Uploading and Downloading

In order to Upload and Download your webpage from our server you will need a few things.
First off you will need an FTP program, which is available on our EZ Internet Installation Disk, it is called WS_FTP. If you no longer have your installation disk you can get a free ftp at http://www.cuteftp.com. Once you have an FTP loaded onto your computer you will need the HOST ADDRESS, which is 206.183.112.47. The USER ID is your username (also known as login name) and the PASSWORD is the password you use to access the Internet. All of the files, and pictures that you wish to be viewed on the website must be in the WWW directory. The first page that you wish to come up must be called 'index.html', and remember that all of the files on your page, including the images must be in lower case, including the extensions. To view the page your address will be http://www.accessmontana.com/(yourusername).

How can I create a web page?

You can create web pages many different ways. The way that many people choose is an html editor. There is a web editor on the EZ Internet installation disk that you received from Access Montana called HOMESITE. There is also a web editor that comes with Netscape Communicator called Composer, and one with Internet Explorer called Front Page. Both of these are also very usable editors, but they do not teach you html. If you are interested in learning html rather then relying on an editor to do the work for you, you can sign up for Access Montana's html class which will teach you all you need to know to build a fine webpage. If this interest you then e-mail us at support@ronan.net to get class times and prices.

Which dial up number should I be using?

Pablo South 676-2100 56K or 676-7638

Polson North 883-0888

What do these errors mean?

Error #	Error Descriptions
#400	Bad Request: This is a general all purpose error. It means that something is wrong with the address. Maybe the server doesn't recognize the document you asked for, maybe the document doesn't exist, or maybe you don't have authorization to view the document.
#401	Unauthorized: This means that you are trying to access a site for which you need a password and don't have one, or that you typed it in wrong. Also some sites block out some domains, or all outside domains. In other words if the site admin. decides that he doesn't want anyone from yaddayadda.net to view the site and you are from yaddayadda.net you can't get in. Or, for example, the page is to be seen only inside bigschool.edu and you are not in bigschool.edu then you won't be able to see the page.
#403	Forbidden: This is similar to the 401 Unauthorized error. It means that you are not allowed to access this document, most likely because it is either password protected or your domain is blocked.
#404	Not found: This means that the server couldn't find the file in the directory at the end of the URL you typed. Or, if you got this after clicking a link, the link is dead because the file no longer exists (has been removed from server)
#503	Service Unavailable: This could mean several things, unfortunately you are not told what the service is that is unavailable. Usually it is one of three things, either your service provider isn't working correct, the gateway between your LAN and the Internet had an error, or your own machine is not functioning or configured properly. This one usually fixes itself. Wait a minute and try it again, this usually does it. If it persists check you system's settings and try again. If that still doesn't work you may need to call your Internet service provider.

Bad file request:Your browser rocks and supports all sorts of neat stuff like forms. Forms are the really cool parts of pages with boxes to type in, pop down menus, checkboxes, radio buttons etc. (these things are called form elements). All good browsers support all the industry standard form elements (yes this includes Lynx). The error occurs when someone write a web page with a form and there is either an error in the form or they decided to get creative and add nonstandard elements or feature s.

Failed DNS lookup:This is a very common error. It means that the domain name system can't translate the URL hostname into a valid IP address. Either the hostname in the URL is wrong/mistyped and doesn't exist or a harmless blip occurred during l lookup. Blips in DNS lookup occur often, so first just hit reload/refresh. It that doesn't work try retyping the URL (address). If that still doesn't work, try again later.

File contains no data:What this means is that you got the site correct but there are no web page documents on it. Also, you may be trying to access the site as it is being updated or uploaded. Retype the URL, sometimes this clears up the problem. If not, then wait an hour or so and try the page again.

Network connection was refused by the server: Usually this just means that the server is too busy to handle one more user, and that it is not set up to tell you so. As a result, you just see this generic message. Hit the reload/refresh button, if the site is really busy you may just want to wait until later.

Host unavailable:This just means that the machine that hosts the site is down. It may just be unhooked from the network, or it may be down for maintenance. Hit the reload/refresh button. If this doesn't work, try again later as usual.

Host unknown:This usually means that the computer hosting the site you are trying to visit is down, or that you are disconnected. Either your modem disconnected or your dedicated connection is choked. This may also be a blip in the Internet. First hit the reload/refresh button, if it is just a blip this will fix it. If this does not do it, check the URL (address) and try again. Remember that some addresses are case sensitive. If that does not work, check you connection and try again. If none of these work, wait until later and try again.

Permission denied:It looks like you are either trying to upload or download a file that the site administrator does not want you to. Or the file you are trying to download (or view) does not exist. Also, the site may be too busy to handle your request.

Too many connections--try again later: There is such thing as a rush hour on the Internet, and it looks like you found it. You can either wait a while and try later, as it says. Or you can keep hitting the reload/resent button until you get into the site.

Unable to locate server:You have either mistyped the URL (address) or the server does not exit, the referring source may be outdated. Check the URL, retype it. Again, pay special attention to all those annoying colons and slashes. Also, check the source, and see if the link is correct.

How do I change my Start Page

By default, your web browser probably opens to your towns Access Montana Homepage. Although we feel it's important to check this page periodically for system notices, you can select another page to be your "Start Page".
Internet Explorer 3.0, click on "View" then "Options" and select the tab labeled "Navigation". In the address box, erase http://www.(yourtown)Net/ and insert the address you want to appear as your start page.
Internet Explorer 4.0, click on "View" then select "Internet Options". Click the "General" tab and in the box labeled "Address", type the address you want to appear as your start page.
Netscape 3.0 click on "Options" then "General Preferences". You should see an item on the screen that says "Start With - Homepage Location" In the box under this item, type the address you want to appear as your start page.
In Netscape 4.x, click on "Edit" then "Preferences". Click the item "Navigator" on the left and on the right side, in the box labeled "Location", type the address you want to appear as your start page.

The system won't accept my username/password! What can I do?

Sometimes you will get an error message that says something about "check your password and try again". There are many things that can cause this. In most cases, people have their "caps lock key" turned on and don't even realize it. You may also experience this problem if you have recently signed up and your account isn't yet activated, or if your account has been disabled for nonpayment. Be sure you are typing your username and password in properly. Remember, your username is JUST the username you chose when you signed up. It should NOT include @(yourtown)Net Make sure your "Caps Lock" key is not on. Your username should always be entered in lower case and your password is case sensitive. In most cases, the passwords are in all lowercase letters. Restart your computer and try again. This is always a last resort. Sometimes restarting can fix a lot of problems!

What are cookies?

A "cookie" is a small piece of information sent by a web server to store on a web browser so it can later be read back from that browser. This is useful for having the browser remember some specific information. An example is when a browser stores your passwords and user ID's. They are also used to store preferences of start pages, both Microsoft and Netscape use cookies to create personal start pages. A good resource on cookies is www.cookiecentral.com
You can disable (or enable!) cookie warning messages in your browser.
Internet Explorer 3.0 users can click on "View" select "Options" then the "Advanced" tab. Uncheck the box "Warn before accepting cookies"
Internet Explorer 4.0 users need to click "View" then "Internet Options" then click the "Advanced" tab. Scroll through the list and double click "Cookies". You can choose to "Always accept cookies", "Prompt before accepting cookies" or "Disable all cookie use"
Netscape 3.0 users didn't have the options to disable the messages.
Netscape 4.0 users can click on "Edit" then select "Preferences". Double click the item on the left labeled "Advanced" On the right, you can choose "Accept all cookies", "Accept cookies that get sent back to the originating server" or "Disable Cookies". You can also check or uncheck the box "Warn me before accepting a cookie".

Child Safety on the Information Highway

Whatever it's called, millions of people are now connecting their personal computers to telephone lines so that they can "go online." Traditionally, online services have been oriented towards adults, but that's changing. An increasing number of schools are going online and, in many homes, children are logging on to commercial services, private bulletin boards, and the Internet. As a parent you need to understand the nature of these systems.

Online services are maintained by commercial, self-regulated businesses that may screen or provide editorial/user controls, when possible, of the material contained on their systems.

Computer Bulletin Boards, called BBS systems, can be operated by individuals, businesses, or organizations. The material presented is usually theme oriented offering information on hobbies and interests. While there are BBS systems that feature "adult" oriented material, most attempt to limit minors from accessing the information contained in those systems.

The Internet, a global "network of networks," is not governed by any entity. This leaves no limits or checks on the kind of information that is maintained by and accessible to Internet users.

The Benefits of the Information Highway The vast array of services that you currently find online is constantly growing. Reference information such as news, weather, sports, stock quotes, movie reviews, encyclopedias, and airline fares are readily available online. Users can conduct transaction s such as trading stocks, making travel reservations, banking, and shopping online. Millions of people communicate through electronic mail (E-mail) with family and friends around the world and others use the public message boards to make new friends who s hare common interests. As an educational and entertainment tool users can learn about virtually any topic, take a college course, or play an endless number of computer games with other users or against the computer itself. User "computing" is enhanced by accessing online thousands of shareware and free public domain software titles. Most people who use online services have mainly positive experiences. But, like any endeavor - traveling, cooking, or attending school - there are some risks. The online world, like the rest of society, is made up of a wide array of people. Most are decent and respectful, but some may be rude, obnoxious, insulting, or even mean and exploitative. Children and teenagers get a lot of benefit from being online, but they can also be targets of crime and exploitation in this as in any other environment. Trusting, curious, and anxious to explore this new world and the relationships it brings, children and teenagers need parental supervision and common sense advice on how to be sure that their experiences in "cyberspace" are happy, healthy, and productive.

Putting the issue in perspective although there have been some highly publicized cases of abuse involving computers, reported cases are relatively infrequent. Of course, like most crimes against children, many cases go unreported, especially if the child is engaged in an activity that he or she does not want to discuss with a parent. The fact that crimes are being committed online, however, is not a reason to avoid using these services. To tell children to stop using these services would be like telling them to forgo attending college be cause students are sometimes victimized on campus. A better strategy would be for children to learn how to be "street smart" in order to better safeguard themselves in any potentially dangerous situation.

What Are the Risks? There are a few risks for children who use online services. Teenagers are particularly at risk because they often use the computer unsupervised and because they are more likely than younger children to participate in online discussions regarding companion ship, relationships, or sexual activity. Some risks are:

Exposure to Inappropriate Material One risk is that a child may be exposed to inappropriate material of a sexual or violent nature.

Physical Molestation Another risk is that, while online, a child might provide information or arrange an encounter that could risk his or her safety or the safety of other family members. In a few cases, pedophiles have used online services and bulletin boards to gain a child 's confidence and then arrange a face-to-face meeting.

Harassment A third risk is that a child might encounter E-mail or bulletin board messages that are harassing, demeaning, or belligerent.

How Parents Can Reduce the Risks

Most online services and Internet providers allow parents to limit their children's access to certain services and features such as adult oriented "chat" and bulletin boards. Check for these when you first subscribe. In addition there are now programs designed specifically to enable parents to prevent children from accessing inappropriate materials on the Internet. These tools, while not foolproof, are useful for helping parents control children's access, but they cannot take the place of parental involvement and supervision. The Internet and some private bulletin boards contain areas designed specifically for adults who wish to post, view, or read sexually explicit material. Most private bulletin board operators who post such material limit access to people who attest that they are adults but, like any other safeguards, be aware that there are always going to be cases where adults fail to enforce them or children find ways around them. The best way to assure that your children are having positive online experiences is to stay in touch with what they are doing. One way to do this is to spend time with your children while they're online. Have them show you what they do and ask them to teach you how to access the services. While children and teenagers need a certain amount of privacy, they also need parental involvement and supervision in their daily lives. The same general parenting skills that apply to the "real world," also apply while online. If you have cause for concern about your children's online activities, talk to them. Also seek out the advice and counsel of other computer users in your area and become familiar with literature on these systems. Open communication with your children, utilization of such computer resources, and getting online yourself will help you obtain the full benefits of these systems and alert you to any potential problem that may occur with their use.

Guidelines for Parents By taking responsibility for your children's online computer use, parents can greatly minimize any potential risks of being online. Make it a family rule to:

Never give out identifying information - home address, school name, or telephone number - in a public message such as chat or bulletin boards, and be sure you're dealing with someone that both you and your child know and trust before giving it out via E-mail. Think carefully before revealing any personal information such as age, marital status, or financial information. Consider using a pseudonym or unlisting your child's name if your service allows it.

Get to know the services your child uses. If you don't know how to log on, get your child to show you. Find out what types of information it offers and whether there are ways for parents to block out objectionable material.

Never allow a child to arrange a face-to-face meeting with another computer user without parental permission. If a meeting is arranged, make the first one in a public spot, and be sure to accompany your child.

Never respond to messages or bulletin board items that are suggestive, obscene, belligerent, threatening, or make you feel uncomfortable. Encourage your children to tell you if they encounter such messages. If you or your child receives a message that is harassing, of a sexual nature, or threatening, forward a copy of the message to your service provider and ask for their assistance.

Remember that people online may not be who they seem. Because you can't see or even hear the person it would be easy for someone to misrepresent him- or herself. Thus, someone indicating that "she" is a "12-year-old girl" could in reality be a 40-year-old man.

Remember that everything you read online may not be true. Any offer that's "too good to be true" probably is. Be very careful about any offers that involve your coming to a meeting or having someone visit your house.

Set reasonable rules and guidelines for computer use by your children (see "My Rules for Online Safety" on last page as sample). Discuss these rules and post them near the computer as a reminder. Remember to monitor their compliance with these rules, especially when it comes to the amount of time your children spend on the computer. A child or teenager's excessive use of online services or bulletin boards, especially late at night, may be a clue that there is a potential problem. Remember that personal computers and online services should not be used as electronic baby-sitters.

Be sure to make this a family activity. Consider keeping the computer in a family room rather than the child's bedroom. Get to know their "online friends" just as you get to know all of their other friends.

Print these out and post them by your computer!

My Rules for Online Safety

I will not give out personal information such as my address, telephone number, parents' work address/telephone number, or the name and location of my school without my parents' permission.
I will tell my parents right away if I come across any information that makes me feel uncomfortable.
I will never agree to get together with someone I "meet" online without first checking with my parents. If my parents agree to the meeting, I will be sure that it is in a public place and bring my mother or father along.
I will never send a person my picture or anything else without first checking with my parents.
I will not respond to any messages that are mean or in any way make me feel uncomfortable. It is not my fault if I get a message like that. If I do I will tell my parents right away so that they can contact the online service.
I will talk with my parents so that we can set up rules for going online. We will decide upon the time of day that I can be online, the length of time I can be online, and appropriate areas for me to visit. I will not access other areas or break these rules without their permission.

For further information on child safety, please call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) is funded under Cooperative Agreement #95-MC-CX-K001 from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Points of view or o pinions in this brochure are those of NCMEC and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

There are programs available to prevent objectionable sites from being viewed.
Net Nanny
Surf Watch

For questions not addressed here e-mail support@ronan.net
Thank You.