How do I setup an account?

Setting up an account is simple and fast. You may come in and fill out some brief paperwork or give us a call and we can setup the account over the phone. No credit cards are needed, and it only takes a few minutes to setup an account.

How do I install Computer Café from your CD?

Setting up Computer Cafe from the CD-ROM is a quick and easy way to set up your Internet account.

· Place the Computer Café CD into your drive.
· Follow the on screen instructions.

If the CD does not run automatically please use the following steps.

· Select on My Computer.
· Double click on "café-v5p2r1"
· Double click on "setup" or it may be listed as "setup.exe".
· Follow the on screen instructions.

How do I setup Dial-up Networking manually?

Manually setting up the DUN is a good alternative for those who don't have a Computer Cafe CD.

· Select on My Computer
· Select on Dial-Up Networking
· Double click on "Make New Connection"
· Enter "Computer Café" for the name of the computer you are dialing.
· Select "Next"
· Enter the local phone number for your county. (Provided at the end of this document.)
· Select "Next"
· Select "Finish"
· Right click on the Computer Café icon and select "Create Shortcut"
· Select Yes.

· For Windows 2000 / ME you will first click on The Control Panel and then on Dial up Networking /
Network and Dial up Connections.

Why should I use the "Shortcut to Computer Café" rather than using IE or Netscape to connect?

It is difficult for our technicians to troubleshoot those connections as opposed to the "Shortcut to Computer Cafe" connection. Also the auto-dialer used in these programs dials the default connection. It is for this reason that we recommend you use your "Shortcut to Computer Cafe" to ensure that you are connecting to us.

What is the problem with having multiple DUN connections?

The problem is mainly just confusion. Often the connections are called something like "My Connection," "My Connection 2," "My Connection 3..." It's not hard to see the difficulty in distinguishing them. This also may cause confusion in the auto-dialer if the incorrect one is labeled as the default connection.

How do I know when I'm online?

Down by where the time is at (usually in the lower right of the desktop, the System Tray) you will see two monitors that blink when data is transferred. Their appearance there is the indication that you are connected.
Double clicking "Shortcut to Computer Cafe" and the window will display if you're connected.
You may also hover your mouse above it for a second and that will also let you know if you're connected.
By doing any of these things it will let you know how much data has been transferred as well.

What does it mean by no dial tone detected?

No dial tone means just that. The modem isn't getting a dial tone. Just as when you pick your phone up and there is no dial tone, we will check the connections between the modem and the socket to ensure the phone cord is properly plugged in. Don't count on your eyes; unplug the phone line and then plug it back in. Make sure the line that runs from the wall is plugged into the modem port labeled "Line."
Another possible cause for this is that someone happens to be on the phone line as you're trying to connect.

I'm getting disconnected frequently, why is this?
Possible reasons for being disconnected are:

· Call waiting (turn it off using *70,,).

For Windows 98

· Select on My Computer
· Select on Dial-Up Networking
· Right-click the Computer Cafe Icon
· Select properties
· Add "*70,," to the beginning of the number

For Windows 2000

· Select on My Computer
· Select on Control Panel
· Select on Dial-Up Networking
· Right-click the Computer Cafe Icon
· Select properties
· Add "*70,," to the beginning of the number

All that's needed to add call blocking is to append "*70,," to the beginning of the number. Therefore, Coffee County people would call *70,,222-0272.

· AOL Adapter in the network settings in the Control Panel.

Remove this in Network Settings.

· Select on My Computer
· Select on Control Panel
· Select on Network
· Highlight AOL Adapter(s)
· Click Remove

· Improper settings in Outlook Express.

Make sure the following settings are correct:

· Dial a connection.
· Select "Tools"
· Select "Options"
· Select "Connection"
· Select "Change"
· Check "Never dial a connection"

· Hang up after sending and receiving
· Select "Tools"
· Select "Options"
· Select "Connection"
· Remove the check from "Hang-up after sending and receiving"

· Inactivity

Not using your Internet connection for 20 minutes can cause our modem banks to reset the line. Even if you are typing or moving your mouse during the 20 minutes, you must be sending data to look active to the modem. Sending data involves looking at web pages, sending or receiving email, sending receiving messages on ICQ or Yahoo Messenger, etc.
If you're unsure if you're sending data remember you can hover test the two monitors in the system tray.

A modem setting can cause frequent disconnects.

· Select on My Computer
· Select on Control Panel
· Select on Modems
· Highlight the name of your modem by left clicking on it one time
· Select "properties"
· Uncheck "Disconnect a fall if idle for more than..."

· Maximum Call Duration
Not disconnecting for 10-24 straight hours can cause our modem banks to reset the line.

· Someone in the house picks up the phone.

· Low quality in the phone line
From rain, short circuits, fax machines, cordless phones, EMI, Electric fences, etc...

· Surge from Lightning
Or other source - a spike of electrical current at the receiving end or originating end the line can cause the phone call to be reset to protect phone equipment.

· Bad Modem
Modems can get confused.

· Select on My computer
· Select on control panel
· Select on modems
· Choose the "connection" tab
· Select "advanced"
· Uncheck "Use error Control"

· Modems can also get fried.
An electrical surge can burn out the components between the phone port on the modem and the logic chips on the card. This may cause the computer to be able to see the modem, and a phone signal to be carried through to the other jack on the modem but no signal getting to the logic chip of the modem.

How do I remove and install Dial-Up Networking?

Remove Dial-Up Networking
In order to properly remove Dial-Up Networking use the following steps:

· RESTART the machine
· Press F8 repeatedly or hold down CTRL until you reach the START MENU
· Choose option 3-SAFE MODE
· Go to CONTROL PANEL
· Double-click MY COMPUTER
· Choose ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS
· Select the WINDOWS SETUP tab
· Remove the check from COMMUNICATIONS
· RESTART the machine

Install Dial-Up Networking
· RESTART the machine
· Go to CONTROL PANEL
· Double-click MY COMPUTER
· Choose ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS
· Select the WINDOWS SETUP tab
· Check the COMMUNICATIONS box
· RESTART the machine

The World Wide Web (WWW)
How do I set my home page?

In Internet Explorer
· Select "Tools"
· Select "Internet Options"
· Enter the address in the text box for "Home Page" address

In Netscape
· Select "Edit"
· Select "Preferences"
· Enter the address in the text box for "Home Page" address

What are and how do I use favorites / bookmarks?

Favorites / Bookmarks let you keep track of web pages and go back with the click of a button. This is a great method to keep track of and organize a collection of your links.
To add:

For Internet Explorer
· Select "Favorites"
· Select "Add Favorite"

For Netscape
· Select "Bookmark"
· Select "Add Bookmark"

To use:

For Internet Explorer
· Select "Favorites"
· Select <your favorite> or...
· Select "Start button"
· Select "Favorites"
· Select <your favorite>

In Netscape
· Select "Bookmark"
· Select <your bookmark>

How do I clear History, Temp Internet Files, Memory and Cache?

To do this occasionally is a good thing. It's like dusting. This should be done fairly regularly.

For Internet Explorer
· Right-click the Internet Explorer Icon
· Select "Properties"
· Select Delete Files / Clear History

For Netscape
· Select "Edit"
· Select "Preferences"
· In the left window pane choose "Navigator"
· Select Clear History / Clear Location Bar

For Netscape
· Select "Edit"
· Select "Preferences"
· In the left window pane choose "Advanced"
· In the left window pane choose "Cache"
· Select "Clear Memory cache"

What is a cookie and should I accept them?

A cookie is information that a web site puts on your computer so that it can remember something about you at a later time (1). Generally this has something to do with marketing, or surfing ease. If you're unsure of whether or not it's a good idea, it probably is a good idea that you use them.
If you decide that cookies are an invasion of your privacy and want nothing to do with them, disabling them from your browser is not the best solution. Some web sites won't let you in if you won't accept cookies. Finding a third party piece of software would be your best solution. You can find one of these on CNet, or TUCOWS (2).

Which browser should I use?

Once again, this is a matter of personal preference. The list of differences is so vast it would be pointless to list them here. Instead, give them both a test drive and see what you think.

How do I use, choose, or find a Search Engine?

What's a search engine? It would just be best if I showed you. In the address / location bar of your browser type in any one of the following.

· google.com
· yahoo.com
· altavista.com
· excite.com
· lycos.com

All of these are web page search engines. They scour the web for your query and return results.
Search engines don't just have to search web pages; they can be specific searches. Some search FTP sites, some search message forums, some search for files, some search for drivers. It's probably best that you have one main search engine with a few others to compliment your searches.

How do I get a web page?

It's always a big step in someone's life when they create their first web page. It is, after all, a worldwide Publication. To help you prepare for this momentous occasion thousands of people have written Help files to assist you in your expedition. One such help file can be found here. Give this a read through. If you need help with HTML, I suggest http://htmlgoodies.com

E-mail
How do I setup my email client?

Outlook Express
The first time you run Outlook you should be prompted to enter in the following information *.
· If not use the following instructions.

· Open Outlook Express
· Select "Tools"
· Choose "Accounts"
· Select "new"
· Select "mail"
· Display Name: Enter the name you would like people to see here.
· Select I already have an e-mail address that I'd like to use:
· In the field by it give them your full email address.
· Incoming Mail server: mail.cafes.net
· Outgoing Mail server: smtp.cafes.net
· Account Name: Just your account name the first part of your email address
· Password: If you would like enter your password and check the box below for it to remember your
password. If you don't do this in the future you will be prompted for your password when you start Outlook.

Netscape Messenger.
Netscape should set itself up correctly upon installation.
Should you need any further assistance with this follow these instructions:

· Select "Edit"
· Select "Preferences"
· Expand "Mail and Newsgroups" (left window pane)
· Select "Identity" (left window pane)
· Fill out Your name and Email Address
· Select Mail Servers (left window pane)
· If there are mail servers that aren't being used, highlight them and click Remove.
· If there are currently no incoming mail servers click Add.
· Fill out Server Name: mail.cafes.net
· Change the "Server Type" pull down menu to POP3.
· Fill out Username.
· Click OK.
· For Outgoing Mail (SMTP) Server: smtp.cafes.net
· Click "OK"

Why can't I send / receive e-mail?

If you're sending email but no receiving it, the problem probably lies within the SMTP server (smtp.cafes.net). If you're receiving email but not sending it check your Outgoing mail server (mail.cafes.net).

· Your account information may not be setup correctly
· Using the information provided in the section "Setting up your email client" properly configure your email
client

· You may not be connected
· Spamfilter

If you're not receiving expected email, the spamfilter (http://www.spamfilter.cafes.net) may be catching it. Check your filter settings.

Why and how to change reply to address?

If you're sending out mail from "xxxx@cafes.net" and your reply to address is "yyyy@cafes.net" what will happen is when people click the REPLY button; it sends their mail to poor "yyyy@cafes.net"
You can see the confusion caused by this. Occasionally it's nice to send messages from one account and receive them in another that's why this option exists. For the majority of people however it's a burden.
For when this happens just follow the directions for your email client.

For Outlook Express

· Select "Tools"
· Select "Accounts"
· Select the "Mail" Tab
· Double-click mail.cafes.net

For Netscape

· Select "Edit"
· Select "Preferences"
· Select "Mail and Newsgroups" (left pane)
· Expand by double-clicking
· Select "Identities"

Once in, make sure that your email address is correct. It will end in "@cafes.net" precluded by your username.

When I check my e-mail it disconnects me, how do I fix this?

This is a setting with Outlook Express.

· Open Outlook Express
· Select "Tools"
· Select "Options"
· Select "Connections"
· Uncheck "Hang up after sending and receiving."

How do I use the address book?

In Outlook Express

· Select "Tools"
· Select "Add Sender to Address Book"

In Netscape
· Select "Messages"
· Select "Add Sender to Address Book"

What is MAILER.DAEMON@mail.cafes.net?

This apparently evil message happens when you have tried to send a message to an invalid email address. This is generally due to a typo, or someone having given you an incorrect address. Double-check the address and try to send the message again. Occasionally the message will be due the recipient's server being down or nonexistent.

How do I access the Spamfilter?

The address for the spamfilter is "http://www.spamfilter.cafes.net" The page won't appear if there is a "WWW" before spamfilter. The first page that appears after you login is the repository. This is where all your filtered messages end up at. If you were expecting an email and it didn't show up, this is a good first place to check. To adjust the settings of your spamfilter click "spamfilter settings." Each of the options gives a short description of what the check box does. It's also a good idea to understand that spam can't be fully eliminated from your life. Occasionally some spam will slip through the cracks.

What are file attachments? Why is there a paper clip by my message?

File attachments are just what they say. It's a file that has been attached to an email. Upon receiving your email you may also download the attachment.

In Outlook Express
· Double click on the message with an attachment (or a paper clip)
· Right-click on the field by Attachment and SAVE this file to a location.

In Netscape
· Double-click to open the message.
If the message has a file attachment it will have an icon of a paper clip to the right of the subject and date.
· Click this icon.
A window will open at the bottom of the message showing what files are attached.
· You can double-click to open them, or save them by right-clicking them and saving.
It's also advised that you don't download and run file attachments. Let me make an analogy: Don't take candy from a stranger, don't download file attachments.

Note, the stranger himself may not harm you, eating the candy may. In the same way, downloading the file attachment won't hurt you, running it will.

What is Webmail?

Using your web browser, from anywhere in the world you can check your email. http://webmail.cafes.net
Just login using your username and password. This will let you look at your email without downloading it. This can be handy when someone has sent you huge file attachments.
The columns of webmail will help you to understand how it works.

· The first column is "From." Aptly enough this column will tell you whom the email is from. By clicking this you begin a new email message to the sender.
· The second column is "Subject." By clicking something in this column you can read the message that was sent to you.
· The third column is "Date."
· The fourth column is "Size." If there happens to be an unusually large file this can gum up the works when someone tries to download their email with an email client. The usual fix is to log onto webmail and delete the message.
· The fifth column is "delete."

When I'm downloading my mail it stops and seems like it's clogged up.

As I mentioned above, if there is a message of unusually large size then it will take a long time for your email program to download it. Often it becomes impossible to download a file this large. If this is the case, just log into webmail and delete the message.

I keep getting the same messages over and over again, what causes this?

· Large message not getting transferred.
One possible reason is there is a large message not getting fully transferred. If it doesn't get transferred it stays on the server and the server doesn't think that you've downloaded any of your mail. For this reason you will keep getting the same message over and over again. The solution for this can be found in C.j. and C.k.
· Mail to not be deleted from the server.
If you have the option selected to not delete mail from the server then it won't delete mail from the server.

In Outlook Express

· Select "Tools"
· Select "Accounts"
· Double click "mail.cafes.net" (on "mail" tab)
· Choose the "Advanced" tab
· Uncheck "Leave a copy of messages on server."

In Netscape

· Select "Edit"
· Select "Preferences"
· Select "Mail and Newsgroups" (left window pane)
· Select Mail Servers (left window pane)
· Double click "mail.cafes.net" (right window pane)
· Select the "POP" Tab
· Uncheck "Leave messages on server".