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CHAPTER 2
GETTING YOURSELF ONLINE
□ □□□□□□□□□□□□□□DO
Once your modem is installed and connected to your computer
and the telephone line (see
Connecting the Modem
in
Chapter 1),
you'll need to load a communications software program to
get online.
Most computer retailers carry a wide variety of communications
programs that offer a range of features, such as automatic
dialing and the capability of sending and receiving files. Your
retailer can help you choose a program that is compatible
with your computer and your special needs. Or, contact your
local user's group for information on free public domain com¬
munications programs.
To use the program, simply follow the loading procedure
described in the user's guide that came with your software.
What appears on your screen will depend on your particular
software program. Usually, a menu is displayed listing the pro¬
gram options. Generally, you will use these options to perform
all your communications functions, such as setting up your
system, dialing a call, answering a call, and disconnecting a
call. However, if your program supports a "terminal" or local
command mode, you can also communicate directly with your
modem by issuing commands to perform these functions.
(These commands are described later in this chapter under
Using Modem Commands.)
Setting
Up
the System
Before you can get online, you will first need to set several
communications parameters to match the system you are
calling. These parameters include:
• Communication speed—either 300 bps or 1200 bps
• Parity—either odd, even, or none
• Character length—either 5, 6, 7 or 8 data bits
• Number of stop bits—either 1 or 2
• Number of start bits—either 0 or 1
Note:
If you are using your modem to answer an incoming
call, the modem automatically adjusts the communication
speed to match the calling system.
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