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TITLE
Troubleshooting Internet Connections
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Article ID:
Created:
Modified:
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22019
5/22/97
8/16/99
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TOPIC
I am experiencing crashes and system hangs when accessing the Internet with my web browser. What could be the problem?
DISCUSSION
There are no easy answers when trouble shooting a network problem. This is especially true since it involves your computer, third-party software, a modem, modem scripts, a telephone line, and an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Not to mention potential issues with the host you are accessing on the Internet.
Network connections over telephone lines are unreliable by nature due to problems outside the control of the user. These include bad phone lines, incompatibilities between hardware and software used by ISPs that can result in corruption of TCP/IP packets. The continual use of alpha and/or beta software on the net has increased the instability of Internet connections. Even if the user does not have beta software on their system, the ISP may.
Suggestions:
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Start with a clean Mac OS 7.5.5, 7.6, or later and use OT 1.1.1 or OT 1.1.2. Use OT/PPP or FreePPP (or MacPPP if you are using AICK)
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If you have problems with your system other than Internet connections, perform the standard trouble-shooting procedures (extension conflicts, reset PRAM, and so on).
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Delete the cache folder and the "Global History" file in the Netscape Navigator preferences folder. This is done to remove any corruption caused by previous crashes.
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Limit the number of plug-ins and delete any that are alpha or beta. Understand that beta software is buggy and should be avoided if you want OS stability.
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If available, check the web site of your ISP to determine what software they are using.
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Check what connection the ISP has to the Internet.
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If the software, connection, or quality of support is inadequate, switch service providers.
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I using Netscape Navigator, set your Navigator preferences under "Network" and "Connections" to four connections maximum and a 32 KB buffer. Cache can be set any reasonable amount, but should generally be set below 5 MB. Anything higher allows Navigator to cache thousands of small files that can slow Navigator down.
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Lastly, you may want to have your phone lines tested, check cables, or test a different modem if available.
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