This article covers some of the basics of connecting older Macs to the Internet. I have to make a few disclaimers:

If you have a REALLY old Mac (like a Classic) you may not be able to make a truly satisfactory connection to the Internet, especially to the World Wide Web. Today, most web sites, like mine, use features that require a "modern" browser. These programs require more RAM than what some of the older Macs will accept. Also, Apple was actually pretty slow in adapting its products to the Web. So you might be able to use Telnet, E-mail and Newsgroups (all of which use black and white text) but not be able to see the WWW in color with all of the modern features (and certainly without sound and video.) Also, older Macs have very slow serial ports (the little sockets on the back where you plug in your modem) which makes them frustratingly slow for use as Web surfers.

Also, there are so many different combinations of Macs and operating system software versions, that these instructions can't cover everybody. So, as always, your mileage may vary. As I can find the time, I will write specific instructions on how to configure applications like Netscape Navigator.

Also, if you have a Mac with a 68030 or later processor and 12 to 16 MB of RAM or better: DON"T MESS AROUND WITH THIS STUFF. Upgrade to Mac OS 7.6 (for 68030 machines) or Mac OS 8 (for 68040 or PowerPC machines) and use Open Transport. It runs better and is easier to set up.

As I write this, I'm assuming a few things about you and your Mac. The first, is that you are running some version of system 7. If your machine is too old to run System 7, it probably won't do very well on the Net, anyway. Secondly, I assume that you know how to do the basic Mac stuff, like navigating through folders.

Networking involves "layers" of software. At the bottom (sort of) is your operating system software (The Mac OS.) Then you need a TCP (Transfer Control Protocol) layer. For older Macs this would be MacTCP. The latest (and last) version of MacTCP is 2.0.6. I am negotiating with Apple to distribute this for free. I'll keep you posted. In the meantime, if you have an earlier version, Apple has updaters available for free from its web site. So, I am going to assume, that by hook or by crook, you have obtained MacTCP version 2.0.6. MacTCP is a hybrid between a Control Panel and an Extension, so it should be inside your system folder, but not inside any sub-folder.

Then you need some form of PPP (Point to Point Protocol) software. For this tutorial I am going to use MacPPP. Its latest (and last) incarnation is version 2.5.3. It actually comes in two parts: PPP (an extension) and Config PPP (a control panel.) This software is available free from Apple. After you have installed these three pieces of software into the correct spots in your system folder, double click on MacTCP and you should se this:

Please note that "PPP" is highlighted (selected.) Also, please ignore the space that says "IP Address." Now click on the button that says "More." You should see this:

Don't mess with anything except the boxes that say "Domain" and "IP Address." This particular set up is for the Wood County Free Net. NOTE: The correct numbers are 64.31.64.1 and 64.31.64.2 But enter whatever setting your ISP (Internet Service Provider) has given you, EXACTLY as written. Then you MUST pick one to be the "Default." This is done by clicking in the appropriate circle. IF YOU DON'T DO THIS, IT WON'T WORK! Then click "OK." That will take you back to the main MacTCP window, which you can close.

Then go into the Control Panels folder, inside your system folder, and double click on the Config PPP icon ("Config" is short for "Configure.") You should see a window that looks something like this:

There are two almost identical Serial Ports on the back of most Macs. One is designated as the Printer Port and one is the Modem port. Actually, you can use either one for your modem, BUT you will have to turn off AppleTalk, in the Chooser, if you use the Printer port. Except for unusual circumstances, use the Modem Port. It has a little icon by it that is like a telephone handset. Click on the "New" button. Give your setup an appropriate name, like oh,... say "WCNet." Click OK and you should see a window like this.

Now, here you are on your own, sort of. Namely because, some of these settings are determined by your brand and model of modem. Select whether you have "tone" ("touch tone" which is probable) or "pulse" ("ringer") dialing and enter the phone number for your ISP. This is the BG number for the Wood County free Net. "Modem Init" is short for "Modem Initialization string" sometimes called "AT" commands. This and the "Flow Control" setting are determined by the modem that you have. You'll have to find it, or call the tech support number for the modem manufacturer or reseller. here as an example, is Config PPP set for a Global Village Platinum Modem and the Wood COunty Free Net:

The only other thing to set is "Authentication" (which means your password.)

"Name" means your account name not your real name. The password is displayed as ?????? so that no one can look over your shoulder and steal it. It must be entered EXACTLY as your ISP gives it to you (upper and lower case as given.) Notice that I've increased both the number of retries (it will redial automatically when you hit a busy signal.) and have lengthened the "Timeout" period (so that PPP doesn't give up and quit too soon doing a slow connection.)

If you ever need to correct or change any settings, open the Config PPP Control Panel and select "Config." If you've taken care of everything, when you look at the Config PPP main panel, in the upper left hand corner, there should be two little smiley face guys and it should say "PPP Up." Hit "Open" the modem should dial and then start making those weird noises that modems make.

©1998 Earl M. Britt. I am solely responsible for the contents of this tutorial. Don't blame WCNet for anything that I wrote. These opinions are mine and mine alone. I assume no liability whatsoever. Any reproduction for anything other than YOUR personal use requires my permission or else is a violation of Federal Law.