helpPAGE i3 - How to Dial into the CommunityNet

Just about any home computer can be used to dial in to the Vancouver CommunityNet. You need four basic things:

1. A personal computer.
   Most computers that display 80 characters across the screen can be used. This includes any IBM PC, PC clone or Macintosh computer.

2. A modem.
   Modems let your computer exchange information with another computer over a regular telephone line. The CommunityNet can handle most modem speeds including 9600 14,400 and now up to 56kbps (V.90/K56flex). Bps means "bits per second." Sometimes the term "baud" is used instead.

3. Telecommunications software.
   This software tells your computer how to use the modem. It is sometimes called a "terminal emulator" or "communications program." Set your software to emulate a VT100 terminal. Check your user manual for more information on "VT100".

   Modems often come with a free telecommunications program, or you may already have one if you have an integrated software package.

4. A telephone line.
   Any telephone line will do. Using a modem with your phone ties up the line just like an ordinary voice call. Also, if you pick up an extension phone you will interrupt your modem, and call waiting interferes with your modem use if someone calls you while you're online.

EXPERT SHORTCUT:

If you are already familiar with your computer and modem setup, set your terminal type to 80x25 VT100 and dial (604) 638-0189 8-N-1.

If you have Internet telnet access, telnet to: vcn.bc.ca

MODEMS & SOFTWARE:

First, connect your modem to your computer and the telephone line following the instructions that came with the modem. There are two basic types of modems - internal and external. Internal modems fit inside the computer case while external modems have their own small cases and sit next to your computer. With both types, you plug your modem into your computer and then plug the modem into your phone line.

Next, set the communications options in your software:

1. Set the program to VT100 emulation. There are variants of this - "VT102 or ANSI" works as well, for instance.

2. Set the terminal speed to be the highest speed your modem supports.

3. Set the program to 8 data bits, no parity and 1 stop bit. This is often called "8-N-1".

4. Set the telephone number to 638-0189 (area code 604 for long distance.)

For more information on changing your software settings, see the manual that came with your software.

What do DEL, ESC, ^ and CTRL mean?

DEL is short for Delete and usually deletes one character to the left. If you're having problems backspacing you may have to set your software to reverse "backspace" and "delete".

ESC is short for Escape. Some telecommunications software uses the ESC key to send commands to it while connected to another computer.

CTRL is short for Control. It is often indicated with a ^ or caret symbol. For example: ^X means hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard and press the letter X at the same time.

PROBLEMS:

Here are some basic points to check if things don't seem to be working:

1. Can you call out using your telephone? If not, there may be problems with your line.

2. Double-check that the modem settings are correct. The telecommunications software settings are:

3. VT100 emulation
4. 8 data bits
5. No parity
6. 1 stop bit.

BASIC COMMANDS

The basic CommunityNet menu commands are shown at the bottom of each menu screen. They are the same throughout all of the CommunityNet menus: m returns to the Main Menu, h displays our help menu, i is our Community Index of information and q asks if you want to quit the CommunityNet.

When you leave the CommunityNet menus to use electronic mail, discussion groups, the Web or connect to other computers, the commands change. However, all of the CommunityNet programs, and most of the computers they connect to, list the available commands on every screen. When in doubt, check your screen for the available commands or type in 'Help'.

Revised: March 8, 2000