Feature: Tips for Making a Dial-Up Connection

Remember the sounds of a dial-up modem making a connection? Or, on a less nostalgic note, the sounds of your own cursing when a dial-up modem repeatedly didn't make a connection?

For mobile professionals accustomed to going wireless with their laptops, dial-up networking seems so mid-nineties. But what happens when you visit a relative who's still on dial-up or stay in a hotel without broadband access? Suddenly, you're faced with the old dial-up dance again. Now what?

Here are some tips to help broadband junkies make--and keep--a dial-up connection on the road.

Check to See if You've Got Dial-Up

You're probably already signed up for dial-up access, even if you don't use it. If you're paying for broadband Internet access via DSL or cable, chances are that your ISP includes a certain amount of free dial-up access in your plan. For instance, EarthLink's high-speed service (beginning at $20 per month) includes up to 20 hours per month of free dial-up access. If you're unsure, check your ISP's Web site or call customer service.

Get Access Numbers in Advance

Most ISPs provide phone numbers for dial-up access on their Web sites, in the customer support section. But to get to that site, you have to go online. And if you don't know the local dial-up number to use, you've got to call your ISP's tech support. So to avoid a hassle on the road, get the ISP's dial-up numbers for the city or town you're traveling to before you leave. Write them down in a place where they'll be handy when it's time to go online. For instance, I keep dial-up numbers in a Microsoft Outlook contact entry for my ISP. Check the numbers before your next trip, too, as they are subject to change.

Set Up a New Network Connection

The New Connection Wizard in Microsoft Windows XP makes creating a new dial-up modem connection fairly straightforward. To begin, go to Start, Programs, Accessories, Communications, New Connection Wizard. In the Welcome screen, click Next. In the Network Connection Type dialog box, choose "Connect to the Internet" if it's not already selected. In the Getting Ready dialog box, you can choose from a list of ISPs, set up your connection manually, or use an installation CD that your ISP gave you. Ordinarily, I choose to set up connections manually.

Choose the dial-up connection option in the Internet Connection dialog box and click Next. Then give the connection a name, such as "Angelina Jolie's House" or "Brad Pitt's Pad." Fill in the dial-up access number and remaining information.

Disable Call Waiting

An incoming call can disrupt your modem connection. If the line you're dialing out on has call waiting, you can automatically disable it during each dial-up connection. Usually, you can accomplish this by adding *70, (including the comma) before the modem access number in the New Connection Wizard.

For instance, suppose your ISP's dial-up access number in the city where you're traveling to is 555-1212. For the phone number in the New Connection Wizard, you'd enter *70, 555-1212. Be aware that the code may by area or phone type. Aside from *70, the code could be 70# or 1170, for example.

Pack a Long Phone Cord

More often than not, you'll need it. You may find that the telephone jack on the wall is a long way from the desk where you want to work, for instance. Also, there may not be any phone cord for connecting your notebook in the room where you'll be working.

Update Your Modem Driver

Has it been a long time since you've used your dial-up modem? There may be updated drivers available that improve performance or fix problems. If your notebook came with a built-in modem, check the support section of your notebook manufacturer's Web site for updated drivers. Otherwise, check the modem maker's Web site.

Think Big

A big file can choke a dial-up connection. So if you've got a large file to send--something bigger than, say, 1MB or 2MB--send it before you leave, if possible. Otherwise, you may need to make other arrangements when you're on the road, such as burning the file or files onto a CD and sending the disc by express mail. By the same token, notify in advance anyone who might send you a large file while you're away. Let them know you'll only have dial-up access and see if you can work out alternative arrangements. As for downloading MP3s or other media files on dial-up, you can do it. But must you?

Use a Download Manager

As its name implies, this utility manages file downloads. For instance, if a download is interrupted because of a dropped connection, when you reconnect the manager resumes the download where it left off. This is useful particularly for anyone trying to download a sizeable file over a dial-up connection. Most Web browsers have a built-in download manager. But my colleague Steve Bass (who writes the useful--and delightful--Tips & Tweaks column) recommends using stand-alone download managers in general and the free WellGet program in particular.

Close Unnecessary Applications

The more applications you have open at any time, the less system memory is available. And when resources are tight, downloading files, Web browsing, and other online activities can be slowed. So when you're on an already sluggish dial-up connection, keep only the most necessary applications open.

I've only just scratched the surface here. If you've got a tip for making the most of a dial-up connection, send it to me.

Are You in Sync?

Some mobile professionals use a desktop PC in the office and a notebook on the road. But keeping e-mail, files, and application updates synchronized between the two can be challenging. Do you sync a desktop with a notebook, and if so, how? Please send me your tips and product recommendations.