General Internet Questions

Why can't I reach any web pages?

Almost always this means that you're not connected to Monitor -- the modem may have hung up. Or perhaps it didn't even make a connection; did you hear a dial tone and the modem dial the number?

You can try reconnecting, but often you'll need to restart your computer before the software and modem will work correctly again. Issues like these are discussed in our Q&A page for making a good connections. If you have recently installed AOL 5.0, see the following question.

Why can't I reach any web pages after installing AOL 5.0 ?

There is a serious bug in AOL version 5.0 that can make your computer unable to access the Internet -- except, of course, via AOL. This bug only effects some computers using Windows, but the damage can be hard to undo, according to news reports: "One fix recommended by AOL online staff involves a multi-step process of emptying the browser cache, purging history files, removing and re-installing the AOL TCP/IP adapter, installing a new winsock.dll file, and reconfiguring the browser's Internet connection." (See these web pages for more details.)

Monitor tech support is always available to help configure your computer for Internet access, but we can't assist when Windows components must be reinstalled. If AOL 5.0 has damaged your system, we can provide the names of reliable technicians who can visit your home or office to help.

I've forgotten my password -- what is it ?

We're unable to tell you; for security reasons, passwords are stored in a scrambled format that makes them impossible to read. But are you certain that you've forgotten the password? Often we find that users accidentally have the CAPS LOCK key on, or aren't capitalizing certain letters. Passwords are case sensitive; "bodega1999", "Bodega1999", and BODEGA1999" are different examples.

If you're sure that there's no record of the password, call Monitor tech support and we'll create a new one for you.

Please always write your password down and store it in a safe place.

How do I change my password ?

Changing your password is simple, if you use our user's web page. Your "Welcome Aboard!" e-mail should have included this address; if not, please contact us at support@monitor.net and we'll tell you how to find it.

Where can I learn more about Netscape ?

There is an excellent on-line handbook for Netscape version 4 and later, but they don't make it easy to find. CLICK HERE to see the Communicator manual.

Netscape also offers comprehensive technical support web pages that you can search, and we recommend everyone visit their "Frequently Asked Questions" section at least once.

Windows users should also read Netscape's helpful pages on troubleshooting Windows system errors, such as General Protection faults.

When I print a web page from Netscape, the text is too small to read.

Netscape is trying to squeeze everything on to one page. To have it print using your normal font, choose "Page Setup" under the FILE menu. Uncheck the box for "Fit to page if Possible."

Where do I find Internet Software ?

We have an collection of shareware and freeware Internet software here at our FTP archive, for Macintosh and Windows platforms. We try to keep it as up to date as possible. If you have a suggestion for an addition or an update to these archives, please let us know.

How do I reach the Sonoma County Library ?

Like many libraries around the world, you must use a telnet program to see the catalog. (If you don't have telnet software, visit our software pages for your type of computer.)

Start your telnet program and it will probably ask for the name of a site; if not, try "Open" under the File menu. Enter

Other interesting libraries available through telnet include:

You may also connect directly to the library computer at Sonoma State, but first you must start a telnet connection to our system. Open a connection to monitor.net and enter your user name and password at the prompts. Type

Are there "chat rooms" on the Internet ?

Many web sites are now offering chat features, but the primary Internet chat system is "Internet Relay Chat" (IRC). To learn about IRC, we recommend you visit the #IRChelp pages, which has lots of useful information.

You must also have IRC software on your computer. Special pages are available with lists of IRC clients that operate under Windows 95 and the Mac.

Q & A Index