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Internet connection and troubleshooting
Learn about common ways to connect to the Internet. The DNS issues section below applies to all three types.
Ethernet connection from cable modem, DSL, or LAN
These articles explain how to connect to the Internet or troubleshoot your service if you have a cable modem, digital subscriber line (DSL), or a local area network (LAN). You use your computer’s Ethernet port or an AirPort base station to connect to these services.
Wi-Fi (wireless) connection
Learn about setting up, using, and troubleshooting a Wi-Fi Internet connection in these articles:
PPP over Ethernet (PPPoE)
Use these articles if your cable or DSL Internet service provider requires you to connect to the Internet using PPPoE.
DNS issues – “Server Could Not Be Found”, webpages load slowly
DNS-related alert messages
It’s possible to successfully connect to the Internet but not be able to load webpages or do other things that use the Internet. You may see messages such as:
“The server could not be found.”
“The specified server could not be found.”
“A connection failure has occurred.”
“Connection attempt failed.”
“Name servers not responding.”
Delay before connection
In some cases, webpages might load, but you have to wait quite a bit before they do. This could be caused by DNS issues.
The domain name system (DNS) server, which is provided by your Internet service provider or network administrator, translates names like “www.apple.com” to their numerical IP addresses. For more information, see these articles:
Troubleshooting web browser issues
If your web browser can connect to the Internet but has other issues, such as quitting unexpectedly or becoming unresponsive (“freezing”) there are other steps[1] you can try.
Setting up Mail
You can read all about setting up Mail[2], the email application included with Mac OS X.
Creating a small network
You can create a simple Ethernet network[3] for your home or office, including a wireless network based on AirPort.
File Sharing
Read the Mac 101: File sharing[4] to learn about sharing with other Macs. Mac OS X also offers a number of ways to share with other platforms; see Mac OS X: Sharing your files with non-Apple computers[5].
Using your computer in different locations
If you use your computer in different locations[6], at home and school, for example, you can easily set up your Internet connections to match your locations and port configurations[7].
Setting Internet preferences
Set preferences within Internet applications. See Mac OS X: How to change the default web browser or email application[8].
Learn more
PPP (dial up)
PPP is also known as “dial-up” or “plain old telephone service (POTS)”. These articles apply if you access the Internet by using a modem and analog telephone line. Learn how to connect to the Internet or troubleshoot your service:
Connecting to the Internet via PPP and a compatible GPRS mobile telephone
See Macintosh: How to Connect to the Internet Using a GPRS Mobile Telephone[9].
Unexpected PPP dial-up?
If your computer automatically connects to the Internet when you do not expect or want it to, see these articles:
Mac OS X: How to Disable or Enable Automatic Modem (PPP) Connections
Mac OS X: Some Services Cause Modem Connection During Startup[10][11]
References
^ other steps (support.apple.com)
^ setting up Mail (support.apple.com)
^ Ethernet network (support.apple.com)
^ Mac 101: File sharing (support.apple.com)
^ Mac OS X: Sharing your files with non-Apple computers (support.apple.com)
^ different locations (support.apple.com)
^ port configurations (support.apple.com)
^ Mac OS X: How to change the default web browser or email application (support.apple.com)
^ Macintosh: How to Connect to the Internet Using a GPRS Mobile Telephone (support.apple.com)
^ Mac OS X: How to Disable or Enable Automatic Modem (PPP) Connections (support.apple.com)
^ Mac OS X: Some Services Cause Modem Connection During Startup (support.apple.com)
Link:
Solutions for connecting to the Internet, setting up a small network, and troubleshooting