What are the Fuse access numbers and general settings?

Fuse Account Information

User Name: Established when you signed up for Fuse, also known as Account Name
Email Address: yourusername@fuse.net
Webpage: http://home.fuse.net/yourusername

Email & Browser Settings

SMTP Server: smtp.fuse.net
POP3 Server: pop.fuse.net

Name Server Addresses
Primary DNS: 216.68.1.100
Secondary DNS: 216.68.2.100

Dial-Up

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What are pop-ups, adware, and spyware?

What are these annoying windows that keep appearing on your screen, sometimes when you aren't even surfing? We know how frustrating it can be to try and surf only to be bombarded by windows opening from sites you've never heard of. Even worse, you return to your computer when you haven't been surfing only to find your screen littered with ads.

On a related note, would you like to know why your home page got changed to weirdowebsite.com? It's another form of unsolicited advertising that plagues the Net - Start or Home page hijacking.

We strive to provide information, products and services that make your Internet experience as pleasant as possible. The information below provides an explanation of the various forms of unsolicited advertising to help you understand what they are and basic instructions to close the windows when they appear.

Pop-up Advertising: Pop-up ads open a new window when people visit many popular Web sites. More often than not, pop-ups seem to occur randomly for sites you've never visited. Your screen becomes littered with multiple windows while you are surfing or sometimes even when you aren't. The theory is that advertisers hope you will visit the promoted Web page by clicking anywhere on the window.

There's also a new feature that may make it more difficult for you to avoid pop-ups. Advertisers are now using a technique called "kick through". You may be directed to another web site by moving your cursor across the pop-up ad - no clicking is necessary.

If you encounter a pop-up, close the window by clicking the X box located in the top corner of the window or use your mouse and right-click the URL in your task bar located at the bottom of your screen and click Close.

Pop-Unders: Very Similar to Pop-ups, pop-unders open a pop-behind or pop-under window that loads a new web page containing the advertising behind the page you are currently viewing. Many marketing sites claim this method of advertising is less annoying than a pop-up window.

If you encounter a pop-under, the method for closing it is the same as with pop-ups. Close the window by clicking the X box located in the top corner of the window or use your mouse and right-click the URL in your task bar located at the bottom of your screen and click Close.

Adware: Adware is commonly found within free programs that you might download from the Net such as music players, helpful utilities and the like. When you download that Free utility or program, you may download code that the software authors hide within the program to deliver ads. These are those pop-up ads that appear when you aren't even surfing, you may be on one web site for a lengthy period of time but the pop-ups and banners keep "magically" appearing. The justification for adware is that it helps software authors recover the development cost and helps to hold down the cost for the user - thus the Free software.

NOTE: Please be aware that not all software, free or otherwise, contains adware.

Adware differs from pop-ups and pop-unders because software is being downloaded to your computer and you may not even know it. Many adware programs track your surfing habits and display random web sites that are geared toward your surfing interests. Sometimes the programs that are downloaded are so difficult to find, it's virtually impossible to remove them from your computer.

NOTE: Please be aware that not all software, free or otherwise contains adware.

To avoid Adware, make sure you carefully read the license agreement for all products you download and pay special attention to the privacy policies of the company. When an ad opens on your screen, close the window by clicking the X box located in the top corner of the window or use your mouse and right-click the URL in your task bar located at the bottom of your screen and click Close.

Spyware: While Adware is often criticized for installing code that tracks your surfing habits, Spyware takes that one step further. Spyware is installed on your computer in the same manner as Adware, it's embedded within the code from some software you download. Where spyware differs from adware is that it secretly gathers information about you and sends it to advertisers or other interested parties, often without your knowledge or your consent. And yes, software can be both adware and spyware at the same time. Both of these forms of aggressive marketing have prompted loud outcries from computer security and privacy advocates.

NOTE: Please be aware that not all software, free or otherwise, contains spyware.

To avoid spyware, make sure you carefully read the license agreement for all products you download and pay special attention to the privacy policies of the company. When an ad opens on your screen, close the window by clicking the X box located in the top corner of the window or use your mouse and right-click the URL in your task bar located at the bottom of your screen and click Close.

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How do I install Fuse?

If you HAVE the Fuse Installation CD Insert the Fuse Installation CD into your PC and follow the onscreen instructions. When asked if this is a new installation or a reinstallation, select New Installation. If given a Fuse username and password by a Cincinnati Bell representative, enter this information when prompted.  Otherwise, the Installation CD will guide you through the account creation process. Once your account is established, the Installation CD will walk you through the rest installation process and you will be online in no time.

If you DO NOT HAVE a Fuse Installation CD If you are not already a Fuse Subscriber, you will first need to establish a Fuse account. To do so, you have three choices. Use our online instant registration process. Speak with one of our customer service representatives by calling 1.800.FUSE.NET® (1.800.387.3638). Visit any Store@Cincinnati Bell location to pick up the Fuse Installation CD. If you place your order online or over the phone, an Installation CD will be shipped to your home.  Once you have the Installation CD in hand, follow the directions above to install Fuse.  If you would rather not wait for the Installation CD to arrive, you can set up Fuse manually once you have established your account.  Learn to install Fuse without the Fuse Installation CD. NOTE:  Fuse strongly recommends use of the Installation CD. It includes everything you need to install Fuse and get the most out of your Internet experience.

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Installing Fuse on Windows 2000

Installing Fuse requires two processes.  First, you configure your computer's dial-up networking settings to access Fuse.  Then, configure your browser for Fuse.  Follow the links below to learn how to set up your computer and browser for Fuse.

1. Change Your Dial-Up Networking Settings
   
   
2. Change Your Browser Settings

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Change Your Dial-Up Networking Settings Note:  These instructions will also help you configure your Internet browser and email settings.   You will not have to complete Part Two for Windows 2000. Double-click the My Computer icon. Double-click the Control Panel folder in the My Computer window. Double-click the Network and Dial-Up Connections icon in the Control Panel window. Double-click the Make New Connection icon. The Network Connection Wizard will automatically launch.  Click Next. Click the Dial-up to the Internet radio button Click Next. The Internet Connection Wizard will automatically open.  Click the I want to set up my Internet connection manually radio button. Click Next. Click the I connect through a phone line and a modem radio button . Click Next. Check that the Area code field contains the area code for your Fuse telephone number: For Greater Cincinnati and Oxford, Ohio: 513 For Dayton, Ohio: 937 If the Area code field does not contain the area code for your Fuse telephone number, type it in the field. Type your Fuse telephone number in the Telephone number field: Main Number: Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky (preferred, v.90 & k56kflex) 513-651-3873 Dayton, Ohio 937-910-1089 Oxford, Ohio 513-942-4873 Springfield, Ohio 937-460-9100 800 Toll Access NOTE: This number will cost 10 cents per minute, and cannot be used if you are dialing FROM 513, 812 or 859 area codes. 800-496-3873 Click Next. Type your Fuse User Name in the User name field. Tab to the Password field and type your Fuse password (see image below for Steps 15 and 16).   Your Fuse password should be between 6 and 20 characters and should contain at least one numeric character. Click Next. Type a name for your Fuse dial-up connection in the Connection name field. Click Next. Click the Yes radio button. Click Next. Click the Create a new Internet mail account radio button. Click Next. Type your first and last name in the Display name field.  This name will appear in the From field of emails you send. Click Next. Type your Fuse email address in the email address field Click Next. Check that POP3 appears in the drop-down selection field. If it does not appear, click the arrow to the right of the field and click POP3 Type pop.fuse.net in the Incoming mail (POP3, IMAP or HTTP) server field. Tab to the Outgoing mail (SMTP) server field and type smtp.fuse.net Click Next. Type your Fuse User Name without the @fuse.net extension in the Account name field. Tab to the Password field and type your Fuse password Click the Remember password checkbox if you want your password remembered for you each time you log on. Note:  If this box is checked, anyone who logs on to Fuse with your Fuse User Name will be able to use this account. Click Next. If you do not want to connect to the Internet at this time, click the checkbox to deselect it. If you want to connect to the Internet at this time, make sure the checkbox is selected. Click Finish. Congratulations, you have created a dial-up account and configured Internet and email settings for Fuse.   You do not have to complete Part Two.

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How do I contact Fuse technical support?

Fuse Technical Support:1-800-FUSE-NET(1-800-387-3638)
ZoomTown Technical Support: (513) 397-HELP.
T1 Access, Frame Relay, Dedicated ISDN, Dedicated Fuse and LAN Advantage: (513) 397-7855.

Support hours are 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 Midnight, 7 days a week

For e-mail support click here.

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How do I locate the browsers installed on my computer?

To locate the browsers installed on your computer using Windows XP:

• click on the Start Button in the bottom left corner of your screen.
• choose All Programs
• two of the most popular browsers, Internet Explorer & Firefox, will be visible in this menu
• simply click the browser of your choice to access the Internet

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How can I reduce and/or report SPAM?

Spam can be reduced by a few simple steps:

1. Do not give your email address to any site that you do not recognize as a reputable site.
2. Use Anti-Virus software to keep your computer from being used to send email without your knowledge
3. Read all forms and software agreements prior to agreeing to them.
4. Do not enter your email address in an online forum in an easily recognizable format (ie. bob@connection.net). Try to avoid entering your address as much as possible, when necessary enter your address in an unusual format such as "I am bob on connection.net".
5. Report any spam in your mail box by retrieving the header information and sending it to spam@fuse.net Email headers are the routing information for each email. They contain signatures and timestamps from each server through which the email passed.
6. Do not reply to links to unsubscribe. This confirms your email address and may result in more spam.

You can report spam from your ZoomTown or Fuse webmail account.

1. Click on the check boxes next to the emails that you consider to be spam
2. Click on the Report Spam button

To report spam from an email client, such as Outlook Express:

1. Compose an email to spam@fuse.net
2. Copy the header information from the spam email into the body of the email that will be sent to spam@fuse.net (to obtain the email headers, consult the help file of your email program)
3. Upon receipt the information in the email will be reviewed for inclusion in our spam filters. Please note: this does not mean we will always be able to update the filters on a single report. Due to the methods used by spammers, several examples may be required.

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Why can I not access secure sites such as my bank?

Secure sites require your browser to support specific levels of encryption. A secure site can be identified by the URL in the address bar. If the URL begins with https: instead of http: the site is 'secure'. In order for your browser to work on sites such as your bank, you must be using the latest version of your browser.

Get the latest version of Internet Explorer and FireFox now.

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