Older Macintosh Versions

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Software Setup Links

System Requirements: In order to make an Internet connection, you must have:
  • A Macintosh SE or newer model with at least 4 MB RAM
  • System Software 7.x
  • 10 MB of free hard drive space
  • A modem (preferably 14.4kbps or faster)
  • Internet connectivity software, e.g.:
    • Apple internet Connection Kit
    • Internet Starter Kit for Macintosh
    • MacPPP
Configuring Instructions: Before you start configuring your software, make sure you know your modem's initialization string. See the section on Modem initialization strings or consult your modem manual.
MacTCP: The next sections deal with the specific configurations of the MacTCP and Config PPP control panels.
  • Open the MacTCP control panel from the Control Panels folder which is located in the System Folder on your hard drive.
  • Click on the PPP icon. 
  • Then click on the More button
  • "Obtain Address" section should have a button set to Server.
  • Ignore the "Routing Information" and the "IP Address" sections.
  • In "Domain Name Server Information", a Default button should be next to the first of following IP Addresses:
Domain IP Address 
visuallink.com 65.194.199.254
visuallink.com 65.194.199.253
  • Click on OK to close the More menu.
  • Close the MacTCP control panel.
  • Open the Config PPP control panel and go to the Config PPP section.
Config PPP: Here are the controls for Config PPP. The Config PPP control panel handles the configuration for your modem and the PPP Connect Script. 

The Open button is for starting a PPP connection. 
The Soft/Hard Close buttons are for discontinuing a PPP session. 
The POP: box allows the selections of different settings. Used in conjunction with the New button, you can save new settings. 
The Port Name box sets where your modem is connected (normally modem port).

  • Click on the POP: box and select, for example, PPP 14.4k (for a 14400 modem). 
  • Click on the Config button. The sample setup is geared toward a 14,400 BPS connection. The following are recommended settings for the Config screen:
Port Speed 57600 for a 14400/28800 modem (19200 for a 9600 modem)
Flow Control CTS & RTS (DTR)
Tone Dial (Pulse Dial for rotary phone service)
Phone Number 678-9179
Modem Init at&f (default). Consult your modem manual for the best advice and see the section on common modem initialization strings under Troubleshooting section.
  • Click on the Connect Script button.
Connect Script:
  • Wait timeout: 90 seconds
Out Wait   (CR)
  0 name  
0   type your username here X
  0 word:  
0   type your password here X
  • After completing the menu, click OK button. Then, click the Done button from the previous screen.
  • RESTART your computer.
Dialing Instructions:
  • Open Config PPP control panel. 
  • Click on the POP box, select a modem line (PPP 14.4k, etc.) that matches your modem's speed.
  • Click on the Open button. It will dial the modem and start a connection. If your connection is successful, you will see a dialog box saying "Establishment" and "Network", or two "hands shaking" and the message "PPP-UP" from the Config PPP screen. 
  • You may now start any of the Internet programs.
Disconnect or Hanging Up: To disconnect from the Visual Link Internet modems:
  • Click on Config PPP's Soft Close button first. 
  • If that doesn't work, click on Hard Close. 
  • If Config PPP or your modem refuse to cooperate after 30 seconds, turn off your computer.
  • If you have Call Waiting service, you may do the following changes to your Config PPP "Config..." setup.
  • In the "Phon num" box, add the characters *70, to the beginning of the modem number - e.g.: *70,7220075
General Troubleshooting:
You get a MacTCP internal error or a pesky MacTCP is acting up error. Check your MacTCP settings or hardware connection.
You have an Unable to locate host error Visual Link's modems or domain name server is misbehaving. You might have typed in the wrong connection site or Internet address. MacTCP's Domain name server's name or IP address is wrong.
You receive a PPP timeout error Modem is not turned on or not hooked up to the phone jack. Your modem is not responding or not responding fast enough. Turn the modem off and on. Close and open Config PPP. Click Open again. Your modem initialization string is incompatible with your modem. Try some of the strings in the Common Modem Strings section. You don't have a hardware handshaking modem cable. See your local computer store.
Everything is set according to the example, but Config PPP has the Open button grayed-out or won't dial the modem. Modem is not hooked up or not turned on. MacTCP is doesn't have PPP selected or highlighted You have the Open Transport extensions. Upgrade it to v1.1 or higher and use FreePPP v1.0.5 or higher. Another Control Panel device(s), Extension(s), and/or startup item(s) is interfering with Config PPP. Disable it (them) and restart the Mac. Appletalk is using the Mac's modem port. Go into the Choosier and turn off Appletalk. The Extensions Manager Control Panel did not "check" Config PPP. Place a "check" by Config PPP.
The window keeps saying Waiting for "%" for a long time (over a minute). Incompatible modem initialization string. Try leaving the Modem Init box empty. The username and password were not in lowercase or were incorrect. Open the connection and try again. Check your password with Visual Link Internet You clicked on the Authentication button and filled in your username and password. Erase everything from this screen.
You get quick busy signals when trying to disable call waiting. You don't have the service called Disable Call Waiting although you may have Call Waiting. Contact your phone company about the service.
Common Modem Initialization Strings:
Global Village at&f
LineLink 144e at&f
MultiModem 2400 atz
Practical Peripheral 9600 at&f
SupraExpress 144 at&f1
SupraFAXModem 288 at&f1
USRobotics Sportster at&f
Zoom 2400 V.42bis at&f