Advanced Search


 
The PUB Information
Visit The PUB
Create a The PUB Account
 Accessing
The PUB services
Log in to The PUB

Accessing The PUB

The PUB can be accessed using various client programs through the Internet. Note that access to The PUB is only granted to members of the Ottawa PC Users' Group.

There are a number of client programs that may be used to access The PUB. All aspects of The PUB may be accessed through a standard web browser such as Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer. The conference areas, file areas, and on-line chat may be accessed through a Telnet client (a Telnet client that supports file transfers, such as HyperTerminal is required to handle file transfers) or the proprietary Wildcat! client. If you just need access to conference areas, you can use any news reader such as the one built into Outlook Express. You can also have messages delivered right to your personal email address by using the listserver. If you just need to do private email, you can use a POP3 client to download private messages addressed to your The PUB email address. If you only need file transfers, you can use an FTP client.

Creating a New Account
The first thing you need to do is create an account on The PUB. The simplest way is to follow these instructions:

  • use a web browser and point to http://opcug.ca/public/private.htm
  • press the button "Create Your Account". Follow the prompts. After the first screen, you will be prompted to log on using the credentials you just used. You will then be prompted for a few more pieces of information and then taken to the main PUB screen.
  • Choose the option to go to the conference areas.
  • Select the option "Create New"
  • In the "Create new message" screen, address the message to Sysop and add an appropriate subject line, such as account upgrade request. In the body of the message, indicate you are a member and would like your account upgraded. Include your snail mail address and membership number (if known). Make sure the Conference section reads 0 - Private e-mail. Scroll down to the bottom and click the Send Message button.

Once your membership has been verified - normally within 24 hours - your account will be upgraded and you will have full access to all areas of The PUB.   If you prefer, once you have created your account using the first two bullet points above, you can send the request to have your account upgraded from your normal email account. Simply send the request to  .  Be sure to indicate the precise account name you created on The PUB.  

1. Web Access  
All services on The PUB are available through a web browser. Simply point your browser to the main OPCUG public web page at http://opcug.ca and click the Log Web link in the left frame. For more information on using the web interface, see the article beginning on page 6 of the November 2003 issue of the Ottawa PC News:

2. News Reader Access  
You can use a news reader to access conference areas on The PUB. Configure your news reader to point to opcug.ca. You must configure your news reader to log on using your The PUB credentials. For more information on using a news reader to access The PUB, see the article beginning on page 5 of the December 2003 issue of the Ottawa PC News:

3. FTP Access
To access file areas on The PUB, use any FTP client to point to opcug.ca and log on using your The PUB credentials.  

4. Telnet Access  
To access the character mode interface to The PUB, use any Telnet client to point to opcug.ca and log on using your The PUB credentials.  

5. Listserver Access  
To have messages that are posted to various conference areas delivered right to your normal email address, send an e-mail message to and in the body of the email, put the single line of text: get help  and send the message. Within a few minutes, you will get a reply message with instructions on how to use the listserver.

6. POP3 Access  
Everyone on The PUB has a Internet email address in the form (note the period between FirstName and LastName). If you would like to actively use this email address, you are welcome to. All such emails flow in and out of Conference Area 0 - Private email. In addition, if you want, you can pick up messages addressed to you in conference area 0 with a POP3 mail client such as Outlook Express or Eudora.   Configure your POP3 client to use your OPCUG email address. For the POP3 server, use opcug.ca. For the SMTP server, use your Internet Service Provider's SMTP server.   Please only configure a POP3 client to go to The PUB if you intend to actively use your The PUB email account.  

7. Wildcat! Access  
There is a proprietary client that may be used to access The PUB called Wildcat! You may download it by clicking here. Once you have downloaded the program, run it to complete the installation. Then click on Start | Programs | Wildcat! Navigator | Wildcat! Navigator to load the Wildcat! Connection Manager. To create a new connection to The PUB:

  • Click the Connections | New
  • Under System Name, enter OPCUG or The PUB
  • Under Phone or Host for WinSock Device, enter opcug.ca
  • You can enter your user ID and password. If left blank, you will be prompted for the information each time you log on.
  • Under Device to Use, choose Winsock, which is at the top of the list.
  • Click the OK button to complete the new connection icon. It will now appear on your list

To use the new connection to connect to The PUB, simply double click it. Once connected, the Wildcat! Connection Manager will present a series of icons for accessing different parts of The PUB. Hover the mouse over each button to get a tool tip that explains the function of the button.