PC PowerPlay 9/PCPP #9.iso/TOOLS/INTERNET/FAQ.TXT

Text File | 1996-10-09 | 17.6 KB | 362 lines

         Telstra Internet Access Kit
        The Internet - Your Questions Answered
        ======================================

A. THE INTERNET IN GENERAL
--------------------------
1. Who owns the Internet?
2. What is the World Wide Web?
3. What is an Internet Service Provider?

B. COMPUTERS AND MODEMS
-----------------------
1. What type of computer should I have to access the Internet?
2. What type of modem should I have to access the Internet?

C. COSTS
--------
1. How much does using the Internet cost me?
2. How cost effective is the Internet Service provided by On Australia?
3. How much does it cost to download information from any of the
   databases on the Internet?
4. Are my credit card details secure on the Internet?
5. Why do I need to give my credit card details for the trial offer?
6. What happens at the end of my trial period?

D. GETTING CONNECTED
--------------------
1. Do I have to use the software supplied?
2. Can I open more than one account?
3. How do I set up my modem to access the Internet?
4. What phone number do I dial to connect to the Internet?
5. Do I need a separate line to connect to the Internet?
6. Can I gain access to the Internet in my telephone exchange area?
7. Why isn't my userid/ password working?
8. What happens if I do not disconnect properly; i.e modem drops out the
   call - will I be billed?
9. What happens if I accidentally leave my modem on and I'm still
   connected to the Internet?
10. How do I reach On Australia customer support?

E. EMAIL AND OTHER USER INFORMATION
-----------------------------------
1. What is my email address?
2. How do I use email?
3. What is the name of my POP3 / SMTP Mail Server?
4. Why can't I find a particular Web site?
5. What is my News server address?
6. What are Newsgroups?
7. What is my IP address?
8. What is my DNS address?

F. LOOKING FORWARD
------------------
1. Can I use the Internet to make cheap international phone calls?
2. Can I send/ receive video over the Internet?

G. GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS
-----------------------
DNS, IP, ISDN, ISP, kbps, MB, PABX, POP, SMTP, WWW


A. THE INTERNET IN GENERAL
**************************
1. Who owns the Internet?
The Internet refers to a large number of computer networks around the world which are
all connected together using a standard protocol or language. No one person or
company owns the Internet. On Australia operates a large network which spans
Australia and is connected to networks owned by other companies. By gaining access
to the On Australia network you are able to access computers which are connected to
the Internet worldwide.

2. What is the World Wide Web?
WWW, the World Wide Web, is an application (software) which runs over the Internet.
Anyone accessing the Internet through the Telstra On Australia service can use the
World Wide Web. A Web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer r, is an
application or tool used to "surf" the Web.

3. What is an Internet Service Provider?
There are a number of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Australia. Among other
things, these companies provide a link between the General Public and the Internet.
On Australia is an Internet Service Provider, owned by Telstra, which provides Internet
access, email, World Wide Web and news services to the General Public.

B. COMPUTERS AND MODEMS
***********************
1. What type of computer should I have to access the Internet?
At present if you want to connect using On Australia you will need an IBM compatible
PC with a 386 or better processor which is running Windowsr 3.x or Windowsr 95*.
You will also need a valid Visa, Mastercard, Bankcard, Diners Club or American
Express card.
*Macintosh product available late October 1996

2. What type of modem should I have to access the Internet?
We recommend that you look for the following when buying a modem:-
    1. Modem should support the V34 communication standard (28.8kbps)
    2. Modem should be Austel approved
    3. External modems are easier to install and configure than internal modems
The connection speed between a customer and On Australia may be limited by the
state of the telecommunications network link. The performance of a V34 modem
connection will be negotiated at the highest speed that the two modems and your
phone system can reliably support. Telstra Corporation only guarantees a performance
of 2.4kbps on the phone system.

C. COSTS
********
1. How much does using the Internet cost me?
Once you have a PC and modem, the main cost of using the Internet is in "connect
time charges". This means you pay for the amount of time that your modem is
connected to the Internet. Once you are connected to the Internet, most Internet
services are free. For example you could send hundreds of email messages to different
countries around the world and you only pay for the time you are connected to the
Internet. To receive more information about On Australia's pricing, please Freecall 1800
804 282*.

Also note that normal telecommunications charges apply to connections to the Telstra
On Australia service (the cost of the call that you make when connecting to the
Internet - see question D6, below).
* Calls from mobile phones are charged at the applicable mobile rate.

2. How cost effective is On Australia?
When looking at cost effectiveness, an important aspect is the performance of the
ISP's network. The better the network performance, the faster the speed of access and
downloading will be, therefore minimising connect time charges. On Australia's
network has been designed to offer excellent performance.

3. How much does it cost to download information from any of the databases on
the Internet?
Most information on the Internet is provided free of charge. Some specialised
databases or information systems may require you to pay to access them.

4. Are my credit card details secure on the Internet?
With the Telstra On Australia service, any credit card information that is provided to us
during the sign-up process is protected. Credit card information is stored on special
computers which are not accessible from the Internet.

Otherwise, credit card details transmitted over the Internet are generally not 100%
secure. Credit cards provide a convenient payment method, but there is always the
possibility that unscrupulous people may obtain your credit card number and use it
fraudulently. You can minimise potential problems by not sending credit card details
via email (email messages are not encrypted, and if you accidentally give the wrong
email address, your credit card information could be sent to a complete stranger) and
only entering your credit card details in Web pages which are secure. Check the
status line on your Web browser - if you see an icon of a key or a lock, it generally
means that the information you send will be encrypted.

You should always check with your card issuer to determine its guidelines for using
your credit card with the Internet.

5. Why do I need to give my credit card details for the trail offer?
We need your credit card details in order to set up your account. You will recieve no
charges on the trial plan until you have used up your free* 8 hours.
*Note that normal telecommunications charges apply to connections to the Telstra On
Australia service (the cost of the call that you make when conecting to the Internet - see
question D6 below).

6. What happens at the end of my trial period>
Once your 8 free* hours have been used up, you will be charged at $5.00 per hour for
the remainder of your first month. At the end of your first month you will automatically
move from the trial plan to the plan nominated by you during set-up. You can nominate
a different plan at any time (your trial period included) by going to our home page. If
you choose to move from the trial plan during your first month, the change will occur
the following morning. However any free* hours that you still have will be lost. If you
choose to cancel the service before your trial period expores or at any other time, this
can also be done to going to our home page.
*Note that normal telecommunications charges apply to connections to the Telstra On
Australia service (the cost of the call that you make when conecting to the Internet - see
question D6 below).

D. GETTING CONNECTED
********************
1. Do I have to use the software supplied?
No. You can use whatever software you like. However, only the software supplied is
supported by On Australia's Customer Support Centre.

2. Can I open more than one account?
Yes. You can create as many accounts as you wish. However, you will incur
membership charges for each separate account. You only receive the free trial offer for
the first account that you create.

3. How do I set up my modem to connect to the Internet?
You do not need to know how a modem works, or how to "program" it if you want to
access the Internet with On Australia. Windows 3.x, Windows 95 and the Telstra
Internet Access Kit will determine what type of modem you have and will also
determine how to make the modem dial and correctly connect to the Internet using On
Australia. If you have any difficulties setting up your modem, the On Australia
Customer Support Centre will be able to assist.

4. What phone number do I dial to connect to the Internet?
Please see question 6, below.

5. Do I need a separate line to connect to the Internet?
No, as long as you have an ordinary analogue telephone line (not a digital PABX
system) you can use this line. However, anyone who tries to telephone or fax you on
this same line while you are using your modem to connect to the Internet will receive a
busy signal. To avoid missing calls when you are connected to the Internet, you can
arrange to have your calls automatically forwarded to Telstra Message Bank or to your
mobile phone or to any other phone with Telstra EasycallT*.
However, if you are going to spend a large amount of time connected to the Internet, a
second telephone line is a good idea.
* For further information on these services, please contact Telstra on FreecallT 1800 052
052 (residential) or 13 2000 (business). Calls from mobile phones are charged at the
applicable mobile rate.

6. Can I gain access to the Internet in my telephone exchange area?
Local call Internet access is available in the following locations through On Australia
(see note below on Local Call Access):

Location (POP)**    Area Code    Phone number
----------------------------------------------------
Adelaide        08        8201-7000
Brisbane        07        3361-4000
Canberra        06        217-0700
Central Coast/Gosford    043        493-000
Darwin            08        8943-2000
Geelong before Nov 96    052        465-000
Geelong after Nov 96    03        5246-5000
Hobart            03        6237 3000
Melbourne        03        9290-0000
Newcastle/Maitland    049        393-000
Perth            09        262-5000
Penrith            047        205-100
Sydney            02        9296-5000
Townsville        077        500-000
Mornington/Cranbourne    059        Available end October '96
Gold Coast/Southport    075        Available end October '96
Wollongong/Helensburgh    042        Available end October '96

Local Call Access: If you are unsure, you can check that the On Australia POP** is a
local call by calling Telstra, free, on 012, quoting both your phone number and that of
your local POP.

*  Calls from mobile phones are charged at the applicable mobile rate.
** POP = Point of Presence. If the POP has a slash in its name, the actual location is the
   name after the slash.

7. Why isn't my userid/ password working?
Your userid and password are both case sensitive so you must ensure that you enter
them in exactly the same case as you typed them when you signup. (eg: If you joined
with a Username of JohnUser, you must enter exactly JohnUser when logging in,
johnuser, JOHNUSER or Johnuser are all incorrect.)
If problems continue, please call the On Australia Customer Support Centre.

8. What happens if I do not disconnect properly; i.e modem drops out the call -
will I be billed?
The On Australia network will detect the fact that you have "dropped off" and the billing
system will interpret the time of the drop out as the end of the call. There is no need to
re-establish the call just so you can "officially" disconnect.

9. What happens if I accidentally leave my modem on and I'm connected to the
Internet?
On Australia will not automatically disconnect you from the Internet. It is possible to
establish a connection and remain connected for days. Some Internet software
packages will let you specify the number of minutes the system is inactive, after which
the call is automatically disconnected. For more information about disconnecting from
the Internet, call our Customer Support Centre on 131-282.

10. How do I reach On Australia Customer Support?
The On Australia Customer Support Centre can be contacted between 8am and 10pm,
Monday to Friday, and from 10am to 6:30pm at weekends, on 131-282.
Alternatively, you can email us at [e-mail] or post a message on
our support Newsgroup, "onaustralia.support"

E. EMAIL
********
1. What is my email address?
Your email address consists of your userid (which you use to login to the network),
followed by an @, followed by the ISP's domain name - in our case,
onaustralia.com.au
Example: Our Customer Support Centre's email address is
[e-mail]

2. How do I use email?
Windows 95 users have a couple of different ways to start Microsoft Internet
Mail;
    1. Click the Start button on the task bar, select Programs, then click
    Internet Mail, or,
    2. Simply click the Mail News icon on the toolbar of
    Microsoft Internet Explorer.
Windows 3.x users should double-click the icon titled Mail in the Microsoft
Internet Explorer program group.

More information can be found under the Help menu once you have launched your
email package.

3. What is the name of my POP3 / SMTP Mail Server?
The On Australia POP3/SMTP mail servers name is mail.onaustralia.com.au

4. Why can't I find a particular Web site?
* The information at a given address may have been moved to a different site.
* The Web address may have been incorrectly typed. Check the spelling.
* There may be a problem with the server hosting the Web site.
* There may be a problem with one of the networks between you and your
  chosen site.
If problems persist, contact On Australia customer support on [phone].

5. What is my News server address?
Your news server address is needed to subscribe to News Groups. For On Australia, it
is news.onaustralia.com.au

6. What are Newsgroups?
Usenet newsgroups are electronic discussion groups in which you can share
information and opinions with people all over the world. Within each newsgroup, you'll
find any number of articles on a given subject, and many subjects being discussed.
Usenet newsgroups allow you to reply to articles you have read and to publish ("post")
your own articles for others to read. Newsgroups are organised and grouped by title
using compound names such as rec.sport.basketball.college. Here, rec specifies
recreational topics, sport specifies a subgroup of recreation, and so on.

7. What is my IP address?
Your IP address is assigned to you automatically by the On Australia server and
changes with each connection.

8. What is my DNS address?
Your primary DNS address is 139.134.2.2 and the secondary address is 139.134.2.18.
If you are using the Microsoft IP stack (provided with the Telstra Internet Access Kit),
you do not need to specify these. They will be set when they connect to the On
Australia network. Other stacks may perform the same way or may require you to
manually configure these at setup. Please refer to the stack's documentation
accompanying your software. Some applications may request you to provide your DNS
address when signing up. You should ignore these as your DNS address is
automatically assigned to you by the On Australia server.

F. LOOKING FORWARD
******************
1. Can I use the Internet to make cheap international phone calls?
It is possible to "speak" to someone in another part of the world using the Internet, but
the quality of the call can be very poor. Generally, the receiver of the phone call must
be at his or her computer when you call, and must have the appropriate software and
hardware installed and running. However, this is an exciting area of the Internet which
is rapidly evolving.

2. Can I send/ receive video over the Internet?

Videoconferencing
Like "voice" programs, videoconferencing requires a large amount of network capacity
and is not suitable for use with current dial-up modems. As faster modems, Cable
modems and ISDN increase in availability and greater Internet interconnection capacity
becomes available, videoconferencing over the Internet will be more practical.

Video Clips
Some Internet Web sites allow users to download video clips which can be played on
your computer. Movie previews and music video clips are common on the Internet.
Please note that the video clip files are sometimes very large. For example, a 30
second video clip might be as large as 8MB - this may take an hour or longer to
download over the Internet.

G. GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS
***********************
DNS - Domain Name Server
ISDN - Integrated Services Digital Network
IP - Internet Protocol
ISP - Internet Service Provider
kbps - kilo-bits-per-second
MB - Mega Bytes
PABX - Private Access Branch Exchange
POP - Point of Presence
SMTP - Single Mail Transport Protocol
WWW - World Wide Web

'Microsoft' and 'Windows' are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. 'Freecall' and
'Easycall' are trademarks of Telstra Corporation in Australia.