Older Macs and PPP setup

MacTCP and FreePPP

To be honest, if you're using a Macintosh with System 7.5.5 or earlier, you're using a system that wasn't initially designed with the Internet in mind. While we can make a few good suggestions about getting your ancient Mac onto the Net, our support for these older systems is limited. We'll do what we can to get you up and running.

The Software

You need a copy of MacTCP to run a PPP connection on the Macintosh. This can be obtained either directly from Apple or from many of the Macintosh Internet books available in book stores. A recommended book that includes the MacTCP software is The Internet Starter Kit (2nd edition) by Adam Engst. The book is available in most bookstores and retails for about $27.95.

MacTCP is included with Macintosh System 7.5. Note that if you're using a Mac which is capable of running System 7.5.3, you need to get it. Apple has made the entire install of System 7.5.3 available for free. It's a big download, hopefully you can find a friend with a fast connection who can download it for you.

You should also get FreePPP 2.6.2. This is great software which can be obtained from Rockstar Software.

What you will need:

To setup a PPP connection, you'll need...

Macintosh or Power Macintosh
System 7.1 through 7.5.3
A fast modem (no less than 9600 bps)
MacTCP
FreePPP
A PPP account at Cowboy.Net. If you need an account, call us at (405)372-7704.
Internet client software such as Netscape (web browser), Fetch (ftp), Eudora Light (email), etc. that will run over a PPP connection.

Installing MacTCP:

If the file has a .sit, .cpt, or .hqx extension, you will need to decompress it before you can use it. Once MacTCP has been decompressed, drag the MacTCP control panel onto your System Folder. Click OK to install MacTCP in the Control Panels folder.

Installing FreePPP:

FreePPP 2.6.2 has an installer that sets up the software for you.

Follow the installer's instructions and reboot.

Configuring MacTCP:

Select MacTCP from the Control Panels section under the Apple menu, and select the PPP icon.
Click the More button.
On the upper left, under the heading Obtain Address:, select from SERVER.
On the lower left, under the heading Routing Information: Gateway Address:, type in 63.171.231.154
On the upper right, under the heading IP Address:, click on the menu next to the word Class. Select Class C.
On the lower right, under the heading Domain Name Server Information, in the column headed Domain, type cowboy.net. Under the heading IP Address, type 63.171.231.249. Click the default button on the right.
Click the OK button in the lower left.
Now you're back to the MacTCP's first panel. Now you can type in your IP Address, which needs to be set at 0.0.0.0 , which will make the your computer get its own IP Address when it logs on.

Now you can close MacTCP.

Configuring MacPPP:

Under Port Name, select the port that your modem is attached to.
You will now see a box with PPP Server Name: at the top. Type Cowboy or anything else you wish to call your PPP connection. It really doesn't matter what you enter here.
Select either tone or pulse dialing, depending on what your phone line supports.
Enter our phone number: 372-0262
Enter you login. (Remember your PPP login has a capitol "P" in front. Ex: Plogin)
REBOOT and the software should be ready to use.

Using FreePPP 2.5:

To start a MacPPP connection, choose FreePPP from the Apple menu.Click the open button. You will see a box describing the dialing process. When your connection is active you are ready to use any MacTCP compatible software that you have.

When you are done with your PPP session, open FreePPP and click the Close button.