Intranet and Internet Access

First you need either a network cable that connects to a hub nearby (or for a very few people there may be a wireless / wifi connection available). If you don’t have a network cable coming into your flat then contact RIC.

To connect to the network using a network cable and use the Internet, connect the cable into your computer(or other device)’s ethernet port. Set the computer’s local area network settings to automatic (both for IP address and DNS). You should see a green light where the cable connects into the computer.

Here are instructions on setting up Windows XP to use DHCP: http://sonic.net/support/ss/windows/xp/xp_general/dhcp_settings.shtml

The computer should automatically get an IP address in the range 192.168.4.x, a netmask of 255.255.248.0, a gateway of 192.168.1.3 and DNS of 192.168.1.3 and Internet access should work. You can check these settings in Windows XP using Start → Control Panel → Network Connections → Local Area Connection → Support; you need to additionally choose Details to see the DNS setting. If your computer gets any addresses other than these then something is not right.

Go to any page on the web with your browser and you’ll be redirected to our login page where you must enter your account details to get Internet access.

Provide RIC with an email address, a password and payment and you’ll receive an account to login with for Internet access. Information is provided on the page you’re redirected to on how to do this, or see the Paying page.

Use the Troubleshooting Network Issues page to help if you’re having problems.

Sending Email

If you use a dedicated Email program on your computer, such as Mozilla Thunderbird, you can use Zen Internet’s SMTP server to send your email out. To do so, set your email program’s ‘SMTP server’ setting to mailhost.zen.co.uk.