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This page contains answers to some of the common questions asked by users of the WVI system about General Internet matters not covered by the other FAQ's.

1. Can I change my username and/or password?

   Yes, but please note that your new username is limited to 8 characters or less, and your password has to have a minimum of 8 characters. The easiest way to contact us to make the change is by sending an email to help@wvi.com

2. Does it matter if I enter my password in upper and lower case?

   Yes it does! Passwords are case sensitive and your attempt at connecting to WVI will fail if you don't input your password correctly. Always check and make sure that your Caps Lock key is not on.

3. What is a "cookie"?

   A "cookie is a piece of information stored on your system by your web browser that a web server can access at a later time. This is useful if you visit a site that you have customized for yourself, such as a newspage with certain news categories that you always want to see each time you visit that page. By accepting the cookie, the next time you visit that site, it will read your cookie and you can view the site as you had it configured.

4. Should I accept a "cookie" when asked?

   This is truly a personal choice. Different people have different opinions on cookies. The best thing to do is read more information about cookies and decide for yourself. Check out the following site for a start.

   • http://www.cookiecentral.com

5. What happens if I don't accept the "cookie"?

   You will limit your access to some active content on some sites. Most of the information on these sites will still be available to you if you reject cookies.

6. Can I use different software than the software that you gave me?

   Yes, Willamette Valley Internet provides you with basic software to get you connected and surfing. Go ahead and explore! There is an endless variety of Internet software available to download and use.

7. What is the best web browser available?

   The best browser is always going to be the one that appeals to you the most. WVI provides you with the Microsoft Internet Explorer, but feel free to download others until you find the one that works best for you. According to StatMarket, Microsoft Internet Explorer is more popular than Netscape. Microsoft is leading with over 70% of surfers using it, while Netscape has less than 30%.

8. What is a signature file?

   Is a file that you can attach to the end of your e-mail messages. It typically has your Name and e-mail address. It can have "Sincerely," or your favorite saying. Some even use an ASCII (text) picture as below:

   --------------------------------------------------------------------
                      "To err is human, to moo bovine."   A/~~\A
                                                         ((o  o))_____
                                                           \  /
     #                 #                         #         (--)\    #
    -#--x---x---x---x--#---x---x----x----x---x---#--x---x---x---x---#-
     #                 #    username@wvi.com     #               \ |#
    -#--x---x---x---x--#---x---x----x----x---x---#--x---x---x---x---#-
    \#  \|/  \\|||//  \#/   \\|  \|/  \|///    \\#|//  \\\|||/// \|/#
   -------------------------------------------------------------------
   

   (NOTE: Most modern e-mail programs use proportional fonts instead of fixed-width fonts so these ASCII pictures do not show up correctly and that's why you don't see them much anymore. However, now that the new e-mail programs can specify fonts, perhaps these will come back into style.)

9. How do I chat with people over the Internet?

   For private chat, we recommend Yahoo! Messenger. It is software that you download and install. It detects the people you choose as soon as they are on the Internet. That way if you are both on the Internet at the same time, you can begin chatting immediately. Both parties who want to chat will need to install Yahoo! Messenger. Get it here: http://messenger.yahoo.com/

   For general chatting, we recommend Yahoo! Chat. http://chat.yahoo.com/ It is very easy. Create an identity for yourself and use the Java option. You don't have to install any software. You can even create your own room.

   Another fun one is MS-Chat 2.5, formerly known as Comic Chat. It allows you to choose what character you wish to be. Then what ever you type is displayed in a balloon above your character. Just like the funny papers. You have to download and install this one if you don't already have it. http://www.microsoft.com/ie/chat/

   Also beware that in "chat rooms" people are not always polite. Actually since people are anonymous, they tend to be rather crude. Some chat rooms are regulated to filter out bad words. Some rooms are moderated, so that the moderator can kick some one out of the room if they break the rules of the room. Some chat rooms allow you to display a graphic, which was originally intended to be a picture of yourself, but some people have misused that feature. Parental Guidance for is recommended for users under 18 years old.

Additional Information

For additional information contact the WVI Technical Support group at (503) 769-3331. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.