FreePPP for Macintosh PPP Setup

This is a setup and general help guide for connecting to the Omni Internet Network using the FreePPP Macintosh software (PPP). To follow these setup instructions, you must have an existing account and user ID with Omni Internet.

FreePPP is the combined efforts of some individuals who made enhancements to MacPPP. FreePPP, unlike MacPPP, supports Open Transport. Open Transport or MacTCP can be used with FreePPP, but it is best not to use both simultaneously.  System 7.5.3 and later are pre-installed with Open Transport.  Also, note that FreePPP is a freeware software package and does not have any software support.

Configure MacTCP (skip if using Open Transport)

1. On the Main menu bar, double-click the rainbow Apple. Select Control Panel, and then MacTCP.  Make sure FreePPP is highlighted and then click More.  Enter the following information:
   • Obtain Address: Server
   • Class: C
   • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0  (drag the bar to the right)
   • Domain: omniglobal.net
   • DNS Address: Server (or equivalent)
2. Leave the rest of the settings at the default settings and click OK. Then, restart your computer.

Configure Open Transport (skip if using MacTCP)

1. On the Main menu bar, double-click the rainbow Apple. Select Control Panel, and then TCP/IP. Enter the following information:
   • Connect Via: FreePPP
   • Configure: Using Bootp Server  (see note below)
   • Starting Domain: omniglobal.net
   • Name Servers: Server Assigned (or equivalent)
2. Leave the following fields blank: Subnet Mask, Router Address, Ending Domain, and Search Domains.
3. Under Options, make sure Active and Load only when needed are checked, and then click OK.
4. Restart your computer.

***Note: If you are using version 1.1 of Open Transport, you should use userppp instead of Bootp, because Bootp will not allow you to enter the DNS Servers.

Configure FreePPP

1. Open FreePPP Setup from the Menu Bar on the Desktop (green phone) and click the arrow to open the settings.
2. Tailor the following settings according to your preferences:
   • Allow applications to open connection - Automatically opens a connection to Netwood if you open a TCP/IP application.
   • Disconnect if idle of X (minutes or hours) - Automatically disconnects after X time unit if left unattended.
   • Check line every X (seconds or minutes) - Checks for connection every X time units.
   • Allow alerts during Connection - Enables alerts when you make a connection.
   • On connect open FreePPP setup application - Displays the Connect/Disconnect box after connected.
   • Open application on connect... - Automatically starts a specified application when you make a connection.
3. Click Modem Setup. Set the port the modem is connected to. Check Enable audio feedback while connecting, Hangup on disconnect, and Global Init String. For Global Init String, enter the init string of your modem. (System 7.5.5 has an option to have the modem identified).
4. Click Open TCP/IP and verify the settings for MacTCP or Open Transport. Then, click OK.

Setup Your Account

1. Click New.
2. Under Server name, enter Omni Internet
3. Enter your local dial access phone number. (Kerrville 895-6650)
4. Select Connect Directly.
5. For User Name, enter your username.
6. For Password, enter your password (NOTE: the password is case sensitive) or leave the field blank for more security. If left blank, FreePPP prompts you each time you connect for your password.
7. Click OK.
8. For Locations, the setup information is optional. Click the arrow again to close the lower half of the FreePPP Setup window. Enter the following information in the designated fields:
   • Connect to: Omni Internet
   • From: Home