need computer expert advice

[radar doctor]

i am a 99 Dodge diesel owner thats on the road a lot. i just got a lap top and what i need to know is. After i plug the phone line into the pc at the motel what do i need to do to get my e-mail. Do i have to reconfigure my pc to dial out and if so, what and how do i do that? Also i need a 800 number that will get me into MSN or Yahoo or any of the free internet companys. Can you help E-Maill addr is -- email address removed --l

 

[Dennis Garrett]

I don't have mine here with me to look at, I keep it at the other end of the road, where I lay over on the Railroad. It has Windows ME. I had to go to the Start, Accessories, then Network Connection ( I think) It gives you an area to put in the # you want the computer to call. If in a motel, you might have to start the number out with an 8, then the 800# you want it to dial. The 8 gets you to the outside line, and the comma, pauses for a second to get a dial tone, before dialing you servers' 800 number. I think you can get to Network Connection through control panel too. If you have AOL, and are in a large city, sign on, and go to "set up", and have it search for a connection. then same way, you might have to have it dial an 8 or 9 to get outside from your room.

 

[PRout]

Yea, the dial up settings are located in "Dial Up Networking".



Doubleclick "My Computer" and its in there.



If you have an ISP that supplies you w/ an 800 number, you only need to set it up once. Then all you need to do is like Dennis says, add an 8 or a 9 (depending on the hotel) and the comma in front of the number, and let it dial.



Some ISP's will give ou a list of available local numbers for different areas, but then you need to change the number everytime you move to a different area.