TI99ers On-Line User Group - FAQ: TI Internet

Can I use my TI 99/4A on the internet?
Yes and no! At this time, there is no software that will allow a direct PPP (Point to Point Protocol) connection. However the TI works very well on a text based Unix shell account.

FAQ courtesy of Lew King

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Does this mean that I will have to learn Unix to use the TI on the net?

Yes and no. Some internet service providers have a menu driven interface, that is familiar to all TI users. Other service providers put you directly at a Unix prompt after login. But, half a dozen simple commands are all that is needed to get started.

FAQ courtesy of Lew King

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My modem is an older 1200 baud model. Will it work?

Yes, if you're not in a hurry. The slow speed could be a problem if your ISP (internet service provider) imposes a time limit, as some do.

FAQ courtesy of Lew King

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What equipment do I need to access the Internet?

Of course a TI 99/4A console, 32k expansion memory, at least one disk drive, an RS232 port, a modem, and connecting cable. The memory, disk drive, and RS232 can either be in the PE Box, or as separate peripherals. Also, a terminal emulator program is needed. There are several to choose from.

FAQ courtesy of Lew King

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What is an IP Address

An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique address that devices use in order to identify and communicate with each other on a computer network utilizing the Internet Protocol standard. The format of an IP address is a 32-bit numeric address written as four numbers separated by periods. Each number can be zero to 255. For example, 1.160.10.240 could be an IP address.

An IP address can appear to be shared by multiple client devices either because they are part of a shared hosting web server environment or because a proxy server (e.g., an ISP or anonymizer service) acts as an intermediary agent on behalf of its customers.

IP addresses are managed and created by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority. IANA generally assigns super-blocks to Regional Internet Registries, who in turn allocate smaller blocks to Internet service providers and enterprises.

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What is spam?
Spam is Unsolicited Bulk E-mail ("UBE"). Unsolicited means that the Recipient has not granted verifiable permission for the message to be sent. Bulk means that the message is sent as part of a larger collection of messages, all having substantively identical content.

For the standard accepted definition of "Spam" see: http://www.spamhaus.org/definition.html.

Another definition is the meat product from Hormel Food Corporation:
SPAM Â® Chopped Pork and Ham is a famous canned meat product made mainly from ham. Great in sandwiches, salads or mac & cheese, or with eggs, cheese, or pineapples, or sliced, diced, baked or fried. The name derives from "sp(iced h)am". SPAM is a registered trademark of Hormel Food Corporation. The product name "SPAM" (used always in uppercase) has nothing to do with the internet jargon word "spam" meaning unsolicited bulk email. While "spam" (junk email) is bad for internet users, SPAM (Chopped Pork and Ham) is good for internet users. If you have never tasted SPAM, try it today!
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