTU is set at the Windows 95 default of 1500, the Discovery PMTU should negate the MTU problems mentioned earlier. Unfortunately, it takes more time to negotiate than it saves when a large number of hops are involved.  If PMTU Discovery is disabled, it causes an MTU of 576 bytes to be used for all connections that are not to machines on the local subnet.  Microsoft specifically warns that disabling PMTU Discovery can cause a serious degradation in performance, but there also appears to be certain circumstances where this may not be true.

BlackHole Detect

PMTU BlackHole Detect specifies whether TCP will attempt to detect Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) routers that do not send back ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) fragmentation-needed messages.  PMTU BlackHole Detect is disabled by default in Windows 95.  With BlackHole Detect enabled, TCP will try to send segments without the Don't Fragment bit set if several re-transmissions of a segment go unacknowledged.  If the segment is acknowledged as a result, the MTU will be decreased and the Don't Fragment bit will be set in future packets on the connection.  Enabling black hole detection increases the maximum number of re-transmissions performed for a given segment.  Setting this parameter when it is not needed can cause performance degradation.  However, if the router is not sending back the ICMP messages, then PMTU Discovery will not work and can cause an even greater loss of performance, so it may be useful in certain specific situations.


Active Update - Unable to Connect

Active Update could not connect to the Active Update Server.  Several things can cause this:

The dialer is not starting automatically.
This happens with older version of Windows.  Try connecting to your Internet Service Provider first, then check for an Update.

You are not using a 32-bit dialer.
Active Update will not work with 16-bit dialers.  Please check with your Internet service provider to find out about updating to a 32-bit dialer.  AOL users, please make sure you have the 32-bit version by clicking on Help and About.  It must say “America Online 3.0 for Windows 95”.  If it doesn’t say 95 at the end, you have the Windows 3.1 version and are using a 16-bit dialer.  The version of Windows you have does not make a difference in this case, because the Windows 3.1 version can be run on a Windows 95 system.  Contact AOL for information on upgrading to the Windows 95 version.

You are connecting to the Internet through a proxy server.
Active Update will not work through a proxy server.  Please contact your system administrator to find out how to make a direct connection to the Internet.


Tune-Up Alert

In order to provide the most consistent results possible over the Internet, the same connection speed must be used during each benchmark. NetOptimizer will automatically redial your Internet connection until the required connection speed is established.

For example:

If your original pass was benchmarked using a connect speed of 28800 bps, then each of the 3 passes must also benchmark using a 28800 bps connect speed. NetOptimizer will automatically redial the connection until a speed of 28800 bps is achieved. If, after 5 attempts the target connect speed could not be established, you will be prompted on whether to continue or cancel the tune-up.

The target connection speed is listed under the benchmark status bar of the Auto Tune-Up progress screen.


Web Caching Software

If web caching software is installed on your computer it can prevent the tune-up process from proceeding past Pass 1.  If this is the case, you must abort the tune-up process and disable your web caching program before running Auto Tune-Up.  Once the tune-up has completed you can re-enable your web caching software.

The reason for this is that most web caching programs are setup as a proxy server on your system.  It is this setting that can prevent the tune-up process from completing correctly.

All other features of NetOptimizer will work in conjunction with this type of software.

To disable your web caching software, please see the manual that came with your web caching software or contact the software manufacturer.


Overview

Getting Started

The Welcome Window

This is the first window you’ll see when starting CheckIt NetOptimizer.  From this screen you’ll be able to Launch the Internet Monitor, and access all NetOptimizer’s features: Internet Tune-Up , Benchmark , Modem Clinic , Dial-Up Recovery , and Active Update .

Internet Monitor

This button starts the Internet Monitor placing it in your taskbar tray.  The Internet Monitor is helpful in tracking your connect speeds, showing you enhanced online statistics and has a built in Auto-Redialer which you can use to get the highest connect speed possible.

Internet Tune-Up

This button displays the Tune-Up window.  From here you can choose the method you want to use to optimize your Internet connection.

Benchmark

This button displays the Benchmark window.  From the Benchmark window you can start a benchmark of your dial-up or LAN Internet connection.

Modem Clinic

This button displays the Modem Clinic window.  From Modem Clinic you’ll be able to test your modem, access the TroubleShooter, and view detailed information about your modem.

Dial-Up Recovery

This button displays the Dial-Up Recovery window.  From here you’ll be able to backup individual dial-up(s), backup all of your dial-ups, restore backups, and view the properties for each of backups you’ve made.

Active Update

This button displays the Active Update window.  From this screen you’ll be able to Check for an update to your software, undo your last update, and register your software.

Clipboard and Pencil Icon

In the lower left of the window is a clipboard and pencil icon.  If the icon glows when your cursor moves over it, a report is available related to your current screen.  Click on the clipboard to view the report.

Options

This button displays the CheckIt NetOptimizer dialog box.  From this window you’ll be able to select the general and test options for NetOptimizer and view the “About” information for your software and how to contact TouchStone Software for technical support .

Help

The Help button displays help for your current window.

Exit

The Exit button closes NetOptimizer.

Design Conventions

The upper right hand corner has three small buttons,

The Help Button

Click on the question mark for help on your current window.

The Minimize Button

Click here to minimize NetOptimizer in your tool bar.

The Exit/Close Button

Click here to Exit NetOptimizer.

Although the presentation is different, they operate just like standard Windows buttons

When your cursor is on the top of the window it changes to a hand.  Select this area to drag the NetOptimizer window to a different location

Clicking on Net in the NetOptimizer logo (upper left corner) will display the CheckIt NetOptimizer About dialog box.  You can also access the General Options and Test Options tabs from this dialog box.

Modem Lights

These lights are active, real-time indicators of your modem’s activity when being accessed by NetOptimizer.

OH 	(Off Hook)
This indicates your modem has picked up the phone line
and detected a dial tone.

DTR	(Data Terminal Ready)
This indicates your computer has detected your modem and is ready to talk to it.

RD	(Receiving Data)
This indicates your modem is receiving data.

SD	(Sending Data)
This indicates your modem is sending data.

Select Modem Box

To the right of the active modem lights is the modem selection box.  During startup CheckIt Modem examined your system and listed all of the analog modems connected to a COM port installed on your computer.  This feature is only active in Modem Clinic.  You can select which modem you want to test and/or receive information on.


Internet Tune-Up

This screen provides three options.

Auto Tune-Up 	This feature automatically makes a backup of your current settings and tries three different TCP/IP settings to increase your access to the Internet.

Manual Tune-Up 	This feature allows you to manually adjust your TCP/IP settings for MTU, RWIN, TTL, NDI, and PMTU.  This feature is not recommended for most users.  Incorrect TCP/IP settings can cause you Internet settings to be come unstable.

Reset Button 	This feature is accessible from all Internet Tune-Up screens.


Reset Button

When selected a dialog box is displayed with the following options

Use Windows Defaults
This returns all TCP/IP settings to the original Windows defaults.

Use Original Settings
This resets all TCP/IP settings to what they were prior to installing and running NetOptimizer.


Auto Tune-Up

The Auto Tune-Up window is where you Start Auto Tune-Up.  The following options are available.

Select Dial-Up Profile to optimize:

Here you’ll find all of the dial-up profiles NetOptimizer found on your computer during startup.  If you have only one Internet Service Provider it will be displayed.  If you’ve run Auto Tune-Up before, the date you last ran it will be displayed under “Last Tune-Up.

Double click on the selected dial-up to view the current settings (if this is the first time you’ve run NetOptimizer’s tune-up feature a dialog box stating “No settings are available” is displayed).  If current settings are available they will be displayed in a dialog box.

User Name
In this box enter your user name for the dial-up you’ve selected.

Password
In this box enter your password.

Note:
If you saved your username and password in your dialup they are entered here automatically.

Use Current Internet Connection
This box should be checked if you have an “on-demand” connection to the Internet.  Users with LAN, cable modems, or on-demand ISDN connections should check this box.

Advanced Tune-Up

Recommended if no increase is found using Quick Tune-Up, for users with noisy or unstable phone lines, or if your results from Quick Tune-Up seem unstable.

Starting Auto Tune-Up
To start the Auto Tune-Up select the Dial-Up Profile you want to Auto Tune.  If you have only one Internet Service Provider (ISP) it will be automatically selected.

America Online users
If you use America Online (AOL) you will need to enter your password in the AOL dialup each time NetOptimizer connects to the Internet.

Enter your User Name and Password in the boxes in the lower right of the screen.

Suggestion:
If you are connected to the Internet via an analog modem:

Leave the “Use Current Internet Connection” unchecked.

Click on Start Tune-Up

The “Before you begin” window is displayed.  Here you’ll be asked to select between a Quick Tune-Up or and Advanced Tune-Up.  The help button will display information about disabling any web caching software you have loaded.

Quick Tune-Up

Recommended for first time users and users with good quality phone lines.

The Quick Tune-Up uses basic settings for each pass.  These have been found to be the most popular settings used by national Internet Service Providers.  The Quick Tune-Up will connect to the Internet once per pass, run a benchmark, save your previous settings, apply new settings and restart your machine. Quick Tune-Up compensates for any difference in connection speeds.

The results will be accurate for most connections.  If you feel that any tune-up benchmark result is not accurate or if you know that your telephone line is noisy, it is recommended to try the Auto Tune-Up with the Advanced Tune-Up option.

Advanced Tune-Up

Recommended if no increase is found using Quick Tune-Up, for users with noisy or unstable phone lines, or if your results from Quick Tune-Up seem unstable.

The Advanced Tune-Up uses more aggressive settings.  You can run the Advanced Tune-Up multiple times.  It uses 3 different settings each time you run a Tune-Up (up to 3 times).

To create the most stable and consistent results, the Advanced Tune-Up dials your Internet connection at least twice until it establishes a common connection speed.  Then, as each pass is benchmarked, NetOptimizer will restart the dialup until the target connection speed (the connection speed established during the "original" pass) is attained.  Each pass will be benchmarked twice using the target connection speed and then move on to the next pass.

The target connection speed is displayed under the tune-up status bar during an Advanced Tune-Up.  If, after 5 redialing attempts, the target connection speed is not established, a dialog will appear asking if you would like to continue redialing or cancel the Tune-Up.

The Advanced Tune-Up can take 30 minutes or more to complete, especially on noisy or unstable phone lines.

All that’s left for you to do now is sit back as NetOptimizer tries different settings to determine what’s best for your computer and your Internet Service Provider.

Auto Tune-Up takes from 15 to 30 minutes.  It is not necessary for you to monitor this process (unless you are an AOL user).

After Auto Tune-Up has completed you can:

Select the recommended optimum settings.

or

Have your computer returned to its original Internet settings.

To see just how much time you’ll save
click on the Savings button.

You’ll see a graphic display of how your optimized settings will effect your time on the Internet.  You can adjust the File size, Web page time, and Hours on the Internet to make the savings comparison better reflect your actual use.

Once an update has been installed you can view information about the update by clicking on the clipboard Icon


Manual Tune-Up

The manual Tune-Up window is designed for the advanced users and/or users who’s ISP requires specific TCP/IP values.

When you select the Manual Tune-Up option a Caution dialog box is displayed.

Manual Tune-Up is not recommended for most users.  Incorrectly setting TCP/IP settings can cause your Internet connection to become unstable or unusable.

If you do not have a complete understanding of Internet protocols and Windows 95/98 registry settings you should not use NetOptimizer’s Manual Tune-Up utilities.

The Help button on the Caution dialog box will display a detailed explanation of TCP/IP settings and suggestions on how to fine-tune them to receive even better performance on the Internet.

After clicking on OK the Manual Tune-Up window is displayed.

Set MTU for the following TCP/IP Adapters

Auto Tune-Up
This will return you to the Auto Tune-Up screen.

Reset Button
This will display the reset options.

TTL
This is the Time To Live settings, for TCP/IP.  The numbers represent the number of hops that will be allowed before a data packet is discarded

NDI Cache
NDI cache is relevant only to token ring networks.

PMTU

Discovery Enabled, Disabled or Removed
When enabled PMTU Discovery attempts to find a path to allow transmission without fragmentation.  If Discovery is disabled or removed Black Hole will also be disabled or removed

Black Hole Enabled, Disabled or Removed

PMTU Discovery must be enabled before Black Hole can be enabled.
When enabled this feature detects routers that do not return ICMP messages.

MTU

This button allows you to increase or decrease you MTU setting by pressing on the top to increase or the bottom to decrease.  You can also change the MTU by clicking on the displayed value and typing in a new value.

576

This button sets the MTU value to the Internet standard of 576.

1500

This button sets the MTU value to the windows default value of 1500.

RWIN

This button displays the Modify RWIN Value dialog box.

Here you can enter a custom RWIN value for TCP data window-full burst.

The X Buttons

These buttons set your RWIN value to an even whole integer multiple of your MSS.

2X
Sets your RWIN Value to 2 times your MSS value

4X
Sets your RWIN value to 4 times your MSS value

6X
Sets your RWIN value to 6 times your MSS value

8X
Sets your RWIN value to 8 times your MSS value

10X
Sets your RWIN value to 10 times your MSS value

Modem
This displays Windows 95/98 Modem Properties dialog box.

Undo All
This button will return your TCP/IP to the settings  in use before making your current Manual Tune-Up adjustments.

Apply
This button applies any changes you’ve made to your TCP/IP settings.


Benchmark

Track your Internet connection over time.  Compare Internet Service Providers.  Discover the best time of day to go online.

Start Benchmark

This button starts the benchmark utility.  Before the benchmark starts the Dial-Up connection dialog box is displayed.

Select Dialup connection

Here you’re prompted to select the dial-up connection you wish to benchmark

If you select your AOL connection for benchmarking, your AOL dialer will prompt you for your password.

For all other dial-ups enter your user name and password in the space provided.

Save Password

If you want your password saved with this dial-up check the “Save Password” box.

Use Current Connection

If you are already online or connected to the Internet using a LAN connection or cable modem check the “Use Current Connection” box

If you’ve selected “Use Current Connection” and do not want to see the dial-up connection screen again check “Don’t show this again.”  Your current connection will be used for all additional benchmarks.

To show the Dial-Up Connection dialog box again, go to the Options button in the lower left corner of the screen and select the General Options tab.  Uncheck the “Skip selecting the dial-up profile for a benchmark”.  The Dial-Up Connection dialog box will be displayed before each benchmark.

Start Benchmark
This starts the benchmark.  Your computer connects to a benchmark server and starts a series of file transfers.  NetOptimizer then benchmarks performance based on that transfer.

Savings
When viewed from the benchmark window the figures are calculated between your current benchmark and any previous benchmark you’ve selected for comparison.  This feature allows you to compare Internet Service Providers, connecting at different times of day and more.

From the Savings window you can adjust the File size, Web page time, and Hours on the Internet to make the savings comparison better reflect your actual activity.

Current Results
This figure is the throughput for the benchmark just completed.

Selected Results
This figure is the throughput from any past benchmarks.

Difference
This figure is the difference in performance between the two benchmarks.  This difference can be viewed in more practical terms by clicking on the Savings button.

A history of the current and past benchmarks is available in the box below current results.  Information is listed for Dial-Up Used, Date (and time) and Results

By double clicking on any of the dial-ups in the benchmark history box you can view the TCP/IP settings for that benchmark.  By selecting the Use Settings button you can reset your system to the settings in the Benchmark Detail dialog box.

By right clicking on a past benchmark you can select from three options:

Show Detail
This displays the Benchmark Detail window.

Delete Benchmark
This deletes the selected benchmark.

Set As Current
This sets the Current Results box to the selected benchmark’s results.


Modem Clinic

From this screen you’ll be able to test your modem, access the TroubleShooter, and view detailed information about your modem.

Start Test 	This button starts the modem test on the modem selected in the drop down menu in the top right of the window.

Why does…?	This button displays the TroubleShooter screen.  Here you’ll find questions, answers and how-to instructions on modems, phone lines and the Internet.

Modem Info 	This button displays detailed information on your modem.  If you have more than one modem you can select which one you want information on from the drop down menu in the upper right corner of the window (to the right of the blinking lights).

Clipboard and Pencil Icon

In the lower left of the window is a clipboard and pencil icon.  If the icon glows when your cursor moves over it, a report is available related to your current screen.  Click on the clipboard to view the report.


Start Test

To begin the test Click on Start Test

When you Click on the Start Test button it changes to Stop Test.  Click on Stop Test to end the test.

The progress bar
The progress bar shows your progression through each of the tests.  If you’ve selected to run the modem test more than once (from the Options button and the Test Options tab) the Pass information next to the progress bar will display which test pass of the total number selected is currently running.  If you’re only running one set of tests, “Pass 1 of 1” will be displayed.

Test Results
As the modem test goes through each step of the test you can watch the activity in the test results area of the screen.

Indicates the test in progress

Indicates the test has passed.

Indicates that the test was skipped.

Indicates the test was failed or, for some of the tests, an adjustment may be available

You can select which tests you want preformed by clicking on the Options button in the lower left of the window and selecting the Test Options tab.

If your modem passed all tests, the Passed message is displayed.

The TroubleShooter is also displayed to answer any additional questions you may have about modems, Windows 95 Internet Settings, and the Internet.

If your modem Failed any of the test, the window changes to show what test failed and suggestions on how to correct any problems detected.

Clipboard and Pencil Icon

In the lower left of the window is a clipboard and pencil icon.  If the icon glows when your cursor moves over it a report is available related to your current screen.  Click on the clipboard to view the report.


Modem Failed Test

Results	This area describes the problem or problems detected in the test.  You can step through the problems detected by using the previous and next buttons in the bottom right of the screen.  For each problem there is information in the suggestion area with steps you can take to solve the problem.

Suggestions	This area provides instructions on how to solve the problems detected in the test.

Fix	Many of the non-critical problems detected by the modem test can be corrected with NetOptimizer.  For all of the Fix button’s features to work you must be connected to the internet (the Fix button will be grayed if the problem selected will keep you from connecting to the internet).

Ignore	Since all the problems that can be fixed by NetOptimizer are non-critical (your modem will still work) you have the option to ignore the problem.  Any non-critical problem that you choose to ignore will be removed from future testing.  These areas can be returned to the test by selecting Options (in the lower left corner of the window) and the Test Options tab.


Why does.?
Why does…?

Categories:
This dropdown menu can save you time if you find a general category for your particular problem.  If you can’t find a category for your question or problem then select “All Problems” from the Categories menu.  This will post all of the questions and problems in the Choose your Problem area.

Choose your problem:
Once you’ve found your problem in this area click on it to highlight it.  After it’s highlighted click on the Suggestions button.  A secondary window will be displayed with a detailed answer to the question you’ve selected.

Modem Link
If you can’t find the answer for your problem you might want to check you modem manufacturer’s Web site for more information.  If the link displays your modem manufacturer’s logo a link is available.  You must be online for this link to work.

Click on the Modem Link button in the lower left-hand corner of the window.  The link will launch your browser and connect you with your modem manufacturer’s Web page.

Clipboard and Pencil Icon

In the lower left of the window is a clipboard and pencil icon.  If the icon glow when your cursor moves over it, a report is available related to your current screen.  Click on the clipboard to view the report.


Modem Info.

From this screen you can scroll through all of the information about your modem and your Internet connection(s) NetOptimizer has detected.  This information can prove helpful when installing other modem related products.

Information is available for each modem you have installed.  To change between the modem you want information on, select it from the modem drop down menu in the top right of the window.

Show Advanced Information

By checking this box you can toggle between basic and advanced information displayed in the information window.

The advanced information provides detailed information on the modem that you have selected in the modem dropdown menu and your Internet connection.

By not checking this box you can review a summary of all modems installed on your computer.

Refresh
The Refresh button, on the bottom of the window, updates any changes you’ve made to your modem configurations while running NetOptimizer.

Modems

The Modems button, to the left of “Refresh,” displays the Windows 95/98 Modems Properties dialog box.

Print

The Print button, in the lower left corner, prints the modem information currently displayed.


Dial-Up Recovery

Dial-Up Recovery allows you to backup your dial-up profiles, and restore them at a later time.  By backing up your dial-up settings you can easily transfer your settings, should you get a new computer, or have a new hard drive installed.

America Online users
Because of the security measures taken by AOL your AOL dial-up will not display in the Current Dial-Up Connections area.

Include Password

Below the Backup All button is a check box for “Include Password.”  When this box is checked a Caution dialog box is displayed.

Warning!  If you include your password with your registry backup, and someone gets a copy of that file they can access your Internet account.  With many Internet service providers this access includes the ability to make purchases on the Internet and bill them to your account.  If you can not be sure of the security of your backed up files it’s recommended that you do not include your password in your backup.

Backup

To backup your selected dial-up simply:

Select the dial-up up from the Current Dial-Up Connections area.

Click on Backup.

A dialog box appears prompting you to name your new registry backup file.

Type in a file name and select Save.

Note
In case of a hard drive failure, it’s recommended that you save your dial-up profiles to a different hard drive or a floppy disk.

NetOptimizer will display a dialog box confirming that “The dial-up networking file has been safely backed up.

Select OK.

Backup All

To backup all of your dial-up profiles in one file follow the above procedure except select Backup All.

Restore

If you have included your password in your registry backup you must have the “Include Password” box checked to restore the password.

To restore your registry file(s).

Select Restore.

You will be prompted for the name of the dial-up you want to restore.

Type in name of the file you want to restore or select it from the flies listed.

Select Open

A dialog box will display confirming that your dialup has been restored.

Select OK.

Shortcuts
By right clicking on a dial-up you can in the current dial-up connections area you can select to view that dial-up’s Properties, Backup the selected connection or Restore a backed up connection.

Properties

To view the properties of your current dial-up select a dial-up for the list.

Select Properties (lower right corner).

The Windows 95/98 dial-up registry information window will be displayed.  For help on this screen select the “?” from the top of the screen and click on an item for its description.  For additional information on this window refer to your Windows 95/98 documentation.


Active Update

Active Update allows you to easily check for and install updates to your software.

Checking For Updates

First, before you can check for software updates, your software must be registered (see registration information below).

Second, you must be connected to the Internet.

Select Check For Update

NetOptimizer will contact TouchStone’s Web site, download and install any available updates.

Once an update has been installed you can view information about the update by clicking on the clipboard Icon

Undo Last Update
Select Undo Last Update to uninstall the last update and return your software to the previously version.

Registration
Here you can register your software or change your registration information.

Update Reminders

NetOptimizer will remind you every 60 days to check for an update (this feature is enabled by default).

To change the defaults for this feature:

Select Options from the lower left corner of the window.

Select the General Options Tab.

Under Active Update check “Enable Active Update reminders.”

For “Remind me every XX days” select the number of days you would like to wait between checking for an update.  60 days is the recommended default.  You will be shown a reminder every 60 days when you start NetOptimizer.


Options

Selecting Options displays the following window.

General Options 	Here you can select options for Startup, Active Update, Tune-Up and the Internet.

Test Options 	Here you can select the tests you want run, the number of times you want to run the test, and more.

About	Here you’ll find information about NetOptimizer and how to contact TouchStone Software.


General Options

Here you can select options for Startup, Active Update, Warnings, the Internet and Proxy Server.

Startup
You can select to have Internet Monitor loaded at startup.

Active Update
You can enable Active Update reminders.
For “Remind me every XX days” select the number of days you would like to wait between checking for an update.  60 days is the recommended default.  You will be shown a reminder after the selected number of days have passed when you start NetOptimizer.

Warnings
Skip dial-up selection for Benchmark
This option is only enabled when you’ve selected “Don’t show this again” on the Dial-Up Connections window.  Removing the check mark from the box will allow you to select any of your available dial-ups when running a benchmark.

Skip warning for Manual Tune-Up

This Option allows you to enable or disable the display of the Manual Tune-Up Caution window.

Automatically restart Windows as needed

This option is selected by default.  Windows will be restarted as needed after each pass of the Auto Tune-Up (recommended).  If this option is disabled you will be prompted to restart windows after each pass of the Auto Tune-Up.

Internet:
Benchmark location
From the dropdown menu you can select the location of the benchmark web site.

Proxy Server:
If you access the Internet via a proxy server check the Use Proxy Server box and enter the server information in the available boxes.  If you don’t have the information required contact your network administrator.


Test Options

The Test Options tab allows you to select what modem tests are run, what to do when an error is encountered, what to do with the test report, and more.

Tests:

Here you can scroll through the modem tests and select which tests will be run

To select a test, place a check in the box next to it.

General Test Options:

Halt on errors
Selecting this option causes the modem test to stop when it encounters and error.  A dialog box appears and explaining that the test has encountered an error and the test has been terminated.

Beep on Errors
Selecting this option causes the modem test to make an audible beep when an error is encountered.  The beep can only be heard if sound is supported by your computer.

Append to Report File
Selecting this option appends the test report file with the results from each test.

Repeat Test
This option allows you to select the number of times the modem test will be run (form 1-100 times, selecting 0 runs the test non-stop).  Running multiple tests can help to locate and identify intermittent problems.

Enter Test Comments
This option allows you to enter up to 80 characters to be recorded as a comment for each test.

Remote Test Options:

Call TouchStone Test Server (USA Only)
Placing a dot in the radio button selects TouchStone Software as your remote sever.

Call Other Test Server
Placing a dot in the radio button allows you to call another remote server.  When enabled enter the number of the remote server you wish to use in the area provided.

For an outside line, dial:
If your telephone system requires you to dial a number or numbers to access an outside line enter the number(s) here.

To disable call waiting, dial:
If you have call waiting enter the number to disable that feature here.  If you don’t know the number you can get it by calling your local telephone company.

Dialing Prefix:
Here you can enter the number for a long distance service provider or a credit card number.

Ask for this info before starting test.
You will be prompted for this information before a remote test is made.

Remote Server
By clicking on this button your computer is set up to act as a remote server.


Password Caution

If someone gets a copy of your registry backup file that includes your password they can gain access to your Internet account.  With many Internet service providers this access includes the ability to make purchases on the Internet and bill them to your account.  If you can not be sure of the security of your backed up registry files it’s recommended that you do not include a password in your backup.


Performance

Note:

You can only get 1 Kbps of throughput for each 9 Kbps of modem connect speed.

Example:

If you connect at 28.8 Kbps the best you can get is 3.2 Kbps of throughput.

If you connect at 33.6 Kbps the best you can get is 3.7 Kbps of throughput.

If you connect at 56.6 Kbps the best you can get is 6.2 Kbps of throughput.

This is under ideal conditions.  In most cases, if you get close to these figures you've done very well.


Clipboard Reports

When you are in Modem Clinic you can view a list of available reports by right clicking on the clipboard icon.


How To Contact TouchStone Software

TouchStone Software Corporation

2124 Main Street

Huntington Beach, CA 92648

E-mail Technical Support

tschelp@touchstone-sc.com

Internet Web Site

http://www.touchstonesoftware.com


Analog Modem

Analog modems connect to the Internet using standard telephone connections (the same type line your phone uses).  This is the way most users connect to the Internet.


America Online

If you use America Online (AOL) you will need to enter your password in the AOL dialup each time NetOptimizer connects to the Internet (up to 4 times).


Custom RWIN Value

It's recommended that RWIN values always be set to a whole number multiplier of the MSS value (MTU -40 bytes).  Setting it to anything else will result in always having one "leftover" size data packet.


Hops

Hops refers to the number of routers your MTU can go through before being discarded.  With the size of the Internet growing it is a good idea to set your TTL settings to 64 from the Windows 95 default setting of 32.


America Online Users

Because of the security measures AOL has in place to protect it’s users’ registry information, it is necessary to enter your user name and password in the AOL dialup when using NetOptimizer.  NetOptimizer will start AOL and the familiar dialup information screen will be displayed.  Enter your user name and password as you usually would when using AOL..


Non-Critical Problems

Non-Critical problems will not keep your modem from working.  However, they will keep it from providing maximum performance.


License Agreement

CUSTOMER LICENSE AGREEMENT

TouchStone Software Corporation thanks you for selecting one of our products for your computer.  This is the TouchStone Customer License Agreement which describes TouchStone's license terms.  After reading this license agreement, please complete, sign, and return the enclosed License Agreement Registration Card or register on-line.

- PLEASE READ THIS NOTICE CAREFULLY -

DO NOT DOWNLOAD OR USE THE SOFTWARE UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THE LICENSE AGREEMENT.  BY ACCEPTING TO DOWNLOAD OR TO USE THIS SOFTWARE, TOUCHSTONE WILL ASSUME THAT YOU HAVE AGREED TO BE BOUND BY THIS STANDARD AGREEMENT.  IF YOU DO NOT ACCEPT THE TERMS OF THIS LICENSE, YOU MUST REMOVE ALL OF THE SOFTWARE FROM YOUR COMPUTER AND DESTROY ANY COPIES OF THE SOFTWARE OR RETURN THE PACKAGE UNUSED TO THE PARTY FROM WHOM YOU RECEIVED IT.

Grant of License.  TouchStone Software Corporation grants to you and you accept a license to use the programs and related materials ("Software") delivered with this License Agreement.  This software is licensed for use on one computer at a time and may be used only by the end-user. The software should never be installed on the hard drive of more than one computer.  If the software is installed on a network hard drive, access must be restricted to a single user.  You agree that you will not transfer or sublicense these rights.  If you use the Software on more than one computer at a time, you must license additional copies or request a multi-user license from TouchStone.

Term.  This License Agreement is effective from the day you receive the Software, and continues until you return the original magnetic media and all copies of the Software to TouchStone.  TouchStone shall have the right to terminate this license if you violate any of its provisions.  TouchStone or its licensors own all right, title, and interest including all worldwide copyrights, in the Software and all copies of the Software.

Your Agreement.  You agree not to transfer the Software in any form to any party without the prior written consent of TouchStone.  You further agree not to copy the Software in whole or in part, except for backup copies, unless TouchStone consents in writing. Each of these copies must have a label placed on the magnetic media showing the program name, copyright, and trademark designation in the same form as the original Software.  You will use your best efforts and take all reasonable steps to protect the Software from unauthorized reproduction, publication, disclosure, or distribution, and you agree not to disassemble, decompile, reverse engineer, or transmit the Software in any form or by any means.  You understand that the unauthorized reproduction of the Software and/or transfer of any copy may be a serious crime, as well as subjecting you to damages and attorney fees.

Disclaimer.  TOUCHSTONE MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR MERCHANTABILITY, AND TOUCHSTONE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR TORT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES SUCH AS LOSS OF PROFITS OR LOSS OF GOODWILL FROM THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE SOFTWARE FOR ANY PURPOSE.  SOME STATES MAY NOT ALLOW THIS DISCLAIMER SO THIS LANGUAGE MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.  IN SUCH CASE, OUR LIABILITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE REFUND OF THE TOUCHSTONE LIST PRICE.

Updates.  TouchStone will do its best to notify you of subsequent updates released to the public or major corrections and the price for which they may be obtained,  PROVIDED YOU HAVE SENT IN YOUR LICENSE AGREEMENT REGISTRATION CARD OR REGISTERED ON-LINE.  All updates and corrections which are provided to you shall become part of the Software and be governed by the terms of this license agreement.

Miscellaneous.  This is the only agreement between you and TouchStone and it cannot and shall not be modified by purchase orders, advertising or other representations of anyone, unless a written amendment has been signed by one of our company officers.  This License Agreement shall be governed by California law, and is deemed entered into at Huntington Beach, Orange County, California by both parties.


Benchmark Details

The Benchmark Details window displays the following information.

Dial-Up Profile:
The name of the dial-up connection that was used in that benchmark.

Connection Speed:
The speed that your modem was connected to your ISP during that benchmark.

MTU, MSS, RWIN, TTL, PMTU Discovery, PMTU BlackHole, NDI Cache Size

These are your TCP/IP settings for that benchmark.

Help
Displays this help topic.

Use Settings
Resets your current TCP/IP settings to the values displayed in the benchmark detail.

Close
Exits the Benchmark Detail window and returns you to NetOptimizer.