FAQs

Q. 1a. How is my usage metered?
A. The lease for internet connections while at the the location allows for unlimited use during the lease period. There is no traffic charges or excess usage charges. Remember, you lease ends as of check-out time, the last day of your lease period. Please review your lease receipt to confirm the ending date.

Q. 1b. How much does the service cost?
A.Lease rates vary from location to location. Guests at our hotel locations can expect to pay less than $10.00 per night. Tenants at our multi-unit dwelling locations can expect less than $30.00 per month.

Q. 1c. Do I need to specifically request an internet room?
A. Yes. Our goal is to have each room wired for service. Some of our locations have wireless & cable tv connectivity. Please confirm with the agent when making your reservations.

Q. 1d. Is equipment available to use?
A.Typically yes. Check with the front desk. The front desk should have ample browser workstations which allow you to enjoy the internet using our equipment for a nominal fee.

Q. 1e. I have other locations I would like to use Pack-Trix. What should I mention to the staff?
A.You can either ask the staff of the location to contact Share-a-Net directly OR you can enter it as an on-line incident at our internet site. Click Here. Thank you for thinking of Share-a-Net.

Q. 1f. Are any isites restricted from my usage while using Pack-Trix?
A.No. We do not restrict access by content, site name or media type.

Q. 1g. Can I listen to audio music or watch streaming video?
A.Yes. There are no restrictions to media type while using Pack-Trix.

Q. 1h. Can I use e-mail while using the service?
A.Yes. You may either use the e-mail client installed on your equipment OR use any browser based e-mail service such as Yahoo, HotMail or your own web-based e-mail service. You may connect to any POP3 or IMAP4 mail server accessible on the internet from your location.

2. Guest Questions - Prior to Arrival

Q. 2a. What equipment works with the system?
A. Any IBM compatible PC or Macintosh.

Q. 2b. What Operating Systems can be used?
A.Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000, ME, CE, Mac OS or LINUX

Q. 2c. What do I need to bring with me?
A.Ensure you bring an ethernet card (either an add-on card, PCMCIA adapter or embedded) and patch cord. You should also ensure the TCP/IP protocol is installed.

Q. 2d. How can I ensure my ethernet card is working correctly?
A.Windows 95 & 98 - Check Control Panel, System. Ensure the ethernet adapter appears in the Network Adapter Group. It should NOT have a yellow exclamation point (!) on the entry. Windows NT - The adapter should be listed on the Adapters tab of Control Panel, Network. There should not be any error entries relating to the ethernet adapter in the Event Viewer. Linux - Type /sbin/ifconfig. The adapter should be listed as eth0 and contain a hardware address.

Q. 2e. What settings can I verify before arriving on my computer?
A.Change the TCP/IP protocol to 'obtain' a network address. All other entries are setup automatically upon arrival.

3. Guest Questions - On Site

Q. 3a. Where do I attach my equipment in the room?
A.Either connect your patch cord to the wall jack or the base of the guest phone.

Q. 3b. Who can help me if I have trouble?
A.Questions regarding billing or location of the jack should be directed to the hotel's staff. Technical questions or questions regarding the service should be directed to Share-a-Net. Click here.

Q. 3c. What is the procedure for getting started?
A.Ensure your system is set to 'obtain' an address from the network by using the control panel. Attach you patch cord to the computer and the other end to the internet jack. Turn on the computer. Type 'start' or 'start.share-a-net.net' in the browser address field. You will be directed to the central website.

Q. 3d. What is a link light and why is it glowing?
A.A link light can be found on the adapter and typically glows green. This indicator means that the wiring is correct and both ends of the connection are valid. You should check for loose connections if you do not see a valid link light on the ethernet adapter.

Q. 3e. What is the purpose of typing 'start' at the browser address prompt?
A.This entry ponts your browser to the hotel web server. You can then review content on this server. After activating your activation, you can move anywhere else on the internet.

4. Troubleshooting Tips

Q. 4a. My system will not power up. What now?
A. Carefully ensure the system is plugged into an ordinary wall outlet. Look for power cables not pushed in all the way. You should may also test the outlet by plugging another appliance into the outlet.

Q. 4b. My system has power but my system will not boot. What now?
A.Please contact your typical support channels to resolve this problem. Due to so many system variations, we cannot support this instance. You will not be billed for your internet lease because it was not activated.

Q. 4c. What is my browser?
A.A browser is you tool to view the internet. Typically, a browser is named Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer.

Q. 4d. How do I start the browser?
A.Either click on the browser icon on the desktop or choose the program by clicking, Start, Programs, Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator.

Q. 4e. My system will not go anywhere on the internet. What is wrong?
A.If you can type 'start' or 'start.share-a-net.net' and view the in-house web pages, your lease is not activated. If you cannot view pages, ensure you have a link light on your adapter and your network settings are set to 'obtain' an internet address. Finally, confirm your machine was assigned a valid network address - click on Start, Run & type 'wincfg'. You should have a valid internet address starting with '172.17' in the field IP Address. If you do not see this, re-check the obtain network address setting in the control panel, network applet. If the setting is set to 'obtain' and you are still able to view the network, contact our help desk. Click here.

Q. 4f. Nothing comes up on my browser screen, when I type 'start'.
A.If you cannot view pages, ensure you have a link light on your adapter and your network settings are set to 'obtain' an internet address. Finally, confirm your machine was assigned a valid network address - click on Start, Run & type 'wincfg'. You should have a valid internet address starting with '172.17' in the field IP Address. If you do not see this, re-check the obtain network address setting in the control panel, network applet. If the setting is set to 'obtain' and you are still able to view the network, contact our help desk. Click here.

Q. 4g. I have tried both 'start' & 'start.share-a-net.net' at the browser address line - still nothing comes up. What is wrong?
A.If you cannot view pages, ensure you have a link light on your adapter and your network settings are set to 'obtain' an internet address. Finally, confirm your machine was assigned a valid network address - click on Start, Run & type 'wincfg'. You should have a valid internet address starting with '172.17' in the field IP Address. If you do not see this, re-check the obtain network address setting in the control panel, network applet. Next, try to ping the in-house server by typing "ping 172.17.0.1" at the MS-DOS prompt. If you are not seeing replies from the server, you need to re-check your cable connections and ensure you ethernet adapter is working. If all the settings appear to be correct and your network address is set to 'obtain' and you are still able to view the network, contact our help desk. Click here.

Q. 4h. I am not sure what 'ping' means in 4g. How do I ping the main server?
A.Ping is a universal command that ensures end-to-end connectivity to a remote system. Ping is used by entering the MS-DOS prompt and typing ping followed by the internet address. Try 'ping 127.17.0.1'. If you see replies from the server, you cabling is good and you system can communicate with the server.

Q. 4i. I have no link light. What is wrong?
A.Check the cable on both ends to ensure a good fit in the connetor. Also, the dongle may be loose on a PCMCIA ethernet adapter. Your patch cord may be severed or broken. Try using another patch cord.