Account Setup Help

Account Setup is a tool that helps you quickly set up Communicator to access the Internet. When you first install Communicator, you can use Account Setup in one of these ways:

If you're new to the Internet, you can use Account Setup to help you choose an Internet service provider, create an Internet account, and set up Communicator to access the account.

If you already have an Internet account, you can use Account Setup to help you quickly set up Communicator to access your account.

Once you've set up Communicator to access your Internet account, you can use Account Setup in other ways:

You can use Account Setup to change your Internet service provider to another company.

You can use Account Setup to create additional Internet accounts with Internet service providers.

If you share your copy of Communicator with other users, or if you have more than one Internet account, read about using multiple user profiles in the "Introduction to Communicator" book.

To use Account Setup, follow through its screens and supply the information that Account Setup requests. Account Setup uses the information you provide to automatically configure Communicator to access your account.

You can leave Account Setup at any time by clicking Exit in the Account Setup navigation bar.

What's next?	Creating a New Account
See also:	Glossary: Internet Glossary: Internet Account Glossary: Internet Service Provider Glossary: User Profile

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Creating a New Internet Account

You can use Account Setup to quickly choose an Internet service provider and create a new Internet account. The process takes only a few minutes. All you need to do is follow through the Account Setup screens and enter the information that Account Setup asks you to provide.

After you've entered the information Account Setup needs, it uses your modem and phone line to temporarily connect you to Netscape's Internet Account Server, a special computer on the Internet. The Internet account server downloads information about a variety of leading Internet service providers and the account plans they offer. After Account Setup disconnects you from the Internet account server, you can then "shop" for an Internet account that meets your needs and create your new account so that you can use it right away.

When you are ready to choose an Internet Service Provider and create your new Internet account, Account Setup connects you to the service provider you choose so you can establish your new account. Once you've finished creating your account, you can connect to the Internet just by launching Communicator from the Netscape Communicator folder or program group.

Before you begin using Account Setup, it's very important to make sure your modem is properly installed, connected to your computer and the phone jack, and turned on. Also, make sure that no other communications programs are using your modem when you use Account Setup.

To use Account Setup to create a new Internet account, follow these steps:

If Account Setup isn't open already, launch it by double-clicking its icon in the Netscape Communicator folder or program group.

In the first screen, click Create Account.

When the Welcome screen appears, click the Start Account Setup button.

When the Start Account Setup screen appears, click the button next to the option "I want to create a new Internet account".

In the screens that follow, supply the information that Account Setup requests. If you don't understand what information Account Setup is asking you to provide or aren't sure what action you are supposed to take, click the Help button.

When you reach the Connect to Netscape screen of Account Setup, click the Connect to Netscape button. This connects you to Netscape's Internet Account Server, retrieves information about a variety of Internet service providers and the account plans they offer, and then disconnects you.

Compare the account plans offered by different service providers. When you're ready to choose an ISP and create an account, click the Connect to ISP button. This connects you to the chosen service provider so you can establish your new account.

When your account has been successfully created, Account Setup disconnects you from the ISP and displays a "Congratulations!" screen. In this screen, click the Save Account Information button if you want to save a record of your account information to a text file on your computer. This includes such information as your login, password, dial-up access number, provider domain name and DNS server addresses, and so on.

To finish using Account Setup, click Done in the navigation bar. Account Setup then automatically sets up Communicator to access your account.

Whenever you want to access your account, all you have to do is launch Communicator from the Netscape Communicator folder or program group.

What's next?	Information You Need to Provide to Account Setup
See also:	Setting Up Access to An Internet Account You Already Have Glossary: Internet Account Glossary: Internet Service Provider Glossary: Modem

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Information You Need to Provide to Account Setup

To use Account Setup to create a new Internet account, you need to provide some or all of following information:

Your name and address.

A credit card number for billing.

Your modem manufacturer and model.

The phone number of the phone line at the location you are connecting from.

Any special dialing settings specific to the location you are connecting from--to turn off Call Waiting, access an outside line, or use pulse dialing.

Also, before you can create an Internet account, your modem must be installed properly, connected to your computer and phone line, and turned on. If you haven't installed your modem yet, click Exit to leave Account Setup.

After you've installed your modem, connected it to your computer and phone line, and turned its power switch on, start Account Setup again by double-clicking its icon in the Netscape Communicator folder or program group.

What's next?	Arranging for Payment to your Internet Service Provider
See also:	Glossary: Internet Account Glossary: Internet Service Provider Glossary: Modem

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Arranging for Payment to Your Internet Service Provider

Internet accounts that you create using Account Setup are paid for by credit card. When Account Setup connects you to Netscape's Internet Account Server, you can arrange for payment by providing your credit card number. Then, when your account is created, your provider automatically bills you each month for your account.This mechanism enables you to create an Internet account and use it right away.

To ensure your privacy, Account Setup scrambles your credit card number before transmitting it to your provider. Your provider has a unique security key that allows it to read your credit card number. In addition, Account Setup does not store your credit card information anywhere on your computer.

What's next?	Selecting a Modem
See also:	Glossary: Internet Account Glossary: Internet Service Provider

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Specifying What Kind of Modem You Are Using

Your modem is an important part of your Internet connection. Before you use Account Setup, you must install your modem according to the manufacturer's instructions, connect it properly to your computer and the phone jack, and turn its power switch on.

Then, when you are using Account Setup, you must specify your modem's manufacturer (for example Hayes, US Robotics, Global Village, and so on) and model (for example, Sportster 28.8). This information lets Account Setup configure your connection software properly.

To specify your modem in Account Setup, follow these steps:

Select the modem you want to use from the pop-up up menu on the Account Setup screen.

Click Next to move to the next screen.

If your modem is not listed in the pop-up menu, follow these steps:

Make sure that your modem is properly installed, connected, and turned on.

Click the Modem Setup button, below the pop-up menu. This opens the Modem Wizard, a tool that will help you specify your modem. Instructions for using the Modem Wizard are provided within that program.

What's next?	Connecting to the Internet Account Server
See also:	Glossary: Internet Account Glossary: Modem

[CONTENTS]

Connecting to the Internet Account Server

When you reach the Connect to Netscape screen in Account Setup, click the Connect to Netscape button to temporarily connect to Netscape's Internet Account Server and download information about a variety of leading Internet service providers and the account plans they offer.

When you click Connect to Netscape, Account Setup uses your modem, phone line, and connection software to establish a temporary connection with Netscape's Internet Account Server. For this reason, your modem must be installed, connected properly, and turned on before you connect. When the connection is established, Account Setup begins downloading the account plan information. This may take a few minutes. Account Setup then disconnects you from the Internet Account Server so you can compare account plans and choose the one that best meets your needs.

Follow the instructions in Account Setup to choose a service provider and create an account. Once you create your new account, you can begin using it right away.

What's next?	Saving Your Account Information
See also:	Glossary: Internet Account Glossary: Internet Account Plan Glossary: Internet Service Provider (ISP)

[CONTENTS]

Saving Your Account Information

When you have successfully created a new Internet account, Account Setup presents its final screen. This screen asks you whether you want to save a record of your account information--your login name, password, server addresses, and so on--to a text file.

Though it's optional, saving such a record of your account information can be very useful. If you are concerned about the privacy of this information, print the text file or copy it to a diskette, then delete it from your computer.

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Setting Up Access to an Internet Account You Already Have

If you already have an Internet account, you can use Account Setup to quickly set up Communicator and its connection software to access the account. All you need to do is go through the Account Setup screens and enter information that Account Setup asks you to provide.

Before you begin, it's very important to make sure your modem is properly installed, connected to your computer and phone jack, and turned on. Also, make sure that no other communications programs are using your modem when you run Account Setup. The modem must be available to Account Setup.

To set up access to an account you already have, follow these steps:

If Account Setup isn't open already, launch it by double-clicking its icon in the Netscape Communicator folder or program group.

In the first screen, click Overwrite Account.

When the Welcome screen appears, click the Start Account Setup button.

When the Start Account Setup screen appears, click the button next to the option "I already have an Internet account".

When you reach the last screen of Account Setup, entitled "You're Done!", you have three options:

You can click Connect Now, which tells Account Setup to configure your computer with the information you just entered and then connect to your account right away.

You can click Done, which tells Account Setup to configure your computer with the information you just entered, but without connecting you to your account.

You can click Exit, which tells Account Setup to close without configuring your computer.

Once you've finished using Account Setup to configure your computer, you can connect to your account by launching Communicator from the Netscape Communicator folder or program group.

What's next?	Information You Need to Provide to Account Setup
See also:	Creating a New Internet Account Glossary: Internet Account Glossary: Internet Service Provider Glossary: Modem

[CONTENTS]

Information You Need to Provide to Account Setup

To set up access to an Internet account you already have, you need to provide some or all of the following information, depending on your provider:

Your name and company.

Your Internet service provider's company name.

The phone number you dial to access your account.

Your account login and password.

Your email login and password (if applicable).

Your provider's SMTP, POP, LDAP, IMAP, and NNTP server addresses (if applicable).

Your provider's domain name and DNS server addresses.

The location where you can publish your Web pages (if applicable).

Your modem manufacturer and model.

The phone number of the phone line at the location you are connecting from.

Any special dialing settings specific to the location you are connecting from--to turn off Call Waiting, access an outside line, or use pulse dialing.

Your Internet service provider may have already supplied Account Setup with some or all of the above information. Account Setup asks only for the information not supplied by your provider.

You can probably find all the information that you need to provide in the forms given to you by your provider when you established your account. If you don't have the information you need, call your provider's technical support office.

If you aren't sure about what to enter into an Account Setup screen, click the Help button.

For definitions of the terms above, refer to the Glossary.

What's next?	Specifying Your Modem
See also:	Glossary: Internet Account Glossary: NNTP Server Glossary: DNS Server Glossary: Domain Name Glossary: Email Login Glossary: POP and SMTP Servers Glossary: Login Name (User Name) Glossary: Internet Address Glossary: Account Access Number Glossary: Modem

[CONTENTS]

Specifying Your Modem

To specify your modem in Account Setup, follow these steps:

Select the modem you want to use from the pop-up up menu on the Account Setup screen.

Click Next to move to the next screen.

If your modem is not listed in the pop-up menu, follow these steps:

Make sure that your modem is properly installed, connected, and turned on.

What's next?	Connecting to Your Account
See also:	Glossary: Internet Account Glossary: Modem

[CONTENTS]

Connecting to Your Account

When you reach the last screen of Account Setup, click the Connect Now button to complete the setup process and connect to Netscape's Setup Site, where you can register your new software and learn about a variety of new products and plug-ins that are designed for use with Communicator.

When you click Connect Now, Account Setup configures your computer with the information you entered into the Account Setup screens, then opens your connection software and dials your modem to establish a connection. For this reason, your modem must be installed, connected properly, and turned on.

After you've finished using Account Setup to configure your computer, you can connect to your account by launching Communicator from the Netscape Communicator folder or program group.

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Troubleshooting

If you are having trouble using Account Setup successfully, refer to the topics below for help isolating and resolving the problem.

I'm having trouble connecting to the Internet Account Server

I'm having trouble with my modem

No Dial Tone Present on Telephone Line

I'm having trouble connecting to the Internet Account Server

These tips can help you resolve minor problems:

Make sure your modem is installed, connected properly, and turned on. If you are not sure whether your modem is set up correctly, see the "Modem Setup" Troubleshooting topic.

Go to the "Your Modem" screen in Account Setup. Verify that the correct modem type is selected in the pop-up menu. If necessary, look in your modem's documentation to confirm its manufacturer and model name. If your modem is not listed properly in the pop-up menu, click the Modem Detect button to launch Modem Setup, where you can specify your modem manually.

If you need to use special dialing prefixes or codes--to turn off Call Waiting or to access an outside line before dialing, for example--be sure that you have entered the information correctly in the "Dialing Settings" for Your Location screen of Account Setup.

Make sure that your phone line has a normal dial tone.

Make sure that no other programs are using your connection software

Move to the last screen of Account Setup and try connecting again.

[Troubleshooting]
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I'm having trouble with my modem

If Account Setup tells you that there is a problem with your modem, or if your modem won't dial, the problem is probably easy to correct: perhaps the wrong type of modem was specified in the "Your Modem" screen of Account Setup; perhaps the modem was not installed or connected properly or is not turned on. Here are some general tips:

Verify that the power switch of your modem is on. You might even turn the modem off and then on again, just to make sure.

Make sure that your modem is connected properly. Look in your modem's documentation for details. In general, for external modems, one cable goes from the modem to the telephone wall jack, another cable goes from the modem to the telephone itself, and a third cable goes from the modem to the back of your computer, usually into the modem port (the modem port is sometimes marked by a telephone icon). On some modems, a power cord reaches from the modem to the wall power socket. Make sure all cables and the power cord are plugged in firmly.

Verify that your modem was installed properly. Most internal modems include special software that needs to be installed on your computer. If you are not sure about whether your modem includes special software, look in the owner's manual of your modem. If you aren't sure whether the software is present on your computer, reinstall the software according to the manufacturer's instructions.

If you have checked the other items in this list but are still having modem problems, try selecting the "Generic" item in the Modem Wizard, then use Account Setup again. If this does not help, there might be a problem with your modem itself (the modem isn't operating properly) or with your computer or phone line. Potential problems with phone lines are discussed in the next Help topic.

See also:

Using Modem Setup

[Troubleshooting]
[CONTENTS]

No Dial Tone Present on Telephone Line

If your connection software tells you that your phone line doesn't have a dial tone, here are some tips:

If you use a voice messaging system provided by a phone company and your modem uses your regular phone line, you might need to get your messages before you can connect to your Internet account.

Some voice messaging systems alert you to the fact that you have new messages by changing the ordinary dial tone of your phone to a "flashing" dial tone (an on-off-on-off dial tone). When this happens, your modem, not being able to detect an ordinary dial tone, cannot dial out. The solution is to get your new messages. When you have heard and acted on all of your new messages, your normal, continuous dial tone will be restored and you can connect to the Internet.

Pick up the receiver of your phone and see if you can hear the dial tone. If you can't, then another telephone on the same line might be off the hook, or there might be something wrong with your telephone line.

Make sure that your phone line is plugged securely into your modem.

[Troubleshooting]
[CONTENTS]

Glossary

Internet

The Internet is a worldwide network of public and private computers that cooperate to exchange information.

Many computers on the Internet are connected permanently together and function as Internet "hubs." Millions of people take advantage of Internet services either by connecting to these hubs directly--as when linked to a corporate or university network--or by connecting indirectly, using a modem and an ordinary telephone line.

The first step in taking advantage of all that the Internet offers is setting up an account with an Internet service provider.

[GLOSSARY]
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Internet Service Provider (ISP)

An Internet service provider, sometimes called an ISP, is a type of company that specializes in providing Internet access to individual users. It does this by maintaining one or more computers with a permanent connection to the Internet, then offering its customers access to that connection for a fee.

There are a variety of Internet service providers from which to choose--some large companies, some small, some local companies, some national or even international. These providers offer their services as packages, or account plans, which vary in price and payment terms.

The first step in setting up access to the Internet is evaluating the account plans of the various Internet service providers and selecting the one that best meets your needs. Account Setup can help you do this.

[GLOSSARY]
[CONTENTS]

Internet Account

An Internet account is your personal access point to the Internet--paid for by you and registered in your name. You obtain an Internet account from an Internet service provider, a type of company that maintains a computer with a permanent connection to the Internet and offers its customers access to that connection for a fee.

When you start an Internet account, your Internet service provider authorizes you to connect to its computer using your modem and phone line. This connection gives you access to the World Wide Web, email, newsgroups, realtime audio and conferencing, chatrooms, file transfer, and other Internet services. Your provider also creates an email identity for you, so that you can send and receive email messages over the Internet.

If you don't currently have an Internet account like the one just described, use Account Setup to start one. Account Setup will let you compare the services and rates of several top Internet service providers and choose the account plan that best meets your needs.

On the other hand, if you already have an Internet account and can currently access the World Wide Web, email, newsgroups, or other Internet services using your computer and modem, then use Account Setup to help you set up Communicator to access your existing account.

[GLOSSARY]
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Internet Account Plan

An Internet account plan is a package of services offered by an Internet service provider. All account plans offer access to the Internet for individual users, including such popular Internet services as the World Wide Web, email, and newsgroups.

Aside from basic Internet services,all account plans are different. Some are designed for people who access the Internet infrequently, while others are designed for people who spend several hours on the Internet each day.

Account plans differ mainly in:

The phone number you dial to connect. Some plans let you connect by dialing a local or regional phone number; others, by dialing a toll-free number. Some plans offer many national or international connection numbers, so you can connect while travelling. As shown on the previous screen, you need to sign up with an Internet service provider before you can connect to the Internet and use Communicator.

Extra services and billing options. Some plans include additional services, such as a place where you can publish your own Web pages. Some plans are paid for at an hourly usage rate, while others give you unlimited connection time for a flat monthly fee. Most plans also include a one-time start-up fee, though the amount of the fee varies.

[GLOSSARY]
[CONTENTS]

Modem

Your modem is a critical part of your dial-up connection. Without it, you could not connect. A modem translates computer data into a stream of sounds that travel along the phone line to your Internet service provider. Your Internet service provider has another modem at its end of the phone line that translates the stream of sounds back into computer data.

[GLOSSARY]
[CONTENTS]

NNTP Server

Your Internet service provider gives you access to the thousands of newsgroups through its Network News Transport Protocol (NNTP) server.

[GLOSSARY]
[CONTENTS]

DNS Server

Your Internet service provider's Domain Name System (DNS) server enables you to use the Internet. It helps the messages you send and receive find their way to their proper destinations on the Internet. Sometimes a provider has an alternate (secondary) DNS server that can be used if the primary DNS server fails or is busy.

[GLOSSARY]
[CONTENTS]

Domain Name

A domain name is the name of a computer as it is known to other computers on the Internet. Domain names are unique and assigned according to the rules of the Domain Name System (DNS).

[GLOSSARY]
[CONTENTS]

Email Login

Many Internet service providers let you use your Internet account login name and password to access your email. Some providers, though, give you a different login and password for email.

If you are unsure whether you need to use a special email login and password, contact your provider.

[GLOSSARY]
[CONTENTS]

POP and SMTP Servers

Your provider has one or more servers dedicated to handling incoming and outgoing email messages. A Post Office Protocol (POP or POP3) server handles the incoming email, while a Simple Mail Transport Protocol (SMTP) server handles the outgoing email. Sometimes POP and SMPT services are housed together on a single computer.

[GLOSSARY]
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IMAP Server

An Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP) server is a type of mail server that is offered by some Internet service providers. Like a Post Office Protocol (POP) mail server, an IMAP mail server handles messages coming to you from the Internet.

If you are using an IMAP mail server, you always store your email messages on the server, rather than downloading them all each time you get your mail. When you check your mail, the server downloads only the message headers--subject, sender, date, and so on. When you want to read the message associated with the header, Netscape Messenger retrieves that message individually from the server.

If you are using a POP mail server, you can download all of your messages--including header and content--at once. You can also choose to leave the messages on the server.

Not all Internet service providers offer IMAP mail service. Contact your provider's technical support office if you're not sure whether you can use IMAP mail. In Communicator, you can choose IMAP or POP mail in the Communicator's Mail Preferences.

The advantages and disadvantages of IMAP and POP are described below.

IMAP Mail

Advantages: You can store your messages on the IMAP server, so that you can always get them, no matter where you are retriveing your mail from. When you open your inbox, you download message headers only. When you open a message, it's then downloaded to your local computer, so startup time is faster. Also, because messages are stored on the server, and changes are copied back from your local computer, you always have access to an updated mailbox.

Disadvantages: Unless you copy your messages to your local computer, if your connection to your server goes down while you're working, you must reestablish a connection before accessing messages, even though you can browse the headers. Connect time can be longer, because you must either be connected while you are browsing your messages, or you must reconnect every time you access a message you haven't read.

POP Mail

Advantages: Copies messages to your local computer all at once after you connect to your server. If your connection goes down while you're working, you have your messages.

Disadvantages: You must synchronize your local inbox with your server's mailbox. This can result in downloading new messages over and over (if you save your messages on your server), each time you connect, or can result in messages residing on computer's you've previously used, but to which you may not currently have access. The end result is you are sometimes unable to access all your messages when you need to.

[GLOSSARY]
[CONTENTS]

Login Name (User Name)

For security, your provider's computer asks for proof of your identity (login name and password) before it lets you access your account. Your login name is often used as the first part of your email address as well (for example, loginname@provider.com).

[GLOSSARY]
[CONTENTS]

Internet Address

Computers on the Internet each have a unique (one-of-a-kind) address. An address consists of numbers separated by periods (for example, 123.233.234.244). Because addresses are unique, computers on the Internet can exchange information successfully, even if on opposite sides of the Earth.

[GLOSSARY]
[CONTENTS]

Account Access Number

Your account access number is an ordinary phone number that your computer dials to connect to your Internet service provider's computer.

[GLOSSARY]
[CONTENTS]

Server

In the lingo of the Internet, a server is a computer that is dedicated to performing a specific job or set of jobs. For example, a DNS server is a computer that is dedicated to the task of routing information to the proper location. "Server" can also be used to mean the computer hardware that houses the server software.

[GLOSSARY]
[CONTENTS]

Internet Account Server

Netscape's Internet Account Server downloads information about Internet account plans offered by a variety of leading Internet service providers so you can choose the plan that suits you best.

The process of connecting to the Internet Account Server to download account plan information takes only a short time. Once you choose a service provider and establish an account with them, you can begin using your account right away.

To create a new account, run Account Setup and move to the "Welcome to Account Setup" screen. Click the "I want to create a new Internet account" option. Follow through the Account Setup screens, supplying information where necessary. Then, in the "Connect to Netscape" screen, click Connect to Netscape to connect to the Internet Account Server. After the server finishes downloading account plan information, it disconnects you so that you can compare account plans and choose a service provider. When you're ready to create an account, click the "Connect" button and follow the instructions that appear.

[GLOSSARY]
[CONTENTS]

User Profile

Communicator lets you create different sets of bookmarks, address books, preferences, and and email identity. These sets of information are called user profiles. User profiles make it possible for several users--such as family members or coworkers--to use the same copy of Communicator on the same machine and maintain all of their personal settings separately from other users.

Communicator also allows you to associate each profile with a specific Internet account and dialing location, so that users who have more than one Internet account or who connect to their account from several locations can conveniently switch to the proper account or location when Communicator starts up.

For more information on Communicator user profiles, see the " Introduction to Communicator" book.

[GLOSSARY]
[CONTENTS]