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Q. How do members connect to the AEIN online service?
A. Members can access the AEIN using their existing Internet Service Providers or LAN-based Internet connections. Dial-up, DSL and cable may all be used.
Q. How can I easily remember the AEIN's name?
A. Think of the first three vowels in the alphabet, followed by "N", which stands for Network. The last two letters are in the word "InterNet" as well.
Q. What is the risk of viruses when using the AEIN?
A. Users are far less likely to get viruses on their computers by using the AEIN, in comparison to a web browser. Unlike AEIN pages, webpages can contain viruses that are activated just by visiting them. Even reputable websites are sometimes affected by this (through third-party advertisements).
ENVIRONMENT
Q. How does the AEIN reduce its environmental impact?
A. The AEIN's efficient system decreases power consumption both at the server and personal computer. Much of the content is created using low-wattage computers and monitors.
Q. How does the AEIN save electricity?
A. It saves power both on your computer and at the hosting server by: not showing advertisements, capping the size of each page, offering all file downloads in compressed ZIP format, and very seldom reading/writing to your computer's hard drive (only when starting and exiting).
HARDWARE, SOFTWARE
Q. What operating systems can run the AEIN access software?
A. Windows 95 through XP, DOS 3.2 (and up), or DeskMate 3.x. It has not been tested under Windows NT or Vista. Compatibility with 95, 98, 2000, ME and XP has been confirmed. As with many computer programs and accessories, it is generally not compatible with Windows 7. However, a few Windows 7 users have experienced success using it.
Q. Why do some computers with DOS or DeskMate need to be rebooted to run the AEIN Access Software a second time?
A. This issue was thoroughly investigated in 2012. The code of DMAEIN/DOSAEIN was compared to that of GEMCIS, a small but similar Internet application for the GEM graphical user interface. It uses the same exact process and methods to communicate with the server
and open/close sockets, yet it runs repeatedly without any need to reboot. AEIN non-Internet DeskMate applications and WINAEIN (for Windows) also run repeatedly without any problem. Apparently this problem is caused by a conflict between certain packet drivers and the way the DeskMate interface handles memory. There is no solution but to reboot when
running it more than once (or use the Windows version instead).
Q. Is there a detailed list of system requirements?
A. Yes; Windows computers only have to meet the requirements for Windows itself, aside from having a modem or network card. DOS and DeskMate users may have EGA, VGA or TGA graphics. Any processor will work. The DOS and DeskMate versions may not work with some ISPs on 286 and earlier computers; it is easier to set up with a LAN on these systems.
Q. Is the AEIN easy to use with or without a mouse?
A. Yes. There are multiple ways to accomplish most functions. Whether you are logging in, scrolling through pages, viewing an image, or visiting "Related Pages" (the AEIN's equivalent of links), there are easy ways to do this with or without a mouse installed.
Q. What speed Internet connection can I use to access the AEIN?
A. Just about any connection will work, including dial-up, DSL, LAN, and cable. We recommend a minimum connection speed of 9.6kbps, but this is not a requirement. The AEIN page LOW-SPEED has tips for using the service on very slow connections and pre-1996 modems.
Q. Is it possible to use the AEIN without a hard drive?
A. Yes; you should be able to run the DeskMate and DOS versions entirely from a floppy or Zip disk. The program takes longer to open and close, but it will remain just as fast otherwise. You can use the AEIN Access Software for Windows on such a disk, but will still need to have Windows installed on the hard disk drive.