Using tracert.exe to test a connection

Using Outlook as a browser

Windows XP Firewall (Internet Connection Firewall)

Internet Explorer Problems

1. Use tracert.exe to test a connection
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'Tracert' means 'trace route'. It is a tcp/ip utility designed to show you the path a request for a web page makes. if the student is not getting a certain site, using 'tracert' may tell you where the problem is occurring, between the computer in question, and the final server for the requested site.

Tracert represents the route as a series of 'hops'. Each hop is a router that the request passes through on its way to the website in question. Tracert displays each router name as the request passes through it. if, at any point, the responses stop coming, it can be concluded that the router at that point is experiencing difficulties.

What this means for you is the following: If a student is having difficulty reaching a website, perform a tracert. if the request passes the SUCO default gateway (the router through which internal SUCO traffic passes through to the outside), then the problem is NOT with our network.

To perform a tracert:

- Go to Start > Run > type 'command'.
- At the prompt type tracert [website in question]. For instance: c:\>tracert www.espn.com
- You may also use the ip address of the site if you know what it is.
- Responses containing a router name indicate that the request has successfully passed through that router. The router is functional.
- Responses such as ' * * * * request timed out' indicate that the router at that hop is down or experiencing heavy use, or you have reached the destination, but you have hit its proxy server or firewall.

Screenshot

2. Using Outlook as a browser
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Outlook, the Microsoft E-mail and collaboration app, is also a full featured internet browser. In case IE decides to malfunction, you may check to see if OUtlook is on the computer. If so, youmay use it to get online and download IE from the MS website (or download Netscape as an alternate browser). Even through Outlook uses the IE engine to browse, it may not experience the same issues that the browser itself is having.

To use Outlook as a browser, simply enter the URL into the addres bar above the right-hand message pane.
Note: You may have to configure Outlook for SUCO e-mail if it hasn't already been configured. If Outlook has not been used, the wizard will open automatically. Use the folloing information to set it up:

- Incoming mail server: imap.oneonta.edu
- Outgoing mail server: smtp.oneonta.edu




3. Windows XP Firewall (Internet Connection Firewall)
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Windows XP has a built-in firewall to protect the system from hackers. it is known as Internet Connection Firewall (ICF). It provides some basic protection, such as disallowing certain forms of network traffic in order to ensure that an outside user cannot set up a session with the system, and perform malicious tasks.

- To enable the firewall, right click on My Network Places.
- Right click on 'Local Area Connection' and choose 'Properties'
- In the Local Area COnnection Properties dialog, choose the 'Advanced' tab.
- Check the box in the 'Internet Connection Firewall' section.
- To perform advanced configuration, click the 'Settings' button.

To see how ICF is configured, go through this flash simulation.

Always recommend the following to students: While ICF provides basic protection, they are better off with a dedicated firewall such as ZoneAlarm or Norton Internet Security. Correctly configured, such apps can provide good protection against hackers. The best choice is a hardware firewall which has no effect on system performance. or weaker systems, always recommend a hardware firewall.




4. Internet Explorer Problems

Internet Explorer Page (from Microsoft) | Internet Explorer Support Page (form Microsoft)




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