Please note. Contained here is just the basics of setting up IE4 and what some of its many options do, and how to solve common problems related to its use. IE4 and IE5 menus differ slightly, but any major differences will be mentioned.

IE4 and IE5 can be downloaded from http://www.microsoft.com or if your lucky enough to have a signup CD for your ISP it should be on there. Also if you have Win98 you may already be using it.

If you don't feel like spending up to an hour downloading IE4/IE5, have a look around your local shop. Many internet magazines have cover CDs which always contains the lastst programs.

Common Problems and Solutions

Screen shots below where taken from IE4.....

Access this screen via control panel or Load up IE and select ' View ' then
' Internet options '. The Security, content, and program tabs are easy to follow. The connect tab (next pic)

ADVANCED OPTION TAB:

Everything is easy to follow and this tab contains the options to disable cookies and more.

Ok the connection tab.

The ' Connect ' button starts up a connection wizard. For more details on how to connect to the net please read the connecting section on this site.

The ' Settings ' tab will take you to the screen below.

Proxy Server. Some ISPs allow you to connect via a proxy. When ever you ask for a web page the proxy gets the page and then passes it to your computer.
Now a common problem is if your using multiple ISP accounts. If you have your browser set up for say Freeserve's proxy, but then use another account you'll have problems. All you have to do is disable the proxy.

These settings are for my ISP, but should be fine with most other ISPs.

The ' Add ' tab will take allow you to add a new account, which is described in the connecting to the net section on this site.

The ' Properties ' tab takes you to the modem properties. Again see the connecting to the net section and choose the ' changing settings ' option.

The disconnect if idle is on by default and can cause a lot of headaches for new users. With the box ticked if nothing happens within the selected time the browser will tell you your connection is not in use and count down before disconnecting you unless you go back to using the connection. This is useful if you keep forgetting to disconnect from the net.

If you want the browser to prompt you for password before connecting. Tick the security check box.

The other options are easy to understand.

With IE5 you will connect to the internet with the screen pictured left. If you have more than one ISP you can select which one you want to use. Before if you used IE4 you would have to connect via dial-up networking, but not any more!