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| FAQ on Ending the SuffolkWeb Dial Access Service |
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| What is SuffolkNet and SuffolkWeb? |
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SuffolkNet, a text based Internet access service, was initiated in the spring of 1995. The SuffolkWeb graphical interface followed a few years later.
Although these programs were developed for the public libraries, a decision was made to incorporate dial access modems so that library users could access the Internet directly from their home. It was anticipated that library users would be introduced to the Internet and then move on to more advanced Internet providers. We believed that the dial access service would be in place for 5 or 6 years.
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| Why is SuffolkWeb dial access service being shutdown? |
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In 2001, we began to see a significant reduction in the use of the dial access modems. Today, nearly 90% of the accounts created over the years are inactive or have been deleted.
The hardware that supports this service is now 11 years old. It is no longer supported or maintained by Cisco. It is prohibitively expensive to replace the out-dated technology with new equipment.
Over the years, this program has been supported partially by Federal funds. These funds are no longer available.
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| For all of these reasons, the dial access modems will be turned off December 31, 2007 |
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This FAQ will assist you in making decisions on accessing the Internet in the future.
- Will I still be able to use my SuffolkWeb email account?
- Will I still be able to access SuffolkWeb Services and the Virtual Reference Collection?
- Will I still need a SuffolkWeb account?
- Yes, if you continue to use the email service.
- No, to access the Virtual Reference Collection online databases or other electronic products available through your library's homepage.
- What is going to replace my dialup Internet connection?
- What should I change on my computer?
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| Email |
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- Will I still be able to use my SuffolkWeb email account?
- Yes. Your SuffolkWeb email account will still be active.
- What will happen to my email on SuffolkWeb if I set up a new email account with a different provider?
- You will still be able to access your SuffolkWeb email using PINE, TWIG, Outlook Express or the provider’s email service.
- How can I connect directly to my SuffolkWeb email account?
- To connect to your account using the PINE text software, using your telnet software connect to: telnet://bookworm.suffolk.lib.ny.us:23/
- To connect to your account using the TWIG email viewer, using your Internet browser connect to: http://twig.suffolk.lib.ny.us
- To connect to your account using POP software such as Outlook Express, in your mail account, set:
- Servers
- Set Incoming mail (POP3) to pophost.suffolk.lib.ny.us
- Set Outgoing mail (SMTP) to the address of your provider's outgoing mail server address
- Connection
- Uncheck “Always connect to this account using”
- Advanced
- Uncheck “Leave a copy of messages on server”
- Click on Apply and then Close.
- Click Here for a review of Outlook Express settings.
- Can I have my SuffolkWeb email forwarded to a new email account?
- No. It is not possible to have your SuffolkWeb email forwarded to a new email account. However, you might want to search Google for an email forwarding service.
- How can I get my address book and mail folders if I get a new email account through a different Internet provider?
- Your SuffolkWeb email address and account are not affected. You can continue to access your mail with Outlook Express, Twig and Pine. It will only be necessary to consider transferring your address book and mail folders if you elect to create a new account for email
PINE Users
Because the format used for the address book in PINE is not standardized, it is very difficult to move the address book to another mail program. Click Here for suggestions on converting the Pine address book or it may be necessary to manually type the addresses into your new mail program.
Mail folders can be saved into a file and copied to your computer, but the resulting format will make the email messages difficult to read. Click Here for instructions. An alternative is to clear your SuffolkWeb INBOX, move messages from a folder into the INBOX, and then use a mail program such as Outlook Express to transfer the messages to your personal computer. Another alternative is to forward the messages you wish to keep to your new mail account.
Twig Users
Because the format used for address books is not standardized, it is very difficult to move the address book to another mail program. There is no method in Twig to download the address book. You will need to print out the essential information for each contact in your address book, and type the information into your new email account.
Mail folders cannot be transferred using Twig. The alternative is to clear your SuffolkWeb INBOX, move messages from a folder into the INBOX, and then use a mail program such as Outlook Express to transfer the messages to your computer. Another alternative is to forward the messages you wish to keep to your new mail account.
Outlook Express Users
Your address book and mail folders are on your computer and will not be impacted by changing to a different Internet provider.
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| Library Services |
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- Will I still be able to receive my library notices via email?
- Yes. If you are currently receiving notices from your library via email, the notices will still be sent to your SuffolkWeb email address. If you change your email address, you will need to notify the library of your new email address or change your email address yourself by connecting to your patron account through the library catalog
- Will I still be able to access the Virtual Reference Collection and other online services?
- Yes. You will still be able to access the Virtual Reference Collection and other online services by using the barcode on your library card for verification. You can connect to the Virtual Reference Collection through your library’s home page.
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| Service Providers |
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- How do I find another dial access Internet Service Provider?
- What is the approximate cost of a commercial dial access Internet Service Provider?
- Depending on the provider and the speed at which you want to connect, the monthly charge will range from $6.95 - $21.95.
- Are there other options for Internet access?
- All of the public libraries in Suffolk County provide Internet workstations. Most of the public libraries also have public wireless connections available. For a list of the libraries offering wireless connections, connect to http://www.suffolk.lib.ny.us/suffolklibs.php The public libraries are also beginning to develop partnerships with local businesses and community centers for wireless Internet access.
Suffolk County is planning a countywide broadband wireless network that would be available to all businesses and residents of the county. It is anticipated that significant progress will be made on this project by the end of 2007 when the SuffolkWeb modems are turned off.
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