to set up mindspring, follow the following the instructions, mom.

Double-click My Computer.
Double-click Dial-Up Networking.
  • If you already have one Dial-Up connection, click New Connection.
  • If you have never run Dial-up networking before, double-click "Dial-Up Networking Wizard".

 
Type in the name of your provider for the name of the computer you want to connect to. For example, "Mindspring" or just "Mom's Connection".
  • Click Next.

 
  • Type the phone number for your local provider access point.
  • Click Next.
  • Click Finish.

 
  • Single-click the newly created dial-up icon with the right mouse button, and select Properties.

 
In the Phone Number section, make sure the Use Country Code and Area Code options are checked and you have entered your area code. This is necessary if you want to use the Disable Call Waiting option. However, if your ISP phone number has a different area code than you but it is still a local call, you will have to deselect the Use Country Code and Area Code boxes and enter your number preceded by the area code and call waiting disabling sequence into the phone pumber box. For example, *70,(123) 234-4567 allows you to disable call waiting and dial without a "1" in front of the area code.
  • Click Server Type.
  • The Type of Dial-Up Server should be set to "PPP: Windows95, Windows98, WindowsNT 3.5, Internet"
  • In the Advanced Options section, make sure that:
    • Enable Software Compression is checked.
    • "Log On to Network" is checked.
    • Require Encrypted Password is not checked.
    TCP/IP should be the only protocol enabled. Disable IPX and NetBUEI.
  • Select TCP/IP Settings.

 
  • Make sure Server Assigned IP Address is selected, unless your provider gives you a static IP address. In this case, type in the number provided by your ISP.
  • Make sure Specify Name Server Addresses is selected.
  • Put in the DNS Server IP Addresses provided by your ISP (mom, just type the numbers I have here). Leave the Primary and Secondary WINS configuration at 0.0.0.0
  • Use IP Header Compression should be checked.
  • "Use Default Gateway on Remote Network" should be checked.
  • Click OK twice.

 
you are finished! just double click on your new dial-up connection and sign on.