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Please note that these FAQ's are general, and
specific information may vary from location to location.
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Below are commonly asked questions about ICOA hotspots, as well
as items that might resolve any service issues without requiring
further assistance. If you require assistance, you can email
our support department. Please note that these FAQ's are general,
and specific information may vary from location to location.
FAQ Topics
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General
- What equipment do I need to use this service?
To access the Internet inside this wireless location, you
must already have a laptop enabled with wireless 802.11b/g
network capabilities and a web browser.
- What software do I need to use this service?
You need to be running either Windows 2000, XP, 98SE
or Mac OS X as your operating system. The version of Internet
browser you need depends on your equipment and operating
system, as indicated below: For Windows: Microsoft Internet
Explorer 4.01 SP2 or higher, Netscape Navigator 4.7 or higher,
and Firefox. For Macintosh: Microsoft Internet Explorer
5.1 or higher and Netscape Navigator 4.7 or higher
- Can I access web-based email (such as hotmail)
with this service? Yes. Make sure that you have
entered your username and password to log into the service.
Then enter the URL of your email service into your web browser
to access your email.
- Can I receive POP/SMTP-based email (such as Outlook
Express) with this service? Yes. Make sure that
you have entered your username and password to log into
the service. Then open your email application, and your
email should download as usual.
- Can I send POP/SMTP-based email with this service?
At most locations, our service will automatically route
your outgoing email for you. There is usually no need to
change your mail setting to send outgoing email messages.
Make sure that you have entered your username and password
to log into the service. Then open your email application
and your email should send as usual.
If you cannot send email, try changing your outbound SMTP
server to omail.authdirect.com.
- Can I access my VPN or corporate network with
this service? How? Yes. After authenticating by
entering your username and password, you should be able
to access your VPN or corporate network by running your
VPN software or client. This is typically located on your
computer desktop or in the Network Connections folder (if
you are using Windows). Once your VPN is established, you
can access your corporate network or email as you would
if you were in the office. In some
unique cases you will not be able to connect to a VPN from
this service.
- Is the connection secure? Security is
an important topic and we've done many things to provide
for a secure experience, however, you should always use
caution whenever accessing the Internet. We block each user
from accessing other users on the network, but your "conversations"
with the Internet are available to others. Please be sure
to use secure "SSL" web sessions (aka HTTPS connections)
for private transactions (like Internet banking, credit
card transactions, and using pin numbers and passwords)
and, if available, use your VPN software to encrypt all
your traffic to and from your computer.
- Who is responsible for this service? This
service is provided by ICOA Corp. that is focused on public
Internet service. For more information, please contact
us.
- Where can I call for help? Our customer
support is available every day 24 hours a day. We can be
reached at 800-410-0460 or support@icoacorp.com.
- Can I roam with other service providers? Roaming
capability varies from location to location. However Boingo
and iPass users can currently roam into many of our locations.
- Can I use this service with AOL or MSN? Yes. Our
service works with AOL and with MSN. However, you must first
open your browser and log into our service before starting
your AOL or MSN client software.
Usage
- How do I log in to my account?
a. Turn on or restart your computer.
b. Open your web browser. If you cannot connect to the Internet
automatically, you will need to set your computer's SSID
(or network identifier) to the appropriate one for your
location'.
c. Enter your user name and password on the welcome screen.
d. Once you have logged in, you will have access to the
Internet.
e. If you log out and return to your computer before the
end of your session time you will need to log back in. Just
open your browser and retype your username and password
to continue your Internet session.
- How do I log off? When you log in, a
logout window will appear that will show you the number
of minutes that you have been logged in. Sometimes the logout
window does not appear because of a pop-up blocker. Just
hold the control key while clicking the ' Login
' button to bypass the pop-up blocker. Otherwise
to logout, either click the logout button in the logout
window or simply turn off your computer. You can also logoff
at some locations by connecting to site http://1.1.1.1
- How do I configure my SSID? While many
wireless cards automatically connect to the appropriate
wireless network, in some cases you may be required to configure
your SSID manually. Methods for setting the SSID vary across
brands and models of wireless network cards. For best results,
we recommend that you refer to the documentation provided
with your particular wireless network card. The following
web site maintains wireless card documentation for many
vendors as well: http://www.wi-fi.org/OpenSection/certified_products.asp?TID=2.
For reference, in Windows, this is typically done by following
Start->Settings->Control Panel->Network Connections.
Then, for your wireless network card, view Properties->Configure
and set your SSID field to the appropraite network. ICOA's
SSID is usually selected by the location owner, and will
vary betwen locations.
- Is my wireless configuration supported?
This network is 802.11b-compatible, so any certified wireless
network card should be compatible.
- Are Macintosh computers supported? Yes,
provided they have a compatible Internet browser and 802.11b
network capability.
- How do I access my VPN or Corporate Intranet?
After authenticating by entering your username and password,
you can access your VPN or corporate network by running
your VPN software or client. This is typically located on
your computer desktop or in the Network Connections folder
(if you are using Windows). Once your VPN is established,
you can access your corporate network or email as you would
if you were in the office.
- How will I know that my session time has elapsed?
If your session time has elapsed, you will receive an error
message indicating that the session has expired and you
will then need to recharge when you try to login. Please
follow the link provided to “recharge” your account. During
the session, the logout window will display a timer indicating
your login duration. When the time is up, the system will
automatically log you out and give you an opportunity to
recharge your account.
- I've signed up already. Can
I signup again with the same account? You can simply
login again with the same account. If needed, you will be
given the opportunity to purchase additional time.
- I can't seem to login. Why won't it accept my
username and password? Please make sure you type
your full username. If you forget your password, you can
call the help line for that location, and our customer service
representative may be able to help you.
- What can I do after logging in? You will
have full access to the internet. Besides access to all
public Web sites and email, you may also use services including
SSL, Telnet, FTP, VPN, etc.
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