Mac PPP Instructions

Your Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) account allows access to the Internet. These instructions are for Macintosh computers running the Mac OSX operating system. The University does not support earlier versions of the Mac operating system.

PPP Installation Steps

  1. Prepare for Installation – To prepare, note the following:
    • PPP account email address: _____________________________________
      (check email received indicating PPP account activation)
    • PPP account username: ________________________________________
      (left-hand side of email address, left of @ symbol)
    • PPP account password: ________________________________________
      (Case-sensitive. Contact the HelpDesk if unknown)
    • PPP account type: ____________________________________________
      (NetID or Fallon)
  2. Configure Your Dialing Software – Configure your dialing software for access to the University's modem banks:
  3. Obtain an Internet Browser – Most new computers arrive with Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) preinstalled.
    • NOTE: Not all browsers are compatible with the University's library and administrative systems (CAIS/SIS/HRS). We recommend that you check with the Help Desk before installing new or updated versions of IE or Netscape Communicator.
  4. Download FREE Antivirus Software – Antivirus software is * extremely * important for connecting to the Internet. While Macintosh computers are less susceptible to viruses than Windows-based system, they can still transmit viruses. It is essential that all machines associated with the University have up-to-date antivirus software installed. A University-provided download of Symantec AntiVirus is available at no cost to every computer user on campus.
  5. Connect to the Internet – To start an Internet session:
    • Initiate dialing.
    • Listen for the modem dialing and connecting.
    • A Post-Dial Terminal screen displays with white text on a black background. At this time, we do not recommend installing a script to automate the logon procedure.
    • Enter your user name:
      • Fallon -- Enter your Fallon username, if you authenticate to PPP with your Fallon account. Example: jstudent.
      • NetID -- Enter your NetID username@unr, if you authenticate to PPP with your NetID account. Example: jprof@unr.
    • Press Enter.
    • When prompted, enter your password. (Type carefully, as the characters are not displayed. Passwords are case-sensitive.)
    • Press Enter.
    • Wait until a random string of characters displays at the bottom of the black window before proceeding.
    • Double-click your browser icon.
    CONGRATULATIONS! You have completed installation and configuration of the PPP software. Happy Internet surfing!