Self Installation Instructions

To begin with, read USA2net's Terms of Service agreement, then ensure that your computer meets the following requirements:

Windows 98 2nd Ed./MAC OS 8 or higher installed, an installed ethernet card/NIC, and a CD-ROM drive. USA2net Technical Support does not support USB modem connections.

If your computer does not meet these minimum requirements, then FastTrack service may still function, however, no technical support will be supplied for connection-related issues.

Step 1: Connect the coaxial cable line to the back of the cable modem. Do not over-tighten. (Cable line should be connected prior to connecting the power source)

Step 2: Plug the AC adaptor into a surge protection device, then connect the AC adapter to the back of the cable modem. Remember to use only the power adaptor that came with the cable modem. Using any other AC adaptor with the cable modem or not having the modem protected with a surge suppression device will void the cable modem warranty as provided by USA2net.

Step 3: Connect the cable modem to your Network Interface Card with the RJ-45 CAT-5 cable supplied with your cable modem.

Step 4: Setup the computer to use the ethernet connection. Before installation, make sure you are set to obtain an IP address automatically in the TCP/IP Protocol properties. By default, this should already be set to automatic. Your computer is now set up for use. Launch Internet Explorer and you should now see your homepage!

TCP/IP Settings

TCP/IP is the language that your computer uses to speak with USA2net's internet servers. To communicate effectively, your computer must be configured to USA2Net's servers' specifications. To do this, follow the steps for your operating system given below.

Windows 98/2000/ME

1. Click Start, Settings, then select Control Panel.
2. Double-click on the Network icon, then click Properties
3. A list of installed network components appears. Look for an entry named TCP/IP. This entry may be followed by an arrow and a description of the NIC hardware device installed in this computer. If you don't see TCP/IP listed anywhere in the "The following network components are installed" box, click the Add button, choose Protocol, and click Add. Select Microsoft as the manufacturer and then scroll down in the list on the right to find TCP/IP. If you see TCP/IP listed, proceed to step 5.
4. Click the OK button. You may be prompted to insert the Windows 98/ME installation CD.
5. Scroll down in the box until you find a line that says "TCP/IP->" followed by the name of your ethernet adaptor. Click on Properties and choose "Obtain an address IP automatically." Also verify that there are no Gateways installed and that DNS is not specified (or is set to automatic).

Windows XP

1. Click on Start, then select Control Panel.
2. If your window says "Pick a Category," click on "Network and Internet Connections" then Network Connections. If your window does not prompt you to pick a category, just select Network Connections.
3. Under "LAN or High-Speed Internet" on the right, locate the Fast Ethernet NIC. Right-click on that icon, then select Properties.
4. In the box labeled "This connection utilizes the following items" click on "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)" to highlight it, then select Properties.
5. On the "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties" window that appears, ensure that "Obtain an IP address automatically" and "Obtain DNS server address automatically" are selected on the General tab. On the Alternate Configuration tab, ensure that "Automatic Private IP" is selected.
6. Click OK, then click Close. You may be prompted to restart your PC. Congratulations! You've just successfully configured your computer's TCP/IP protocol for use with FastTrack!

Problems? See our troubleshooting section.