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First Class Sign-up
(Updated Jan 2007) by Dave Peck

 

The Miniapples First Class BBS is intended for Miniapples Members.


If your not a member please see our Membership Page. However, if you'd like to take a look as a guest, you can do so with your web browser. Please see the Guest Sign-On Part 1. However Guest Sign-On is so restrictive, you may not find it worth the effort. The Guest Sign-On page does show a graphic of the First Class desktop and how folders are organized, but no messages can be read.

It's easy for members to register and sign on. This article is divided into four parts. Guest Sign on is just to see how the FC desktop is organized. Part 2 is for experienced users. Part 3 and 4 are for novice users. Part 3 is for browser access only and Part 4 is for installing the FC client. Browser access is less work but the FC Client offers more options. As a new user pick one method or the other to sign on to the FC Bulletin Board.

  • Part 1- Guest Sign On via Web Browser- If your a member don't bother.
  • Part 2- Quick Version for Experienced Users to access the First Class Bulletin Board (BBS).
  • Part 3- Novice Instructions for Browser Access of the Miniapples First Class BBS (Safari, Netscape, or Firefox). No software installation is required!
  • Part 4- First Class Client Verbose Instructions to install FC Client for BBS access..


Part 1- Guest Sign on via Web Browser

To sign on to the Miniapples BBS as a guest via your web browser (Safari, Firefox, Netscape), click the Bulletin Board icon. A window will appear asking for "User Name" and "Password". The logon url is http://miniapples.swconsulting.com/login/ .

There is really not too much to see as access is so restricted.

  • User Name- guest
  • Password- leave blank

 

 

 

 

Part 2- Quick Version for Experienced Users to sign-on to the First Class Bulletin Board

  • Name and Password- Request a user name and password by using this link and follow the instructions. The blank spaces for the user name and password are for you to request them. If for some reason this link is not working, as a backup use the Minneapples FC Registration Form or email: miniapples@mac.com.
    • Note: it can take 24-48 hours for your info to be registered after requesting it. You will not be able to connect until the board admin has activated your account.


      * Decide to use Browser access or to install the First Class software.

  • Browser Access- First Class Software does not have to be installed for browser access of the BBS.
    • Tip for Web Access- When accessing First Class with a Web Browser, make sure you log off when your finished. Don't just leave. Otherwise your session stays active and ties up one of the session slots until you run out of time (currently 45 min).

  • First Class Software- download and install.
    • Download from http://homepage.mac.com/miniapple , select Public Miniapples Files and choose the version of FC that you need. Or download FC directly from Centrinity.
    • Install: Run the installer.
    • Setup:
      • Under the Collaborate Menu select home.fc Setup.
      • Connect Via: Local Network.fcp if using a router/hub or TCP/IP if connected directly to internet.
      • User ID: Your user name
      • Password: Your password
      • Log in automatically: check (optional)
      • Server: miniapples.swconsulting.com
      • Leave other windows blank.


Part 3- Novice Instructions for Browser Access of the Miniapples First Class BBS (Safari, Netscape, or Firefox).

Accessing the Miniapples First Class BBS with a Browser is the easiest choice but offers less options..

Obtain a User Name and Password:

  • Request a user name and password by using this link and follow the instructions. The blank spaces for the user name and password are for you to request them. If for some reason this link is not working, as a backup use the Minneapples FC Registration Form or email: miniapples@mac.com. Note it can take 24-48 hours for your info to be registered after requesting it.
  • If you used the old TCI First Class BBS, try signing on with your old User ID and your member number as the password.
Follow these steps to sign on:
  • Web Sign-On- Log In to the Miniapples First Class BBS at http://miniapples.swconsulting.com/login/
  • Fill in your User ID and Password. If you are registered, the First Class desktop will appear. If not registered, access will be denied.
  • If it has been several days and access is denied, contact Miniapples at miniapples@mac.com for help.
  • Tip for Web Access- When accessing First Class with a Web Browser, make sure you log off when your finished. Don't just leave. Otherwise your session stays active and ties up one of the session slots until you run out of time (currently 45 min).

Part 4- First Class Client Verbose Instructions for installation.
These steps install the First Class Client Application on your computer. This section may look complicated, but it's not. After obtaining a user name and password, the only steps required to configure FC are to select the connection method, enter the IP address, your User ID and Password. Then connect. That's basically it.

Step 1 Request User Name and Password:

  • Request a user name and password by using this link and follow the instructions. The blank spaces for the user name and password are for you to request them. Be sure to write them down.
    • Note: it can take 24-48 hours for your info to be registered after requesting it. You will not be able to connect until the board admin has activated your account.
    • If this link is not working, as a backup use the Minneapples FC Registration Form or email: miniapples@mac.com.
  • If you used the old TCI First Class BBS, try signing on with your old User ID and your member number as the password.

Step 2 Download the First Class Client:

  • Download the First Class file from Miniapple's iTools Web Page http://homepage.mac.com/miniapples/. Click on the Public mini'app'les File link on the top of the page. On the new page that appears pick the version of First Class you want and press the download icon.
  • MacOSX versus Mac OS9-
    • Mac Users using any Mac that is 3 years old or newer will need the MacOSX First Class version. Older machines using MacOS9 will download the MacOS 8-9 version. Place the contents of this file on your hard drive and launch First Class. No install process is required.
    • You will have to enter data into the Service Setup page. See the included Read-Me that comes with OS9 version of FC software and see the Service Setup below which describes the settings needed to connect.
  • Note: The First Class Client can also be downloaded directly from Centrinity and New Member CDs should also include the First Class client.

Step 3 MacOSX First Class Setup.

The Mac OSX version is a .dmg file. After download it will appear on your desktop in a window with an application labeled "Install First Class Client". Double click the application to install it on your Mac. By default it will go into your Mac's Applications folder. There is a good chance that First Class will launch at the completion of the installation. But if for some reason it does not, look on your desktop for a First Class icon or go the Applications folder, found in the finder under the Go pulldown menu.
Continue through each screen.
Easy Install


















Service Setup- The First Class Client Application will launch and this window should appear.
  • Connect via:
    • Local Network.fcp if connecting through hub/router.
    • TCP/IP if computer is connected to internet via dialup or cable/DSL modem.
  • User ID and Password:
    • New members- Sign-On with the user name and password you previously requested.
    • Note: it can take 24-48 hours for your info to be activated after registering.
  • Log In Automatically Set as desire.
  • Server Box: miniapples.swconsulting.com
  • Leave other boxes blank.
  • Hit the Save Button.





Launch First Class

  • If you selected Log IN Automatically the FC desktop should appear.
  • If you did not choose automatic login: This page will appear and remain until you select Login.
    • Address: it should say: home.fc.
    • Server window: miniapples.swconsulting.com
    • Register User: Select Registered, not Guest.
    • User ID and password you previously typed should appear. Although the password will be little black dots.
    • Login Button: Make sure you have an active internet connection and click the Login Button.

First Class Desktop
Finally the FC desktop should appear. Our setup may allow you to post messages immediately but if you can't, wait a day and try again (after the board administrator has registered you). If you can't post messages after a day or two, contact our board administrator by sending email to: miniapples@mac.com.

 

Welcome Aboard!










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