| To start surfing with Windows 3.1 you'll need to install a special
piece of software called a `Winsock' to your system. This allows
Windows and Windows-based Internet programs to speak the
same language as the Internet -- a language called TCP/IP
(Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol). Your ISP probably has already given you this Winsock software as
part of its start-up kit. If not, the most popular Winsock for Windows
3.1 is the shareware Trumpet Winsock from Australian company
Trumpet Software International. You can download Winsock 3.0
from the Trumpet site at http://www.trumpet.com.au.
Once your have Winsock on your system:
- Run the Trumpet Winsock installation program.
In the Setup dialogue box (shown at the
end of the installation routine or available
by choosing File, Setup from the Trumpet
Winsock menu) select either SLIP or PPP
in the Driver box. Most ISPs use PPP.
- In the IP Address field enter the IP
address assigned by your ISP. If your ISP uses `dynamically
allocated' or you are unsure, leave this at the default setting of
0.0.0.0.
- Enter the numerical address of the ISP's DNS server (in the
form 123.456.789.0) in the DNS Server field, and their
domain name (such as supernet.com.au) in the Domain Suffix
field.
Click the Dialler Settings button to
configure your modem and connection
details. Set the Comm Port to which your
modem is connected (generally COM1 or
COM2) and set the appropriate Baud
Rate (38400 for a 28.8 modem).
- Click OK, then OK again, and Trumpet Winsock will be
ready for you to dial. You can choose to logon manually, by
typing all the information yourself, or use a script (which your
ISP should be able to supply) to automate the process. You
can obtain further assistance from Trumpet Winsock's
excellent online help screens.
Now your Web browser, and whatever other Net software you've
installed, can actually get onto the Net. Or, if you haven't already
installed them, install them now.
By David Flynn
Where to now
|