Penn State Internet Software Distribution

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Windows

Contents

Steps

Recommended steps to take are:
  1. Read the introduction
  2. Connect hardware (modem or  LAN card)
  3. Setup Windows software for your modem or LAN connection
  4. Choose and install applications

Introduction

The Windows-compatible software on this CD runs on most of the 32-bit versions of Microsoft Windows - that is, versions more recent than version 3.x. This software will not run on Windows 3.x or earlier. As of this writing, we have used most of this software on Windows 95, 98, ME, NT 4.0, 2000, and XP. If a particular program has problems with one of these versions of Windows, it will be noted on the page that talks about that application. We cannot guarantee compatibility with future versions of Windows. Unfortunately, we can't make a "single-click" package that does everything for everyone the right way.  There are too many variations among versions of Windows and how computers connect to the network.  You have to read a little bit and make some decisions.

First, it's important to understand the difference between your computer's Network Connection and the Application Software that you install on it. Most application software for the "32 bit" versions of Microsoft Windows works on all versions of Windows greater than 3.x; Installing a package is usually easy.

But, the instructions for installing and configuring a network connection are different for different versions of Windows; It can be a tedious chore or it might already be done on the computer you have, so our instructions try to cover all the bases.  We recommend that you make sure the network connection is working before you start installing applications.

Some more background may help you to understand.

Network Connections

The "pipe" between your computer and the Internet consists of hardware and software.  The communication hardware is either Dial-Up (a phone line and modem) or LAN (Local Area Network, such as Ethernet).   The software, called "drivers," is what makes the communication hardware work. More communication software, called TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol), which is independent of the communication hardware, enables your computer to communicate with other computers on the Internet. All this software comes right in the box with Windows, so these days, you're usually all set.

Application Software

Internet Clients are the programs that enable email, FTP (File Transfer Protocol) or browsing the "Web" possible. And they all use the same "pipe" or network connection, called TCP/IP. You know that you're not limited to the application software on this CD. There are literally 100s of programs, many free, available on the Internet that work with Windows and your network connection. You just have to find them by talking with your friends or by "surfing" the Web.

Dialup Connections

1. Connect Hardware

We figure that you have a 'phone line and a modem. The modem can be inside your computer (internal) or outside it (external).

If it's inside your computer, you will have a 'phone line from the computer to the wall 'phone jack, and maybe, another from the computer to a 'phone.

If the modem is outside your computer, there must be a cable connecting the modem to the computer.  There will also be a 'phone line connecting the modem to the wall jack, and maybe, another from the modem to a 'phone.

Read the owners manual for your computer and/or modem for instructions on how to connect them to each other and to the 'phone wall jack.

2. Configure Software

Once the modem is connected and powered on, you're ready to install software on Windows to make it work. There are two different ways to set up a dial-up connection. One's easy and one's more difficult:
- Try this first. It's an easy, drop-in sort of solution. If it works on your machine, you can be up and running in about 5 minutes.
- If, for some reason, the Penn State Connection doesn't work on your system, you can always fall back to the tried and true "do-it-yourself" method. Because it's complicated, we strongly recommend that you have a copy of the step-by-step instructions printed out before you begin.

LAN Connections

In some Penn State residence halls and offices, this may be called an IBC (Individual Backbone Connection) or SIBC (Student IBC). Also many students have a connection via a cable modem or DSL from their home.

1. Connect Hardware

Make sure your computer has an installed Network Adapter such as an Ethernet or Token Ring card, then connect the appropriate cable between the adapter and the wall jack. (This wall jack looks like a telephone wall jack, but it isn't. You can tell the difference because a LAN jack and cable has 8 pins or connectors, while a telephone cable and wall jack have only 4 pins or connectors.)

In a University Park dormitory, you can get assistance in connecting your hardware from Housing and Food Services at 865-2944.  There are contacts for other campuses that have residence hall connections, but the list changes frequently.  Ask around or visit your campus computer lab.

In a University office, you may need assistance from your department or college computer consultant.

2. Configure Software

The LAN instructions can be complicated. So, it's best if you can have a set of printed instructions before you start.

Installing Applications

Once your network connection works, you're ready to install some programs.  Do not (Do not, DO NOT!) install everything; that would waste a lot of disk space and a lot of your time.  Decide what you want to use based on your personal tastes, what your friends and colleagues use, and what you want to do.

For example, many people at Penn State use Eudora for email, but Netscape Communicator and Internet Explorer also have components for email that some people like more than Eudora. Similarly, some people prefer Internet Explorer for web browsing, while others prefer Netscape Communicator.  A few web sites work better with one or the other.

If forced to make a recommendation, we suggest installing a Web browser (Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Communicator) first, and then Eudora.  Figure out how to use these, then see if you need or want to try other programs.

Follow the links to each category to read about each package and how to obtain and install them.

Other software can be found on the Internet. 
For help with the CD contents, write helpdesk@psu.edu or call 814-863-1035, 814-863-2494 or 888-778-4010 (within PA). Reference page "\windows\index.htm". Revised on 7/2/2004.