Mac OS 9: Internet and Network Topics (Getting Connected, Troubleshooting)

Topics covered in this document:

I. Internet Connection and Troubleshooting
II. Troubleshooting Web Browser issues
III. DNS Issues, such as "Server could not be found"
IV. Setting up email
V. Creating a small network
VI. Setting up File Sharing
VII. Using your computer in different locations
VIII. Setting Internet preferences


I. Internet Connection and Troubleshooting

These are the three major types of Internet connection, with links to connection and troubleshooting instructions. The following section on DNS issues applies to all three connection types.

A. PPP, also known as "Dial-up" or "plain old telephone service (POTS)"

These documents explain how to connect to the Internet or troubleshoot your service if you use a modem with an analog telephone line (POTS).

106869: "Mac OS 9: How to Connect to the Internet via PPP (Dial-Up Access)".
106871: "Mac OS 9: Troubleshooting a Dial-Up/PPP Internet Connection"

Unexpected PPP dial-up

If your computer automatically dials to connect to the Internet when you do not expect or want it to, see technical document 24877, "Mac OS: Modem Unexpectedly Dials".

B. Ethernet connection from cable modem, DSL, or LAN

These documents explain how to connect to the Internet or troubleshoot your service if you have a cable modem, digital subscriber line (DSL), or a local area network (LAN). You use your computer's Ethernet port to connect to these services.

106867: "Mac OS 9: How to Connect to the Internet via Cable, DSL, or Local Area Network (LAN)".
106870: "Mac OS 9: Troubleshooting a Cable Modem, DSL, or LAN Internet Connection"

C. PPP over Ethernet (PPPoE)

Use these documents if your cable or DSL Internet service provider requires you to connect to the Internet using PPPoE.

106868: "Mac OS 9: How to Connect to the Internet With PPPoE"
106872: "Mac OS 9: Troubleshooting a PPPoE Internet Connection"


II. Troubleshooting Web browser issues

If your Web browser can connect to the Internet but has other issues, such as quitting unexpectedly or becoming unresponsive (a "freeze"), then see technical document 106874, "Mac OS: Web Browser Quits Unexpectedly or Stops Responding".


III. DNS Issues - "Server Could Not Be Found", Loading Web Pages Slow

A. DNS-related alert messages

You may successfully connect to the Internet and yet not be able to load Web pages or perform other TCP/IP tasks. You may see messages such as:

"The server could not be found."
"The specified server could not be found."
"A connection failure has occurred."
"Connection attempt failed."
"Name servers not responding."

B. Delay before connection

You may be able to load Web pages but encounter delays before the page loading starts.


Both symptoms A and B may be caused by issues with your domain name system (DNS) server, which is provided by your Internet service provider or network administrator for translating names like "www.apple.com" to their numerical IP addresses. For more information, see technical documents:

106798: "Mac OS: Troubleshooting 'A connection failure has occurred', 'The specified server could not be found' or Similar Messages"
106799: "Mac OS: Long Delay Before Web Pages Start to Load, Then Load Suddenly at Normal Speed"


IV. Setting up email

For information on setting up an email, see technical document 106878, "Mac OS 9: How to Set Up Email".


V. Creating a small network

For information on creating a small Ethernet network, see technical document 106658, "Macintosh: How to Create a Small Ethernet Network". Links are provided to AirPort Base Station documentation, and to information on connecting with non-Apple computers, such as those using Microsoft Windows operating systems.


VI. File Sharing

For a variety of File Sharing topics, see technical document 106657: "Mac OS 8, Mac OS 9: File Sharing"


VII. Using your computer in different locations

If you use your computer in different locations, the Location Manager allows you to quickly change your Internet, printer, and other location-related settings quickly from the Control Strip. Choose Mac Help from the Help menu, and search on "Location Manager" for more information.


VIII. Setting Internet preferences

You may change settings such as your email address, preferred mail application, and preferred Web browser in the Internet control panel. To access this, choose Control Panels from the Apple menu, then Internet from the submenu.


Information about products or services not manufactured or provided by Apple is for information purposes only, and does not constitute Apple's recommendation or endorsement. Please contact the vendor for additional information.

Document 17159: "Locating Vendor Information" can help you search for a particular vendor's address and phone number.