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Nap · Sep 8, 2003, 10:32 AM

Ok, I searched the OSX threads and see nothing to answer my question. I am an old timer on the Mac and Apple ]] before it, but I can not figure out why OS X keeps trying to "call home." I run MacJanitor often enought that it should not need to do the "crons" on its own. But every so often when I try something new that has nothing to do with the internet, like search for a file when Sherlock is set to my HD volumes only, not the internet, it will rudely try to dial my internet provider. When I cancel that out it keeps trying to dial out again, until in disgust I boot back into OS9.2. It never says, "Hey, numbskull, you asked for more info and I'm just trying to get it," or anything in fact. If I let it connect me nothing happens. Color me perplexed..
This is on a 700mhz eMac running 10.1.5 occasionally but mostly OS9.22.

SomeToast · Sep 8, 2003, 10:46 AM

In System Preferences, under Network, select "Internal Modem" from the "Show:" pop-up menu and click the "PPP" tab. From there, click the "PPP Options..." button.

Make sure that "Connect automatically when needed" is not checked.

Diggory Laycock · Sep 8, 2003, 11:23 AM

Unplug your modem!

- OK not actually very funny.

[edit - argh hit reply instead of edit]

Diggory Laycock · Sep 8, 2003, 11:24 AM

.

lookmark · Sep 8, 2003, 11:48 AM

You can also create a new Location in System Pref > Network Pref. In this new Location, turn all network port configurations (Ethernet, Modem, AirPort, etc) off in their checkboxes. Then name it "Offline".

You can then toggle between "Automatic" and "Offline" from the Apple menu when you're not connected.

Nap · Sep 8, 2003, 01:40 PM

Originally posted by lookmark:
You can also create a new Location in System Pref > Network Pref. In this new Location, turn all network port configurations (Ethernet, Modem, AirPort, etc) off in their checkboxes. Then name it "Offline".

You can then toggle between "Automatic" and "Offline" from the Apple menu when you're not connected.

Thanks, folks. I turned off the auto-connect since my ISP is a little flakey at times and I do better by manually connecting using Internet Connect when I actually want to use it in X. If that doesn't stop the problem I will either A)use the Locations options or B)pull the plug. Seriously, I have lost one modem to lightning in the past so I always keep the phone surge gadget in easy reach and do unplug when electrical storms begin.

PubGuy · Sep 8, 2003, 02:36 PM

I've got LittleSnitch installed.

Anyone know why Apples Help constantly hits the internet, even when moving from one page to the next within a single help topic?

IF there is no good reason, then I am going to permanently block Help.app's internet access.

Please advise.

DeathMan · Sep 8, 2003, 02:39 PM

I'm pretty sure you can get a surge protector for phone lines.

Nap · Sep 8, 2003, 02:50 PM

Originally posted by DeathMan:
I'm pretty sure you can get a surge protector for phone lines.

My AC surge protector includes a section for phone lines but I just don't trust it during the real stormy season. The modem I lost a few years ago was an external, so no big deal, but with an eMac internal modem I would just as soon unplug in severe storms then take even the slightest chance.

sandsl · Sep 8, 2003, 03:01 PM

Originally posted by PubGuy:
I've got LittleSnitch installed.

Anyone know why Apples Help constantly hits the internet, even when moving from one page to the next within a single help topic?

IF there is no good reason, then I am going to permanently block Help.app's internet access.

Please advise.

Its simply checking for updated/changed help files, no need to block it.

SMacTech · Sep 8, 2003, 03:45 PM

I have seen this problem many times, and turning off automatic location and creating a new location will fix it.

Brass · Sep 8, 2003, 07:08 PM

Another solution I've seen but not tried myself, is to re-order the Network Ports in the Network prefs pane (ie, choose "Network Port Confirgurations" from the "Show" popup menu) so that internal modem is not that the top.

The theory is that it will only try the first network connection in the list for these connection attempts.

Can anyone try this and let us know if it works or not? I'm on a LAN and don't use the modem.

besson3c · Sep 8, 2003, 08:16 PM

Originally posted by Nap:
My AC surge protector includes a section for phone lines but I just don't trust it during the real stormy season. The modem I lost a few years ago was an external, so no big deal, but with an eMac internal modem I would just as soon unplug in severe storms then take even the slightest chance.

A smart move. A strong enough lightening bolt will take out *anything*

dot_nix · Sep 8, 2003, 10:11 PM

Originally posted by Nap:
My AC surge protector includes a section for phone lines but I just don't trust it during the real stormy season. The modem I lost a few years ago was an external, so no big deal, but with an eMac internal modem I would just as soon unplug in severe storms then take even the slightest chance.

Just get a Belkin Surge Protector...they guarantee $50,000 (thats 50 thousand!) whatever is connected to their products. And they offer lifetime warranty.

WJMoore · Sep 9, 2003, 12:24 AM

Originally posted by PubGuy:
I've got LittleSnitch installed.

Anyone know why Apples Help constantly hits the internet, even when moving from one page to the next within a single help topic?

IF there is no good reason, then I am going to permanently block Help.app's internet access.

Please advise.

Also some of the more advanced help topics aren't stored locally, they are retrieved upon request.