Low End Mac

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Mac Daniel

Internet and Ethernet Connectivity

Julie Fugett - 1999.10.14

1999 – My Mac dials in successfully, but when I try to browse the Web, I get the error message, “This page does not have a DNS entry.” What’s wrong?

There are several settings that need to be in your TCP/IP or MacTCP control panel. Under Mac OS 8.x, these are referred to as your Name Server Addresses and the Implicit Search Path Starting domain name. You should call your ISP and ask them for their DNS addresses and their domain name. An example of a domain name would be lowendmac.com or yahoo.com. A DNS address would look something like 123.456.78.1. (read one-two-three-dot-four-five-six-dot-etc.)

If you’re using MacTCP and FreePPP, these are going to look a bit different, but you’re going to be asking your ISP for the same numbers and domain information. When you go into the MacTCP control panel, click FreePPP (or ConfigPPP) and then click “More.” In the upper left hand corner, in the “Obtain Address” box, you should have “Server” checked. In the lower right hand corner, it will say “Domain Name Server Information.” Under the “Domain” side, enter the ISP’s domain name. Under the “IP Address” side, enter the ISP’s DNS addresses.

I am interested in installing an ethernet card in my Mac. I have a comm slot and a PDS slot available. Which card should I get?

Barring massive cost differences, I vote for the comm slot ethernet card. Here’s why: Using a comm slot ethernet card frees you to use your PDS slot for things like cache cards, TV tuner cards, MPEG cards, etc.

A WORD TO THE WISE: Don’t just run out and buy any old card marked “PDS card.” A lot of Macs had PDS slots, but they weren’t made with the same number of pins. It is very important that you make sure that the PDS card you are interested in is compatible with your Mac.

Comm slot modems are pretty difficult to come by. You would probably be better off to just buy an external modem and be done with it. According to the TIL at apple.com, only four Apple cards are available for the comm slot:

  • Macintosh Express Fax/Modem – M2480LL/A (discontinued)
  • Apple Ethernet CS Twisted Pair Card – M3065Z/A (for use with a 10Base-T compatible hub)
  • Apple Ethernet CS Thin Coax Card – M2708Z/A
  • Apple Ethernet CS AAUI Card – M3066Z/A

Reader Feedback

Julie,

I’m just delighted to see the return of the Mac Daniel columns. I didn’t know that Apple made ethernet cards for the Comm Slot. Apparently, you don’t know that Farallon makes them, too. Check out this link [link deleted – Farallon.com no longer exists].

A great idea for freeing a PCI slot in my Power Mac 6500. Now I can do some comparison and price shopping.

Short link: http://goo.gl/kw4Xhj