Hardware Requirements | Recommended Software | Configure Your Computer ]

Hardware Requirements

The Internet keeps pace with advancing technologies. Many web pages now include multimedia elements and animation. These sites require that you be using, at least, a Pentium or higher processor.

A general rule is that if you have enough memory to run your operating system, you should have enough for basic Internet use. Windows95/98 requires at least 16 MB of RAM to run properly. 32MB is our recommended minimum.

Currently, to install and run Microsoft's Internet Explorer 5.0, you can get by with about 80 MB of free hard drive space. The newest release of Microsoft's Internet Explorer (version 5.01) will require 111 MB of free space. This does not include the room needed for other Internet applications. The bigger your hard drive is, the more you can download and save.

While it is true that you don't need a video card to read your e-mail, you will want one in order to visit some of the more graphically rich sites. Your video card should be able to display SVGA resolution with at least 256 colors.

You don't need a sound card to read your e-mail, but if you want to take advantage of many of the Internet's offerings you will need one. You will need a basic 16-bit sound board and a cheap set of speakers.

Last but certainly not least is the modem. Without it, you will not be doing anything on the Internet. 33,600 bps modems are fairly common but the de facto standard has become 56K V90 modems.

You need two types of software in order to get on the Internet. You need an application that will get you connected and an application or applications that will let you use of the resources of the Internet. You will need a browser for surfing the web, an e-mail program, an FTP program so that you can transfer files and a news reader. Microsoft Internet Explorer is an Internet Suite, which includes all the application software you will need. Outlook Express (bundled in IE5, contains a fully functional news and e-mail client)

Connecting to the Internet with Windows 95/98 Dial-Up Networking Windows 95/98 has built-in support for connecting to The Higher Technology. This document will help you configure Windows 95/98 to connect to the Internet using Dial-Up Networking. Please read this entire document before trying to connect.

You need the following information from a customer representative before starting:

- User name

- Password

- Local access phone number(s)

Setting up Dial-Up Networking:

1. Check to see if Dial-Up Networking is installed on your computer. Open My Computer. (The icon for MY Computer can usually be found on the top left corner of your desktop.) If Dial-Up networking is installed, you see a folder named Dial-Up Networking in the My Computer window.

2. If you do not have a Dial-Up Networking folder, add Dial-up Networking by double clicking the Add/Remove Programs icon in Control Panel (Control Panel is also found in the My Computer window), clicking the Windows Setup Tab, clicking Communications, clicking Details, clicking the Dial-Up Networking check box to select it, clicking OK, and then clicking OK.

Installing the TCP/IP protocol:

1. In Control Panel, double-click the Network Icon.

2. Click Add, click Protocol, and then click Add.

3. In the Manufacturer's box, click Microsoft. In the Network Protocols box, click TCP/IP, and then click OK.

4. Once these components are installed, click OK to close the Network dialog box. When you are prompted to restart Windows 95/98, do so.

Creating and configuring a new connection:

1. In my Computer, open the Dial-Up Networking folder. If this is the first time you have opened the Dial-Up Networking folder, the Make New Connection Wizard runs to help you create a Dial-Up Networking connection. If not, double-click Make New Connection.

2. Type "THT" as the name for the computer you are dialing. Make sure that the correct modem is selected and click Next.

3. Type in the area code and local access number that you were given, then click Next. Click Finish at the next window.

4. When you are finished, there will be an icon in the Dial-Up Networking folder that you will use to connect to the Internet. You might want to make a shortcut to the connection on the desktop for easier access.

Connecting to your account:

1. To dial The Higher Technology, double-click your new connection icon. The Connect To dialog box opens for you to log in. Type your user name and password (in lower case) and then click Connect.

2. When you see the Connected To dialog box, you are connected to The Higher Technology. You can run any internet program you want.

If you have any concerns or problems, please call The Higher Technology at (416)410-3214 and we will address your needs.