University Technology Services (UTS) provides Internet services to all current OSU faculty, staff, and students. To begin using these services, you need an OSU Internet username as well as the appropriate software and hardware

 OSU Internet username

All OSU faculty, staff, and students automatically are assigned a username in the format lastname.nn (example, doe.99). This username is part of your "osu.edu address"-a generic address that can be configured to forward your incoming e-mail to whatever computer (mail server) you want to use. By default, your forwarding address is set so that your new messages are received by the UTS mail server "pop.service.ohio-state.edu." You then use a "client" program like Eudora Pro to move new messages to your desktop computer where you can reply to, forward, or save them.

In most cases, your "lastname.nn" username also is your OSU Internet username, and it must be activated before you can take advantage of services like authentication for HomeNet dialup or access to various secure servers. You should not confuse this username with any others you may have been given within your own college or department.

Note: The exception is faculty and staff who previously had accounts on the defunct UTS Magnus system and who still may be using a name like "jdoe" or "jsmith" for authentication. All new usernames are in the "lastname.nn" format.

You can find your OSU Internet username and set a password using a special online service:

• Go to any UTS public computing site. Open the Communications folder on one of the Windows or Macintosh computers and then click on the Get OSU Internet Username icon.

- or -

• Use a network-connected computer and a web browser in your office. Go to the UTS home page at http://www.osu.edu/units/uts/ and then choose Get OSU Internet Username.

In either case, respond to the prompts for information as they appear. Be certain to write down the username you're given and memorize the password you create. Also make note of your forwarding address (the default computer for retrieving your e-mail) and your published "osu.edu" address (your generic e-mail address at OSU).

 Software

UTS distributes Windows and Macintosh software appropriate for sending and receiving e-mail messages, browsing the World Wide Web, and reading network newsgroups. HomeNet is intended for use with a computer and modem in an off-campus residence, while OfficeNet is designed for Ethernet-connected computers in campus offices.

The HomeNet and OfficeNet software and related user guides are available at cost from the OSU Bookstores, 2009 Milliken Rd. and at the Medical Bookstore, 1634 Neil Ave. The current distribution is Version 3.0 for Windows and Version 3.1 for Macintosh. Version 4.0 for both platforms is scheduled for release during Spring Quarter, 1998.

UTS also maintains a web site called Software To Go that provides electronic distribution of recent releases of selected site licensed software. The complete HomeNet and OfficeNet packages are not accessible via this page due to the size of the installation files. However, as updates to programs like Eudora Pro and Netscape are received, they are made available for downloading in a timely manner. Proper authentication and authorization is required to use this service. You need a valid OSU Internet username, and you must be a current OSU faculty/staff member or a student. Using your web browser, go to:

http://www.osu.edu/units/uts/publications/upgrades

 Hardware

The system requirements for using HomeNet or OfficeNet are included in the documentation that comes with the packages. Be aware that the 3.x versions do not require as much hard disk space or RAM (random access memory) as the newer programs that will be included with the V4.0 release. Information about the necessary hardware also is provided in the quarterly UTS Guide to Services and online via the UTS home page at:

http://www.osu/edu/units/uts

Using e-mail

Once you've obtained your OSU Internet username and have installed the appropriate software on your computer, you can begin sending and receiving e-mail messages. If you plan on using UTS mail services (as opposed to an internal mail system within your own department), your preferences should be configured to use the following servers:

For incoming mail: pop.service.ohio-state.edu

For outgoing mail: smtp.service.ohio-state.edu

For finger searches: finger.service.ohio-state.edu

If you install Eudora Pro as a part of HomeNet or OfficeNet, these values automatically are set for you. However, if you download a later version from the UTS Software To Go web site, you may need to complete the configuration yourself. At the very least, it's a good idea to check to see that your settings are correct. For Eudora Pro V3.x or later, choose Options in the Tools menu (Windows version) or Settings in the Special menu (Macintosh version).

 For more information

UTS produces a variety of user documentation related to HomeNet and networking. Most of these documents are available online from the UTS Documentation web site at:

http://www.osu.edu/units/uts/publications/documentation

In addition, the UTS Applied Technology Support Services group maintains a web site that includes a searchable Question and Answers page. One of the topics included is called Internet, and it contains short answers to a variety of questions including these that relate to e-mail:

"How do I send an e-mail message?"

"How do I retreive new messages?"

"How do I include an attachment with a message?"

Use your web browser to visit this page at:

http://atss.uts.ohio-state.edu

Click on the Q&A button to go directly to an indexed list of topics.