Running Mac OS X Tiger: A No-Compromise Power Users Guide to the Mac (Animal Guide)

11.9. Using a Dial-Up Connection

Compared to the simplicity of using Ethernet or AirPort, connecting to a network through a modem requires a bit more effort in configuring your computer to dial into a server. This can be done either on-demand when your computer wants to access the network, or only when you wish to. To use a dial-up network, you'll have to set

up some additional information in the PPP tab of the Network preference panel for a modem, as shown in Figure 11-10. For most dial-up networks, using the information given to you by your ISP will work here.

If you need to set up additional configuration items, you can click the PPP Options button and get the sheet displayed in Figure 11-11. Some options of interest here:

Connect automatically when needed

If this box is checked, your computer will try to dial your network provider when any program makes a request that needs connectivity. For example, if you were offline but opened Safari, the system would automatically connect so you could use Safari to surf the Web. This also happens with Mail.app and the Backup utility included with .Mac memberships. If this box is checked and you have Backup scheduled to run a backup to your iDisk and your Mac isn't online, your Mac will connect to your ISP so Backup can get its job done.

Figure 11-10. Configuring dial-up networking using the Network preference panel

Prompt every nn minutes to maintain connection

This option is geared to those who don't want to unnecessarily tie up their phone line or are billed by the hour for Internet usage. Enabling this option results in a small dialog box appearing every time the designated interval has passed. The window asks you to confirm you want to stay online and, if you haven't confirmed the connection, automatically disconnects you from the Internet.

Disconnect if idle

This setting controls how long your connection will be idle before the computer disconnects from the Internet automatically; that is how long the connection is held if you aren't sending or receiving any data.

Figure 11-11. Advanced PPP options

Connect using a terminal window (command line)

If checked, this causes a simple terminal window (not related to the Terminal application) to open so you can manually dial in to the PPP server. Usually this isn't required, as most PPP servers use a standard login process that your Mac can deal with seamlessly. However, some older networks may require the use of this option.

In addition to using the Network preference panel, you can use Internet Connect (/Applications), shown in Figure 11-12, to connect to a dial-up networking provider. Internet Connect also allows you to manage multiple numbers, which is handy if you are traveling between cities and want to easily connect to the right dial-up number. To add a configuration, use the Configuration pop-up menu and select Edit Configurations.

Observant readers will note that Internet Connect also sports a few other options in its toolbar. One is AirPort, which provides you with details on any wireless networks within range, including a signal strength meter. Another is Bluetooth, which allows you to connect to the network via a Bluetooth device such as a cell phone. Unfortunately, connecting via Bluetooth devices is still a bit of a mysterious art, with wildly different procedures depending on your device. Your best bet is to dig on the Internet for information on how to configure your device.

The last item is a VPN tab, allowing you to access a Virtual Private Network, which is discussed later in this chapter.