This example assumes that you are signing up with the bulletin board service DELPHI. DELPHI has no commercial relationship with the author. It was chosen for an example because its rates are typical of the low end of the market, it offers nationwide service, it includes afterhours access by SprintNet in its basic fee, and because at this time it offers 5 free hours of Internet access to new subscribers.
You should definitely consider other providers. You can get information about other providers once you're on the Internet. In fact, that will be one of your first steps below.
1. Set your modem to 2400 (or 1200) baud, 8 bits, NO parity, 1 stop bit, full duplex, local echo and auto linefeeds off, XON/XOFF on, VT100 emulation. (see the manual for your modem, the manual for your communications software, and Appendix A if you need help)
Don't worry if some of the options are missing. Usually, for example, full duplex implies local echo off and vice versa, so your software may not list these as separate options.
2. Use your communications software to issue (or type directly to your modem) the command ATDT 1 800 365 4656. If you have a pulse-dial phone your will use ATDP instead of ATDT.
3. DELPHI will give you explicit instructions, but for reference they will look like this:
A. Make sure it is after 6 or 7 p.m. or on a weekend—unless you
want a $9 surcharge for daytime access.
B. Dial your local SprintNet access number (local call!): ATDT 123
4567.
C. After "CONNECT 2400", type @D ("D" must be capital)
D. After "terminal=" type <CR>, i.e. carriage return.