Date: Tue, 14 Jan 1997 20:11:56 GMT Server: Apache/1.1.0 Content-type: text/html Content-length: 5381 Last-modified: Mon, 26 Aug 1996 20:46:35 GMT Connecting to MSUnet from Off-campus

Connecting to MSUnet from Off-campus

All of the computer labs and offices on campus here at MSU are connected together through a metropolitan area computer network (MAN) called MSUnet. In turn, MSUnet is connected to the Internet. Hence, from almost any computer on campus, you can use the same applications that access the Internet (i.e. Pilot e-mail, Netscape, Gopher, etc.) regardless of where you are on campus. However, when you leave campus -- your apartment, your hometown, or even your dorm room -- you no longer are have access to these applications because your personal computer is not connected to MSUnet. In order to connect to MSUnet, you will need a modem and communication software that enables you to connect.

If you live in Akers, Holmes, or Shaw Halls and have your own computer, click here.


Connecting to the MSUnet with a Phone Modem

You can connect to Pilot, Gopher, and other Internet services using a personal computer, a modem, and communication software that emulates a VT100 terminal.. Communication software for the Macintosh and IBM PC-compatibles can be obtained free of charge from the MSU Computer Store . Further, the store has detailed instructions on how to dial into MSUnet and the Internet. The Computer Store is located in 305 Computer Center (Help Desk Number: 355-4500). The communication software package that the Computer Store offers includes free copies of Netscape, a Telnet program so you can check your email, a FTP program, and a news reader so you can browse your favorite USENET newsgroups.

The communication software you need varies depending on the type of computer you own and the operating system you are running. Click below on the correct choice for you.

If you are not sure what you need, go to the Computer Store, and they will help you. For more information about the MSU network and connecting a computer to the network, see NETINFO

From the East Lansing area, you can connect to MSUnet for the charge of a local phone call. However, if you leave the East Lansing area and dial into MSUnet using a long distance phone number, you will be charged long distance rates for the duration of your connection. Luckily, there is a unique service called Michnet to take care of this problem. It allows you to connect to MSUnet with a local call from almost anywhere in Michigan. This way, when you go home for vacations, you can still check your email and connect to the Internet through your MSU account. For the Michnet local access number in your hometown, click here . If you do not live in Michigan, see the next section on on-line services.


Connecting to the Internet through an On-Line Service

On-line services present an alternative way to connect to the Internet. If you have a personal computer and a modem, you can dial into an on-line service, such as America OnLine, Compuserve, Prodigy, etc. These services are commercially run. Therefore, you are generally charged an hourly rate while you are connected to their computers. Most on-line services provide e-mail, newsgroups, real-time chat rooms, freeware and shareware software archives, and various commercial services such as electronic mail-order shopping and airline reservation systems. Many of these on-line services also provide access to the Internet. This allows you to use Internet email, Gopher, FTP, and other Internet services via their system. If you leave MSU and do not live in Michigan, you may wish to subscribe to one of these services so you can continue to use Internet email to correspond to your friends at MSU and around the world.

For more information on on-line services, click here .


Additional Information on connecting from Off-campus