NorthNet News

Q: How can I permanently change the phone number that the NorthNet shortcut on my Windows 95/98 desktop dials?

A: To change the number, click on Start, Programs, Accessories, Dial Up Networking (Communications and then Dial Up Networking in Windows 98).

Highlight the Northnet icon there with a single click and then click on File and Properties. The phone number can be changed here.

Q: How do I change my NorthNet password?

A:There are two ways to change your Northnet password. First, you can do this yourself by telneting to:

Log in with your username and password and then, at the system prompt, type: password

You will be prompted for the old password and then for the new password. 'Telnet' is a text-based program that allows you to connect to certain computers on the Internet on which you have an account. There is a copy of the telnet program in Windows 95. Click on Start, Find, Files or Folders, Named: telnet to find it.

Second, you can ask us to change it for you. Send an email message to:

Please include your old password and your new password.

Passwords must be six to eight characters in length. They can be numbers, letters or punctuation but must contain at least one letter. Passwords are case sensitive.

Passwords should not be names or words in the dictionary.

Good passwords that are easy to remember can be made up of two short words such as 'bluewood' or 'bentplea'. You can also use initials of family members 'djb-meb' or license plate numbers '8pd912'. Hackers usually work from word lists comprised of names and dictionary words. Avoid these and your account will be more secure.

The Macintosh is on it’s way back to the mainstream with the introduction of the iMac, a completely new computer built around a completely new idea. iMac is designed around a simple premise: that the Internet should be as easy to use as a Macintosh. iMac comes in one box, with everything you need for Internet use.

Just a reminder to people who use Netscape - if you are using a non-power mac (680x0) you should use netscape version 3; power mac (ppc) users can use the new version 4.06. The reason for this is that the communicator version has no java script in it for the 0x0 version.

Winter is coming and people are on the computer more than ever. This is a good time to run your disk doctor or disk first aid and clean out any of those programs you don't use anymore.

REMEMBER- when throwing out a program you need to check your preference folder and throw out anything there that goes with that program. For instance - if you throw away ClarisWorks, you need to go to the preference folder and throw away "claris preferences."

New Versions of Macintosh Software:

GraphicConverter 3.4 - New version of this premium graphics editor and viewer

Spades Deluxe 1.5 - New version of this card game

EmailChecker 3.0 - New version of this application to automate checking your mail

You can download these programs from: www.mactimes.com/puremac

NorthNet Cancellation Policy The full balance on your account must be paid within thirty days of invoicing or your NorthNet account will be liable for suspension. If you know you won’t be using NorthNet for at least a month or more, call us in advance. Ask to have your account put on "hold." You won’t be charged beginning with the first day of the next calendar month. When you’re ready to get online again, you will simply call us and ask to have your NorthNet account reactivated.