FIGURE H


Unlike a regular ping utility used by a system administrator, this one is used to hold a line open. Roll over picture for a larger image.

The first option is the ability to toggle on and off the ping utility. Below that small check box, there is a text box preceded by "Ping the host." This is where you enter the desired server to be pinged. It's not evident if the host must be a URL (meaning an address like the sample http://www.yahoo.com that's found in Keep Alive). It's also not clear if it would accept an IP address (this address is numerical; for example, 209.20.239.200).

The last option is where you select how many minutes separate each ping. You adjust this to suit the practices of your ISP; if they disconnect an inactive connection after ten minutes, then I recommend setting Keep Alive to nine minutes. My ISP is somewhere between ten and thirty minutes and, as I stated earlier, one good aspect of my local ISP is that they do not regularly disconnect you.

Advanced settings
The last tab is called Advanced and allows you to configure a few more useful settings.

If you require a script for authentication while dialing your ISP, you'll first need to write it with some sort of editor. Remember, the script must be written and saved as an ASCII text file. If you look at Figure I, you'll see that the first text box is Script Editor, located inside the box External Programs.

FIGURE I


You can set some minor additional settings using the Advanced option. Roll over picture for a larger image.

This is where you provide DialupMaster with the location of your desired script editor. You can either manually type it in or use the convenient ellipsis (...) button to open a file browser window to find it. I believe the default was associated with InkWriter, which I think is found on H/PC Professional systems. I had to change this as I am using a Windows CE 2.0 Philips Velo 500. Do take note of this when you first begin using the program, because leaving this as-is may lead to unnecessary frustration.

The other text box named "Window Name," found in the "Post Dial Terminal" box, simply allows you to edit the name of the terminal window. Most likely, you won't need to change this.

DialupMaster's a very powerful little tool that will save you a whole lot of time.