NetFAQs: Macintosh - Connecting to the Net

Apple Remote Access (ARA) - Modem Connection for Mac Classic 8.5 - 9.2

Edit existing connections: Apple Remote Access Overview:

Links on this page: Open ARA | Manage Connections | Check UN/PW/PH# | Options: Redial - Connection - Protocol |

Remote Access is a program that allows your computer to dial-up to the Internet using a modem and a phone line.

Apple Remote Access came standard on Macs starting with version 8.5 and continuing through version 9.2.

It was possible to download older versions of ARA before 8.5, so older systems may have Remote Access installed as well.

Remember: After opening Apple Remote Access, you should also check two related programs: TCP and Modems.

Opening Apple Remote Access:

To open Remote Access, click the Apple, then Control Panels, and finally Remote Access, as shown below.

Note: If Remote Access isn't listed, it's probably not enabled in the Extensions Manager.
Click here for help.

The Remote Access configuration dialogue opens, as shown below.

Remove old/outdated connections & Make yours Active:

Before taking time to check your settings, make sure you are looking at the settings for the right ISP.

With Remote Access open, click on File, then Configurations, as shown below.

The Configurations dialogue box opens, as shown below.

First, delete any connection configurations not in use. You wouldn't want to inadvertently dial up to your old ISP.

You can have more than one "Configuration" for Remote Access. There are several reasons you may want to do this:

Different member of the same household my be using different ISP's to connect to the Internet.

Those who travel to another city often may want to add a separate configuration for each city.

Also, make sure that your configuration is the Active Configuration, as indicated at the top of the box.
If it is not, highlight it and click the Make Active button.

When you've finished, click the Done button to return to the main Remote Access screen, shown below.

Check Username, Password, and Phone Number:

Here is the main screen of Remote Access.

Notice across the top that the name of your Active Configuration is shown in parentheses. If you had made "OtherCity" the Active Configuration, then (OtherCity) would be listed in place of (ISPName).

Username, Password, and Phone number are the three most important settings for getting connected. If any of these is the least bit incorrect, you'll never get connected.

Name = follows this format: username@ispname.com with your username in place of "username" and ISP's Name in place of "ispname.com".

Password = Passwords are cAsE SEnSitIvE, so ensure your Caps Lock is not on.

Number = Your ISP's local access number. Look for the "Dial-Up Locations" link on your ISP's main web site.
     Remember: Before you use any dial-up number for Internet access, you must contact your local telephone service provider to verify if the number in question would be a toll-charge call for you.

Tip: Can't make changes? Fields grayed out? You may need to be in Administrator mode.
      Click Edit, then User Mode, then select Administrator. Click here for screenshots.

Click the Connect button to dial up to the Internet.

Or, Click the Options button for some extra settings.

Check Optional Settings:

There are some additional settings which usually don't cause problems getting connected. They deal more with your preferences for how Remote Access will interact with you and your computer.

This includes Redial options, alert & status messages, and auto-dial features.

Click the Options button at the bottom of the Remote Access screen (shown above) to access these extra settings.

Tip: Can't make changes? Fields grayed out? You may need to be in Administrator mode.
Click Edit, then User Mode, then select Administrator. Click here for screenshots.

Redialing tab:

On the Redialing tab, you can choose to have ARA redial the phone number after a failed attempt.

It is best to leave this Off for troubleshooting purposes. If you fail to connect on the first try, simply click the Connect button to try again.

Connection tab:

The Connection tab has options for status messages & disconnect reminders.

The first options to use verbose logging is not necessary.

The second option will display your connection progress.

The third option lets you know you're connected by showing a connection icon.

The last two options will keep your Internet hours down if leave your computer and forget to disconnect.

Protocol tab:

On the Protocol tab, it is recommended to check-mark the first three options.

The first option, Connect automatically..., allows you to connect simply by opening an Internet program, such as Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, Netscape, Eudora, etc.

The second and third options typically provide a better connection with higher throughput.

When you've finished with the optional settings, click OK to return to the main Remote Access screen.

You should also check the settings in two related areas: TCP and Modems.

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