Q: What are the minimum system requirements for PTFlash.net?

A: Pentium or equivalent 233 MHz CPU, 32 Mb RAM, Windows 98 SE, Internet Explorer 5.5 (SP2), Ethernet Card, and a CD-ROM Drive. If your system does not meet these requirements, PT Flashnet can direct you to sources that may help you add what you need.

Q: Can I get service where I live?

A: We currently have towers in West Point, Weborg Feedlot, Thurston Rural Water Tower, Emerson, and Leroy Bray's. These towers have a range of about 12 miles in every direction. We have smaller towers in Cottonwood Chimes, Pender, Blue Jet Manufacturing, and Bancroft. These towers have a range of about 6 miles in every direction. You need to have line of site and be within range of one of these towers to receive service. If there are obstacles like trees or buildings blocking your line of site, a site survey can be conducted to verify the signal will pass through these obstructions.

Q: What hardware is included with the installation?

A: You receive a wireless antenna (most are white and approximately 12”x10”x3”). A mount to attach to the roof or other surface, and all the necessary outdoor CAT5 cable needed to connect the antenna to your PC.

Q: Can I connect more than one PC to PT Flashnet and share the internet?

A: Yes, PTFlashnet can direct you to sources that can help you accomplish this.

Q: Can I keep my old e-mail address?

A: Yes, if you have a current e-mail of johndoe@isp.com you may keep it and just change the last part like so… johndoe@ptflash.net.

Q: Does PT Flashnet use my phone line?

A: No, it is completely independent of your phone line. You can browse the internet and talk on the phone at the same time.

Q: What is a firewall and do I need one?

A: A firewall is a block on your computer that prevents unauthorized access to your PC from the internet, like hackers and some viruses. Pretend your internet connection is like a wall lined with thousands of doors. These doors swing both ways freely. This allows any information in or out at random. A firewall makes the doors only swing out, locks all the doors, and only you have the key. When you request information, you unlock and open the door, allowing it in. Once you receive the information, the door closes and locks again. We recommend anyone with our service use a firewall, it just makes good sense.

Q: Can I change my speed at any time?

A: Yes, you may upgrade or downgrade your plan at any time and it will be effective the same day.

Q: Who owns PT Flashnet?

A: It is not owned by one person. It is more of a COOP, owned by private investors from all the areas we have service. It's a good chance you personally know at least one of the investors. This way, you know it is locally owned.

Q: What is not recommended use of PT Flashnet service?

A: Simply put, the running of web servers is not recommended. This includes FTP, HTTP, Mail, and File Sharing P2P servers like Kazaa or Limewire. The reason for this is the limited bandwidth wireless currently has. Running servers allows access to your computer from anyone on the internet. If too many users try to connect to your PC, it can cripple the infrastructure of the wireless network resulting in interruption of service or very slow service. One server can disrupt service for many customers, and it just isn't fair to everyone. This is most commonly seen with file sharing programs. Programs like Kazaa and Limewire allow you to download a set amount of files at a time. This is just fine. Unfortunately, they allow an unlimited amount of uploads to occur and this is where the problem lies. Please be courteous to others and refrain from using programs like these. In the future, as new wireless technology is released and implemented, this will no longer be a problem. For now, please mind others and enjoy your internet experience.