| Why can't I connect to the Internet? |
If you are not able to establish a dial-up connection, you should be getting an error message. What you'll want to do is write down exactly what the message says, and call our customer support at 528-7236 for more specific help.
back to top
|
| Why doesn't my modem try to dial? |
If your computer is telling you that there's no dial tone, or it cannot detect the modem, then you should try the following: First, make sure the line cord from your phone jack is securely plugged into the jack, and the modem port on your computer. If it is secure, then get a telephone and plug it into the jack you have your computer on. If you have dial tone, then the modem in your computer is bad, and needs to be replaced.
back to top
|
| My modem dials, but doesn't make a connection. |
Are you being prompted for your username and password? If so, you should remove and retype both your username and password, and try again. If your computer is having a different problem it should give you an error message telling you exactly what's wrong. Write down the error message, and give us a call.
back to top
|
| I can connect to the internet, and browse, but I can't get my email! |
Have you set up your gtelco.net email on your computer?
If you have set it up, and it has been working up until now, you should
be getting an error message. Write down the message, and give us a call.
back to top
|
| Why does my computer keep asking me for my username and password? |
Sometimes Windows will corrupt the username and password. The first thing to try is to make sure you're entering the correct username. Also, make sure your caps lock key is not on, and that you don't have any extra numbers, spaces or punctuation. If you've tried all that, call our customer support at 528-7236.
back to top
|
| What can I do about all this Spam? |
Junk email makes us all mad. Believe it or not, it really gets everybody here riled up, too. Unfortunately as soon as you do something to stop it, the spammers have two or three ways to get right back through. The simplest, and most effective solution is to run a spam filter on your computer. There are several different spam filters out there. Do a search for "spam filter" on the web, and pick one that fits your needs. Never open an email that advertises spam filtering--because they're spamming you!
back to top
|
| Why should I use virus protection software? |
There are a lot of people out there who's sole purpose in life is to make other people miserable. Viruses are a perfect example of this. Windows is the most common PC operating system, and is particularly vulnerable to viruses. In fact, you should not use a windows computer on the internet without updated virus protection. Macintoshes are a little less susceptible to viruses, but Mac users should also run updated virus protection. The thing to remember is that some viruses can destroy your computer. If you compare $30-$40 for virus software, to say $200 or more to repair a dead computer, it really makes sense to get the software.
back to top
|
| How an I keep my kids safe on the Internet? |
First, and foremost, educate them about the dangers of using the web without supervision. Education is the most powerful security you can provide your children. Next, buy some parental control software like NetNanny or Cybersitter. One of these programs will allow you to control the content your kids access.
back to top
|
| Why is it important to do my updates? |
It's as important to keep your software up to date as it is to change the oil in your car. The two most important things you can do to maintain your computer's health is periodically run your Windows Update, and keep your virus protection software up to date.
back to top
|
| What is adware and spyware, and how do I get rid of it? |
Adware and spyware is software that is downloaded via the
internet or email. Sometimes you will click 'yes' on something you haven't
read carefully, and that will load the software. Or you may have opened
a spam email that had the software attached to it. A lot of adware and spyware
works like a virus, getting onto your computer without your specific permission
or knowledge. Adware specializes mostly in introducing pop-ups and other
internet-based advertising. Spyware specializes in logging keystrokes, and
keeping track of where you go on the internet. Both types of software can
and do send your information to the company or individual that originated
it. The best way to remove this kind of software is to run a program that
searches for and removes adware and spyware.
back to top
|
| How much faster is DSL than Dial-up? |
The simple answer to this question is, a lot faster. Perhaps a better way to describe it is in terms of plumbing. You will hear the term "bandwidth" all the time. Bandwidth is basically the size of the 'pipe' that carries data to and from your computer. Your bandwidth for dial-up is typically 38K to 48K. The base speed for our DSL is 256K. That means that you have nearly five times as big a 'pipe' with DSL as with dial-up. That means you can move more data at one time, which makes it work much faster.
back to top
|
| What special equipment do I need for DSL? |
You don't need any special equipment or software to get
the DSL. The external DSL modem is supplied by us. You will, however, need
to have an ethernet adapter in your computer. Check the manufacturer's specifications
to see whether or nor your computer came with one. If not, you will need
to have one installed.
back to top
|
| What do I need to connect a Macintosh to Dial-up or DSL? |
If your Mac is an older PowerPC (not a G3 or newer) you will need to make sure you have either a dial-up modem, or ethernet adapter installed (depending upon which service you want). If your computer is a G3, G4 or G5 you should have both a dial-up modem and an ethernet adapter already built into the computer. There is no special software required for any Mac OS newer than 8.5.
back to top
|
| What is a firewall? Do I need one? |
A firewall is software and/or hardware that is designed to keep hackers from getting onto your system and causing problems, or stealing data. If you are on DSL you probably want to be running some kind of firewall, because your faster connection make you a more attractive target. If you are on dial-up internet you may also want a firewall, but it is not critical due to the lower bandwidth of a dial-up connection. A firewall will protect a computer on dial-up, but if you've kept up on your updates, it's not likely that you'll get much more protection from a firewall.
back to top
|
| Why should I use a surge protector or battery backup? |
A good surge protector might cost you $40. A very basic battery backup will cost you anywhere from $60-$100. That might seem like a lot of money but consider this: A new dial-up modem is at least $40, and probably more if you have it installed. A new DSL modem will be at least $100. A new monitor will cost you somewhere around $200 at the very least. And you probably wouldn't be able to replace your computer for less that $500-$1000, and it would likely be more expensive than that. All of these things can be damaged or destroyed by power surges. That's why you should have a surge protector, or battery backup.
back to top
|
| Why doesn't Gtelco.Net actively
filter my internet access and email? |
The answer is we do. We filter your mail for most known viruses, and do a lot of junk mail filtering on the server side. Unfortunately, this is not enough to catch everything you can get from your email. That's why virus protection and a spam filter on your computer is such a good idea. We don't provide filters for your internet access because filtering can limit you as much or more than it protects you. We feel that our customers are the best judges of what they want to use their internet connections for, and we want to make sure you have as much freedom of choice as possible.
back to top
|
| What is the charge to move my DSL to a different house or office? |
Unlike dial-up internet, or your phone service, DSL requires
quite a bit of additional work in order to move from one place to another.
In a nutshell, moving DSL is exactly like doing a brand new installation.
Call for the fee relative to your situation.
back to top
|
|
|
