Hello! I am enjoying learning to use my new imac, and just got DSL with Verizon. We did the installation bit ok, but my first trouble came with account set up/account activation. The message told me I did not have administrative rights and cannot install this application. Okay...so I called Verizon tech help and they got me connected. They trouble-shooted and helped me configure things so the westell modem and my mac worked on the internet. (I am new to both mac and DSL). My connection to the internet and server failed after a few hours...I am not sure why...I just know 1 minute I could browse w/Safari and the next, no connection. After my 2nd walkthru w/Verizon tech help, I did configure some new network settings, and had to reset some network password. I am the admin/user, and I saved the config. he walked me thru, but never "locked to prevent changes fom other users from making changes" option. I surfed happily last night, then this morning again until I switched to another user and got a message "internet Connect: authentication failed" and I did the network diagnostics to find: Not connected to the Ethernet. Another message had said "Network change detected" which leads me to believe I changed a password or configuration somewhere. I am clueless, but the new tech help guy had me reconfigure under network again, and the settings were not what I had from the tech help the night before. I had to change it from something (I forget) back to DHCP, and the IP address and router were reset to the same as before. I am wondering really, what should I stay the h@## out of and away from, if it is ME fiddling around and screwing up my ethernet connection??? I am afraid when I finish this online session, it may happen again and these Verizon techs are flagging my account as "IDIOT". I only fiddled AFTER my connections were lost, but I left the system/network prefs alone. I stupidly tried to open the bookmarks in safari for the IP addresses, and probably DID change a password to try to make it work. I can't remember all of it. Maybe...just maybe I didn't quit and save properly? God....I'm such a noob, here. Anyone have similar troubles? I saw one thread that sounded just like my problems..."Remotely diagnosing a mac mini's failure to connect", but there was no follow up. Maybe it's just Verizon (ARRRRGGHHH!!!!!) Sorry for my long posts... Peevies
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New to mac and DSL troubles
- Thread starter peevies
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Hey Peevies,
Take a deep breath.
You're learning two different technologies at once so it can get pretty frustrating. The good news is: mac + DSL =
There's really non way to give you specific help, because it now sounds like you've changed a bunch of settings you don't understand. When I got DSL, I plugged in the ethernet cord into my powerbook and I had a connection right away.
The clearest thing I could tell based on what you said was this:
Sounds like you had it all working with the original user account. Switching accounts returns the settings to their defaults (others can correct me if I'm wrong here). Can you just use the original user account?
Also, if you haven't already, don't install any software provided by Verizon. You shouldn't need it to access the internet, and it's more likely to get in the way.
Finally, I'd recommend checking out: www.dslreports.com - Fantastic site for questions about broadband issues.
Good luck!
Take a deep breath.
You're learning two different technologies at once so it can get pretty frustrating. The good news is: mac + DSL = There's really non way to give you specific help, because it now sounds like you've changed a bunch of settings you don't understand. When I got DSL, I plugged in the ethernet cord into my powerbook and I had a connection right away.
The clearest thing I could tell based on what you said was this:
peevies said:
Sounds like you had it all working with the original user account. Switching accounts returns the settings to their defaults (others can correct me if I'm wrong here). Can you just use the original user account?
Also, if you haven't already, don't install any software provided by Verizon. You shouldn't need it to access the internet, and it's more likely to get in the way.
Finally, I'd recommend checking out: www.dslreports.com - Fantastic site for questions about broadband issues.
Good luck!
Yay! That makes sense to me. I think sticking with my own admin/user will be the way to go. I thought I could set up this clever "stealth-alter-ego" user who could surf the net downloading crap to protect my admin ID, but you're right....I don't quite understand what I'm into here! I just bought 2 "mac for Dummies" books and I turned on the firewall too, then changed it back. Now, I just want to leave it all alone. Thanks for your input, I am learning more in this forum (when I can actually stay connected!!!! ) than any other source around. I wish I had a household member with mac experience, but this is the place to learn. I really think macs are going catch right up to windows soon as far as switching goes......I love it so far, despite the few inevitable snags. Peevies
) than any other source around. I wish I had a household member with mac experience, but this is the place to learn. I really think macs are going catch right up to windows soon as far as switching goes......I love it so far, despite the few inevitable snags. Peevies
You haven't mentioned what modem you are using. Are you using the black wireless router/modem combo made by Westell (327w i believe), or just a modem without the router? If you're using the black router, then none of that should be happening since the router acts as a small computer and keeps your connection to DSL active - all you would have to do is plug in the ethernet cable into your mac and you'd have access.
If you're using a small white modem then things are a *little* more complicated since the mac has to sign in to the DSL into the router. But PPPOE should take care of all that.
If you're using a small white modem then things are a *little* more complicated since the mac has to sign in to the DSL into the router. But PPPOE should take care of all that.
Verizon DSL and Mac
I had Verizon DSL when I lived in Baltimore. Setup was a bit cofusing at first... but it gets better
I found the setup discs and applications provided by Verizon to be totally useless. Simply use the mac's built-in Internet connection wizard (System Prefs --- Netwok ---- Assist Me button) ... fill in the gaps, and Voila... you're good to go.
It's like verizon purposely tried to make crappy software to go with its DSL service.
I've actually always found my macs to be able to connect to ANY netwok without any additional software to load.
-alywa
I had Verizon DSL when I lived in Baltimore. Setup was a bit cofusing at first... but it gets better
I found the setup discs and applications provided by Verizon to be totally useless. Simply use the mac's built-in Internet connection wizard (System Prefs --- Netwok ---- Assist Me button) ... fill in the gaps, and Voila... you're good to go.
It's like verizon purposely tried to make crappy software to go with its DSL service.
I've actually always found my macs to be able to connect to ANY netwok without any additional software to load.
-alywa
I am using Westell Model 6100 ASDL Modem and I think it is a router also (DUH!) It is not wireless...black box with Ethernet/USB/DSL and Internet connections. I have to say that the Verizon DSL Installation was a pain in the butt...especially trying step 3: Account activation. I was given new user ID's and passwords by the Verizon tech help (System administrator) twice, but when I visited the "Welcome to Verizon home page", it said I could change my account log in passwords whenever I wanted...so I changed it.....big mistake!!! Maybe when I tried to go online under a different user on my mac, the Verizon ID's (authentication?) didn't match anymore. I just lost my network settings and couldn't connect twice. I vowed to just use my one user/admin account on the mac, and leave every password I know ALONE! Too bad, I feel afraid to try to create or use any more users on my mac. Typical noob screw-ups! This is working great now, but I do want to start customizing my mac a little more. I'd like to be secure on the web, but system prefs is all new ground for me. My "dummies" books are helpful, but this mac is now the only access to the internet I have. Thanks for the info thus far! Peevies