Related Web Works

How an internet wannabe became an I-really-don't-wannabe

BY ROBERT RICHE New York Times

I am definitely not a computer genius. I have trouble setting the clock on my VCR. But since acquiring a computer years back after abandoning my old electric typewriter, I felt I had grown pretty proficient using the thing, though it was mostly for word processing -- meeting deadlines, turning out letters, articles and the like.

A few months ago, some of my techy-nerd friends urged me to get on the Internet. I dutifully responded to a free-trial offer from the online service Compuserve. You know, 15 hours of free time and enter the world of cyberspace.

Shortly after applying, I received in the mail a flat package with some very hard discs (which they call floppy discs), together with instructions on how to install them in my computer. Hey, no prob! I followed the ''easy'' directions on the screen, entering a code name and credit card number, etc., and what do you know? I was suddenly being welcomed, by voice through my speakers, to the online world. I was looking forward to all the fun and games ''surfin' the 'Net.''

That's when my trouble began. Over the ensuing days, via e-mail (which I managed to master; don't ask me how), Compuserve and I carried on a dialogue with the aim of getting me onto the Internet. Here is that exchange.

-- ROBERT RICHE 3/31/96 2:50 A.M. FROM: WELCOME! (70006,101) TO: (Unknown), (104322,23217)

Welcome to Compuserve. You've joined over two million members around the world who count on our more than 2,000 products and services for the latest information, the best entertainment, and quality service.

To help you get started, we've created the New Member Welcome Center. This is where you can pick up helpful tips, learn how to find our services that match your interest, and get an idea of what we have to offer.

To help us improve our service to you, you can provide us with valuable feedback. Your opinions are important to us!

Once again, welcome to the information service you won't outgrow.

4/1/96 1:52 P.M. FROM: (Unknown), (104322,23217) TO: WELCOME! (70006,101)

Thank you for your welcome message of 3/31/96 2:50 A.M. Despite having followed software installation instructions carefully (I think), I have been unable to access the Internet. When I click on the Internet icon I get an ERROR MESSAGE that says simply, ''Already installed.'' I know that (I think). What next? Thank you for any help.

4/3/96 3:29 A.M. FROM: Customer Support, (70006,101) TO: (Unknown, (104322,23217)

Thank you for your feedback reply. I understand that you are writing to inquire about accessing the World Wide Web.

There are many different ways to access the World Wide Web, and the Internet. There are a few suggestions that I can offer to help you. The first suggestion is that if you are a PC user, you GO: NETLAUNCHER. This command will take you to a place, online, where you may download the necessary program for ''Web surfing.''

If you are using a terminal emulation program you can get more Internet information by typing GO INTERNET at any (!) prompt. If you are using the Information Manager, you may use the GO command, which is accessed through the SERVICES pull down menu, in the initial screen. Selecting the GO command will bring a prompt to enter a topic. Enter INTERNET at this prompt. At this point, you will see a screen entitled INTERNET. Then you may want to select INTERNET FORUMS, where you may post questions, and see other members' questions answered, or you may want to select INTERNET Q & A, for frequently asked questions, and answers about the Internet.

I hope that this information is helpful to you. Should you have any further questions, comments, or concerns please contact us. ...

4/4/96 2:37 A.M. FROM: (Unknown), (104322,23217) TO: Customer Support (70006,101)

Thank you for the feedback reply with instructions. I am having a little bit of trouble following you. I think I lost you at the beginning of the third paragraph, referring to the ''terminal emulation program.'' I am not sure whether I am using a terminal emulation program, or not. In fact, I have no idea. I think I am using a computer, with an internal modem. Thanks again for your time.

4/4/96 7:01 PM FROM: Customer Support TO: (Unknown), (104322,23217)

This Feedback message is concerning the problem that you encountered accessing the Internet with a Winsock connection. I have addressed this below.

This is usually the result of a settings problem in the Session Settings. However, it may also be related to a problem with the location of the Winsock.DLL files.

First, delete the CIS.INI file located in the C:/CSERVE/ directory. You will need to know all of your Session Setting information, including your password. Once you have deleted this file, enter all of the Session Settings information in the Information Manager.

If your baud rate is set to 19200, try changing it to 14400. If the baud rate is set to 14400, try changing to 19200. If you are connecting at 28800 bps, try 38400 and 57600 baud rate settings. In addition, make sure that the system.ini file has the default comm.drv.comm.drv. if you see anything different in the (boot) section of the system.ini, such a comm.drvfax.drv, replace it with the default setting.

If these suggestions do not work, copy the /CSERVE/CID/WINSOCK.DLL to the /CSERVE/WINCIM/, and CSERVE/MOSAIC/ directories. This should allow the application to access Winsock without interfering in other Internet applications on you system. If this does not work, try reinstalling WinCIM.

Thank you for using Feedback! Please let us know if you need further assistance.

4/5/96 12:43 P.M. FROM: (Unknown), (104322,23217) TO: Customer Support(70006,101)

Thanks very much for your detailed instructions, and efforts to help. I do not seem to be having much success. Could you explain to me, please, what WINSOCK is?

Thank you.

4/5/96 FROM: Customer Support (70006,101) TO: (Unknown), (104322,23217)

I am writing in response to your recent letters regarding access trouble with Winsock. The problem you have been experiencing may be due to the Winsock files being in the wrong location. A copy of the Winsock files should be located in each of CID, MOSAIC and WINCIM directories; you may also want to check your C:/CSERVE/CIS.INI file for the following:

(External Applications)

http(EQ)C:/CSERVE/mosaic/airmos.exe/SDDE

ftp(EQ)C:/CSERVE/mosaic/airmos.exe/SDDE

news(EQ)C:/CSERVE/mosaic/airmos.exe/SDDE

gopher(EQ)C:/CSERVE/mosaic/airmos.exe/SDDE

If this sequence does not appear, insert it in the ''External Applications'' section of the file.

Thank you for using Feedback! Please contact us again if you have any further questions, comments or concerns.

4/6/96 FROM: (Unknown), (104322,23217) TO: Customer Support (70006,101)

Thank you all for being so patient with me, and so helpful. I have decided to use the radio for weather reports, the Wall Street Journal for stock market reports, The New York Times for news reports, the telephone for my ''chats,'' my travel agent for travel reservations, the movie and television media for entertainment, and the town library (fortunately, only a short stroll from my house) for reference materials. I also plan a trip into New York City soon to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art to view some of their paintings. Please cancel my subscription, and do accept my best wishes.

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