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If you just use home.fc to connect to your server, and this connection works well the first time you click Login, you will not need to configure your connection. You only need to read this help if you must change connection information for home.fc or you want to configure a connection to another server.
Note
We assume that your connection is already set up and working properly. We only discuss how to tell FirstClass about your connection. If you do not know what connection type to use after reading this help, contact your administrator.
Types of connections
These are the ways you can connect to a FirstClass server:
• local network
Your computer is plugged into a high-performance local area network (LAN) that allows you to communicate with any other computer within the network. This is the most common method for people connecting from medium- to large-sized businesses. You may also hear the term TCP/IP applied to this type of connection.
• Internet
Your computer connects to the server through the Internet. There are several levels of Internet connections:
• high-speed Internet
An Internet connection that is fast and causes few problems. It may use a cable or DSL modem.
• Internet
A basic Internet connection that is not always reliable (you get errors and disconnects).
• dialup Internet.
A connection that dials up to connect to the Internet.
• modem
Your computer connects directly to the server through a modem. The modem used by your computer uses a telephone line to communicate with a modem at the server site. There are several types of modem connections, including ISDN and Comm Toolbox. You may also hear the term TAPI for your type of connection. Modem connections are not applicable to Mac OS X.
• AppleTalk
This is a form of LAN used in the Mac OS environment.
• IPX.
This is a form of LAN used in the Windows environment.
Where information is saved
Depending on your connection type, when you configure a connection, you supply information on one or two forms: the Service Setup form and the configuration form.
The Service Setup form contains information such as the server address. This information is stored in your settings file.
The configuration form contains information about your connection protocol (how your computer connects to the server). This information is stored in the appropriate .fcp file. There is one .fcp file for each connection protocol. Normally, all settings files that use the same connection protocol obtain their connection information from the same .fcp file. The .fcp files are located in FirstClass' FCP folder.
Connections supported by default
By default, only local network and Internet connections are supported by the FirstClass client. If you want to use AppleTalk, IPX, or a modem connection, you must install files that support your protocol. These files are available for download from the Conferences/Software Libraries section of FirstClass Online or the Downloads section of our web site.
Download the appropriate .fcp file to the FCP folder inside the FirstClass application folder.
If you are going to use a modem, you must also download the appropriate modem file (.mdm) to FirstClass' Modems folder.
If you want different behaviors for the same protocol
When you configure a connection, you are updating the .fcp file that is used for all connections using this protocol (for example, all modem connections).
If you want to make a change that only applies to one settings file, and not to others that use the same .fcp file, you can create a new .fcp file. To do this, create a duplicate of the applicable .fcp file in FirstClass' FCP folder, then name the duplicate, using the extension .fcp.
Example
You have a modem connection for which you want the speaker on for some systems, but off for others. You copy MODEM.FCP and rename the duplicate QUIET.FCP to accommodate turning the speaker off. Then you can create a new settings file that uses QUIET.FCP, or just change the selection as necessary when you log in.
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