XMission Wiki - User contributions [en]

Template:Important Announcements

2009-03-06T23:13:12Z

Deadguy:

{|style="width:100%; background: #FFF8DD; border: 2px solid #ffcc00; padding: 1em; color: #000000);"
|-
|'''Important Announcements:'''
|-
|Effective as of March 1st, you must include the area code when dialing local numbers. XMission dial-up calls will require the area code, so please update your dial up connections immediately.
|-
|Visit [[Ten Digit Dialing]] for directions on how to make this important change.
|-
|For additional details, visit the [http://www.publicutilities.utah.gov/area-code-overlay.html Utah PSC website.]
|}

MySQL FAQ

2008-04-09T20:56:24Z

Deadguy: /* How do I log in to my database? */

{{archived}}
==What is SQL?==
SQL stands for "Structured Query Language". SQL is the most common standardized language used to access databases.

XMission uses MySQL, which is a very popular open-source database management system.

==What version of MySQL does XMission use?==
XMission currently has two versions of MySQL running: version 5.0.24a and version 4.1.11. The current version is also displayed when you log in to the MySQL server.

==How much does a database at XMission cost?==
If you have a Deluxe Hosting or Pro Hosting account, an SQL database is included in your account package. For any other account type, the charge is $5 per month.

==How do I get a database set up for my account?==
To add a database to your account, either [mailto:sql@xmission.com email sql@xmission.com] or contact sales.

==How do I log in to my database?==
Depending on your MySQL version, you will need to connect to a different host. For MySQL version 4.x, the server name is ''mysql-41.xmission.com''
<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': ''mysql.xmission.com'' is the same machine, and will work for legacy purposes.</div>

For MySQL version 5.x the server name is ''mysql-50.xmission.com''

To use a web interface to access your database, visit https://phpmyadmin.xmission.com/

To connect directly to the database from our shell server:
#telnet or ssh to ''shell.xmission.com''
#<tt>mysql -u acctname -h servername -p databasename</tt>
#This will prompt you for a password, which is not necessarily the same as your login password.

For example: to connect to a MySQL version 5.x database, you would use:
<tt>mysql -u acctname -h mysql-50.xmission.com -p databasename</tt>

==What can I use to access my database?==
There isn't a "recommended" method to access your database, but here is a list of the more popular programing languages connection methods which we support.

'''perl''' : DBI module

'''python''' : mysql module or MySQLdb module

'''php''' : php has been compiled with the mysql functions built in

'''C''' : The header and libraries for mysql are installed so #include <mysql/mysql.h> will need to be present in your source files.

'''C++''' : same as C, but we also have mysql++ headers and libraries on XMission servers. To use this, #include <sqlplus>

'''Java''' : JDBC classes are available

==What do I do if I forgot my password?==
[mailto:sql@xmission.com Email sql@xmission.com] to have your password reset.

==Do I have a size limit (quota) for my database?==

Yes. The size of your database counts against your /home quota, which is 100MB default for most account types. Pro Hosting accounts get 200MB /home storage, and additional storage can be purchased.

==Can I use stored routines?==

Our MySQL 5.0 server support stored functions, procedures, triggers, and other such routines. Since it is a shared server, we do not allow users to create or edit their own routines. If you would like to have a routine installed, please contact support, providing a full copy of the routine you'd like installed. We will install the routine if we decide the code does not cause any problems or cause an unreasonable support burden. If you would like more complete control over database routines, please consider our [[VPS]] or [[Colocate]] products.

==Where can I get more information about using MySQL?==

Thorough documentation can be found at [http://www.mysql.com MySQL.com].

{{Footer}}
[[Category:Hosting Archives|MySQL FAQ]]
[[Category:FAQ|MySQL]]

Connections

2008-02-29T23:39:07Z

Deadguy:

[http://wiki.xmission.com/index.php/Connectivity_Quick_Setup_Information http://wiki.xmission.com/images/0/04/Quicksetup-connectivity.png]

[http://wiki.xmission.com/index.php/Utopia http://wiki.xmission.com/images/d/d2/Utopia.png]

[http://wiki.xmission.com/index.php/DSL http://wiki.xmission.com/images/a/ad/Dsl.png]

[http://wiki.xmission.com/index.php/Dialup http://wiki.xmission.com/images/6/6a/Dialup.png]

{{footer}}

Connections

2008-02-29T23:38:34Z

Deadguy:

[http://wiki.xmission.com/index.php/Connectivity_Quick_Setup_Information http://wiki.xmission.com/images/0/04/Quicksetup-connectivity.png]

[http://wiki.xmission.com/index.php/Utopia http://wiki.xmission.com/images/d/d2/Utopia.png]

[http://wiki.xmission.com/index.php/Dialup http://wiki.xmission.com/images/6/6a/Dialup.png]

{{footer}}

Webmail Filtering

2008-02-13T18:57:53Z

Deadguy:

==XMission Spam Filtering==

As part of our continued effort in helping XMission customers reduce spam, we have redesigned our user controllable filtering system. While customers still have the ability to create and customize their own email filters, we have designed four levels of filtering which are easily accessed by visiting the filters page in webmail at https://webmail.xmission.com/filters/ (requires login). We have also created a Spam Quarantine section in webmail where customers can view email recently deleted by their filter rules, to verify that nothing important has been deleted.

The four levels of filtering available are Whitelist, High, Low, and Off. Most XMission email accounts are set to the "Low" filter by default. While this is helpful, often customers find they want more restrictive filtering enabled. This can now easily be done by selecting the level that best suits their needs. Each of the levels is described in detail below. Should you wish more control over your filters, you may want to [[Advanced_Filter_Creation|read about creating filters by hand]].

<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': It is strongly advised that when making adjustments to your filters you closely watch your Spam Quarantine to view what is being deleted. If you find mail from a particular sender is being deleted which you wish to receive, you can simply restore their email from the Spam Quarantine and whitelist them by clicking on the “whitelist” option when you open the email. Email is stored in Spam Quarantine and can be restored for up to 15 days.</div>

;Whitelist

:The whitelist filter is the most aggressive form of filtering available through XMission. This filter will reject email from any sender whose email address is not listed in your whitelist or your webmail address book. Whitelisting is a very effective way of filtering spam, but you also run a much higher risk of losing legitimate email when you have this filter enabled. It requires the most attention and maintenance, as you continually need to make sure people you want to receive mail from are either in your webmail address book or whitelist. This filter works best for those who receive mail from a small number of individuals.

;High

:The high level filter is a very strict form of filtering. It will automatically save email from anyone in your webmail address book or whitelist to your inbox, then it applies several filtering rules to eliminate emails which match it's criteria for spam. This filter is an effective way of filtering spam but it is recommended that you closely watch the Spam Quarantine for at least the first few weeks you have it enabled. This will allow you become comfortable with the email it filters, and whitelist any senders you wish to receive mail from whose emails are inadvertently being filtered.

;Low

:This is the default level of filtering which is turned on for new XMission accounts, if you’ve had your account for a number of years, this may not be activated for you already. The Low level filter catches mostly obvious spam and deletes it. With this filter you are much less likely to have legitimate email deleted, but more likely to receive some spam.

:This is a good starting place if you have never used our spam filters before. By turning on the low level filter you will be able to use the Spam Quarantine to review emails that are being filtered, and make adjustments as needed.

;Off

:Turning filtering off is only recommended for advanced users who plan on doing their own spam filtering. Keep in mind that this only turns per-user filtering off, server-wide filters are still applied.

We also offer a page for with [[What_is_Spam|more info and resources about spam]].

Webmail Filtering

2008-02-13T18:56:00Z

Deadguy: New page: ==XMission Spam Filtering== As part of our continued effort in helping XMission customers reduce spam, we have redesigned our user controllable filtering system. While customers still ha...

==XMission Spam Filtering==

As part of our continued effort in helping XMission customers reduce spam, we have redesigned our user controllable filtering system. While customers still have the ability to create and customize their own email filters, we have designed four levels of filtering which are easily accessed by visiting the filters page in webmail at https://webmail.xmission.com/filters/ (requires login). We have also created a Spam Quarantine section in webmail where customers can view email recently deleted by their filter rules, to verify that nothing important has been deleted.

The four levels of filtering available are Whitelist, High, Low, and Off. Most XMission email accounts are set to the "Low" filter by default. While this is helpful, often customers find they want more restrictive filtering enabled. This can now easily be done by selecting the level that best suits their needs. Each of the levels is described in detail below. Should you wish more control over your filters, you may want to [[Advanced_Filter_Creation|read about creating filters by hand]].

<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': It is strongly advised that when making adjustments to your filters you closely watch your Spam Quarantine to view what is being deleted. If you find mail from a particular sender is being deleted which you wish to receive, you can simply restore their email from the Spam Quarantine and whitelist them by clicking on the “whitelist” option when you open the email. Email is stored in Spam Quarantine and can be restored for up to 15 days.</div>

;Whitelist

:The whitelist filter is the most aggressive form of filtering available through XMission. This filter will reject email from any sender whose email address is not listed in your whitelist or your webmail address book. Whitelisting is a very effective way of filtering spam, but you also run a much higher risk of losing legitimate email when you have this filter enabled. It requires the most attention and maintenance, as you continually need to make sure people you want to receive mail from are either in your webmail address book or whitelist. This filter works best for those who receive mail from a small number of individuals.

;High

:The high level filter is a very strict form of filtering. It will automatically save email from anyone in your webmail address book or whitelist to your inbox, then it applies several filtering rules to eliminate emails which match it's criteria for spam. This filter is an effective way of filtering spam but it is recommended that you closely watch the Spam Quarantine for at least the first few weeks you have it enabled. This will allow you become comfortable with the email it filters, and whitelist any senders you wish to receive mail from whose emails are inadvertently being filtered.

;Low

:This is the default level of filtering which is turned on for new XMission accounts, if you’ve had your account for a number of years, this may not be activated for you already. The Low level filter catches mostly obvious spam and deletes it. With this filter you are much less likely to have legitimate email deleted, but more likely to receive some spam.</dd>

:This is a good starting place if you have never used our spam filters before. By turning on the low level filter you will be able to use the Spam Quarantine to review emails that are being filtered, and make adjustments as needed.

;Off

:Turning filtering off is only recommended for advanced users who plan on doing their own spam filtering. Keep in mind that this only turns per-user filtering off, server-wide filters are still applied.

We also offer a page for with [[What_is_Spam|more info and resources about spam]].

How Secure Web (SSL) Works

2008-02-01T20:16:49Z

Deadguy: Replaced form link with request info

==Overview==
Most web sites will use SSL encryption for collecting personal or confidential information. You'll most often see the use of SSL encryption when purchasing something online or viewing private statistics or documents. You'll notice that the URL (or web address) will start with https:// instead of http://. Your browser will recognize this is secure. The process is usually very smooth on the client's side. This may be an option that you're looking into for your web site hosted by XMission.

In more detail, SSL, Secure Sockets Layer, is the leading security protocol on the Internet. When an SSL session is started, the browser sends its public key to the server so that the server can securely send a secret key to the browser. The browser and server exchange data via secret key encryption during that session.

An SSL certificate is a unique digital ID that can be used to verify the identity of a person, web site, or JavaScript/Java Applet. The certificate always includes a public key, the name of the entity it identifies, an expiration date, the name of the certificate authority (CA) that issued the certificate, the digital signature of the CA, and a serial number. These certificates use public key cryptography to sign and authenticate signatures and are protected by public and private key pairs linked by cryptographic algorithms. These keys have the ability to encrypt and decrypt information.

==Your Options==
If you'd like to use SSL encryption for your web site/domain hosted on XMission, you have a few options.

The first, and easiest, would be to use XMission's certificate. To do this, change the URL's of the pages you wish to secure to https://www.xmission.com/~username/securepage.html where you replace user name with your XMission user name and securepage.html with the page you wish to secure. This could, however, be a problem for you if you have your own domain name. Reason being, you must use the XMission domain in the URL instead of www.yourdomain.com. For more details about using this method, please refer to the [[SSL Tutorial]].

If you have your own domain and you do not wish to use the XMission domain in the pages you wish to secure, you may get a certificate signed by XMission. A certificate signed by XMission is free of charge to any XMission customer. Once again, however, there is a problem with this method. Your visitors will be prompted with "Unknown Authority" (or something similar, depending on the browser used) when they first visit the secured pages. This has the possibility of scaring off potential clients or customers that are easily spooked by "hackers" or viruses. A certificate signed by XMission, however, is just as secure as a certificate signed by a public CA. You can request a certificate signed by XMission by filling out the request form.

The last means of using SSL with XMission would be to purchase a signed certificate and key from Verisign or another public CA. When this is done, you will need to upload the signed certificate (public key) and the RSA key (private key) in PEM format. To make this process more secure, you may request that XMission generate the RSA key to be kept on XMission and send you the unsigned certificate. You can then have the certificate signed and returned to XMission with less threat of the RSA key (which will won't leave XMission's hands) to be seen by another party.

To request an SSL Certificate, please send an email to [mailto:ssl@xmission.com ssl@xmission.com] with the following information:

* Do you want a certificate signed by XMission, or signed by another CA?
* Your XMission account name.
* Name of organization.
* Which department of this organization is this for?
* Website to be certified (i.e. www.domain.com)
* Contact email for website (i.e. webmaster@domain.com)
* City
* State
* Country
* SSL Certificate notice email address? (this does not have to be the contact address above)

<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': If you requested that XMission send you a blank certificate to be signed by another CA, the certificate will be emailed to the account you specified as your XMission account name. You'll need to upload the signed certificate to your home directory and notify us at [mailto:ssl@xmission.com ssl@xmission.com] to complete the process.</div>

===Public CA's===
Here is a small list of public CA's you can purchase certificates from (in alphabetical order).

*[http://www.abaecom.com/ ABAecom]
*[http://www.digsigtrust.com/ Digital Signature Trust Co.]
*[http://www.e-certify.com/ E-Certify]
*[http://www.entrust.net/ Entrust]
*[http://www.equifax.com/ Equifax]
*[http://www.globalsign.com/ GlobalSign]
*[http://www.tc-trustcenter.com/ TC Trustcenter]
*[http://www.thawte.com/ Thawte]
*[http://www.valicert.com/ Valicert]
*[http://www.verisign.com/ Verisign]

General DSL Questions

2008-01-24T22:06:28Z

Deadguy: /* Is DSL really on the same line as my phone? */

==General DSL Questions==

===What is DSL?===

From [http://www.techweb.com/ CMP's Tech Web], ('''D'''igital '''S'''ubscriber '''L'''ine) A technology that dramatically increases the digital capacity of ordinary telephone lines (the local loops) into the home or office. DSL speeds are very much tied to the distance between the customer and the telco central office. The technology is geared to Internet access with its asymmetric versions (faster downstream than upstream) and short haul connections with symmetric versions (same rate coming and going).

Unlike ISDN, which is also digital but travels through the switched telephone network, DSL provides "always-on" operation. At the telco central office, DSL traffic is aggregated in a unit called the DSL Access Multiplexor (DSLAM) and forwarded to the appropriate ISP or data network.

[[DSL Glossary]]

===What do DSL subscribers gain?===

*High access speeds at an affordable price
*Avoid voice vs. data conflict on a single line
*"Always on" connection to the internet
*Relief from local busy signal
*Easy to use

===Exactly how fast is DSL?===

Hard to say as it depends on so many factors: Qwest's implementation of the technology in real world situations, the speed of machines on each end of a connection, bottlenecks along the way, etc. XMission won't max out our parts of the equation though since we have control over it and its cost-effective technology for us (i.e., no phone line charges and we don't need to purchase hardware each time we add new customers since it's all handled over an ATM that we already have in-house). It won't likely be a full 256kbps (or whatever speed you purchased from Qwest) any more than any other technology reaches its full capacity.

One thing to keep in mind though is this: most people won't use a fraction of their bandwidth since browsing web pages and using email are sporadic uses of bandwidth and not too bandwidth intensive.

Also, since basic DSL account users aren't allowed to use server services (even over a DSL Business account), their bandwidth usage will stay down. Some people will get DSL because of the larger, "burstable" capacity so that when they need to download a file or want to browse the web any slowdown won't be on their side.

===Is DSL the same speed for upload as it is for download?===

No. This depends upon the type of DSL used but RADSL (Rate Adaptive Digital Subscriber Line), the type available currently in our area, is asymmetric, which means that you can transfer data more quickly in one direction (down) than in the other. At 256k, this difference isn't very high, but on the top end they reach a 700% disparity. For example, the maximum transfer rates (if you qualify for them) are 7 Megabit downstream and 1 megabit upstream.

This discrepancy illustrates one of the most obvious differences between DSL and frame relay. Obviously, even if you or your company qualifies for the higher bandwidth DSL options, server services over DSL peak at lower upstream rates than frame relay.

===Is DSL really on the same line as my phone?===

Yes. The DSL digital signal is running at a much higher frequency on your phone line. We recommend you use filters on your telephones to help prevent any possible interference, though. These filters are available for free with your DSL line service from Qwest.

===Is DSL OS/Platform-limited? (i.e., is it only for Windows)?===

No. While the internal DSL adapter will only work with Windows, the external DSL modem will work with nearly any properly configured network card installed on nearly any operating system.

===What are my hardware options?===

You have three options for DSL hardware when ordering your DSL line through Qwest:

Actiontec GT701

Actiontec M1000

2Wire 2700

Some other brands/models are known to work, such as the Zoom X6, and while XMission may have the needed settings listed, we are not able to troubleshoot specific configuration issues.

==Getting DSL==

==If DSL is available in my area, does that mean I can get it?==

No. Even if your prefix is serviced, that doesn't mean your line will qualify. DSL is distance-prohibitive (maximum 15,000-18,000 feet). To find out if your line qualifies, call XMission Sales at 801-539-0852, or Qwest at 1-800-348-1688.

===What exactly does "loop-qualify" mean?===

To "Loop Qualify", your phone line needs to be tested to see if it can pass the strict requirements necessary to pass DSL signals. Currently, the limitations for DSL are:
*The line cannot have any load coils on it
*All bridge taps should be counted since too many of these prevent the signal
*Maximum length of any bridge tap not to exceed 2,000 ft
*Total bridge tap length not to exceed 6,000 ft
*You cannot have a DLC(Digital Loop Carrier) between you and your CO (Central Office)
*You need to be within 15,000 ft of your CO, although you can be up to 18,000 ft if higher quality wire is used in your area

===What is DLC and why can't I get DSL because of it?===

DSL may not be available in some areas due to digital-loop-carrier (DLC); deployed by your local phone company to make the most out of copper lines already layed out in the streets. DLC is also known by the terms: line concentrator, channel bank, PairGain, SLiC96, SLiC2000 and UDC. Ask your local telephone company repair engineer if this applies.

===If already have DSL with another ISP, how can I switch to XMission?===

You'll need to call Qwest at 1-800-348-1688 and tell them you'd like to switch ISP's.

==Your XMission DSL Account==

===Can I have normal (analog) dial-up with a DSL account too?===

No, you would need to purchase an additional account for this. We are able to offer this service at such low prices because we don't need to add new phone lines or dial-up hardware. As well, we assign your connection a static IP address but this would prevent you connecting to your account twice. If your DSL line goes down because of technical problems, though, you would be able to connect to XMission while your DSL line is down.

Business DSL accounts cannot use a 2nd line during business hours, as they would normally be allowed, but they can have uncapped DSL line speeds at no additional charge and IP addressing, up to a size 16 subnet, is available upon request.

If you travel, or occasionally connect from more than one place, you can get a $19/month Individual account or a $10/month Email-only account, which includes dial-up. You can, however, disconnect your DSL (by turning off the computer with the "modem" in it or unplugging your router) before you leave and dial up with your DSL account.

===What is meant by the term, "shared bandwidth"?===

People will be sharing it in a way that doesn't guarantee a full pipe to each user all the time. For example, a T1 is comparable to 6 256k connections (6 x 256k = 1.5 MB) but we'll be selling the equivalent of more than 6 DSL lines for a T1. This isn't an entirely accurate example but it's an easy way to get the idea across. For those who have demanding bandwidth needs, frame relay or T1 is highly recommended.

With shared DSL service, you're not guaranteed bandwidth. We're not going to oversell DSL services since bandwidth to Our DSL bandwidth is spread across multiple DS3's, allowing us to readily control growth and avoid saturation. Qwest isn't price-prohibitive and outgoing traffic from XMission has plenty of headroom. Our router stats page indicates this fact.

===How many people will share the bandwidth?===

We [http://stats.xmission.com/routers/public/ monitor] this and simply add bandwidth (up to 45 MegaBit) as needed. Expect to see statistics available online that publicly show our bandwidth usage. But remember that basic DSL is not a guaranteed bandwidth service. We can only offer guaranteed bandwidth with Dedicated Bandwidth accounts such as a Frame Relay.

===What, exactly, are "client" and "server" services?===

On the internet, machines generally connect to each other as clients and servers. Client services are what you use when you check email, download a web page or file from FTP, run CUSeeMe or just about any Internet software. Server services describe a situation where a server feeds information out to the Internet. An example of a server would be mail.xmission.com. This is the server XMission clients connect to when they check their email. Server services include the following, for example: web, ftp, game, mail, etc. Should you have further questions as to what qualifies as a server service please give us a call or email support@xmission.com.

===Can I run server services over my DSL connection?===

One of the first questions we concerned ourselves about dealt with this issue since XMission has always sought to provide value-added services to its customers and not restrict anything. While the abuses of some can spoil things for everybody, we have found a compromise that allows high bandwidth for all ports but with heavy monitoring. We will be closely monitoring dsl statistics reports and those who go over their bandwidth quota, as mentioned above, will be sent a warning, then restricted. We recommend if you're running a server for personal use, that you limit the simultaneous connections to just two or three. This allows people to access their machines for work, to do various server services for personal use but prevents saturation of the DSL bandwidth.

If we didn't closely monitor our DSL accounts then a few people would very likely use the majority of bandwidth allocated to all of our DSL customers. By restricting server traffic, we are able to provide dedicated services at previously unheard of prices.

===Will "server services" be blocked or monitored?===

Those concerned about abuse need not worry as we will be closely monitoring bandwidth usage on a per-customer basis. If it's noted that a certain customer is using more bandwith than they need for personal needs, they will be warned once, and restricted if the high-bandwidth usage doesn't cease. For most people, DSL offers a larger, burstable pipe that will remove the bottleneck on their end. As most Internet users mainly browse the web and use email, such intermittent use will generally allow for a lot of burstable bandwidth even if many people are sharing the same pipe. As you can well imagine, if XMission didn't maintain a close eye on server services, a few people running unrestricted web and or ftp servers could quickly hog a large percentage of our DSL bandwidth and ruin it for everyone else.

===Will my DSL account be considered a dedicated connection?===

No. DSL accounts are considered burstable to your purchased bandwidth from Qwest, but is not considered a dedicated account. Information on business-level dedicated accounts can be found at http://www.xmission.com/dedicated

===Can I associate a Domain Name with my DSL account?===

You can do this with a business account at no additional charge. If you have a personal DSL account, XMission charges an additional $7 a month for primary and secondary DNS for one domain. If you're just looking to have a name associated with your IP address, though, you can have your own machine name associated with XMission's domain like this: <tt>name.dsl.xmission.com</tt>. You can choose whichever name you'd like but it defaults to your account name if you don't have a preference. Contact support@xmission.com for more details.

==Using DSL/Help==

===What are some useful phone numbers in case I have line problems?===

While we can't guarantee that these numbers will remain in service, or work for your particular needs, they should be helpful for many:
:Qwest installation: 1-800-348-1688
:Qwest line repair: 1-800-234-XDSL

===How can I FTP through a non-standard port through a firewall?===

To ftp to a non-standard port with cute-ftp, select:ftp, settings, options, firewall tab, check PASV mode and check the 'firewall access' box.

===How can I use ICQ through a socks5 proxy?===

Using XMission's socks5 proxy server will make it easier for people to reach you via ICQ. To use it, simply follow these steps:
#Go to preferences
#Open the Connection tab
#Check I am behind a firewall or proxy
#Press the Firewall Settings button
#Check I am using a SOCKS5 proxy server
#Press Next>
#Enter SOCKS5 Host: socks.xmission.com
#Enter SOCKS5 Port: 1080
#Press Next>
#Press Check My FIREWALL/Proxy Setting
#Press Done

You can also use this with AOL Instant Mesanger. Under Options and Connection, set the proxy protocal to SOCKS5, the proxy to "socks.xmission.com", and the port to "1080".

If you are using an IRC client like mIRC that supports firewalls, you can again use the socks proxy server. In mIRC you goto File, Setup, and select Firewall. Check Use SOCKS firewall, select Socks5, put "socks.xmission.com" for the host, "1080" for the port, and check Initiate DCCs through firewall.

===How can I set up my own firewall?===

If you have the external Cisco 678, there are filtering options that come with it. There are instructions in the manual that came with the router for doing this.

Another resource that might be helpful is located at http://www.users.uswest.net/~rlutton/ADSL/. This is a good, concise resource for some basic info about the Cisco 675 and its NAT capabilities. It also explains basic security features that the casual home user can implement if so inclined.

===How can I play games through my DSL router (Cisco 678) when I have NAT enabled?===

Many customers have found out that the Network Address Translation (NAT) functions of the Cisco 675 External DSL Router interfere with interactive internet games. Cisco has overcome this problem with the release of the v2.4.8 CBOS operating system. You can download this update from ftp.xmission.com (using your XMission username/password), and then going to /archive/dsl.

Download the code, read the "readme" file, upgrade your router, and then send the following command for games to work:
<tt>set nat entry add 10.0.0.2</tt>
(or the IP address of the machine you're playing games on).
<tt>set nat timeout udp 360</tt>

More information about NAT entry commands can be found here in the CBOS section:
http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/dsl_prod/c600s/index.htm

===Why do I see a lot of ICMP traffic hitting my DSL line?===

ICMP provides error reporting, congesting reporting and first-hop gateway redirection. In addition to being used for ping, ICMP is used to as a message control and error-reporting protocol between a host server and a gateway to the Internet. It is normal to see ICMP traffic. However, if you're noticing a great deal of echo/echo-reply traffic (echo/echo-reply is what ping is), to the extent that it's begining to consume your bandwidth, you should probably [http://www.xmission.com/help/contact/ contact technical support]. For more in depth information about ICMP and how it's used, please refer to [http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc0792.txt RFC 792].

[[Category:FAQs]]

General DSL Questions

2008-01-24T20:15:04Z

Deadguy: removed dead links to Qwest, updated phone numbers

==General DSL Questions==

===What is DSL?===

From [http://www.techweb.com/ CMP's Tech Web], ('''D'''igital '''S'''ubscriber '''L'''ine) A technology that dramatically increases the digital capacity of ordinary telephone lines (the local loops) into the home or office. DSL speeds are very much tied to the distance between the customer and the telco central office. The technology is geared to Internet access with its asymmetric versions (faster downstream than upstream) and short haul connections with symmetric versions (same rate coming and going).

Unlike ISDN, which is also digital but travels through the switched telephone network, DSL provides "always-on" operation. At the telco central office, DSL traffic is aggregated in a unit called the DSL Access Multiplexor (DSLAM) and forwarded to the appropriate ISP or data network.

[[DSL Glossary]]

===What do DSL subscribers gain?===

*High access speeds at an affordable price
*Avoid voice vs. data conflict on a single line
*"Always on" connection to the internet
*Relief from local busy signal
*Easy to use

===Exactly how fast is DSL?===

Hard to say as it depends on so many factors: Qwest's implementation of the technology in real world situations, the speed of machines on each end of a connection, bottlenecks along the way, etc. XMission won't max out our parts of the equation though since we have control over it and its cost-effective technology for us (i.e., no phone line charges and we don't need to purchase hardware each time we add new customers since it's all handled over an ATM that we already have in-house). It won't likely be a full 256kbps (or whatever speed you purchased from Qwest) any more than any other technology reaches its full capacity.

One thing to keep in mind though is this: most people won't use a fraction of their bandwidth since browsing web pages and using email are sporadic uses of bandwidth and not too bandwidth intensive.

Also, since basic DSL account users aren't allowed to use server services (even over a DSL Business account), their bandwidth usage will stay down. Some people will get DSL because of the larger, "burstable" capacity so that when they need to download a file or want to browse the web any slowdown won't be on their side.

===Is DSL the same speed for upload as it is for download?===

No. This depends upon the type of DSL used but RADSL (Rate Adaptive Digital Subscriber Line), the type available currently in our area, is asymmetric, which means that you can transfer data more quickly in one direction (down) than in the other. At 256k, this difference isn't very high, but on the top end they reach a 700% disparity. For example, the maximum transfer rates (if you qualify for them) are 7 Megabit downstream and 1 megabit upstream.

This discrepancy illustrates one of the most obvious differences between DSL and frame relay. Obviously, even if you or your company qualifies for the higher bandwidth DSL options, server services over DSL peak at lower upstream rates than frame relay.

===Is DSL really on the same line as my phone?===

Yes. The DSL digital signal is running at a much higher frequency on your phone line. We recommend you use filters on your telephones to help prevent any possible interference, though. These filters are available for free with your DSL line service from [https://orderdsl.qwest.com/order/welcome.asp Qwest].

===Is DSL OS/Platform-limited? (i.e., is it only for Windows)?===

No. While the internal DSL adapter will only work with Windows, the external DSL modem will work with nearly any properly configured network card installed on nearly any operating system.

===What are my hardware options?===

You have three options for DSL hardware when ordering your DSL line through Qwest:

Actiontec GT701

Actiontec M1000

2Wire 2700

Some other brands/models are known to work, such as the Zoom X6, and while XMission may have the needed settings listed, we are not able to troubleshoot specific configuration issues.

==Getting DSL==

==If DSL is available in my area, does that mean I can get it?==

No. Even if your prefix is serviced, that doesn't mean your line will qualify. DSL is distance-prohibitive (maximum 15,000-18,000 feet). To find out if your line qualifies, call XMission Sales at 801-539-0852, or Qwest at 1-800-348-1688.

===What exactly does "loop-qualify" mean?===

To "Loop Qualify", your phone line needs to be tested to see if it can pass the strict requirements necessary to pass DSL signals. Currently, the limitations for DSL are:
*The line cannot have any load coils on it
*All bridge taps should be counted since too many of these prevent the signal
*Maximum length of any bridge tap not to exceed 2,000 ft
*Total bridge tap length not to exceed 6,000 ft
*You cannot have a DLC(Digital Loop Carrier) between you and your CO (Central Office)
*You need to be within 15,000 ft of your CO, although you can be up to 18,000 ft if higher quality wire is used in your area

===What is DLC and why can't I get DSL because of it?===

DSL may not be available in some areas due to digital-loop-carrier (DLC); deployed by your local phone company to make the most out of copper lines already layed out in the streets. DLC is also known by the terms: line concentrator, channel bank, PairGain, SLiC96, SLiC2000 and UDC. Ask your local telephone company repair engineer if this applies.

===If already have DSL with another ISP, how can I switch to XMission?===

You'll need to call Qwest at 1-800-348-1688 and tell them you'd like to switch ISP's.

==Your XMission DSL Account==

===Can I have normal (analog) dial-up with a DSL account too?===

No, you would need to purchase an additional account for this. We are able to offer this service at such low prices because we don't need to add new phone lines or dial-up hardware. As well, we assign your connection a static IP address but this would prevent you connecting to your account twice. If your DSL line goes down because of technical problems, though, you would be able to connect to XMission while your DSL line is down.

Business DSL accounts cannot use a 2nd line during business hours, as they would normally be allowed, but they can have uncapped DSL line speeds at no additional charge and IP addressing, up to a size 16 subnet, is available upon request.

If you travel, or occasionally connect from more than one place, you can get a $19/month Individual account or a $10/month Email-only account, which includes dial-up. You can, however, disconnect your DSL (by turning off the computer with the "modem" in it or unplugging your router) before you leave and dial up with your DSL account.

===What is meant by the term, "shared bandwidth"?===

People will be sharing it in a way that doesn't guarantee a full pipe to each user all the time. For example, a T1 is comparable to 6 256k connections (6 x 256k = 1.5 MB) but we'll be selling the equivalent of more than 6 DSL lines for a T1. This isn't an entirely accurate example but it's an easy way to get the idea across. For those who have demanding bandwidth needs, frame relay or T1 is highly recommended.

With shared DSL service, you're not guaranteed bandwidth. We're not going to oversell DSL services since bandwidth to Our DSL bandwidth is spread across multiple DS3's, allowing us to readily control growth and avoid saturation. Qwest isn't price-prohibitive and outgoing traffic from XMission has plenty of headroom. Our router stats page indicates this fact.

===How many people will share the bandwidth?===

We [http://stats.xmission.com/routers/public/ monitor] this and simply add bandwidth (up to 45 MegaBit) as needed. Expect to see statistics available online that publicly show our bandwidth usage. But remember that basic DSL is not a guaranteed bandwidth service. We can only offer guaranteed bandwidth with Dedicated Bandwidth accounts such as a Frame Relay.

===What, exactly, are "client" and "server" services?===

On the internet, machines generally connect to each other as clients and servers. Client services are what you use when you check email, download a web page or file from FTP, run CUSeeMe or just about any Internet software. Server services describe a situation where a server feeds information out to the Internet. An example of a server would be mail.xmission.com. This is the server XMission clients connect to when they check their email. Server services include the following, for example: web, ftp, game, mail, etc. Should you have further questions as to what qualifies as a server service please give us a call or email support@xmission.com.

===Can I run server services over my DSL connection?===

One of the first questions we concerned ourselves about dealt with this issue since XMission has always sought to provide value-added services to its customers and not restrict anything. While the abuses of some can spoil things for everybody, we have found a compromise that allows high bandwidth for all ports but with heavy monitoring. We will be closely monitoring dsl statistics reports and those who go over their bandwidth quota, as mentioned above, will be sent a warning, then restricted. We recommend if you're running a server for personal use, that you limit the simultaneous connections to just two or three. This allows people to access their machines for work, to do various server services for personal use but prevents saturation of the DSL bandwidth.

If we didn't closely monitor our DSL accounts then a few people would very likely use the majority of bandwidth allocated to all of our DSL customers. By restricting server traffic, we are able to provide dedicated services at previously unheard of prices.

===Will "server services" be blocked or monitored?===

Those concerned about abuse need not worry as we will be closely monitoring bandwidth usage on a per-customer basis. If it's noted that a certain customer is using more bandwith than they need for personal needs, they will be warned once, and restricted if the high-bandwidth usage doesn't cease. For most people, DSL offers a larger, burstable pipe that will remove the bottleneck on their end. As most Internet users mainly browse the web and use email, such intermittent use will generally allow for a lot of burstable bandwidth even if many people are sharing the same pipe. As you can well imagine, if XMission didn't maintain a close eye on server services, a few people running unrestricted web and or ftp servers could quickly hog a large percentage of our DSL bandwidth and ruin it for everyone else.

===Will my DSL account be considered a dedicated connection?===

No. DSL accounts are considered burstable to your purchased bandwidth from Qwest, but is not considered a dedicated account. Information on business-level dedicated accounts can be found at http://www.xmission.com/dedicated

===Can I associate a Domain Name with my DSL account?===

You can do this with a business account at no additional charge. If you have a personal DSL account, XMission charges an additional $7 a month for primary and secondary DNS for one domain. If you're just looking to have a name associated with your IP address, though, you can have your own machine name associated with XMission's domain like this: <tt>name.dsl.xmission.com</tt>. You can choose whichever name you'd like but it defaults to your account name if you don't have a preference. Contact support@xmission.com for more details.

==Using DSL/Help==

===What are some useful phone numbers in case I have line problems?===

While we can't guarantee that these numbers will remain in service, or work for your particular needs, they should be helpful for many:
:Qwest installation: 1-800-348-1688
:Qwest line repair: 1-800-234-XDSL

===How can I FTP through a non-standard port through a firewall?===

To ftp to a non-standard port with cute-ftp, select:ftp, settings, options, firewall tab, check PASV mode and check the 'firewall access' box.

===How can I use ICQ through a socks5 proxy?===

Using XMission's socks5 proxy server will make it easier for people to reach you via ICQ. To use it, simply follow these steps:
#Go to preferences
#Open the Connection tab
#Check I am behind a firewall or proxy
#Press the Firewall Settings button
#Check I am using a SOCKS5 proxy server
#Press Next>
#Enter SOCKS5 Host: socks.xmission.com
#Enter SOCKS5 Port: 1080
#Press Next>
#Press Check My FIREWALL/Proxy Setting
#Press Done

You can also use this with AOL Instant Mesanger. Under Options and Connection, set the proxy protocal to SOCKS5, the proxy to "socks.xmission.com", and the port to "1080".

If you are using an IRC client like mIRC that supports firewalls, you can again use the socks proxy server. In mIRC you goto File, Setup, and select Firewall. Check Use SOCKS firewall, select Socks5, put "socks.xmission.com" for the host, "1080" for the port, and check Initiate DCCs through firewall.

===How can I set up my own firewall?===

If you have the external Cisco 678, there are filtering options that come with it. There are instructions in the manual that came with the router for doing this.

Another resource that might be helpful is located at http://www.users.uswest.net/~rlutton/ADSL/. This is a good, concise resource for some basic info about the Cisco 675 and its NAT capabilities. It also explains basic security features that the casual home user can implement if so inclined.

===How can I play games through my DSL router (Cisco 678) when I have NAT enabled?===

Many customers have found out that the Network Address Translation (NAT) functions of the Cisco 675 External DSL Router interfere with interactive internet games. Cisco has overcome this problem with the release of the v2.4.8 CBOS operating system. You can download this update from ftp.xmission.com (using your XMission username/password), and then going to /archive/dsl.

Download the code, read the "readme" file, upgrade your router, and then send the following command for games to work:
<tt>set nat entry add 10.0.0.2</tt>
(or the IP address of the machine you're playing games on).
<tt>set nat timeout udp 360</tt>

More information about NAT entry commands can be found here in the CBOS section:
http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/dsl_prod/c600s/index.htm

===Why do I see a lot of ICMP traffic hitting my DSL line?===

ICMP provides error reporting, congesting reporting and first-hop gateway redirection. In addition to being used for ping, ICMP is used to as a message control and error-reporting protocol between a host server and a gateway to the Internet. It is normal to see ICMP traffic. However, if you're noticing a great deal of echo/echo-reply traffic (echo/echo-reply is what ping is), to the extent that it's begining to consume your bandwidth, you should probably [http://www.xmission.com/help/contact/ contact technical support]. For more in depth information about ICMP and how it's used, please refer to [http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc0792.txt RFC 792].

[[Category:FAQs]]

WRT54GL Single IP Setup

2007-09-12T22:15:34Z

Deadguy:

#Connect the Ethernet cable from the UTOPIA Access Portal to the internet port on your Linksys WRT54GL.
#Connect an Ethernet cable from the Ethernet port on your computer to one of the lan ports on your Linksys WRT54GL.
#Open your web browser, you will most likely get an XMission Welcome screen. In the address bar, type 192.168.1.1 and press the <tt>Enter</tt> key on your keyboard.
#In the ''Internet Connection Type'' drop down box, select PPPoE.
#In the ''User Name'' field, enter your XMission user name.
#In the ''Password'' field, enter your XMission password.
#Click the Save Settings button at the bottom.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/linksys/wrt54gsingle.png

DSL 2Wire 2700HG Multiple IP Setup

2007-08-01T21:55:26Z

Deadguy:

#Enter <tt>192.168.0.1</tt> in the address bar of your web browser to open the 2-Wire home page. Select Advanced Configuration Settings link in the lower right corner.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/2wire/2wiresubnet_1.png
#Select your Time Zone from the drop-down.
#Select the radio button next to ''PPP Mode''.
#In the ''Connection Type'' drop-down list, select PPPoA then enter your XMission username and password in the spaces provided.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/2wire/2wiresubnet_2.png
#Under the ''Addressing'' area, select Unnumbered Mode.
#In the ''Gateway IP Address'' field, enter the first usable IP address in the subnet assigned to you.
#In the ''Subnet Mask'' field, enter the subnet mask you were given.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/2wire/2wiresubnet_3.png
#Scroll down the page to the ''DNS Server'' area.
#Select the Specify DNS Server Settings radio button and enter <tt>198.60.22.2</tt> for the ''Primary DNS'' and <tt>198.60.22.22</tt> in the ''Secondary DNS'' field. Then click Save.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/2wire/2wiresubnet_4.png
#Click on Home. Then click on the Home Network image.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/2wire/2wiresubnet_5.png
#From Home Network click on Advanced Settings
#:<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': Ensure that the machine you want to specify the public IP to is connected successfully to the 2wire modem.</div>
#In the ''Device List'' section, click on Edit Address Allocation
#Find the correct computer or device you are attempting to map a static IP address to. Select ''DHCP Public: <public ip address>'' from the drop down menu next to the device.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/2wire/2wiresubnet_6.png
#After you have finished assigning all the devices you would like to have static IPs, click on Save.
#After saving changes to the ''Address Allocation Settings'', ensure the device you assigned the address to is utilizing DHCP to lease an address.
#:<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': From here on you can use the built-in Firewall to forward ports to the device(s).</div>

Your DSL modem should now display a green light on Internet. Your configuration is complete.

Style Guide

2007-08-01T19:59:36Z

Deadguy: new page

Items that may actually be clicked on (keywords: 'click', 'select'), and items that precede items to be selected or typed in (keywords: 'where it says "blah", type') should be wrapped in
<pre></pre>

Items that users may type in should be wrapped in
<pre><tt></tt></pre>

Examples, such as filenames, usernames, and areas or subsections of a display should be wrapped in
<pre>'' ''</pre>

Toggles or checkboxes should be wrapped in
<pre>''' '''</pre>

Items such as web addresses that are presented for example, but are not actual destinations should be wrapped in
<pre><pre></pre></pre>

Brief asides such as notes to users should be wrapped in
<pre><div class="messagebox metadata"></div></pre>

Such notes should have the word 'Note' presented in bold with a colon and a space
<pre>'''Note''': </pre>

CHECKLIST:

All headers are properly denoted
All pages have at least one category
All images have been stripped of their <pre><img src=" " /></pre>

Contact Information

2007-07-31T18:01:29Z

Deadguy: Protected "Contact Email Addresses" [edit=sysop:move=sysop]

Use the following email addresses to contact XMission staff:

*[mailto:support@xmission.com support@xmission.com] - answers to most technical questions concerning your account
*[mailto:info@xmission.com info@xmission.com] - general account information
*[mailto:sales@xmission.com sales@xmission.com] - contact xmission sales
*[mailto:domains@xmission.com domains@xmission.com] - domains and virtual domain web hosting support
*[mailto:accounting@xmission.com accounting@xmission.com] - account balances and status
*[mailto:webmaster@xmission.com webmaster@xmission.com] - www and html support
*[mailto:postmaster@xmission.com postmaster@xmission.com] - system-wide email problems
*[mailto:spam@xmission.com spam@xmission.com] - to forward, with headers, spam (i.e., unsolicited email) '''sent to''' XMission subscribers to be added to filters
*[mailto:abuse@xmission.com abuse@xmission.com] - report spam (i.e., unsolicited email) problems '''originating from''' XMission
*[mailto:routes@xmission.com routes@xmission.com] - network routing problems
*[mailto:news@xmission.com news@xmission.com] - newsfeeds or general news concerns
*[mailto:listmaster@xmission.com listmaster@xmission.com] - mailing list support
*[mailto:admin@fragfarm.com admin@fragfarm.com] - information and feedback concerning the game servers hosted at XMission
*[mailto:peering@xmission.com peering@xmission.com] - network peering requests and problems
*[mailto:sql@xmission.com sql@xmission.com] - sql and php support

DSL Cisco 67x Password Change

2007-07-30T17:40:16Z

Deadguy:

We recommend you update your Cisco firmware to provide the maximum amount of security. Read more about [[Upgrading Cisco]]s.

You will need connect the management serial cable that came with your Cisco. It will need to be connected to the ''MGMT'' port on the back of the Cisco and a serial port on your computer. You will then need to connect to the Cisco with terminal software (e.g: [[Hyperterm]], ZTerm, Minicomm, Telix). The speed the terminal software will communicate with the Cisco will be either 9600 or 38400, no software or hardware handshaking.

#At the Password prompt enter your routers exec password.
#Type "enable" and press the Enter key.
#Enter your enable password.
#:<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': If you do not remember your passwords you can try pressing enter at the prompts without entering anything. It is possible you do not have a password set on your router. If this doesn't work you will need to call our technical support staff and have them walk you through reseting the configuration on your router.</div>
#Type <tt>set ppp wan0-0 password</tt> followed by a space and then your new password.
#Enter <tt>write</tt>.
#Enter <tt>reboot</tt>.
#:<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': At this point the password has been changed on your Cisco and it is rebooting so the changes take effect. Once the WAN link light becomes solid you should be able to access the Internet.</div>

[[Category:DSL]]

DSL 2Wire 2700HG Multiple IP Setup

2007-07-30T15:24:14Z

Deadguy: new page

DSL 2Wire 2700HG Single IP Setup

2007-07-30T15:24:01Z

Deadguy: new page

#Enter <tt>192.168.0.1</tt> in the address bar of your web browser to open the home page for your 2-Wire DSL modem. Then, select the Advanced Configuration Settings link in the lower-right corner.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/2wire/2wire_1.png
#Select your Time Zone from the drop-down.
#Select the radio button next to ''PPP Mode''.
#In the ''Connection Type'' drop-down list, select PPPoA then enter your XMission username and password in the spaces provided.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/2wire/2wire_2.png
#Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Save.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/2wire/2wire_3.png

Your DSL modem should display a green light on Internet. Your configuration is complete.

Announcements

2007-07-30T13:05:40Z

Deadguy: new page

==Why do XMission customers get announcements?==
XMission believes in full disclosure to our clients. Not only do we think that our customers deserve to know about things that may have gone wrong or are changing with the service they're paying for, but it also saves time troubleshooting an issue that may not have been local.

Announcements will also be sent if enhancements to our services or additional services are made available. Often, XMission will add a service or change the pricing for an existing service. By reading the announcements, customers can learn that a service they may have been waiting for is now available or even learn that they'll soon be saving money by using a newly available account type.

==Doesn't it make XMission look bad when things go wrong?==
Quite to the contrary. All ISP's have technical problems from time to time as there is no way to avoid it. We simply do our best to fully disclose problems when they arise, even as we do our best to minimize the problems themselves. XMission often receives praise from our customers because we fully disclose problems in a timely manner.

==How can I get announcements via email?==
By default, all customers automatically get announcements sent to the technical contact for their account. This can be changed by contacting XMission's accounting department via phone (in Salt Lake at 801-539-0852, or toll free at 877-964-7746) or email at [mailto:accounting@xmission.com accounting@xmission.com].

==Can I get announcements if I use IMAP?==
Yes. Announcements are now simply sent to the mailbox of each account's technical contact. It is no longer necessary to receive them via POP or the alternative mailing list.

==Can I unsubscribe from the announcements list?==
Although announcements are sent with our customers' best interest in mind (they help save time, frustration, and sometimes even money), XMission does allow people to "unsubscribe." We highly recommend that you continue to receive them though, since they are rarely sent and provide very helpful information. To help keep the inconvenience some customers may feel to an absolute minimum, each announcement starts with a very short overview, followed by details. By skimming the overview, it can be easy to tell if it concerns you.

If you have received an announcement from us already, please follow the link at the bottom of that message to stop receiving announcements. If you want to start receiving announcements again or want to stop them and don't have a current announcement you can unsubscribe with, please contact our accounting department during business hours at (801) 539-0852

==Are there any other ways to view announcements?==
Yes. There are three ways, other than email, to view announcements:
*WWW: http://www.xmission.com/cgi-bin/announcements?all
*Usenet: xmission.announce
*FTP: ftp.xmission.com/archive/announce

[[Category:FAQs]]

Billing

2007-07-30T13:05:13Z

Deadguy: new page

==How are customers billed?==

Almost all the billing for XMission is done via email. A week before an expires, a reminder is sent to the customer's email address to let him or her know it is time to send in a payment to continue service. This reminder outlines different payment options.

If your business requires a physical bill, XMission can provide invoices for payments upon request. We can fax them or send them postal mail them anywhere you would like. We can also send all billing information to a different email address than that of the user, if you should request it. To check your current account statistics, send an email message to [mailto:acctstat@xmission.com acctstat@xmission.com] and your status will be automatically returned to you by the system.

You can also check on your account status during a telnet session by typing <tt>acctstat</tt> at the prompt after you have logged into your own account.

==Does XMission accept credit cards for payment?==

We can and do accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover for internet service payments. There are several ways to make a payment with your credit card:
#You can use our [https://accounting.xmission.com/pay/ Secure CGI Web Form] – this is the most secure method by which to pay.
#You can reach XMission Accounting during business hours at 801/539-0852 ext 2008. The accounting office is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday.
#You can email the information to [mailto:accounting@xmission.com accounting@xmission.com]
# you need to send us your complete card number, the card's expiration date, and the number of months you'd like to pay with this transaction if you choose to email us.

<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': Unless you're sending the email from your XMission account through XMission's mail server this is not a very secure way to send this type of sensitive information. </div>

===Automatic Credit Card Billing===

XMission's accounting system is able to automatically deduct your monthly payment from your Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover card. If you'd like to set up automatic credit card charging for your account, that can be done while you are making your next payment via the web or telephone as outlined above. You must request this service and you can cancel automatic payment later by simply calling XMission Accounting.

==How can users cancel an account?==

Normally, you don't need to do anything at all - accounts will be canceled after their expiration. When an account remains unpaid for more than a week after the expiration date, we automatically terminate access to that account. However, the files and mail for that customer remain on the system for some time after that, and at any time after access has been denied a customer can make payment to reactivate the account.

Although the system is automatic, it's always a good idea when canceling service with ''any '' utility provider to contact that provider and let them know. This can avoid confusion, inappropriate charges, and possible litigation at a later date.

If a balance remains on your account at the time you wish to cancel service, you can contact XMission to receive a refund for the remaining days of service, minus processing fees (see below.)

==Requests for refunds==

If you require a refund check for canceled service on your XMission account, we can issue and mail one within two weeks. However, we do charge a $10 processing fee for all refunds.

This processing fee will be reimbursed* should you choose to re-establish your XMission account.

*Credit applied at time of payment for second month of service.

==How can users update their account information?==

Our current accounting database does not allow for users to modify their own account information. To update any necessary fields, please email the Accounting Department at [mailto:accounting@xmission.com accounting@xmission.com] with the necessary information.

==How can users change their account name?==

Although you can change your account name at any time, there is a $10 service charge to do so. Before you can change your account name you need to first send in your payment or come into the XMission offices with both your current account name and your new account name.

Remember that account names are always all lower case, with a maximum of 32 characters.

==How can users change which type of account they have?==

Basic XMission accounts fall into either Individual or Business categories. If you would like to change from one type of account to the other, contact the XMission accounting department by phone or email.

For more information about what each account offers and the differences between Individual and Business accounts, see below.

==What's the difference between the different types of accounts?==

An '''Individual account''' allows full Internet Access for a single user, and is generally for home use only. If you wish to post advertising web pages, usenet news postings, or otherwise solicit business on the Internet, you will require a larger account.

A '''Business account ''', in addition to allowing advertising on the web and usenet, allows full Internet Access for up to '''two '''concurrent dial-ups, as well as the ability to register a domain name, a larger portion of storage space on XMission's servers, and a UUCP or SMTP transfer for as many employees as needed.

==Does XMission have leased line rates?==

Indeed we do. Please refer to our Dedicated Account Information page.

[[Category:FAQs]]

Contact Information

2007-07-30T13:02:12Z

Deadguy: new page

Fax/Pager Gateway

2007-07-30T13:01:29Z

Deadguy: new page

==How does the email-to-fax/pager service work? ==

We use a publicly available software package, known as [http://www.hylafax.org/ HylaFAX], along with our own scripts. When you send a fax, HylaFAX simply takes the place of a fax machine. It dials up the specified number and transfers the data you provided. The pager gateway works much the same way, but it dials a general number to the pager company, gives the phone number to deliver the message to, and then the data/message to be delivered.

==Can I send messages to pagers without using this service? ==

Most pager/cellular companies, now, associate an email address with all their numbers. The syntax is usually 10digitnumber@pagercompany.net, but you'd need to check with the individual companies to be sure. This method sends the message directly to the pager company to, then, be delivered to the recipient. This surpasses the need for our system to dial the pager company directly.

==Are there any coverage limitations? ==

These services are currently available only for calls made locally in the greater Salt Lake City metro area. (All pager companies listed have local data numbers.) Expansion of these services to our remote dial-up locations are in the planning stages. Please email fax@xmission.com for more information.

==How do I send a fax using the fax gateway? ==

Using ''mail.xmission.com'' as your SMTP/POP mail server, an email addressed to: ''Addressee_Name@5551234.fax''

would send an XMission cover page addressed to '''Addressee_Name''' followed by your email to the fax machine answering at '''555-1234'''. By default, the service will attempt to deliver the message up to three times in a 20 minute period.

==How do I send a pager message using the pager gateway? ==

Using ''mail.xmission.com'' as your SMTP/POP mail server, an email addressed to: ''verify@airtouch5551234.pager''

would send the '''Subject:''' line of your email to the pager answering the Airtouch pager at 555-1234 and a verification of your page to your email address. If you don't want the verification message sent to you, replace ''verify@'' with ''silent@''.

The pager message will contain your account name/email name followed by the subject of the email. Anything in the body will be stripped from the message.

If the '''Subject:''' was "Aliens are invading Tooele! Head for the hills!", the recipient would see something like:

''acctname:Aliens are invading Tooele! Head for the hills!''

<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': If you send an alpha-numeric page to a numeric-only pager, the letters will be stripped and only the numbers will be sent.</div>

==What pager/cellular services are supported? ==

The following pager companies have been verified to work with our email-to-pager gateway:

#airtouch (Verizon)
#westlink
#american
#att-national
#att-slc
#att-ogden
#att-logan
#att-pcs
#pagenet
#pagemart (for pin numbers starting with "13")
#pagemart16 (for pin numbers starting with "16")
#skytel-ut
#westlink (Qwest)
#voicestream
#voicestream PCS

The following companies have '''not ''' been verified. Please [mailto:support@xmission.com let us know] if they do or do not work.

#skytel
#skypage
#mobilecomm
#gte
#worldcom
#mci
#sprint-spectrum
#sprint

==Can someone send me a fax using this service? ==

Unfortunately, no. Incoming faxes are sent as images instead of ASCII (plain text), so there's no way to extract individual information from a fax and then send it to the appropriate mailbox. There are image-to-text converters, but they're less than reliable. Since the original fax is sent as a scanned image, much like a copy machine, any number of factors can cause it to be mis-aligned, incomplete, or otherwise not perfectly readable.

==Can someone send me a pager message using this service? ==

Not directly, because the SMTP server needs to be set to XMission's mail server. However, you can set up one of your four free aliases* as your pager address, and this will allow the message to be sent to XMission's gateway via our mail server.
<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': POP-only accounts do not come with free aliases.</div>

==Can this service be used to notify me of new email? ==

Yes. Using your shell account, create a ''.forward'' file in your home directory. On the first line, enter <tt>\acctname, silent@pagercompanyPAGERNUMBER.pager</tt> (filling in your information where indicated). Please note that most pager/cellular companies will charge for pager messages exceeding the contract limit. Make note of your contract limit and try to stay below it, as XMission will not be responsible for resulting charges from your pager/cellular company.

==Are there a limit to how many pages or faxes I can send? ==

There is currently no limitation on the number, frequency or size of fax/pages sent. However, these services were '''NOT ''' intended for unsolicited fax/paging. Use of these services to send unsolicited fax/pages will result in '''IMMEDIATE ''' termination of your account, probable legal action and collection of fees at $50 per incident and $100 per hour involved. [http://www.terabyte.net/Title47.htm#fax FEDERAL LAW REFERENCE].

Web Browsers

2007-07-30T13:00:49Z

Deadguy: new page

A browser is the most common "window" to the Internet. It's important to understand how to use them and how to secure them.

Below is a FAQ answering some of the most common questions about using & customizing the two most popular browsers; Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator.

==Where do I change the "Home" page?==
'''Internet Explorer'''

#Click on Tools and click on Internet Options....
#In the section labeled Home page, enter the URL you would like to be your home page in the Address: field.

'''Netscape Navigator'''

#Click on Edit and select Preferences....
#In the left window, click on Navigator.
#In the Home Page section, enter the URL you would like to be your home page in the Location: field.

==How can I completely remove my history and clear the address bar?==

'''Internet Explorer'''

#Click on Tools and click on Internet Options....
#In the section labeled History on the right, click on the Clear History button.

'''Netscape Navigator'''

#Click on Edit and select Preferences....
#In the left window, click on the + next to Navigator to show more options. Click on History.
#Click the Clear History button.
#When that's complete, click the Clear Location Bar button.

==Can I stop those annoying pop-up advertisements?==

Yes. Usually, those pop-up advertisements use JavaScript. Disabling Java/JavaScript will prevent the advertisements from popping up, but you will also be unable to view anything else done in JavaScript. Below are instructions for disabling JavaScript

'''Internet Explorer'''

#Click on Tools and click on Internet Options....
#Click on the Security tab.
#Click on the Custom Level button. Locate Active Scripting in the list and click on Disable (or Prompt).

'''Netscape Navigator'''

#Click on Edit and select Preferences....
#On the left, click on Advanced.
#On the right, locate Enable Javascript and uncheck it.

==How do I save an image found on a web page?==

'''Internet Explorer'''

Right-click on the image you'd like to save and select Save Picture As....

'''Netscape Navigator'''

Right-click on the image you'd like to save and select Save Image (''filename'').

==How do I set an image on a web page as my desktop?==

'''Internet Explorer'''

Right-click on the image you'd like to save as your desktop picture and select Set as Background.

'''Netscape Navigator'''

#Save the image to your hard drive, as shown above.
#Right-click on your computer's desktop and select Properties.
#Click on the Desktop tab.
#Click the Browse button and locate the saved image.

==Can I get web pages to load faster?==

Yes. There are several ways to make your pages load faster. You can set your browser to save pages and images locally when you visit them (known as cache; see below for details), you can use our proxy server (see below] for details), or you can choose not to load images. Below are instructions for disabling automatic image downloads.

'''Internet Explorer'''

#Click on Tools and select Internet Options....
#Click on the Advanced tab.
#Scroll down until you find the Multimedia section and uncheck Show pictures.

<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': Unchecking several of the other options under Multimedia will speed up your browsing. Just be sure what you're disabling isn't something you need.</div>

'''Netscape Navigator'''

#Click on Edit and select Preferences....
#On the left, click on the + next to Privacy & Security to expand the options.
#Select Images. On the right, locate and select Do not load any images.

==What are proxy servers?==

An HTTP, or web, proxy server provides a gateway between your browser and the rest of the Internet. A proxy server replaces your identity (IP address, in this case) with its own, making it possible to browse more privately, securely, and offers additional features depending upon the proxy. XMission now provides three different web proxies. Information about each is available on our Proxy Help page.

==How do I set up my browser to use XMission's proxy server?==

All necessary details are available on our Proxy Help page.

==Why, even though I know a web page has changed, do I see an old version?==

There are three common reasons why you're not seeing an updated page. The first, and most common, is that the page is being cached locally on your computer. If you simply force the page to reload (IE: Ctrl+Refresh, NS: Shift+Reload), the updated page will appear. It's also possible that you have a proxy server, as explained above, configured and the copy of the page that the proxy server has cached is old. The resolutions to this are to either wait for the proxy server to update the cached file or to disable the proxy settings. Last, it's possible that you're working offline. If you have your cache set to do so, it will download pages while you're online and allow you to browse the complete cached copies while you're not connected to the Internet.

==Can I force my browser to reload a web page every time I view it?==

Yes. Below are instructions for setting your browser to download the entire page every time you view it.

'''Internet Explorer'''

#Click on Tools and select Internet Options....
#Click on the Settings button.
#Below Check for newer versions of stored pages:, select Every visit to the page.

'''Netscape Navigator'''

#Click on Edit and select Preferences.
#On the left, click on the + next to Advanced to expand the options. Select Cache.
#Below Compare the page in the cache to the page on the network, select Every time I view the page.

==How can I empty my cache?==

'''Internet Explorer'''

#Click on Tools and select Internet Options....
#Click on the Delete Files... button.

'''Netscape Navigator'''

#Click on Edit and select Preferences.
#On the left, click on the + next to Advanced to expand the options. Select Cache.
#Click the Clear Memory Cache and Clear Disk Cache buttons.

==Where do I change my cache settings?==

'''Internet Explorer'''

#Click on Tools and select Internet Options....
#Click on the Settings button.
#In the Temporary Internet Files Folder portion of the window, you can edit where the files are stored and how much space they're allowed to use.

'''Netscape Navigator'''

#Click on Edit and select Preferences.
#On the left, click on the + next to Advanced to expand the options.
#Select Cache. Here you can specify how much space the memory and disk cache can use.

==What are cookies?==

A cookie is a text-only HTTP header saved by your browser. It generally consists of the domain, path, and lifetime. If the lifetime is longer than your current visit, the cookie is stored, by your computer, to be accessed later. They're used to identify users, or mark them.

The aspect of cookies that bothers most Internet users is, although cookies can be used for perfectly helpful and valid reasons, they're often used to track a user's movements on the Web. This gives a company, such as doubleclick.com, a way to understand a person's preferences. This leads to demographics being sold to companies that provide personalized advertisements; a less than desirable result for most Internet users.

==What kind of information does a cookie collect from me?==

Cookies can store just about anything that would make a site individual and customizable. A cookie, however, can not contain any personal information that the server would otherwise have no access to, unless you enter that information yourself.

==Is there a way I can choose what sites are allowed to set cookies?==

Yes. You can have your browser prompt you any time a web site tries to set a cookie. You can either accept or deny the request, at that point. Below are instructions for changing your cookie settings to prompt.

'''Internet Explorer'''

#Click on Tools and select Internet Options....
#Click on the Privacy tab.
#Click on the Advanced button.
#Check Override automatic cookie handling.
#Select Prompt for both First-party Cookies and Third-party Cookies.

<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': First-party cookies will be set buy the server you're visiting. Third party cookies are cookies that are set by a server other than the site you're visiting. (This would be the companies specializing in gathering demographics.) Per-session cookies are only used for the time you're at the site and are removed when you leave.</div>

'''Netscape Navigator'''

#Click on Edit and select Preferences.
#On the left, click on the + next to Privacy & Security to expand the options.
#Select Cookies.
#Check Warn me before storing a cookie.

==Can I disable cookies completely?==

Yes. Keep in mind, however, that some web sites rely on cookies. Web sites such as online stores personalized start pages, and sites offering different information for people in different locations won't work properly. Below are instructions for completely disabling cookies.

<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': A recommendation for being able to use sites that require cookies and still do most of your browsing cookie-free is to have two browsers (such as both Internet Explorer and Netscape) installed. Your preferred browser can be set to reject cookies while the "spare" browser can be used for the few sites that require cookies.</div>

'''Internet Explorer'''

#Click on Tools and select Internet Options....
#Click on the Privacy tab.
#Click on the Advanced button. Check Override automatic cookie handling.
#Select Block for both First-party Cookies and Third-party Cookies.

<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': First-party cookies will be set buy the server you're visiting. Third party cookies are cookies that are set by a server other than the site you're visiting. (This would be the companies specializing in gathering demographics.) Per-session cookies are only used for the time you're at the site and are removed when you leave.</div>

'''Netscape Navigator'''

#Click on Edit and select Preferences.
#On the left, click on the + next to Privacy & Security to expand the options.
#Select Cookies.
#Check Disable cookies.

==What's a URL?==

A URL, Uniform Resource Locator, is a standard way of referring to resources available electronically. The syntax of a URL is, typically, ''protocol''://''server''/''file path''. For further technical information about URL's, please refer to [http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/cgi-bin/rfc/rfc1738.html RFC 1738].

==What kind of URL's does my browser support?==

Most browsers will support any standard-compliant URL. The main function that varies from browser to browser is particular protocol support. The protocol of a URL is what comes before the ://address. Current supported protocols are ftp, http, gopher, mailto, news, nntp, telnet, wais, file, and prospero. Each browser may handle certain protocols a little differently than others.

Just an example of how browsers can handle each protocol a little differently, we'll use ftp. In Internet Explorer, the url ftp://ftp.xmission.com shows two frames. The frame on the left shows server information and the server's welcome message. On the right is the file hierarchy shown the same way you would see files and folders on your own computer. In Netscape, however, the welcome message isn't displayed and the hierarchy is shown the same way a directory listing using http would appear.

==How can I tell if a web page, such as an order form, is secure?==

The easiest way to tell if a web page is secure, is to check the URL. If it begins with https, then it's using a signed security certificate to encrypt anything that goes through that page. Both Netscape and Internet Explorer show a locked padlock icon in the bottom right corner when a web page is secured. You should also check to be sure your browser supports high encryption. You can do this by going to Help and selecting About....

Although a web site may be secure, that doesn't necessarily mean that the information is secure after it reaches its destination. The web browser is only responsible for securely sending the information to where the form tells it to. This could be a text file on the web server, an email, or a database, to name a few. To find out if the information is held or transferred securely, you should contact the web site owner directly.

==Why do I sometimes get a message saying there's a problem with the security certificate?==
Occasionally, you'll come across a site, https://mail.xmission.com for example, that has a signed certificate but your browser reports that it's not signed by a known CA (Certificate Authority). This doesn't mean it's not secure, only that the browser doesn't know who signed it. It's up to you weather or not you choose to accept such a certificate. It's recommended to only accept these certificates from sites you trust.

To accept a certificate from an unknown CA is fairly simple. In Internet Explorer, you simply click on the Yes button in the dialog that pops up. To avoid having to accept every time you enter this site, click on View Certificate, Install, and complete the wizard. In Netscape you'd choose Continue. You can also check the box that says Remember this certificate permanently to avoid having to accept every time you visit the site.

==Where can I get more information about customizing Internet Explorer?==
The [http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.asp Internet Explorer Home Page], although it can be difficult to navigate, is still the best single resource for information on customizing Internet Explorer. There are, of course, many other web sites on the Internet that provide some more personalized instructions and recommendations. [http://www.google.com Google], as always, is a good place to start.

==Where can I get more information about customizing Netscape Navigator?==

Much the same as Internet Explorer, the best single resource for information about customizing Netscape is their web site; [http://browsers.netscape.com/browsers/using/main.tmpl Browser Central]. You can also search [http://www.google.com Google] for more resources.

==Where can I get more information about using Lynx?==

The Lynx project maintains its own documentation for this excellent text-only browser.
[http://lynx.isc.org/current/lynx2-8-5/lynx_help/lynx_help_main.html Their links page] contains a user manual as well as a welth of other helpful links.

[[Category:FAQs]]

Modems

2007-07-30T12:53:59Z

Deadguy: new page

==Why does my 56k modem always connect below 56k? ==

Many factors influence your connection speed. Because modems use audible tones to communicate over analog voice telephone lines, they are very susceptible to phone line quality impairments. Such problems can make it difficult for the modems to hear the tones they are generating. These problems can exist anywhere along the path of your phone connection; in your home or office's wiring, at the phone company's central office and beyond. Your modem will try to negotiate the most reliable speed to connect at.

==Is there anything I can do to speed up my modem? ==

While it might be possible to force a faster connection, it would actually end up slowing down your data. When the data your modem is sending and receiving become corrupted by line problems, it will re-send the data again until it comes through correctly. By forcing a faster speed you are actually only increasing the likelihood that your data will become corrupted and have to be sent again. Your modem connects more slowly in an attempt to protect the integrity of your data. Forcing faster connection rates is not advisable.

==Why am I frequently getting disconnected? ==

Many of the variables in line quality discussed previously can also result in losing your modem connection. If this happens consistently you might be able to stabilize your connection by forcing your modem to a slightly lower speed than what it is attempting to connect at. You can limit your modem's connection rate with a modem initialization string. Initialization strings are a series of commands passed to your modem just before it dials (see below for details).

==How can I improve the quality of my connection? ==

First, make sure your modem has the latest software drivers and firmware. Drivers are the software handlers that your computer's operating system uses to control the modem. Firmware is program code that resides on the modem itself. Check with your modem's manufacturer to see if they have newer versions of drivers and firmware than what you're currently running. You'll probably want to talk to your modem manufacturer's technical support to see how they recommend you go about the upgrade.

You can also contact your phone company to have your lines tested. In some cases your phone company may find line problems that they can fix. Be aware that you may be charged a fee for this service.

==Why do I have problems, even though the phone company tested my line and said it's fine? ==

Be aware that analog telephone lines were designed to move voice, not data. In some cases the lines will test okay for voice but still not yield higher speed data communications. Many high speed digital options are available if your analog modem speeds can not be improved. Technologies such as ISDN and DSL may be available from your phone company and in most cases are compatible with your existing XMission account.

==How can I modify or add to my modem initialization string under Windows 95/98/ME? ==

Click Start, go to Settings, and select Control Panel. From here, double-click the Modems icon, select your modem, and click Properties. On the Connections tab, click on Advanced, and enter your init. string in the field labeled Extra settings.

==What initialization string commands should I use to limit my connection speed? ==

The best way to determine which init. string to use is to check your modem's documentation, contact the modem's manufacturer, or see what you can find on the web. In most cases you'll want to start the initialization string with the command &F followed immediately by the specific commands you want to use. Here are a few suggestions for some of the more popular modems:

US Robotics Courier, Sportster, and other "TI chipset" Modems:

The TI chipset uses &Nx to limit the maximum connect rate where "x" is one of the following:
:x=11 21600 bps
:
:x=12 24000 bps
:
:x=13 26400 bps
:
:x=14 28800 bps
:
:x=15 31200 bps
:
:x=16 33600 bps
:
:x=17 33333 BPS
:
:x=18 37333 BPS
:
:x=19 41333 BPS
:
:x=20 42666 BPS
:
:x=21 44000 BPS
:
:x=22 45333 BPS
:
:x=23 46666 BPS
:
:x=24 48000 BPS

Example: If you wanted to limit your US Robotics modem to 26400 BPS you'd enter an initialization string of: AT&F&N13

Rockwell-Based 28.8k & 33.6k Modems: Generally the ''+MS'' command is used to control modulation and connection rates. For example, adding a <tt>+ms=11,1,2400,26400</tt> will limit the upper connect rate to 26400.

AT&T-Based Modems It seems as though the AT&T chipset is not as flexible as the Rockwell & TI chipsets. You can use S37=x to force a certain connect rate. That does not set a maximum or minimum connect rate, but forces a connect rate. "x" is one of the following:

:14 = 21600 BPS

:15 = 24000 BPS

:16 = 26400 BPS

:17 = 28800 BPS

:18 = 31200 BPS

(Warning: Do not force a connect rate that is higher than your normal connect rate. When your modem makes an initial connection, it will determine that the lines cannot handle that speed, and immediately hang up.)

==What other commands can I use in my initialization string? ==

The commands vary greatly between modems from different manufacturers. Consult your modem's documentation. You might also find these on-line resources useful:
*[http://www.modemhelp.org ModemHelp.org]
*[http://8080hi.com/56k/ 8080hi.com]

==What brand of modems does XMission use? ==

For digital connections, XMission uses US Robotics Total Control modem racks. They support analog-digital connections (x2/v.90/56k) and pure digital connections (ISDN 64k+).

==Will XMission be supporting V.92 and V.44?==

Not at this time. Subscriber interest for these features has not yet been high enough to cover the expense of upgrading our dial-up equipment. Technical forums have also suggested less than full compatibility across all modem manufacturers, and we would like to wait at least until these new features are standard across the industry.

[[Category:FAQs]]

ISDN

2007-07-30T12:52:24Z

Deadguy: new page

==What is ISDN?==

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) is a digital telephone network that provides 2 digital phone lines capable of carrying voice, data, or a combination of the two. Each digital channel can support either 64Kbps or 56Kbps* of bi-directional data and the two channels can be combined together to produce speeds of up to 128Kbps.
ISDN phone lines are all digital which results in cleaner, error-free, and reliable data transmission. Analog phone lines used by modems are subject to data errors caused by line noise and other numerous transmission interruptions.

Although rarely promoted by local telephone companies and relatively unknown by the general public, unlimited ISDN service is now approximately $70/month. Considering the overall improvement of bandwidth, reliability and cost, ISDN has become a viable solution for businesses, telecommuters, and power-users who are unable to get DSL. Additionally, with local ping-times in the 60-80ms range, it's perfect for those who like to play online games.

==How do I order ISDN?==
Ordering ISDN is fairly easy, and it takes anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months to get installed. If you know a few things before calling to order your ISDN line, you have a better chance of getting things right the first time. Here's how to order ISDN:

*Make sure that XMission offers ISDN services in your area by referring to our XMission Locations page.
*Find out if Qwest offers ISDN service in your area by visiting their webpage, http://www.qwest.com/ or by calling Qwest's customer service.
*Once Qwest has confirmed that your ISDN line has been installed, then purchase your ISDN terminal adapter or ISDN router.
*:<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': We recommend that you purchase an ISDN Terminal Adapter that includes a built-in NT-1 (Network Terminator). ISDN Terminal Adapters are available with an ST interface, but those are for more advanced users who have specific reasons for not using a built-in NT-1.)</div>
*If you plan on using a single 64kbps channel, you do not need to change anything with your XMission account. If you plan on using two 64k channels (for 128kbps), please call our accounting department at 801-539-0852 (or 877-XMISSION/964-7746) and ask to have "bonding" enabled. There is a charge for bonding, as you are using twice the system resources of a regular dial-up account. Please check our account information page for pricing details.

==What is an ISDN terminal adapter (TA)?==

An '''ISDN Terminal Adapter ''' (TA) is a device that allows a computer to talk to another computer over a digital ISDN line. Like an analog modem, the TA plugs into the computer's serial port or into an internal expansion slot. ISDN TA's are ideal for single-computer situations, where you have only one computer that you want to use with the ISDN line. Terminal Adapters are very easy to install and, when compared to ISDN Routers, relatively inexpensive.

Terminal Adapters usually have 1 or 2 POTs (Plain Old Telephone) ports. These POTs ports allow you to connect analog devices (like Fax machines, analog modems, answering machines, etc) to your ISDN phone line. This way, you can use one 64Kbps channel to connect to the internet, and the other channel to send a fax or talk with someone.

One of the down-sides to the ISDN TA is their serial port speed limitation of 115.2k (12.8k slower than the 128k that ISDN has to offer). Most computers and many TA's only support 115.2k communications. Granted, this is still MUCH faster than a 56k analog modem, but you still won't realize the full 128k benefits that ISDN has to offer.

Some ISDN Terminal Adapters support 230.4k DTE rates, but most computers do not. You may want to check with your computer manufacturer and see if your computer's serial ports support 230.4k. If they do not, you may always purchase a 3rd-party add-on serial card that will do 230.4k. Companies like [http://www.lavalink.com/ Lava Computer] sell products like this. You can buy them locally from [http://www.computertech-ut.com/ ComputerTech] or [http://www.compusa.com/ CompUSA].

==What is an ISDN router?==
An '''ISDN router ''' is an ethernet-based device that allows multiple computers to access to the internet via a single ISDN line. All of the computers connect to the ISDN router via an Ethernet hub, and use the ISDN router as their gateway to the internet. Whenever one of the computers makes a request for data on the internet, the router automatically picks up the line, dials, connects, and logs in (all within a few seconds!).

ISDN routers can also be faster than TAs in certain situations. A 10mbps ethernet connection to the router is almost 80x faster than the 115.2k serial port rate limitation that many PC/Terminal Adapter combinations experience. This is important when 128k of data becomes compressed, and can theoretically reach speeds of 512kbps. While these speeds can overwhelm both 115.2k and 230.4k serial ports, they are only a fraction of what a 10mbps ethernet device can handle.

==Where can I get more information about ISDN?==

[http://www.usr.com/help/s-icour/s-cour-isdn-downloads.htm Courier "IModem" Documentation]
[http://www.isdnshop.com/isdn-basics.html#isdn Synapse Solutions' ISDN FAQ]
[http://www.qwest.com/products/data/isdn/isdn_faq.html Qwest's ISDN FAQ]

[[Category:FAQs]]

Passwords

2007-07-30T12:51:26Z

Deadguy: new page

==How do I change my XMission password?==
XMission offers a variety of ways to change your password, the easiest of which is our web-based [https://www.xmission.com/password/ password changing form]. You may also change your password using by [[contact]]ing XMission technical support.

==How often will I have to change passwords?==
XMission no longer uses "password aging", but we do recommend you change your password every 4 months.

==What is a '''''GOOD''''' password?==
Good passwords include mixed case letters (most systems are case sensitive, including ours), numbers and punctuation (characters above the numbers 0-9). Try not to use anything that anyone could guess such as any words in the dictionary or your license plate number. Some examples of good passwords are:

*<tt>JnyB0y!</tt>
*<tt>G3ss!!mE</tt>
*<tt>Hlpv3d4x</tt>
*<tt>Oh03xx2v</tt>
*<tt>XMg00d?%</tt>
*<tt>ppIv3ss!!</tt>

Of course, don't use any of these examples for your own password.

==How do I enter my new password into my dial-up connection?==

===Windows XP Dial-up===
#Click on Start, go to Connect To, and select your connection (probably named "XMission").
#In the field labeled Password:, highlight your old password (shown as dots) and type in your new one.

===Windows 2000 Dial-up===
#Double-click My Computer.
#Double-click Control Panel.
#Double-click Network and Dial-up Connections.
#Double-click on your connection (probably named "Connection to 9900900" or "XMission").
#In the field labeled Password:, highlight your old password (shown as asterisks) and type in your new one.

===Windows 95/98 Dial-up===
#Double-click My Computer.
#Double-click Dial-up Networking.
#Double-click on your connection (probably named "XMission").
#In the field labeled Password:, highlight your old password (shown as asterisks) and type in your new one.

===Macintosh's Remote Access (AKA Open Transport PPP)===
#Click on the apple menu, go to Control Panels, and select PPP.
#In the field labeled Password:, highlight your old password (shown as dots) and type in your new one.

===Macintosh's FreePPP Setup===
#Click on the apple menu, go to Control Panels, and select FreePPP Setup.
#Click the Accounts tab. (If you don't see any tabs, click on the triangle in the lower left corner to reveal them.)
#Select your location (such as Salt Lake City) and click Edit....
#In the field labeled Password:, highlight your old password (shown as asterisks) and type in your new one.

==How do I enter my new password into my DSL router?==
If you have an internal DSL adapter, please follow the instructions above for updating your password in the appropriate dial-up software. If you have an external Cisco DSL router, telnet to your router and go into enable mode. You will then need to issue the following commands:
<pre>set ppp wan0-0 password YourNewPassword
write</pre>

If you have an Actiontec DSL router instructions for changing your password can be found [[actiontec password|here]].

[[Category:Password]]

Spybot

2007-07-30T12:37:15Z

Deadguy: new page

==Installation==

#Click [http://www.safer-networking.org/index.php?page=mirrors here] to go to the Spybot Search & Destroy download page.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/spybot/spybot1.jpg
#Select from one of the download mirrors. For this example, we'll use download.com.
#Click the "Download Here" link which will open the download.com web page.
#Click the "Download Now" link when prompted click Save.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/spybot/spybot2.jpg
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/spybot/spybot3.jpg
#Next you will be asked where to save the file. The easiest place to save it is your Desktop.
#Click the drop down box next to "Save In" and select "Desktop".
#Click Save.
#Once the Download is finished, double click on the Spybot file that was downloaded to your desktop to begin the installation.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/spybot/spybot4.jpg
#After double-clicking, the installation setup will begin. Click Next
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/spybot/spybot5.jpg
#Read and accept the License Agreement, then click Next.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/spybot/spybot6.jpg
#Select where you want to install the program, then click Next
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/spybot/spybot7.jpg
#Select "Full Installation" then click Next
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/spybot/spybot8.jpg
#Select the start menu folder you want the Spybot shortcuts to be created, then click Next.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/spybot/spybot9.jpg
#Check the box to create a desktop and Quick Launch icon, then click Next.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/spybot/spybot10.jpg
#Review the settings and click Install to continue.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/spybot/spybot11.jpg
#Click Finish to complete the Installation.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/spybot/spybot12.jpg
#You should now have a Spybot desktop icon, double click it to launch Spybot.

==Updating==
It's important that you stay current with Spybot updates to keep your computer clean of adware and spyware. It's recommended that you run the update before each scan to be sure you have the latest definitions available. Follow the instructions below to update Spybot.
#Open Spybot and click Check for updates.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/spybot/spybot13.jpg
#Spybot will check for new updates, if there are updates available select them all by checking the box next to them and click Download updates.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/spybot/spybot14.jpg

==Scanning==
To begin your scan with Spybot follow the instructions below.

#Open Spybot Search & Destroy and click Check for problems. Spybot will begin scanning your computer for adware and spyware, this may take several minutes.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/spybot/spybot16.jpg
#Once the scan is finished you'll be provided with a list of items Spybot detected on your computer. Most likely you'll want to delete everything but scan through the list to make sure. Place a check mark next to each item you wish to delete, then click Fix selected problems.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/spybot/spybot15.jpg

This will complete your Spybot scan. It's recommended that you run the program on a weekly basis to keep your computer free of adware and spyware. For further information and support on Spybot Search & Destroy, click [http://www.safer-networking.org/index.php?page=support here] to visit their website.

AdAware

2007-07-30T12:36:24Z

Deadguy: new page

==Installation==

#Click [http://www.lavasoft.com/support/download/#free here] to go to the Ad-Aware download page.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/ad-aware/ad-aware1.jpg
#Click the Ad-Aware 6 link under Full Install. This will take you to the download.com download site. Click the "Download Now" link to begin the download.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/ad-aware/ad-aware2.jpg
#When prompted, click Save to save the file to your computer. Next you will be asked where you want to save the file. The easiest place to save it is your Desktop. Click the drop down box next to "Save In" and select "Desktop".
#Click Save.
#Once the Download is finished, double click on the Ad-Aware file that was downloaded to your desktop to begin installing Ad-Aware.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/ad-aware/ad-aware4.jpg
#After double-clicking, the installation setup will begin. Click Next
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/ad-aware/ad-aware6.jpg
#Read the License Agreement, then click Next.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/ad-aware/ad-aware8.jpg
#Select where you want to install the program, then click Next
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/ad-aware/ad-aware7.jpg
#Select the components you wish to install, then click Next.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/ad-aware/ad-aware10.jpg
#Click Next to install Ad-Aware.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/ad-aware/ad-aware11.jpg
#Click Finish to complete and exit the Installation. http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/ad-aware/ad-aware12.jpg</ol>

==Updating==

It's important that you stay current with Ad-Aware updates to keep your computer clean of adware and spyware. It's recommended that you run the update before each scan to be sure you have the latest reference list available. Follow the instructions below to update Ad-Aware.

#Open Ad-Aware and click the "Check for updates now" link.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/ad-aware/ad-aware23.jpg
#Next, click Connect to check for new reference files.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/ad-aware/ad-aware24.jpg
#If there is a new update file, click Ok to download and install the file.
#When that is done, click Finish. If there is no update, click Ok then Finish.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/ad-aware/ad-aware25.jpg
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/ad-aware/ad-aware26.jpg

This will complete the Ad-Aware update and you can continue with your system scan.

==Configuration and scanning==

Ad-Aware has two scanning options: Smart system-scan and Custom. Smart system-scan is faster, but not as comprehensive as Custom. Smart system-scan is satisfactory for routine use, but it is recommended that your first scan be a Custom scan. After a thorough Custom scan, the capabilities within Smart system-scan will be sufficient for every day use.Ad-Aware comes pre-configured with default options that are already on. The options that are on will be marked with a green check, while those that are off are maked with a red x. The following are changes that we recommend you make prepare for your first Custom scan.

<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': Some options are greyed out and only available to users who pay for the Plus or Professional versions of Ad-Aware.</div>

#Double click the Ad-Aware icon on your desktop to launch the program
#Click on the Gear icon at the top of the start screen to access the preferences/setting window.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/ad-aware/ad-aware13.jpg
#Click the Scanning button.
#Under the ''Drives & Folders'' section, mark ''Scan within Archives'' with a green check.
#Under the "Memory & Registry" section, mark each option with a green check.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/ad-aware/ad-aware14.jpg
#Click Click here to select Drives + folders and place a check in the boxes next to your installed hard drives.
#Click Proceed to continue.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/ad-aware/ad-aware15.jpg
#Next, click Advanced. Under ''Log-file Detail Level'', mark each option with a green check.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/ad-aware/ad-aware16.jpg
#Next, click Tweak.
#Click the + symbol next to Scanning Engine and mark ''Unload recognized processes during scanning'', ''Include basic Ad-Aware settings in logfile'', and ''Include additional Ad-Aware settings in logfile'' with a green check.
#Click the + symbol next to ''Cleaning Engin'' and mark ''Automatically try to unregister objects prior to deletion'' and ''Let Windows remove files in use after reboot'' with a green check.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/ad-aware/ad-aware17.jpg
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/ad-aware/ad-aware18.jpg
#Click on Proceed to save these settings.
#Click Scan Now Select ''Use custom scanning options''
#Click Next to begin the scan. This may take several minutes to complete.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/ad-aware/ad-aware19.jpg
#When the scan is finished you'll see a summary of how many objects were found, click Next to select and remove the objects.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/ad-aware/ad-aware20.jpg
#Look through the list of objects found, most likely you're going to want to delete everything you see here but just look it over to be sure. To select all of the objects at once, right click in the first checkbox in the list and click Select all. This will select all of the objects, at this time if there is anything you don't want to delete, uncheck it and click Next.
#Click Yes to confirm deletion when prompted.
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/ad-aware/ad-aware21.jpg
#:http://www.xmission.com/help/screenshots/ad-aware/ad-aware22.jpg

This will complete your Custom scan. Remember to run Ad-Aware on a weekly basis using the Smart system-scan option and stay regular with updates. For more information and support on Ad-Aware, you can visit their website by clicking [http://www.lavasoft.com here].

Spyware

2007-07-30T12:35:37Z

Deadguy: new page

==What are Adware and Spyware?==

The term "Adware" refers to any software application in which advertising banners are displayed while the program is running. Adware is typically found in free software, with the justification is that it helps recover programming and development costs, enabling the software to be free or low cost. Adware has a reputation for often including code that is used to track personal information. All software that secretly tracks your online habits is better known as "Spyware."

Spyware usually gathers information about the computer user's browsing habits and relays it to advertisers and/or other third parties, largely for statistical reasons. Spyware is almost always installed without knowledge of the user. Spyware can be installed secretly while you are installing other software, or it can come from a software virus, or by doing something as little as clicking on a pop-up window. Spyware can be harmful as it is designed to obtain your personal information. It can also be a nuisance causing things like unwanted pop-up ads, changing your home page location, and even redirecting you to websites you haven't requested.

==How can I protect myself against Adware and Spyware?==

As a general rule, you should be careful about any program you install on your computer. When looking for free software make sure to read as much information about as you can before you install it. In many cases software that includes Adware gives you an option to leave it out of the installation, so it's important that you pay close attention to the steps of an installation. It's also important be aware of pop-up ads and avoid installing things from a web site that doesn't look legitimate. As a rule, only install software you really need and feel comfortable with. A quick search on Google.com is often worth the time beforehand, for example.

These are some good rules to always keep in mind, but it's likely that you won't be fully protected just by being careful. There are several free software programs that we recommend to help fight Adware and Spyware. What these programs do is scan your computer's hard driving searching for these types of programs. They then give you a list of what they find and the option to delete it from your computer. Below we have provided links to some of these programs along with installation instructions.

[[AdAware]] and [[Spybot]]

<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Disclaimer''': Please keep in mind that XMission simply provides this information to help customers protect themselves against adware and spyware. As such, we cannot provide support beyond the information and help in this document. XMission also cannot be held responsible for anything related to use of any of this software but we do use it ourselves and recommend it.</div>

Introduction

2007-07-30T12:34:31Z

Deadguy: new page

Having a connection to the Internet can make your computer vulnerable to a myriad of security threats. That is why it is very important to be informed about Internet security. Being proactive is probably the most important thing you can do when it comes to Internet security.

Because Microsoft Windows is particularly vulnerable to threats on the Internet, this page will primarily focus on how to protect yourself if you're running this operating system. If you're running a Mac OS you should still be running a personal firewall and consider using antivirus software. Below are some links to virus protection software and firewall suggestions for Mac users.

*[http://www.symantec.com/nav/nav_mac/ Norton Antivirus]
*[http://www.networkassociates.com/us/products/mcafee/antivirus/desktop/virex.htm McAfee VirusScan]
*[http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/security/ Mac OS X Personal Firewall]

==Windows Updates==

Staying current with updates is your first step in protecting your computer from threats on the Internet. Typically, when Microsoft discovers a security hole, they release a patch for it that you can download and install through the Windows Update website. Often there is little or no mention of such discoveries until they become a wide-spread problem, so it is important that you stay on top of things before you become a victim of the latest threat. Since most people don't want the burden of keeping up with new security problems, we recommend enabling automatic updates so they can readily be protected against many threats before they've even spread across the Internet.

Microsoft has released Service Pack 2 for Windows XP which addresses many of these security concerns so it is recommended that if you are running Windows XP you download and install that as well. Below are links to the Windows update site, an instructional page for turning on automatic updates and an instructional page about Service Pack 2 for Windows XP. Please note that the service pack installs Microsoft XP's firewall if it doesn't detect a firewall already running. If you notice any Internet traffic problems after installing the service pack, you should review the firewall's settings. Once you have installed the service pack and made all of your changes, you should consider downloading and running Microsoft's Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer for an audit of your system security (on Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003 systems).

*[http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ Windows Updates]
*[http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;327838 Configuring Automatic Updates]
*[http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=windowsxpsp2 Service Pack 2 for Windows XP]
*[http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/tools/mbsahome.mspx Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer]

==Internet Firewalls==
Running an Internet firewall can very effectively protect against many Internet threats. Essentially a firewall blocks Internet traffic from entering or leaving your computer that you haven't deemed appropriate through the firewall settings. As with anything you're running on your computer, if you choose to run a firewall you should be fully aware of what it's doing and how to use it properly. Running a firewall used to be a difficult task but now there are a variety of simple, but effective, firewall options available to you. We generally recommend either of the following:

===Internet Connection Firewall for Windows XP===

The Windows Internet Connection Firewall is very simple and easy to work with. This is only an option if you're running Windows XP. It will allow the most commonly used traffic to pass through with no problem while blocking harmful intrusions and allows for some very basic configuration.

This is a good option if you're only using your computer to view web pages and email, but not the best option if you run any type of services from your computer as it does not allow for any detailed configuration. Another benefit of this firewall is that you do not have to install any third party software. A link is provided below for more information and instructions on how to turn on the Internet Connection Firewall for Windows XP.

[http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/learnmore/icf.mspx Windows XP Internet Connection Firewall Information]

===Zone Alarm===

Zone Labs offers a free version of their firewall software which is a better option for more seasoned users. Zone Alarm works well as a firewall and allows for more configuration options, including for any services you may be running on your computer. It also offers detailed logging of all Internet activity, including any attempts your computer makes to access the Internet, and any attempts that are made from the outside to access your computer. This can be very helpful in blocking and tracking down the sources of things like viruses, worms, and spyware. A link is provided below for more information and instructions on how to download and install Zone Alarm.

[http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_za.jsp?lid=nav_za Zone Alarm Information]

==Virus Protection==

It is very important that you have some type of virus protection software running on your computer. The most common way to get a virus is through email. To help protect yourself never open an attachment, even from someone you know, unless you are positive it is safe. Many virus protection programs can be configured to scan email and attachments as you download them to help ensure you don't become infected with a virus. Always practice the "better safe than sorry" rule when it comes to email and attachments.

Keeping your virus protection software up to date is crucial. Regularly updating your virus definitions will ensure you're protected against the latest threats, and most programs will allow you to automate this process. Below are links to some programs and websites we recommend for virus protection:

*[http://www.norton.com Norton Antivirus]
*[http://www.mcafee.com McAfee VirusScan]
*[http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_index.php AVG Anti-Virus (Free for non-business use)]
*[http://housecall.trendmicro.com/ House Call Online Virus Scan]

==Alternate Browsers==

Internet Explorer has been known to be very vulnerable to exploits which can cause you to become infected with a worm or otherwise compromise your system. This is likely because it is the most widely used and thus the biggest target for attacks; regardless of the reason, you may wish to consider installing an alternate browser. Below are links to some alternate browsers for Microsoft Windows.

*[http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/ Mozilla FireFox (Used by all XMission staffers)]
*[http://channels.netscape.com/ns/browsers/download.jsp Netscape]
*[http://www.opera.com/download/ Opera]

==Spyware==

Spyware is almost always installed, while visiting web sites or installing other software, without the users' knowledge. Spyware generally is used to track browsing habits and relay them to advertisers and other third parties but some spyware is more insidious. All Spyware has the potential of being harmful as it is designed to track your personal information and most people don't want it on their computers. We have created a separate web page dedicated to Spyware help which you can visit by clicking the link below:
[[Spyware]]

Shell Access

2007-07-30T12:00:51Z

Deadguy: About Linux moved to Shell FAQ: better title

==How do I activate my shell account?==
To activate your shell account, simply contact accounting or technical support.

==Why isn't shell access on by default?==
Having shell access enabled by default on all accounts presents a security risk. A shell account gives the user a direct window into our system. By minimizing the number of active shell accounts, we minimize the risk of compromising our system.

==Can I choose my shell type?==
Yes. You can choose from bash, tcsh, sh, zsh, csh, and ksh. We recommend using either bash or csh, at first, since they're the most user-friendly.

==What is SSH and how do I use it?==
SSH is a secure shell. Using it is differs, depending on the operating system. Mac OS X is probably the easiest. Nothing special has to be installed. Simply open a terminal window and <tt>ssh username@shell.xmission.com</tt>. Accept the key and enter your password. For most Windows operating systems, an SSH client must be used. There are many SSH clients on the market and a few are "freeware". PuTTY is a recommended free SSH client for Windows. Some places to look for additional SSH software would be Download.com and Tucows.com.

==What are my telnet software options?==
There are dozens of telnet/terminal applications available. Though applications are installed by default for Windows (Telnet) and Mac OS X (Terminal), you may choose to download a telnet program with more features. Some places to look for this software would be Download.com and Tucows.com.

<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': Since browsers will look for the default telnet application when installed, an easy way to start the application is to enter <tt>telnet shell.xmission.com</tt> in the address bar in your browser.</div>

==Why don't my screen and text work properly?==
There are two typical problems that occur during a telnet session. The first and most common problem is incorrect terminal emulation. The second problem occurs after a screen has been messed up by viewing a binary file.

The most commonly used terminal emulation is vt100, though vt220 is supported and recommended. To change the terminal emulation of your telnet application, view the preferences and choose either vt100 or vt220. However, even after specifying the terminal emulation for your telnet application, you may still have problems correctly displaying columns and rows. For this, you'll need to define the default size of your window in your run commands (explained below]). When trying to fix a screen after viewing a binary file, run <tt>fixvt</tt> at a command prompt.

==What are some common commands I'll need to know when using the UNIX shell?==
The most common commands you'll need to know are <tt>cd</tt> (changes your directory), <tt>pwd</tt> (shows your current directory path), and <tt>ls</tt> (lists the contents of the current directory). For a more complete list of common commands, please see our Common Commands page.

==Why do I get "command not found" when using a command I'm sure should work? ==
It's possible that you don't have the paths to the command directories defined correctly in your run commands. For instructions on defining the correct paths, see below.

==How do I edit my shell run commands (rc) file?==
Your shell run commands are found in a file named ''.cshrc'' (for c shell), ''.bashrc'' (for borne shell), ''.kshrc'' (for korn shell), etc. This file will be located in your home directory (/home/users/u/username). It contains commands that are run when you first log on to set your paths, environment variables, and aliases. Before changing ANY rc file, it's recommended you make a back-up copy.

To set or edit your paths, edit your run commands file with a text editor (pico, vi, ed, etc.). Your paths will be defined after the command <tt>set path =</tt>. The default paths should be <tt>/bin /usr/local/bin /usr/bin</tt>. If you'd like to add a path, simply add it to the end, separated by a space. (e.g.: /home/users/u/username/morecommands/) If you'd like to edit what information is displayed in your prompt, edit the <tt>set prompt=</tt> variable. A useful way to define your prompt is to have it display your current directory. To do this, remove the default <tt>set prompt=</tt> and enter this in its place:

<tt>alias cd 'cd \!* ; set prompt="'hostname':'pwd'> "'</tt> To edit your environment variables, first type <tt>env</tt> at a command prompt to show your current variables. If you'd like to change any of these, enter the definition after a new "setenv" line. The proper syntax, as you'll see in the default settings, is:

<tt>setenv VARIABLE_NAME path/or/command:/2nd/path/or/command/</tt> Adding an alias is fairly simple. If you'd like a certain command to be run when you type something in at the command prompt, you'd enter that here. The proper syntax is:

<tt>alias aliasedcommand 'realcommand -options'</tt> This is also where you define your terminal emulation settings.
<tt>setenv TERM vt100 </tt>(sets terminal type)
<tt>/bin/stty rows 24 </tt>(sets number of rows)
<tt>/bin/stty cols 80 </tt>(sets number of columns)
<tt>/bin/stty erase ^H </tt>(sets backspace command)

==What are all these files in my home directory, and what are they for?==
If you do a complete list, showing hidden files, of your home directory, you will notice that there are several files already there. The files are listed and explained in the table below. Some of these files will not be there by default, but only appear if the application that uses them is run.

===Types===
rc run commands/preferences (usually, but not always)

===Files===
.cshrc shell run commands(for csh or tcsh) .gopherrc gopher preferences .login shell preferences (read after run commands at login) .newsrc news preferences .nn Network News Reader preferences .pinerc Pine preferences (pine is primarily used for email) .tin Threaded Internetwork News preferences

===Directories===
bin can contain scripts or binary executables ftp your personal directory for file transfer mail Email is stored here (used by pine and others) news articles are saved here by default public_html your web pages

==How can I alter the information shown in my prompt?==
If you use tcsh, changing the prompt is as simple as entering the command:

<tt>set prompt="options"</tt>

However, with other shells, you will need to edit the <tt>set prompt=</tt> line in your shell run commands file (shown above).

==What program can I use to read email from a shell? ==

Probably the most popular options are ''mutt'' (recommended) and ''pine'', but ''elm'', ''mail/rmail'', and ''emacs'' are also available. At a command prompt, run the command <tt>mutt</tt>, <tt>pine</tt>, or <tt>elm</tt> and the mail client will open, also creating either a /mail (pine and elm) or /Mail (mutt) directory. Using mail/rmail
or emacs isn't quite as intuitive. It's recommended that you read the manual before using. (Type <tt>man mail</tt> or <tt>man emacs</tt> at a command prompt.)

==What program can I use to read news (Usenet) from a shell?==
The newsreaders available on shell are slrn, tin, nn, pine, nmh, trn, and emacs. The most popular ones would be slrn, tin, nn, and pine. We recommend slrn, since it's the only one that still has development. For more information on how to use any of these programs, type "man" followed by the program name at the command prompt (e.g.: <tt>man tin</tt>).

==How do I kill a process? ==
Before you kill a processes, you have to have its processes ID. You get this by typing "ps" at the command prompt. Once you've determined which one of your processes is the one you want to kill, type <tt>kill -9 PID</tt> (where PID is the actual processes ID) at the command prompt.

==Is there a way to transfer files to and from my XMission account other than FTP?==
Although FTP is the recommended way to transfer files to and from your XMission account, it's not the only way. It's possible to transfer
files directly from your shell by using ZModem. Please refer to the
ZModem manual for more information.

==How do I compress and decompress files? ==
The method you'll use to decompress a file is determined by looking at the file extension. The instructions below show how to decompress the file in the current directory. For further information, see the
manual for each program (tar, bzip, unzip, gzip, uncompress).

<tt>file.tar </tt><tt>tar xvf file.tar</tt>

<tt>file.Z </tt> <tt>uncompress file.Z</tt>

<tt>file.gz </tt> <tt>gzip -d file.gz</tt>

<tt>file.zip </tt> <tt>unzip file.zip</tt>

<tt>file.bz2 </tt> <tt>bzip2 -d file.bz2</tt>

If there is a combination of formats, such as file.tar.gz, you can
either pipe one command to the other (e.g. <tt>gzip -d file.tar.gz | tar
xvf</tt>), or see if the option is supported by tar (<tt>man tar</tt>>. Using the command
<tt>tar xvfz file.tar.gz</tt> will handle both the gzip compression and the
tar compression. When piping a .Z file, however, be sure to use <tt>zcat
file.Z</tt> (the equivalent of <tt>uncompress -c file.Z</tt>, which writes to standard
output the files that were compressed). A similar rule applies to
bzip2, where you should use <tt>bzcat file.bz2</tt> (equal to <tt>bzip2 -dc file.bz2</tt>)
when piping the output to another command.

==What are some basics on setting permissions with "chmod"?==

First, an understanding of file/directory ownership is needed. Each
file or directory has a user (also the owner) and a group. The owner
of your files should always be your XMission username. The groups
you'll need to know are www (which gives the web server access to
the files) and users (which gives any of XMission's users, from shell,
access to the files). There's also the category, others, that includes
any user or group.

Permissions are based on those three categories: owner, group, and
others. When you do a long listing of the file (<tt>ls -l filename</tt>), the
permissions will be displayed to the left. The format is shown as
such:

<tt>-rw-r--r-- 1 acctname group 1949 Sep
19 2000 file.html</tt>

The first space defines weather the file is a simple file (shown with a hyphen) or a directory (shown with a d). The next three spaces represent the permissions (highlighted in red)
for the owner, the next three are for the group, and the last three
are for others. The letters represent what kind of permissions are
allowed.

'''r ''' = Read (view and make copies)

'''w ''' = Write (make changes to or delete)

'''x ''' = Execute (run program/script)
When using "chmod" to change permissions, you will need to specify
the category by using one or a combination of the following letters:

'''u ''' = User (Owner)

'''g ''' = Group

'''o ''' = Others

'''a ''' = All (same as using "ugo")
To change the permissions, execute "chmod" with the following parameters:

<tt>chmod who+/-/=permission file</tt>

The plus (+) adds the following permission, the minus (-) removes
it, and the (=) adds it, discarding any previous permissions. Some
examples:

<tt>chmod g+r file.html</tt> (adds read access for group)

<tt>chmod go-r file.html</tt> (removes read access from group and
others)

<tt>chmod a=x file.html</tt> (replaces existing permissions with read
access for all)

<tt>chmod g+rx file.html</tt> (adds read and execute access for group)
There is another way to change permissions without having to write
out <tt>chmod who+/-/=permission file</tt> every time. This method uses a 3-digit octal
number. Determining the octal number is fairly easy after some practice.
To start, refer to the chart below.

'''Symbol ''' '''Octal '''---0--x1-w-2-wx3r--4r-x5rw-6rwx7</td>
For example, if you'd like to set the permissions on file.html
to be <tt>-rw-r--r--</tt> you would determine the octal number
like this (skip the first space in the set):
<tt>rw-</tt> = 6, <tt>r--</tt> = 4, <tt>r--</tt> = 4. The octal
number is 644.
To execute the command, type:

<tt>chmod 644 file.html</tt>
<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': This would be the same as using:

<tt>chmod a+r file.html

chmod u+x file.html</tt>

(if no permissions were previously set). </div>

Changing ownership and the group of a file would normally be done
with "chown" and "chgrp". However, because these commands are restricted
to the user and group being specified, you're unable to use them on
XMission (because you're only one user and you're only a member of
one group). However, if you'd like a file to belong to the group www,
you can either create it in or upload it to your public_html directory.
This will set the group, by default, to www.

[[Category:FAQs]]

General DSL Questions

2007-07-29T01:26:31Z

Deadguy: /* What is DSL? */

==General DSL Questions==

===What is DSL?===

From [http://www.techweb.com/ CMP's Tech Web], ('''D'''igital '''S'''ubscriber '''L'''ine) A technology that dramatically increases the digital capacity of ordinary telephone lines (the local loops) into the home or office. DSL speeds are very much tied to the distance between the customer and the telco central office. The technology is geared to Internet access with its asymmetric versions (faster downstream than upstream) and short haul connections with symmetric versions (same rate coming and going).

Unlike ISDN, which is also digital but travels through the switched telephone network, DSL provides "always-on" operation. At the telco central office, DSL traffic is aggregated in a unit called the DSL Access Multiplexor (DSLAM) and forwarded to the appropriate ISP or data network.

[[DSL Glossary]]

===What do DSL subscribers gain?===

*High access speeds at an affordable price
*Avoid voice vs. data conflict on a single line
*"Always on" connection to the internet
*Relief from local busy signal
*Easy to use

===Exactly how fast is DSL?===

Hard to say as it depends on so many factors: Qwest's implementation of the technology in real world situations, the speed of machines on each end of a connection, bottlenecks along the way, etc. XMission won't max out our parts of the equation though since we have control over it and its cost-effective technology for us (i.e., no phone line charges and we don't need to purchase hardware each time we add new customers since it's all handled over an ATM that we already have in-house). It won't likely be a full 256kbps (or whatever speed you purchased from Qwest) any more than any other technology reaches its full capacity.

One thing to keep in mind though is this: most people won't use a fraction of their bandwidth since browsing web pages and using email are sporadic uses of bandwidth and not too bandwidth intensive.

Also, since basic DSL account users aren't allowed to use server services (even over a DSL Business account), their bandwidth usage will stay down. Some people will get DSL because of the larger, "burstable" capacity so that when they need to download a file or want to browse the web any slowdown won't be on their side.

===Is DSL the same speed for upload as it is for download?===

No. This depends upon the type of DSL used but RADSL (Rate Adaptive Digital Subscriber Line), the type available currently in our area, is asymmetric, which means that you can transfer data more quickly in one direction (down) than in the other. At 256k, this difference isn't very high, but on the top end they reach a 700% disparity. For example, the maximum transfer rates (if you qualify for them) are 7 Megabit downstream and 1 megabit upstream.

This discrepancy illustrates one of the most obvious differences between DSL and frame relay. Obviously, even if you or your company qualifies for the higher bandwidth DSL options, server services over DSL peak at lower upstream rates than frame relay.

===Is DSL really on the same line as my phone?===

Yes. The DSL digital signal is running at a much higher frequency on your phone line. We recommend you use filters on your telephones to help prevent any possible interference, though. These filters are available for free with your DSL line service from [https://orderdsl.qwest.com/order/welcome.asp Qwest].

===Is DSL OS/Platform-limited? (i.e., is it only for Windows)?===

No. While the internal DSL adapter will only work with Windows, the external DSL modem will work with nearly any properly configured network card installed on nearly any operating system.

===What are my hardware options?===

You have three options for DSL hardware when ordering your DSL line through Qwest:

Actiontec GT701

Actiontec M1000

2Wire 2700

Some other brands/models are known to work, such as the Zoom X6, and while XMission may have the needed settings listed, we are not able to troubleshoot specific configuration issues.

==Getting DSL==

==If DSL is available in my area, does that mean I can get it?==

No. Even if your prefix is serviced, that doesn't mean your line will qualify. DSL is distance-prohibitive (maximum 15,000-18,000 feet). To find out if your line qualifies, fill out the online order form at [https://orderdsl.qwest.com/order/welcome.asp or call [https://orderdsl.qwest.com/order/welcome.asp Qwest] at 1-877-MEGA-FAS.

===What exactly does "loop-qualify" mean?===

To "Loop Qualify", your phone line needs to be tested to see if it can pass the strict requirements necessary to pass DSL signals. Currently, the limitations for DSL are:
*The line cannot have any load coils on it
*All bridge taps should be counted since too many of these prevent the signal
*Maximum length of any bridge tap not to exceed 2,000 ft
*Total bridge tap length not to exceed 6,000 ft
*You cannot have a DLC(Digital Loop Carrier) between you and your CO (Central Office)
*You need to be within 15,000 ft of your CO, although you can be up to 18,000 ft if higher quality wire is used in your area

===What is DLC and why can't I get DSL because of it?===

DSL may not be available in some areas due to digital-loop-carrier (DLC); deployed by your local phone company to make the most out of copper lines already layed out in the streets. DLC is also known by the terms: line concentrator, channel bank, PairGain, SLiC96, SLiC2000 and UDC. Ask your local telephone company repair engineer if this applies.

===If already have DSL with another ISP, how can I switch to XMission?===

You'll need to call [https://orderdsl.qwest.com/order/welcome.asp Qwest] at 1-877-MEGA-FAS and tell them you'd like to switch ISP's.

==Your XMission DSL Account==

===Can I have normal (analog) dial-up with a DSL account too?===

No, you would need to purchase an additional account for this. We are able to offer this service at such low prices because we don't need to add new phone lines or dial-up hardware. As well, we assign your connection a static IP address but this would prevent you connecting to your account twice. If your DSL line goes down because of technical problems, though, you would be able to connect to XMission while your DSL line is down.

Business DSL accounts cannot use a 2nd line during business hours, as they would normally be allowed, but they can have uncapped DSL line speeds at no additional charge and IP addressing, up to a size 16 subnet, is available upon request.

If you travel, or occasionally connect from more than one place, you can get a $19/month Individual account or a $10/month Email-only account, which includes dial-up. You can, however, disconnect your DSL (by turning off the computer with the "modem" in it or unplugging your router) before you leave and dial up with your DSL account.

===What is meant by the term, "shared bandwidth"?===

People will be sharing it in a way that doesn't guarantee a full pipe to each user all the time. For example, a T1 is comparable to 6 256k connections (6 x 256k = 1.5 MB) but we'll be selling the equivalent of more than 6 DSL lines for a T1. This isn't an entirely accurate example but it's an easy way to get the idea across. For those who have demanding bandwidth needs, frame relay or T1 is highly recommended.

With shared DSL service, you're not guaranteed bandwidth. We're not going to oversell DSL services since bandwidth to Our DSL bandwidth is spread across multiple DS3's, allowing us to readily control growth and avoid saturation. Qwest isn't price-prohibitive and outgoing traffic from XMission has plenty of headroom. Our router stats page indicates this fact.

===How many people will share the bandwidth?===

We [http://stats.xmission.com/routers/public/ monitor] this and simply add bandwidth (up to 45 MegaBit) as needed. Expect to see statistics available online that publicly show our bandwidth usage. But remember that basic DSL is not a guaranteed bandwidth service. We can only offer guaranteed bandwidth with Dedicated Bandwidth accounts such as a Frame Relay.

===What, exactly, are "client" and "server" services?===

On the internet, machines generally connect to each other as clients and servers. Client services are what you use when you check email, download a web page or file from FTP, run CUSeeMe or just about any Internet software. Server services describe a situation where a server feeds information out to the Internet. An example of a server would be mail.xmission.com. This is the server XMission clients connect to when they check their email. Server services include the following, for example: web, ftp, game, mail, etc. Should you have further questions as to what qualifies as a server service please give us a call or email support@xmission.com.

===Can I run server services over my DSL connection?===

One of the first questions we concerned ourselves about dealt with this issue since XMission has always sought to provide value-added services to its customers and not restrict anything. While the abuses of some can spoil things for everybody, we have found a compromise that allows high bandwidth for all ports but with heavy monitoring. We will be closely monitoring dsl statistics reports and those who go over their bandwidth quota, as mentioned above, will be sent a warning, then restricted. We recommend if you're running a server for personal use, that you limit the simultaneous connections to just two or three. This allows people to access their machines for work, to do various server services for personal use but prevents saturation of the DSL bandwidth.

If we didn't closely monitor our DSL accounts then a few people would very likely use the majority of bandwidth allocated to all of our DSL customers. By restricting server traffic, we are able to provide dedicated services at previously unheard of prices.

===Will "server services" be blocked or monitored?===

Those concerned about abuse need not worry as we will be closely monitoring bandwidth usage on a per-customer basis. If it's noted that a certain customer is using more bandwith than they need for personal needs, they will be warned once, and restricted if the high-bandwidth usage doesn't cease. For most people, DSL offers a larger, burstable pipe that will remove the bottleneck on their end. As most Internet users mainly browse the web and use email, such intermittent use will generally allow for a lot of burstable bandwidth even if many people are sharing the same pipe. As you can well imagine, if XMission didn't maintain a close eye on server services, a few people running unrestricted web and or ftp servers could quickly hog a large percentage of our DSL bandwidth and ruin it for everyone else.

===Will my DSL account be considered a dedicated connection?===

No. DSL accounts are considered burstable to your purchased bandwidth from Qwest, but is not considered a dedicated account. Information on business-level dedicated accounts can be found at http://www.xmission.com/dedicated

===Can I associate a Domain Name with my DSL account?===

You can do this with a business account at no additional charge. If you have a personal DSL account, XMission charges an additional $7 a month for primary and secondary DNS for one domain. If you're just looking to have a name associated with your IP address, though, you can have your own machine name associated with XMission's domain like this: <tt>name.dsl.xmission.com</tt>. You can choose whichever name you'd like but it defaults to your account name if you don't have a preference. Contact support@xmission.com for more details.

==Using DSL/Help==

===What are some useful phone numbers in case I have line problems?===

While we can't guarantee that these numbers will remain in service, or work for your particular needs, they should be helpful for many:
:Qwest installation: 1-800-247-7285
:Qwest line repair: 1-800-234-XDSL

===How can I FTP through a non-standard port through a firewall?===

To ftp to a non-standard port with cute-ftp, select:ftp, settings, options, firewall tab, check PASV mode and check the 'firewall access' box.

===How can I use ICQ through a socks5 proxy?===

Using XMission's socks5 proxy server will make it easier for people to reach you via ICQ. To use it, simply follow these steps:
#Go to preferences
#Open the Connection tab
#Check I am behind a firewall or proxy
#Press the Firewall Settings button
#Check I am using a SOCKS5 proxy server
#Press Next>
#Enter SOCKS5 Host: socks.xmission.com
#Enter SOCKS5 Port: 1080
#Press Next>
#Press Check My FIREWALL/Proxy Setting
#Press Done

You can also use this with AOL Instant Mesanger. Under Options and Connection, set the proxy protocal to SOCKS5, the proxy to "socks.xmission.com", and the port to "1080".

If you are using an IRC client like mIRC that supports firewalls, you can again use the socks proxy server. In mIRC you goto File, Setup, and select Firewall. Check Use SOCKS firewall, select Socks5, put "socks.xmission.com" for the host, "1080" for the port, and check Initiate DCCs through firewall.

===How can I set up my own firewall?===

If you have the external Cisco 678, there are filtering options that come with it. There are instructions in the manual that came with the router for doing this.

Another resource that might be helpful is located at http://www.users.uswest.net/~rlutton/ADSL/. This is a good, concise resource for some basic info about the Cisco 675 and its NAT capabilities. It also explains basic security features that the casual home user can implement if so inclined.

===How can I play games through my DSL router (Cisco 678) when I have NAT enabled?===

Many customers have found out that the Network Address Translation (NAT) functions of the Cisco 675 External DSL Router interfere with interactive internet games. Cisco has overcome this problem with the release of the v2.4.8 CBOS operating system. You can download this update from ftp.xmission.com (using your XMission username/password), and then going to /archive/dsl.

Download the code, read the "readme" file, upgrade your router, and then send the following command for games to work:
<tt>set nat entry add 10.0.0.2</tt>
(or the IP address of the machine you're playing games on).
<tt>set nat timeout udp 360</tt>

More information about NAT entry commands can be found here in the CBOS section:
http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/dsl_prod/c600s/index.htm

===Why do I see a lot of ICMP traffic hitting my DSL line?===

ICMP provides error reporting, congesting reporting and first-hop gateway redirection. In addition to being used for ping, ICMP is used to as a message control and error-reporting protocol between a host server and a gateway to the Internet. It is normal to see ICMP traffic. However, if you're noticing a great deal of echo/echo-reply traffic (echo/echo-reply is what ping is), to the extent that it's begining to consume your bandwidth, you should probably [http://www.xmission.com/help/contact/ contact technical support]. For more in depth information about ICMP and how it's used, please refer to [http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc0792.txt RFC 792].

[[Category:FAQs]]

Chat

2007-07-29T01:13:54Z

Deadguy: new page

Jabber is an open source instant messaging protocol similar to AIM, MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger and ICQ. We are running the [http://www.jabber.org/software/serverdetail.php?projectID=2 official Jabber server version 2]. A list of all the different clients that support the Jabber protocol is available at [http://www.jabber.org/software/clients.php http://www.jabber.org/software/clients.php].

==Basic Info for Configuration==
''Server:'' xmission.com

''User name:'' Your XMission username

''Password:'' your XMission password

''Resource:'' some clients allow you to set this; it allows people to differentiate between if you are logging in from work/school/home.

''Ports: ''' 5222 (plain/TLS for newer clients) / 5223 (SSL for older clients).

<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': XMission strongly suggests never running a Jabber client without using either TLS or SSL encryption, since they help keep your account password secure.</div>

==Messaging Someone==
Just send a message to username@xmission.com using whatever Jabber compatible client you are using. You can also message someone using another Jabber server simply by messaging user@jabber.server.com.

==Transports and Other Goodies==
XMission's Jabber server has the ability to connect and talk to clients with other messaging protocols such as AIM, MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, and ICQ. Unfortunately, most of these have not been ported to the version of the Jabber server we are using. For now, the following transports are installed:

[http://msn-transport.jabberstudio.org/ PyMSNt]: Allows communication with MSN clients.
[http://mu-conference.jabberstudio.org/ MU-Conference]: Allows for chat room style conversations.

General DSL Questions

2007-07-29T01:13:01Z

Deadguy: new page

==General DSL Questions==

===What is DSL?===

From [http://www.techweb.com/ CMP's Tech Web], ('''D'''igital '''S'''ubscriber '''L'''ine) A technology that dramatically increases the digital capacity of ordinary telephone lines (the local loops) into the home or office. DSL speeds are very much tied to the distance between the customer and the telco central office. The technology is geared to Internet access with its asymmetric versions (faster downstream than upstream) and short haul connections with symmetric versions (same rate coming and going).

Unlike ISDN, which is also digital but travels through the switched telephone network, DSL provides "always-on" operation. At the telco central office, DSL traffic is aggregated in a unit called the DSL Access Multiplexor (DSLAM) and forwarded to the appropriate ISP or data network.

===What do DSL subscribers gain?===

*High access speeds at an affordable price
*Avoid voice vs. data conflict on a single line
*"Always on" connection to the internet
*Relief from local busy signal
*Easy to use

===Exactly how fast is DSL?===

Hard to say as it depends on so many factors: Qwest's implementation of the technology in real world situations, the speed of machines on each end of a connection, bottlenecks along the way, etc. XMission won't max out our parts of the equation though since we have control over it and its cost-effective technology for us (i.e., no phone line charges and we don't need to purchase hardware each time we add new customers since it's all handled over an ATM that we already have in-house). It won't likely be a full 256kbps (or whatever speed you purchased from Qwest) any more than any other technology reaches its full capacity.

One thing to keep in mind though is this: most people won't use a fraction of their bandwidth since browsing web pages and using email are sporadic uses of bandwidth and not too bandwidth intensive.

Also, since basic DSL account users aren't allowed to use server services (even over a DSL Business account), their bandwidth usage will stay down. Some people will get DSL because of the larger, "burstable" capacity so that when they need to download a file or want to browse the web any slowdown won't be on their side.

===Is DSL the same speed for upload as it is for download?===

No. This depends upon the type of DSL used but RADSL (Rate Adaptive Digital Subscriber Line), the type available currently in our area, is asymmetric, which means that you can transfer data more quickly in one direction (down) than in the other. At 256k, this difference isn't very high, but on the top end they reach a 700% disparity. For example, the maximum transfer rates (if you qualify for them) are 7 Megabit downstream and 1 megabit upstream.

This discrepancy illustrates one of the most obvious differences between DSL and frame relay. Obviously, even if you or your company qualifies for the higher bandwidth DSL options, server services over DSL peak at lower upstream rates than frame relay.

===Is DSL really on the same line as my phone?===

Yes. The DSL digital signal is running at a much higher frequency on your phone line. We recommend you use filters on your telephones to help prevent any possible interference, though. These filters are available for free with your DSL line service from [https://orderdsl.qwest.com/order/welcome.asp Qwest].

===Is DSL OS/Platform-limited? (i.e., is it only for Windows)?===

No. While the internal DSL adapter will only work with Windows, the external DSL modem will work with nearly any properly configured network card installed on nearly any operating system.

===What are my hardware options?===

You have three options for DSL hardware when ordering your DSL line through Qwest:

Actiontec GT701

Actiontec M1000

2Wire 2700

Some other brands/models are known to work, such as the Zoom X6, and while XMission may have the needed settings listed, we are not able to troubleshoot specific configuration issues.

==Getting DSL==

==If DSL is available in my area, does that mean I can get it?==

No. Even if your prefix is serviced, that doesn't mean your line will qualify. DSL is distance-prohibitive (maximum 15,000-18,000 feet). To find out if your line qualifies, fill out the online order form at [https://orderdsl.qwest.com/order/welcome.asp or call [https://orderdsl.qwest.com/order/welcome.asp Qwest] at 1-877-MEGA-FAS.

===What exactly does "loop-qualify" mean?===

To "Loop Qualify", your phone line needs to be tested to see if it can pass the strict requirements necessary to pass DSL signals. Currently, the limitations for DSL are:
*The line cannot have any load coils on it
*All bridge taps should be counted since too many of these prevent the signal
*Maximum length of any bridge tap not to exceed 2,000 ft
*Total bridge tap length not to exceed 6,000 ft
*You cannot have a DLC(Digital Loop Carrier) between you and your CO (Central Office)
*You need to be within 15,000 ft of your CO, although you can be up to 18,000 ft if higher quality wire is used in your area

===What is DLC and why can't I get DSL because of it?===

DSL may not be available in some areas due to digital-loop-carrier (DLC); deployed by your local phone company to make the most out of copper lines already layed out in the streets. DLC is also known by the terms: line concentrator, channel bank, PairGain, SLiC96, SLiC2000 and UDC. Ask your local telephone company repair engineer if this applies.

===If already have DSL with another ISP, how can I switch to XMission?===

You'll need to call [https://orderdsl.qwest.com/order/welcome.asp Qwest] at 1-877-MEGA-FAS and tell them you'd like to switch ISP's.

==Your XMission DSL Account==

===Can I have normal (analog) dial-up with a DSL account too?===

No, you would need to purchase an additional account for this. We are able to offer this service at such low prices because we don't need to add new phone lines or dial-up hardware. As well, we assign your connection a static IP address but this would prevent you connecting to your account twice. If your DSL line goes down because of technical problems, though, you would be able to connect to XMission while your DSL line is down.

Business DSL accounts cannot use a 2nd line during business hours, as they would normally be allowed, but they can have uncapped DSL line speeds at no additional charge and IP addressing, up to a size 16 subnet, is available upon request.

If you travel, or occasionally connect from more than one place, you can get a $19/month Individual account or a $10/month Email-only account, which includes dial-up. You can, however, disconnect your DSL (by turning off the computer with the "modem" in it or unplugging your router) before you leave and dial up with your DSL account.

===What is meant by the term, "shared bandwidth"?===

People will be sharing it in a way that doesn't guarantee a full pipe to each user all the time. For example, a T1 is comparable to 6 256k connections (6 x 256k = 1.5 MB) but we'll be selling the equivalent of more than 6 DSL lines for a T1. This isn't an entirely accurate example but it's an easy way to get the idea across. For those who have demanding bandwidth needs, frame relay or T1 is highly recommended.

With shared DSL service, you're not guaranteed bandwidth. We're not going to oversell DSL services since bandwidth to Our DSL bandwidth is spread across multiple DS3's, allowing us to readily control growth and avoid saturation. Qwest isn't price-prohibitive and outgoing traffic from XMission has plenty of headroom. Our router stats page indicates this fact.

===How many people will share the bandwidth?===

We [http://stats.xmission.com/routers/public/ monitor] this and simply add bandwidth (up to 45 MegaBit) as needed. Expect to see statistics available online that publicly show our bandwidth usage. But remember that basic DSL is not a guaranteed bandwidth service. We can only offer guaranteed bandwidth with Dedicated Bandwidth accounts such as a Frame Relay.

===What, exactly, are "client" and "server" services?===

On the internet, machines generally connect to each other as clients and servers. Client services are what you use when you check email, download a web page or file from FTP, run CUSeeMe or just about any Internet software. Server services describe a situation where a server feeds information out to the Internet. An example of a server would be mail.xmission.com. This is the server XMission clients connect to when they check their email. Server services include the following, for example: web, ftp, game, mail, etc. Should you have further questions as to what qualifies as a server service please give us a call or email support@xmission.com.

===Can I run server services over my DSL connection?===

One of the first questions we concerned ourselves about dealt with this issue since XMission has always sought to provide value-added services to its customers and not restrict anything. While the abuses of some can spoil things for everybody, we have found a compromise that allows high bandwidth for all ports but with heavy monitoring. We will be closely monitoring dsl statistics reports and those who go over their bandwidth quota, as mentioned above, will be sent a warning, then restricted. We recommend if you're running a server for personal use, that you limit the simultaneous connections to just two or three. This allows people to access their machines for work, to do various server services for personal use but prevents saturation of the DSL bandwidth.

If we didn't closely monitor our DSL accounts then a few people would very likely use the majority of bandwidth allocated to all of our DSL customers. By restricting server traffic, we are able to provide dedicated services at previously unheard of prices.

===Will "server services" be blocked or monitored?===

Those concerned about abuse need not worry as we will be closely monitoring bandwidth usage on a per-customer basis. If it's noted that a certain customer is using more bandwith than they need for personal needs, they will be warned once, and restricted if the high-bandwidth usage doesn't cease. For most people, DSL offers a larger, burstable pipe that will remove the bottleneck on their end. As most Internet users mainly browse the web and use email, such intermittent use will generally allow for a lot of burstable bandwidth even if many people are sharing the same pipe. As you can well imagine, if XMission didn't maintain a close eye on server services, a few people running unrestricted web and or ftp servers could quickly hog a large percentage of our DSL bandwidth and ruin it for everyone else.

===Will my DSL account be considered a dedicated connection?===

No. DSL accounts are considered burstable to your purchased bandwidth from Qwest, but is not considered a dedicated account. Information on business-level dedicated accounts can be found at http://www.xmission.com/dedicated

===Can I associate a Domain Name with my DSL account?===

You can do this with a business account at no additional charge. If you have a personal DSL account, XMission charges an additional $7 a month for primary and secondary DNS for one domain. If you're just looking to have a name associated with your IP address, though, you can have your own machine name associated with XMission's domain like this: <tt>name.dsl.xmission.com</tt>. You can choose whichever name you'd like but it defaults to your account name if you don't have a preference. Contact support@xmission.com for more details.

==Using DSL/Help==

===What are some useful phone numbers in case I have line problems?===

While we can't guarantee that these numbers will remain in service, or work for your particular needs, they should be helpful for many:
:Qwest installation: 1-800-247-7285
:Qwest line repair: 1-800-234-XDSL

===How can I FTP through a non-standard port through a firewall?===

To ftp to a non-standard port with cute-ftp, select:ftp, settings, options, firewall tab, check PASV mode and check the 'firewall access' box.

===How can I use ICQ through a socks5 proxy?===

Using XMission's socks5 proxy server will make it easier for people to reach you via ICQ. To use it, simply follow these steps:
#Go to preferences
#Open the Connection tab
#Check I am behind a firewall or proxy
#Press the Firewall Settings button
#Check I am using a SOCKS5 proxy server
#Press Next>
#Enter SOCKS5 Host: socks.xmission.com
#Enter SOCKS5 Port: 1080
#Press Next>
#Press Check My FIREWALL/Proxy Setting
#Press Done

You can also use this with AOL Instant Mesanger. Under Options and Connection, set the proxy protocal to SOCKS5, the proxy to "socks.xmission.com", and the port to "1080".

If you are using an IRC client like mIRC that supports firewalls, you can again use the socks proxy server. In mIRC you goto File, Setup, and select Firewall. Check Use SOCKS firewall, select Socks5, put "socks.xmission.com" for the host, "1080" for the port, and check Initiate DCCs through firewall.

===How can I set up my own firewall?===

If you have the external Cisco 678, there are filtering options that come with it. There are instructions in the manual that came with the router for doing this.

Another resource that might be helpful is located at http://www.users.uswest.net/~rlutton/ADSL/. This is a good, concise resource for some basic info about the Cisco 675 and its NAT capabilities. It also explains basic security features that the casual home user can implement if so inclined.

===How can I play games through my DSL router (Cisco 678) when I have NAT enabled?===

Many customers have found out that the Network Address Translation (NAT) functions of the Cisco 675 External DSL Router interfere with interactive internet games. Cisco has overcome this problem with the release of the v2.4.8 CBOS operating system. You can download this update from ftp.xmission.com (using your XMission username/password), and then going to /archive/dsl.

Download the code, read the "readme" file, upgrade your router, and then send the following command for games to work:
<tt>set nat entry add 10.0.0.2</tt>
(or the IP address of the machine you're playing games on).
<tt>set nat timeout udp 360</tt>

More information about NAT entry commands can be found here in the CBOS section:
http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/dsl_prod/c600s/index.htm

===Why do I see a lot of ICMP traffic hitting my DSL line?===

ICMP provides error reporting, congesting reporting and first-hop gateway redirection. In addition to being used for ping, ICMP is used to as a message control and error-reporting protocol between a host server and a gateway to the Internet. It is normal to see ICMP traffic. However, if you're noticing a great deal of echo/echo-reply traffic (echo/echo-reply is what ping is), to the extent that it's begining to consume your bandwidth, you should probably [http://www.xmission.com/help/contact/ contact technical support]. For more in depth information about ICMP and how it's used, please refer to [http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc0792.txt RFC 792].

[[Category:FAQs]]

MySQL FAQ

2007-07-29T01:09:56Z

Deadguy: new page

==What is SQL?==
SQL stands for "Structured Query Language". SQL is the most common standardized language used to access databases.

XMission uses MySQL, which is a very popular open-source database management system.

==What version of MySQL does XMission use?==
XMission currently has two versions of MySQL running: version 5.0.24a and version 4.1.11. The current version is also displayed when you log in to the MySQL server.

==How much does a database at XMission cost?==
If you have a Deluxe Hosting or Pro Hosting account, an SQL database is included in your account package. For any other account type, the charge is $5 per month.

==How do I get a database set up for my account?==
To add a database to your account, either [mailto:sql@xmission.com email sql@xmission.com] or contact sales.

==How do I log in to my database?==
Depending on your MySQL version, you will need to connect to a different host. For MySQL version 4.x, the server name is ''mysql-41.xmission.com''
<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': ''mysql.xmission.com'' is the same machine, and will work for legacy purposes.</div>

For MySQL version 5.x the server name is ''mysql-50.xmission.com''

To connect directly to the database from our shell server:
#telnet or ssh to ''shell.xmission.com''
#<tt>mysql -u acctname -h servername -p databasename</tt>
#This will prompt you for a password, which is not necessarily the same as your login password.

For example: to connect to a MySQL version 5.x database, you would use:
<tt>mysql -u acctname -h mysql-50.xmission.com -p databasename</tt>

==What can I use to access my database?==
There isn't a "recommended" method to access your database, but here is a list of the more popular programing languages connection methods which we support.

'''perl''' : DBI module

'''python''' : mysql module or MySQLdb module

'''php''' : php has been compiled with the mysql functions built in

'''C''' : The header and libraries for mysql are installed so #include <mysql/mysql.h> will need to be present in your source files.

'''C++''' : same as C, but we also have mysql++ headers and libraries on XMission servers. To use this, #include <sqlplus>

'''Java''' : JDBC classes are available

==What do I do if I forgot my password?==
[mailto:sql@xmission.com Email sql@xmission.com] to have your password reset.

==Do I have a size limit (quota) for my database?==

Yes. The size of your database counts against your /home quota, which is 100MB default for most account types. Pro Hosting accounts get 200MB /home storage, and additional storage can be purchased.

==Where can I get more information about using MySQL?==
Thorough documentation can be found at [http://www.mysql.com MySQL.com].

[[Category:FAQs]]

User:DANIEL MCINTYRE

2007-07-29T01:08:48Z

Deadguy: /* Other info */

==Your Web Space==
*[[Uploading Basics]]

==FTP Client Setup==
===Windows Clients===
*[[FileZilla Setup]] (free)
*[[SmartFTP Setup]] (free for personal use)
*[[CuteFTP Setup]] ($)
*[[WSFTP Setup]] ($)
*[[Frontpage Setup]]

===Macintosh Clients===
*[[CyberDuck Setup]] (free)
*[[Fetch Setup]] ($)

==Securing Your Website==
*[[SSL Info]]
*[[SSL Tutorial]]
*[[Password protecting a directory with .htaccess]]
*[[Formmail.pl security warning]]

==Other info==
*[[CGIemail]]
*[[Website Counters]]
*[[suPHP on XMission]]
*[[MySQL FAQ]]
*[[CGI help]]
*[[Access logs]]

Content Filtering

2007-07-29T01:07:07Z

Deadguy: new page

XMission encourages parents to actively participate in their children's Internet experience. For many, that includes setting up a web content filter on the family computer. Such filters can help you and your children best enjoy education and entertainment on your computer but we must stress that technology can never replace a parent at your child's side when at the computer.

==How does content filtering work?==
Most web filters use "proxy" software to automatically process all incoming content. Originally, proxy filtering was used to simply speed up access to web pages by locally storing copies of popular web pages but once the Internet became more popular, some proxy filters were modified to provide content filtering. A content filter automatically inspects text and image filenames from a web page to determine whether or not a site is appropriate for the computer user. Ideally, the person will be able to access everything they need to but anything inappropriate will be transparently filtered out. XMission provides access to a variety of [[proxy| proxy servers]].

==Does XMission have a web filter?==
Yes. A web content filter called [http://dansguardian.org/ DansGuardian] is a free and readily available solution for all XMission customers after they read the [[DansGuardian Usage|Disclaimer]].

==Why content filtering?==
This is entirely a matter of personal opinion. XMission simply offers content filtering as an option so our customers can choose to use the service if they have need of it in their home.

==What about business owners?==
Most media and legislation attention has focused on concerns about web content and children but there are products written specifically for businesses. XMission does not recommend DansGuardian for business environments since it is tailored for children and may inhibit productivity as a result.

==Are there other options?==
Absolutely. Whatever you decide is best for your family or office, remember that technology can only provide part of the solution. If you do use a content filter, remember that that not only may some legitimate sites be accidentally blocked but some sites you might not consider appropriate will likely still be unfiltered. This is part of why we recommend you spend time with your children when they're at the computer. Of course, you just might enjoy each other's company too.

[[Category:FAQs]]

Proxy

2007-07-29T01:04:28Z

Deadguy:

'''Proxy Servers'''

An HTTP, or web, proxy server provides a gateway between your browser and the rest of the Internet. A proxy server replaces your identity (IP address, in this case) with its own, making it possible to browse more privately, securely, and can offer additional features depending upon the proxy. XMission now provides three different web proxies. Information about each is listed below.

'''Dial-up Web Accelerator'''

Our dial-up accelerator transparently compresses and caches web documents (i.e., text and html) locally to cut down on load time. Downloading compressed and cached web pages through XMission can speed up web browsing for dial-up users. To use this service, find your browser on our [[Dial-up Web Accelerator Usage]] instruction page.

'''Privoxy'''

Privoxy is geared towards filtering pop-up advertisements and regular web advertisements. XMission had previously offered a proxy called "Junkbuster" for the same purpose. Privoxy is based off Junkbuster but provides better filtering. Privoxy also provides all of the features offered by the "Normal Caching Proxy". If you wish to use this service, find your browser on our [[Privoxy Usage]] instruction page.

'''DansGuardian'''

DansGuardian is a web proxy capable of [[Content Filtering|filtering]] out web content (sex, drugs, profanity, violence, etc.) some might consider offensive. DansGuardian also offers all of the features offered by "Privoxy" and the "Normal Caching Proxy". If you wish to use this service, visit our [[DansGuardian Usage]] page.

'''Normal Caching Proxy'''

Our normal proxy transparently caches web documents locally to cut down on load time. Downloading a web page from an XMission server is faster than downloading one from across the Internet. If you wish to use this service, find your browser on our [[Caching Proxy Usage]] instruction page.

Access logs

2007-07-29T01:00:44Z

Deadguy: new page

While Web Hosting customers are already provided with [http://stats.xmission.com/vhost2/ Webalizer web statistics], all customers with web space can choose to generate web statistics themselves to track their web site traffic however they see fit. At XMission, logs for your web site can be copied nightly to an "access_log" file, which uses standard web log formatting.

==Usage==

<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': The following instructions are for Apache; users who wish to remain on the old Roxen server will need to use ''access_roxen'' in place of ''access_log'' in all instances. Keep in mind that if both ''access_log'' and ''access_roxen'' files are present in the directory, the ''access_log'' file will take precedence.</div>

To create an access_log for your account, make the file, <tt>access_log</tt> in your <tt>public_html</tt> directory. Be sure that it is group writable (<tt>chmod g+w access_log</tt>).

<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': You may set all public_html permissions to defaults by logging in to http://home.xmission.com/ and selecting the "My Account" tab. There, you will find a "Repair Your Web Permissions" option under the "XMission Tools" section.</div>

If you'd like your statistics to be viewable from the web (e.g., With Netscape or Internet Explorer), you need to make the <tt>access_log</tt> group readable as well (<tt>chmod g+r access_log</tt>). Once proper permissions are set, point your browser to the following URL, replacing <tt>acctname</tt> with your XMission username.

<tt>http://www.xmission.com/~acctname/access_log</tt>

If you don't want it publicly viewable, make sure the group readable access is off (<tt>chmod g-r access_log</tt>).

Because the file will continue to grow, keep an eye on the size. This does count against your disk quota.

CGI help

2007-07-29T01:00:00Z

Deadguy: new page

Common Gateway Interface (CGI) services are typically scripts or programs that can be executed in conjunction with web pages. They are often used to process data entered by a visitor.

While HTML is a static language that mainly controls page layout, CGI (Common Gateway Interface) opens up many possibilities for dynamic web pages. XMission encourages our subscribers to explore what CGI can do for them.

==Naming & Placement==
CGI on XMission requires no interaction from administration. You can set up your own CGI scripts in your public_html directory simply by naming them with a filename ending in ".cgi". There is no need to put your scripts in a cgi-bin directory. (This is also the same with ".php" and ".php3".)

===Permissions===
The file should be set to allow the web server execute permissions. Assuming the group on the file is "www", issuing the command "chmod g+x filename.cgi" (using your XMission shell account) would give the web server permission to execute the file.

<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': You may set all public_html permissions to defaults by logging in to http://home.xmission.com/ and selecting the "My Account" tab. There, you will find a "Repair Your Web Permissions" option under the "XMission Tools" section.</div>

===SSI (Server Side Includes)===
If you wish to include your script as a part of an HTML file, you will want to use Server Side Includes (SSI) with the Apache web server. The syntax is very simple. You simply need to give your file the ".shtml" extension instead of just ".html" and use the following tag within the file where you'd like to include the script: "".

==WWW Services==

WWW services can be invoked by using a URL such as "http://www.xmission.com/cgi-bin/servicename", where "servicename" is the name of the service you're invoking.

===cgiemail===
This is a powerful WWW-to-email gateway that can be configured for your specific needs. By default, you have a simple cgiemail form in your public_html directory. It comes in two parts: mail.html and mail.txt. Refer to our [cgi-email cgiemail help page] for details.

===post-query ===
This is a debugging aid for CGI script writers. It shows the data delivered by a form using the POST method.

===query===
This is a debugging aid for CGI script writers. It shows the data delivered by an ISINDEX query.

===showrawenv===
This is a debugging aid for CGI script writers. It shows the entire environment available to the CGI script. This is handy for examining the default command search path, for instance.

===test-cgi===
This is a debugging aid for CGI script writers. It shows CGI related information (i.e., command line arguments and related environment variables).

SuPHP on XMission

2007-07-29T00:58:38Z

Deadguy: new page

With the transition to Apache 2 servers, a new solution was needed to allow users to execute PHP scripts, while maintaining security. suPHP is a tool for executing PHP scripts with the permissions of their owners.

Some users will have php configuration values in their .htaccess files. Some configuration lines won't work with suPHP - at least, not within the .htaccess file. In particular, "php_value" and "php_flag" values are the two that are problematic.

First, you must move all lines beginning with "php_value" and "php_flag" from your .htaccess file into a file called php.ini (in your public_html directory). Then, you must add a line to your .htaccess file like the one below (with "u" being the first letter of your username, and of course "username" being your actual username).
<pre>suPHP_ConfigPath /home/users/u/username/public_html</pre>

You will need to remove php_value and php_flag from ALL .htaccess files you may have. However, you only need to add the suPHP_ConfigPath line in the .htaccess file in your public_html directory only.

Secondly, you must make sure that the lines you put in php.ini are in the correct format:
<pre>setting_name = setting_value</pre>
Let's say you have the following line in your .htaccess file:
<pre>php_value register_globals 0</pre>
the corresponding php.ini format is as follows:
<pre>register_globals = Off</pre>
Notice how the value 0 becomes Off (without quotes) and 1 becomes On. If your php_value has quotes like the following, for example:
<pre>php_value include_path "/home/users/u/username/cgi-bin"</pre>
The corresponding php.ini format is:
<pre>include_path = "/home/users/u/username/cgi-bin"</pre>

Website Counters

2007-07-29T00:57:22Z

Deadguy: new page

XMission has a simple web counter that all customers can use. This counter eliminates the need to write or download scripts to show a visitor count on your web pages.

Text counters are easily applied by using a simple line of code to the web page you wish to add a counter to. The text of the counter can be manipulated with some simple command flags to change the face, style, and color.

For example, this code:

<pre><img src="http://counter.xmission.com/cgi-bin/wwwcount.cgi?df=username"></pre>

Creates this counter:
<img src="http://counter.xmission.com/cgi-bin/wwwcount.cgi?df=username" />

and this more complicated code:

<pre><img src="http://counter.xmission.com/cgi-bin/wwwcount.cgi?ft=0&df=username&prgb=101010&trgb=000000"></pre>

Produces this basic counter:

<img src="http://counter.xmission.com/cgi-bin/wwwcount.cgi?ft=0&df=username&prgb=101010&trgb=000000" />

You will need to modify the "username" value in the string, with "username" being your XMission username, unless you have web hosting with us, in which case you could use your virtual host name (i.e., www.soyonlegs.com). The value simply enables the counter software to track the number of unique hits to your specific site. NOTE: if you want to your counter to show a unique number of hits to each page of your site, be sure that each page has a unique value (e.g., "username1" and "username2").

This counter is called [http://www.muquit.com/muquit/software/Count/Count.html Count 2.5]. We recommend that only the most technical or adventurous use anything but the default example above or one from our [[Counter Examples]] page.

CGI Email

2007-07-29T00:56:28Z

Deadguy: new page

==Introduction==

<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': These instructions assume you are familiar with basic HTML and fill-out forms. You should also note that all file names and form fields are case sensitive. XMission uses a CGI tool called cgi-email to generate email from a fill-out form page without the need for a separate email client (which would be needed with a <a href=mailto:acctname@xmission.com> tag). To configure your own email form, you need to create a form with the appropriate "action" URL and create a template email message. These steps are outlined in detail below.</div>

For easy reference and comparison, XMission creates a simple email form in your public_html directory when your account is activated. The files are mail.html (the fill-out form) and mail.txt (the template message). You may choose to modify these to fit your needs or just view their structures to better understand how you will need to create your own.

For more details about CGI Email, or to learn how to set it up on your own server, refer to [http://web.mit.edu/wwwdev/cgiemail/ MIT's CGI Email] help pages.

==Creating the Form==

When you create your form, there are two main things you will need to do. The first is to be certain that all the form fields have a unique name. The second is to properly set the <form> tag. Any standard form entries may be used (such as radio buttons, check boxes, pull-down select menus, etc.). Below is a short example of a proper form, but you may also review your mail.html.

<pre>
<html>
<head>
<title>John Doe's Email Form</title>
</head>
<body bgcolor="#FFFFFF" text="#000000">
Please fill out the form below.
<hr>
<form method="POST" action="http://www.xmission.com/cgi-bin/cgiemail/~username/mail.txt">
Your Name: <input type="text" name="name" size="50"> 
E-Mail Address: <input type="text" name="required-email" size="50"> 
Subject: <input type="text" name="subject" size="50"> 
 
Message / Request: 
<textarea name="content" rows=10 cols=66></textarea>
 
<input type="submit" value="Send" name="submit">
<input type="reset" value="Clear" name="reset">
</form>
</body>
</html>
</pre>

In red, you will see the <form> tag. The method will be post, and the action will be your template message through our cgi-email script. The syntax shown in the form tag above should be followed exactly. You will, of course, replace "acctname" with your XMission account name, and mail.txt with the location and name of your template message. Your template message must be located in your public_html directory or a sub-directory within it. To show an example of a variation, the XMission username will be "web", the template message will be located in the public_html/contact/ directory, and it will be named "order.txt". <pre><form method="POST" action="http://www.xmission.com/cgi-bin/cgiemail/~web/contact/order.txt"></pre>

A notable bonus of using cgi-email is shown above in green. You can make a field required by preceding its name with "required-". XMission recommends that you make the email address a required field. The reason being, if you reply to your form and there is no email address present, your reply will automatically be sent to XMission's webmaster instead of the intended recipient.

==Creating the Template Message==

The template message is the email message that will be sent to you when the form is submitted. It's a simple text file in the format of an email message. Because cgi-email sends this text file as an email message, it must have the proper header fields to work properly and must not have any blank lines before the first field.

The format of the template after the header lines is up to you. The only thing you must have is the names of the form fields in brackets. Below is an example of a text template to go with the form above. You may also review your mail.txt file.

<pre>
To: John Doe <username@xmission.com>
From: name <required-email>
Reply-to: required-email
Subject: subject

Sender's Name: name
Email Address: required-email

Comments or Request:
content
</pre>

You would, of course, replace "John Doe" with the name of the person or department that the email message is being sent to, and "username@xmission.com" with the destination email address.

==Adding a "success" Page==

By default, there is a text confirmation page that notifies the sender that the email message was sent successfully. However, some XMission subscribers would like to replace it with a nicer HTML success page. This is easy with cgi-email.

You will need to open the HTML form and add a hidden form field. The syntax will look like the following example
<pre><input type="hidden" name="success" value="http://www.xmission.com/~acctname/successpage.html"></pre>

Unlike the other form fields, you cannot change the name of the "success" field. It must be named "success" for it to work properly. The value is the URL of the success page that you want to appear after the sender has successfully completed and submitted the form. The example above will show the file named "successpage.html" in acctname's public_html directory. The success page value must be a fully-qualified URL, so you may want to be sure it works in a browser first.

Password Protecting a Directory With ".htaccess"

2007-07-29T00:52:43Z

Deadguy: new page

==Introduction==

This document assumes you have a basic understanding of the UNIX shell.

Web access control on XMission is a function of the web server. It lets you set permissions on who can access your web documents based on username/password, a group defined by you, or the client's Internet address. This method will allow you to protect access to an entire directory, and any files and directories within it.
Since the most common control used is by username/password, the the following document covers instructions for that method only. If you would like to learn how to control access by other methods, you can refer to the [http://httpd.apache.org/docs-2.0/ Apache web server documentation] on the subject.

When setting up password protection on a directory, you will need the following two files:

*'''.htaccess''' - This files is placed in the directory to be protected and it defines the restriction types and rules to be followed.
*'''password file''' (You may choose the name.) - This file contains clear text usernames with encrypted passwords. We recommend that you put this file in your root directory.

==Creating the .htaccess File==

The .htaccess file is the file that defines what type of control to use, what file to reference for usernames/password, what the dialog box will say when prompted for a password, and what requirements should be met.

===Placement and Permissions===

The .htaccess file should be placed in the directory that you want to protect. The file should be owned by you with the group "www", and permissions set to 640. When this is done correctly, a long listing showing the file will look like this:

<pre>-rw-r----- 1 acctname www 170 Aug 24 2001 .htaccess</pre>

<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': You may set all public_html permissions to defaults by logging in to http://home.xmission.com/ and selecting the "My Account" tab. There, you will find a "Repair Your Web Permissions" option under the "XMission Tools" section.</div>

===Format===

The format of the file should be as follows, with no blank lines before the text begins:

<pre>AuthUserFile /home/users/a/acctname/.passwordfile
AuthGroupFile /dev/null
AuthName 'Access For Valid Users'
AuthType Basic
<Limit GET>
require valid-user
</Limit></pre>

The AuthUserFile is the file that has the authorized users' usernames and passwords. This must be the complete path.

The AuthGroup file isn't used when simply password protecting a directory. Because of this, we've identified it as /dev/null (effectively, nothing).

The AuthName is the dialog that will be shown when a user is prompted for their username and password.

AuthType is the type of authentication that will be used. For password protecting a directory, it just needs to be "Basic"

The <Limit> tag defines both what is allowed to be done in the directory, and the requirements for allowing someone into it.
<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': If you have forms or cgi scripts in the protected directory, your limit should be set to <Limit GET POST>.</div>

==Creating the Password File==

The password file is the file that contains the usernames and passwords that the .htaccess file will reference for authentication.

===Placement and Permissions===

The password file should be placed outside of your public_html directory for added security. Files in your root directory, outside public_html, can't be viewed from the web. The file should be owned by you with the group "www", and permissions set to 640. When this is done correctly, a long listing showing the file will look like this:

<pre>-rw-r----- 1 acctname www 170 Aug 24 2001 .passwordfile</pre>

<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': You may set all public_html permissions to defaults by logging in to http://home.xmission.com/ and selecting the "My Account" tab. There, you will find a "Repair Your Web Permissions" option under the "XMission Tools" section.</div>

===Creation===

In the directory you wish to create the password file, type the following: <tt>htpasswd -c passwordfile username</tt>
You will then be prompted to enter the password for "username".
You may replace "passwordfile" with the name of your password file, and "username" with the username you would like to add to it.

===Changing Passwords===

To change a password for a user, go to the directory that the password file is located, and type the following: <tt>htpasswd passwordfile username</tt>
You will then be prompted to enter the new password for "username".

===Removing Users===

To remove a user from the password file, simply edit the file with a text editor, delete the line the user's name and password is located on, and then save it.

==Enabling Directory Tree Viewing==

For security reasons, directory tree viewing is disabled by default. If you'd like to show a directory tree of all the files in a specified directory, however, the option is available. You'll need to create a file called ''.htaccess'' in the directory that you want viewable. In your XMission shell, you can do this by issuing the command <tt>echo Options +Indexes > .htaccess</tt> inside the public_html directory.

<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': This won't have any effect while using a Basic Hosting package.</div>

==Controlling your error page==

You can use the ErrorDocument directive to change the 404 error that comes up when someone accesses a bad url on your webspace. The syntax is as follows:

ErrorDocument 404 /~username/my_404_error.html

For more details about this directive (and other htaccess directives), visit:

http://httpd.apache.org/docs/mod/core.html#errordocument

Secure Web (SSL) Tutorial

2007-07-29T00:50:05Z

Deadguy:

XMission supports the SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) method for secure transactions across the Internet. The Internet's standard for secure transactions, SSL involves full end-to-end encryption of all socket communications. The basic idea behind SSL is to use advanced encryption to send sensitive data across the Internet to lower the possibility of third party interception during transit. It is important to realize that '''no method of encryption can be considered 100% secure '''. By simply using "https://" instead of "http://" your SSL compliant web browser will be able to access encrypted secure web services at any supported target.

Following are some SSL guidelines to remember when securing your own web pages:

*Anything referenced by the normal "http:" will show up as "nonsecure", indicated by an unlocked padlock icon on the lower right-hand side of Netscape's screen, and the lack of a padlock icon with Microsoft's Internet Explorer.
*When linking to a page you wish to be secure, the link should use the following syntax: <pre><A HREF="https://www.xmission.com/~acctname/file.html"></pre>
*To avoid messages to visitors indicating that part of the page isn't secure, it is always better to use a localized reference to documents within your own space. '''This includes images.''' In other words, instead of:
*:
*:<pre><A HREF="http://www.xmission.com/~acctname/orders/mail.html"></pre>
*:
*:use:
*:
*:<pre><A HREF="orders/mail.html"></pre>
*Most popular web browsers support SSL, but some older web browsers still do not. If you experience problems while trying to access your secure web sites, we recommend upgrading your browser or using one, such as Netscape, that supports SSL. To accommodate your visitors that may not be able to use SSL, it is a good idea to have "SECURE" and "UNSECURE" areas to give them a backup option.

If you have a Virtual Hosting account with XMission, and you'd like to use SSL with your domain, please read our [[SSL info]].

Secure Web (SSL) Tutorial

2007-07-29T00:47:17Z

Deadguy: new page

How Secure Web (SSL) Works

2007-07-29T00:45:41Z

Deadguy: new page

==Overview==
Most web sites will use SSL encryption for collecting personal or confidential information. You'll most often see the use of SSL encryption when purchasing something online or viewing private statistics or documents. You'll notice that the URL (or web address) will start with https:// instead of http://. Your browser will recognize this is secure. The process is usually very smooth on the client's side. This may be an option that you're looking into for your web site hosted by XMission.

In more detail, SSL, Secure Sockets Layer, is the leading security protocol on the Internet. When an SSL session is started, the browser sends its public key to the server so that the server can securely send a secret key to the browser. The browser and server exchange data via secret key encryption during that session.

An SSL certificate is a unique digital ID that can be used to verify the identity of a person, web site, or JavaScript/Java Applet. The certificate always includes a public key, the name of the entity it identifies, an expiration date, the name of the certificate authority (CA) that issued the certificate, the digital signature of the CA, and a serial number. These certificates use public key cryptography to sign and authenticate signatures and are protected by public and private key pairs linked by cryptographic algorithms. These keys have the ability to encrypt and decrypt information.

==Your Options==
If you'd like to use SSL encryption for your web site/domain hosted on XMission, you have a few options.

The first, and easiest, would be to use XMission's certificate. To do this, change the URL's of the pages you wish to secure to https://www.xmission.com/~username/securepage.html where you replace user name with your XMission user name and securepage.html with the page you wish to secure. This could, however, be a problem for you if you have your own domain name. Reason being, you must use the XMission domain in the URL instead of www.yourdomain.com. For more details about using this method, please refer to the [[SSL Tutorial]].

If you have your own domain and you do not wish to use the XMission domain in the pages you wish to secure, you may get a certificate signed by XMission. A certificate signed by XMission is free of charge to any XMission customer. Once again, however, there is a problem with this method. Your visitors will be prompted with "Unknown Authority" (or something similar, depending on the browser used) when they first visit the secured pages. This has the possibility of scaring off potential clients or customers that are easily spooked by "hackers" or viruses. A certificate signed by XMission, however, is just as secure as a certificate signed by a public CA. You can request a certificate signed by XMission by filling out the request form.

The last means of using SSL with XMission would be to purchase a signed certificate and key from Verisign or another public CA. When this is done, you will need to upload the signed certificate (public key) and the RSA key (private key) in PEM format. To make this process more secure, you may request that XMission generate the RSA key to be kept on XMission and send you the unsigned certificate. You can then have the certificate signed and returned to XMission with less threat of the RSA key (which will won't leave XMission's hands) to be seen by another party. Just indicate on [http://www.xmission.com/help/publishing/security/certreq.html the request form] that you want the certificate to be signed by a public CA and it will be sent to you. You'll need to upload the signed certificate to your home directory and notify us at [mailto:ssl@xmission.com ssl@xmission.com] to complete the process.

Here is a small list of public CA's you can purchase certificates from (in alphabetical order).

*[http://www.abaecom.com/ ABAecom]
*[http://www.digsigtrust.com/ Digital Signature Trust Co.]
*[http://www.e-certify.com/ E-Certify]
*[http://www.entrust.net/ Entrust]
*[http://www.equifax.com/ Equifax]
*[http://www.globalsign.com/ GlobalSign]
*[http://www.tc-trustcenter.com/ TC Trustcenter]
*[http://www.thawte.com/ Thawte]
*[http://www.valicert.com/ Valicert]
*[http://www.verisign.com/ Verisign]

Fetch Setup

2007-07-29T00:41:53Z

Deadguy: new page

==Configuring==

The first time you open Fetch you will see a Session Profile window. If it doesn't come up by itself, click on File and select New Connection. Fill it out as follows:

#In the Host: field, enter <tt>ftp.xmission.com</tt>.
#In the User ID: field, enter your XMission account name.
#In the Password: field, enter your XMission password.
#Click on OK to connect.
#Click on Customize and select Preferences.
#Click on the Upload tab.
#Next to Default text format:, select Text.
#Next to Default non-text format:, select Raw Data.
#Uncheck Add .txt suffix to text files.
#Click OK.

==Uploading==

#Open Fetch and connect using your XMission profile.
#On the left, locate the directory on the remote server that you want to upload the file to. For example, ''/home/users/a/acctname/public_html''.
#Click on the Put File button
#Locate the file you would like to upload and select it.
#Click on OK.
#Make sure the Format is correct for the type of file you're uploading For example; .html, .txt, and .cgi files should be Text, and .wav, .jpg, and .gif files should be Raw Data.
#Click on the OK button to begin uploading the file
#:<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': You can also drag-and-drop files from any open folder to the Fetch window to upload them.</div>

==Downloading==

#Open Fetch and connect using your XMission profile.
#On the left, locate the file on the remote system that you want to download.
#Click Get.
#:<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': You can also drag-and-drop files from Fetch to any open folder to download them.</div>

==Renaming==

#Open Fetch and connect using your XMission profile.
#On the left, click on the file that you wish to rename.
#Click on Remote.
#Select Rename Directory or File....
#Type the new name for the file.
#Click OK.

==Deleting==

#Open Fetch and connect using your XMission profile.
#On the left, click on the file that you wish to delete.
#Click on Remote.
#Select Delete Directory or File....
#Click OK.

==Changing Permissions==

#Open Fetch and connect using your XMission profile.
#Select the file you want to change the permissions on.
#Click on Remote and select Set Permissions.
#Check or uncheck boxes to set the read, write, and execute permission on the file.
#Click OK.
#:<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': You may set all public_html permissions to defaults by logging in to http://home.xmission.com/ and selecting the "My Account" tab. There, you will find a "Repair Your Web Permissions" option under the "XMission Tools" section.</div>

Frontpage Setup

2007-07-29T00:40:28Z

Deadguy: new page

<div class="messagebox metadata">As of mid-2006, [http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/frontpage/default.aspx#5 Microsoft has discontinued support for FrontPage]</div>

The FrontPage FTP method does '''''not''''' use FrontPage extensions. This is ''not'' the ideal way to ftp your files to your web space. For a more reliable alternative, please read our [FTP FAQ].

==FrontPage 98==

#Create a web page and save it
#In the FrontPage Explorer, click Publish
#A box will come up asking you for a destination to publish to. Type in <tt>http://www.xmission.com/~username</tt>, where "username" is your user name
#Click OK
#After a long minute of searching, FrontPage will pop up the Microsoft Web Publishing Wizard. Where it asks you to fill in the FTP Server Name, type in <tt>ftp.xmission.com</tt>
#Where it asks for a Directory Path, fill in <tt>/home/users/u/username/public_html</tt> where "u" is the first letter of your user name and "username" is your user name
#Click Next
#In the following box, you will need to fill in your user name and password. Under User Name, enter your user name
#Under Password, enter your password
#Click Finish
#:<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': You will always get an error message when you do this and we have not discovered a way to resolve it. So far as we can tell, it's just trying to read the page back using extensions (which aren't set up for this). It doesn't seem to cause any problems with the page on the server. Just click OK when you get this error. It should read...
#:
#:"The server could not complete your request. Contact your Internet service provider or web server administrator to make sure the server has the FrontPage Server Extensions installed. For more specific information, click Details"</div>

==FrontPage 2000==

#Create a web page and save it
#Click on File, then Publish Web
#A box will come up asking for a destination to publish to. Type in <tt>ftp://ftp.xmission.com/%2fhome/users/u/username/public_html</tt> where "u" is the first letter of your user name and "username" is your user name.
#Click Publish </ol>

==Frontpage 2003==
#Create a web page and save it</li>
#Go to File and select Publish Web
#A box will come up asking for a destination to publish to. Type in <tt>ftp://ftp.xmission.com</tt> and click Publish
#When prompted, enter your XMission username and password, hit Enter and you will be connected to your "home" space.
#Go to your "public_html" directory to publish or download your web site

WSFTP Setup

2007-07-29T00:38:10Z

Deadguy: new page

==Configuring==
The first time you open WS_FTP, a Session Profile window will appear. Fill it out as follows:
#Enter "XMission" in the Profile Name: field.
#Enter "ftp.xmission.com" in the Host Name: field.
#For Host Type:, select Automatic detect.
#Enter your XMission username in the User ID: field.
#Enter your XMission password in the Password: field.
#Check Save Password if you don't wish to type it every time.
#In the Remote Host: field, where the word account is your XMission username, enter <tt>/home/users/a/account/public_html</tt>.
#Click the Save button.
#Click on the OK button to connect.

==Uploading==
#Open WS_FTP and connect using your XMission profile.
#On the left side, Local System, find the folder which contains the file you wish to upload For example, "C:\Documents and Settings\User\My Documents\website\".
#On the right side, Remote System, find the directory you wish to upload your page to For example, <tt>/home/users/a/acctname/public_html/</tt>.
#If you are uploading .html, .cgi, or any other text files, click ASCII. If you are uploading .jpg, .exe, .wav, .mov, or any other binary files, click Binary.
#Click ONCE on the file you wish to upload to highlight it.
#Click on the -> button in the middle of the window to upload the file.
#:<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': You can also drag-and-drop files from the left window to the right to upload them.</div>

==Downloading==
#Open WS_FTP and connect using your XMission profile.
#On the right side, Remote System, find the folder which contains the file you wish to download For example, <tt>/home/users/a/acctname/public_html</tt>.
#On the left side, Local System, find the directory you wish to download your page to For example, "C:\Program Files\Microsoft FrontPage\pages\".
#If you are downloading .html, .cgi, or any other text files, click ASCII. If you are downloading .jpg, .exe, .wav, .mov, or any other binary files, click Binary.
#Click once on the file you wish to download to highlight it.
#Click on the <- button in the middle of the window to download the file.
#:<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': You can also drag-and-drop files from the right window to the left to download them.</div>

==Renaming==
#Open WS_FTP and connect using your XMission profile.
#On the right side, Remote System, find the folder which contains the file you wish to rename For example, <tt>/home/users/a/acctname/public_html</tt>.
#Click ONCE on the file you wish to rename to highlight it.
#Click on the Rename button on the right.
#Enter the new name for the file in the Input box.
#Click on the OK button.

==Deleting==
#Open WS_FTP and connect using your XMission profile.
#On the right side, Remote System, find the folder which contains the file you wish to delete For example, <tt>/home/users/a/acctname/public_html</tt>.
#Click ONCE on the file you wish to delete to highlight it.
#Click on the Delete button on the right.
#:<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': This can also be done by highlighting the file and hitting the Delete key on your keyboard.</div>

==Changing Permissions==
#Open WS_FTP and connect using your XMission profile.
#On the right side, Remote System, find the folder which contains the file you wish to change permissions on. For example, <tt>/home/users/a/acctname/public_html</tt>.
#Right-click on the file you want to change permissions for, and select chmod (UNIX).
#Check the appropriate boxes for read, write, or execute permissions.
#Click OK.
#:<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': You may set all public_html permissions to defaults by logging in to http://home.xmission.com/ and selecting the "My Account" tab. There, you will find a "Repair Your Web Permissions" option under the "XMission Tools" section.</div>

CuteFTP Setup

2007-07-29T00:37:18Z

Deadguy: new page

==Configuring==

The first time you open CuteFTP you will see a Site Manager window. Fill it out as follows:

#On the left hand side, click on the folder you want to save the profile in.
#Click on the Add site button.
#In the Site Label field, enter <tt>XMission</tt>.
#In the Host Address field, enter <tt>ftp.xmission.com</tt>.
#In the User ID field, enter your XMission account name.
#In the Password field, enter your XMission password.
#In the Initial Remote Directory field, where the word "username" is your XMission username, enter <tt>/home/users/u/username/public_html</tt>.
#Click OK.
#Click Connect.

==Uploading==

#Open CuteFTP and connect using your XMission profile.
#On the left side, your local system, find the folder which contains the file you wish to upload. For example, "C:\Program Files\Microsoft FrontPage\pages\".
#On the right side, the remote system, find the directory you wish to upload your page to For example, ''/home/users/u/username/public_html/''.
#On the left side, click ONCE on the file you wish to upload to highlight it.
#Click on the Commands menu at the top of the window, go to File actions, and select Upload.
#:<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': You can also drag-and-drop files from the left window to the right to upload them.</div>

==Downloading==

#Open CuteFTP and connect using your XMission profile.
#On the right side, the remote system, find the folder which contains the file you wish to download. For example, ''/home/users/u/username/public_html''.
#On the left side, the local system, find the directory you wish to download your page to For example, "C:\Documents and Settings\User\My Documents\website\".
#Click ONCE on the file you wish to download to highlight it.
#Click on the Commands menu at the top of the window, go to File actions, and select Download.
#:<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': You can also drag-and-drop files from the right window to the left to download them.</div>

==Renaming==

#Open CuteFTP and connect using your XMission profile.
#On the right side, the remote system, find the folder which contains the file you wish to rename. For example, ''/home/users/u/username/public_html''.
#Click ONCE on the file you wish to rename to highlight it.
#Click on the Commands menu at the top of the window, go to File actions, and select Rename.
#Type the new name for the file in the dialog box that appears.
#Click OK.
#Click OK.

==Deleting==

#Open CuteFTP and connect using your XMission profile.
#On the right side, the remote system, find the folder which contains the file you wish to delete. For example, ''/home/users/u/username/public_html''.
#Click ONCE on the file you wish to delete to highlight it.
#Click on the Commands menu at the top of the window, go to File actions, and select Delete.
#:<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': This can also be done by highlighting the file and hitting the Delete key on your keyboard.</div>

==Changing Permissions==

#Open CuteFTP and connect using your XMission profile.
#On the right side, the remote system, find the folder which contains the file you wish to change permissions on. For example, ''/home/users/u/username/public_html''.
#Click on the Commands menu at the top of the window, go to File actions, and select CHMOD.
#Click the appropriate boxes to add or remove read, write, and execute permissions.
#Click OK.
#:<div class="messagebox metadata">'''Note''': You may set all public_html permissions to defaults by logging in to http://home.xmission.com/ and selecting the "My Account" tab. There, you will find a "Repair Your Web Permissions" option under the "XMission Tools" section.</div>

User:DANIEL MCINTYRE

2007-07-29T00:34:18Z

Deadguy: added items