UND ITSS FAQ

Internet Access from Home via Dial-Up


Can I access the Internet from my home?

Yep - you betcha!

If dialing a Grand Forks telephone number is a local call for you, you may want to try the UND dial-up access. If you live long distance from Grand Forks then you'd be better off using a local Internet Service Provider (ISP) or a service such as AOL or Prodigy. The following information applies to dial-up access via UND.

What do I need to do this?

The first thing you need is a computer with a modem, the modem must be at least 33,600 baud, and your computer must have at least 24MB RAM. Macintosh computers must have system 8 or higher.

You will also need an e-mail account on U-mail, or on one of the CAS or Medical School e-mail hosts. This account is used to "authenticate" (verify that you are a University user) each time you dial-up.

The next thing you need is dial-up software. If you have a Windows95+ computer or a Macintosh with System 8.+, dial-up software came with it.

In addition to the dial-up software you will need Internet application software, such as Netscape (Note: Internet Explorer comes with Windows95 but you can still use Netscape). The NDHECN (North Dakota Higher Education Computing Network) has purchased software for you to use.

Where do I get this software?

The software is available via the software web page (http://www.und.nodak.edu/software.html). If you don't have access to a computer with internet access you may use one of the computers in the ITSS Labs (Memorial Union Rm 1 & 3rd floor of the Chester Fritz Library). You will need to take blank high density diskettes with you to copy the software that is available to copy to disks (please note: the number of diskettes will vary depending on the software you need to download, check the web site to determine how many disks you will need). Otherwise, you will need to make your connection and download using your web browser directly to your computer.

Once you have the software you need to install it on your computer at home. If there are other programs that you need (such as, telnet or Eudora to access your e-mail account) you may download them once you get connected using your web browser (e.g. Netscape). There is a link on the ITSS Software web page called: Internet Software: Download from HECN archive .

What else do I need?

You will need the instructions for configuring the dial-up software. These Tech Notes are available in paper form in the documentation racks in Upson II (3rd floor, across from the elevator) or the Computer Learning Lab (Memorial Union Rm 1). They are also available on the ITSS Home Page. You will also need other software, such as a Web browser or e-mail software, to explore the Internet. You will use your browser to download other software to install. Instructions for this process are found in the following documents:

What's the phone number?

The phone number for our modems is 777-0123. BUT be sure to pick up the User Notes appropriate for your computer set-up to be sure your dial-up software is configured correctly. There is also a 15-minute modem pool, the number is 777-0125.
 

What if it doesn't work?

Check the User Note to be sure you didn't miss a step in the configuration. Each note includes a troubleshooting section with answers to the most common problems. If you are still having a problem contact:
  • ITSS Help Center - 72222

Anything else?

You should familiarize yourself with theHigher Education Computer Network (HECN) Computing Policy and Procedures and North Dakota University System Computing Facilities Policy. These documents can be accessed from the ITSS Policy page. We are fortunate to have this access, so let's all be good Internet citizens!