*** VTN MacSIG FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ***
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Krishen V. Greenwell Andrew K. Jung
(uq795) (ajung)
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Last update July 3rd, 1998
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0.0 INDEX
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0.0 Index
1.0 Definitions and abbreviations used in this FAQ.
2.0 Using a Mac OS based system and modem to access the VTN.
2.1 Why won't my delete/backspace key work properly?
2.2 Why is "^H" or "^?" printed on my screen when I try to
delete/backspace?
2.3 Why don't the arrow keys work when I try to follow a link in lynx?
2.4 Why are there garbage characters printed on the screen when I
follow a link?
3.0 Using a Mac OS based system and Telnet to access the VTN.
3.1 Why can't I use the "Cancel" (control-C) function in Pine?
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1.0 DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THIS FAQ.
============================================================================
"VTN" -- The Victoria Telecommunity Network as presented by the Chebucto suite of software it runs on.
"lynx" -- The program which the VTN uses to view the WWW; a WWW browser.
"HQ" -- Head Quarters; a user set up by the VTN administration to handle user questions.
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2.0 USING A MAC OS BASED SYSTEM AND TERMINAL TO ACCESS THE VTN.
============================================================================
2.1 WHY WON'T MY DELETE/BACKSPACE KEY WORK PROPERLY?
===-------------------------------------------------
There are two common keys used to erase a character: Using (a) backspace
(more common) or (b) delete (less common). In most cases this problem is
just a matter of making sure the VTN knows which key you want to use.
To solve this problem, at the "Your choice ==>" prompt:
a) Type "go config" and return.
b) Select "4" (Set your Terminal Characteristics ...)
c) If "^H" is displayed when you press your erase key, select "8".
If "^?" is displayed when you press your erase key, select "9".
d) Return to the Configuration menu by typing "p" or by typing
"go config". Select "6" (Save Environment Parameters ...).
BE SURE to save your settings! If you don't, you'll have the same
problem next time you log on to the VTN.
2.2 WHY IS "^H" OR "^?" PRINTED ON MY SCREEN WHEN I TRY TO DELETE/BACKSPACE?
===-------------------------------------------------------------------------
This means that the VTN doesn't know whether you want to use
backspace or delete to erase, and is characteristic of the same problem
described in section 2.1 -- see above for further information.
2.3 WHY DON'T THE ARROW KEYS WORK WHEN I TRY TO FOLLOW A LINK IN LYNX?
===-------------------------------------------------------------------
For the arrow keys to work properly, your computer and the VTN must
using the same emulation. Emulation, in this case, is the language used
by the VTN to commmunicate with your computer, and vice versa.
If the emulation between your computer and the VTN is DIFFERENT,
then they cannot communicate each other's intentions properly. The most
common emulation used is called "VT100"; nearly all modem terminal programs
support it, and so does the Victoria Telecommunity Network.
To ensure that the arrow keys work properly, you should make sure that both
the emulation on (a) the VTN and (b) your modem terminal program is
set to "VT100".
Making sure the emulation of the VTN is VT100:
At the "Your choice ==>" prompt:
a) Type "go config" and return;
b) Select "3" (Set your Terminal Type ...);
c) Select "2" (VT100); then
d) Return to the Configuration menu by typing "p" or by typing
"go config". Select "6" (Save Environment Parameters ...).
Making sure the emulation of your modem terminal program is VT100 varies
from program to program; however, it can usually be selected from a
terminal settings or preferences section. Instructions for changing the
emulation to VT100 in ZTerm are given below:
a) Select "Terminal" from the "Settings" menu (or hitting "Command-T")
b) Make sure the VT100 is selected (and not PC ANSI-BBS).
c) Select "Save Setup" from the "Dial" menu.
BE SURE to save your settings! If you don't, you'll have the same problem
next time you log on to the VTN.
These changes may not take effect immediately so it is best to log-off
and then log back on again.
2.4 WHY ARE THERE GARBAGE CHARACTERS PRINTED ON THE SCREEN WHEN I FOLLOW A
LINK?
===-----------------------------------------------------------------------
This is a problem related to emulation. Usually following the procedures
described in section 2.3 will solve this problem.
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3.0 USING A MAC OS BASED SYSTEM AND TELNET TO ACCESS THE VTN.
============================================================================
3.1 WHY CAN'T I USE THE "CANCEL" (CONTROL-C) FUNCTION IN PINE?
===-----------------------------------------------------------
This is actually usually due to a problem with the Telnet client you are
using. In particular, version 2.6 of the popular NCSA Telnet has a bug
which causes the screen not to be updated when the "Control-C"
combination is sent while the "Control-C" combination is also set to the
"Interrupt process" role.
The solution is to unmap the "Control-C" combination from "Interrupt
process". :)
a) Hit the "Command-S" key combination.
b) Remove the information from the first field (that is, make it blank.)
c) Voila!