Mac OS X: How to connect to the Internet with PPP (dial-up access) and a modem
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Answer
Summary
If your Mac has a built-in modem (most do), you can use it to get on the Internet using the Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP), which is also known as "dial-up" access. Even if your Internet service provider (ISP) doesn't specifically offer Macintosh support, you can still use these steps.
AirPort Tip: If you have an AirPort base station, connect the phone line to your computer's modem and complete the steps below first. Then see the AirPort section at the end of this document.
Products Affected
Mac OS X 10.4, Mac OS X 10.3, Mac OS X 10.2, Mac OS X 10.1, Mac OS X 10.0, AirPort, Mac OS X 10.5
Steps to connect
Get this information from your Internet service provider (ISP):
- Username and password (unless you chose them yourself)
- Dial-up access phone number(s)
- Domain Name System (DNS) server addresses, if needed
- Whether you should choose to configure IP information via PPP or manually. If you don't know, assume you'll use PPP. Manual IP configuration is uncommon for dial-up connections.
Important: Write down the information your ISP gives you and keep it in a safe place. You'll probably need it again. Apple does not keep a record of the settings your ISP gives to you.
Tip: If your ISP requires you to use customized software to connect to their service, use a Mac OS X version of the software. This kind of software is usually not necessary.
Configure Mac OS X with your ISP's information
- From the Apple menu, choose System Preferences.
- From the View menu, choose Network.
- Choose Internal Modem from the Show pop-up menu (or the "Configure" pop-up menu prior to Mac OS X 10.1). If your computer does not have a built-in modem, select your external modem.
- Click the PPP tab.
- Type the information your ISP gave you into the matching fields. Your username goes in the Account Name field. If you want the other users of this computer to use the same connection, select the "Save password" option.
- Click the TCP/IP tab.
- Choose either PPP or Manually from the Configure pop-up menu, as instructed by your Internet service provider. If configuring manually, type the IP address in the matching field.
- Type the DNS addresses in their field.
- Click Apply Now.
Connect and verify
- Open Internet Connect. It's in the Applications folder.
- Be sure the Configuration pop-up menu is set to your modem.
- Click the Connect button.
- Once Internet Connect says you're connected, open a Web browser or other Internet (TCP/IP) application to make sure your connection works.
Tip: You can have Mac OS X automatically connect to the Internet whenever you open an Internet application.