.Description of problem: Just a note to you about connecting (to Delta Net) via my MacIntosh. I have been led to believe that connecting with my Mac was impossible. Well I decided to purchase a program called Virtual PC which allows Macs to temporarily put on a PC "face" to run PC programs. The version of Virtual PC that is use runs Windows 2000. I now am able to connect and use the DL Net as any PC user via DL's VPN. It would be nice if there was a way to get this info out to Mac users as I have heard of some who have purchased cheap Pcs in order to connect and been very disappointed etc.
Hope you can help get the word out.
DL offers online access to inactive, retired employees
12:13 p.m. 4/3/03
Delta will offer home access to the company intranet, DeltaNet, to retirees and most employees on inactive status this spring. The new capability will allow them to conduct business online, use TravelNet, download forms, update personal information and access specific programs from home, like selecting benefits during the annual enrollment period. The move also saves DL money on printing and mailing costs. And because of existing technology, the company is able to make access available at essentially no cost. Letters went out in March to more than 31,500 retired and eligible inactive employees advising them of the new access policy with step-by-step instructions for the enrollment process. Offering DeltaNet access to retirees and inactive employees is another step toward the companys goal of making more information and services available online. DL first offered home access to active employees in July 2000, as part of the Wired Workforce Program. Active employees who did not participate in the Wired Workforce Program also may enroll for home access. More information is online.
Date: Wed, 9 Apr 2003
Dave,
I know you don't need anymore emails right now, but I spoke to Delta HR and Net people. They say survivors are not eligible right now to sign on to the DeltaNet. Perhaps in the future, if so, they said they will let survivors know.
Thanks for your help.
From: Jack Frost
Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2003 6:17 PM
To: Smith, Kip
Subject: MacIntosh can access DL Net
Hi Kip,
Retirement is Great. Hope you make it there one of these days. I have been accessing the DL Net via the VPN with my Mac for quite some time utilizing a software program called Virtual PC. It works flawlessly. I have helped many other Mac owners also. I know the company stand is PC only but perhaps you could tell some of the inquirers that you have heard that there are some alternative methods for Mac users. I know the Delta Retired Pilots have some info on their web site also indicating that method. Lets hope we can get this airline soaring again. Jack Frost (ret. From SLC)
Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2003 14:23:28 -0400
Subject: Re: DeltaNet Not available to MAC Computers
From: The Kupiecs
To: Bill Aten
"David L. Roberts"
Bill and Dave-
I got your CC regarding DeltaNet access for Mac users. Yes indeed, Mac users can and do access DeltaNet routinely. Unfortunately though, it does require making a concession to the Windows gods and purchasing Virtual PC.
Not long ago I would have sent you to the Software Downloads section on the Pilots-only page of DALPA.com where we have comprehensive information about the DeltaNet VPN for both PC and Mac users. In fact, the entire Mac page there was written by me. It is starting to show its age though and some updates are needed. Most important, if you do look at that page, the note about Apple Airport being incompatible with the DeltaNet is no longer true. The Snow-colored Airports (as well as the latest Airport Extreme) are compatible with the DeltaNet. In fact, that's what I use with my DSL connection and it works great!
Most recently though, Delta has finally put up a fairly decent page with information for installing the VPN as well as a more current version of the VPN software than we have on the DALPA.com page. A Mac user running Virtual PC would follow the instructions there like any other Windows user. The Delta webpage is http://www.register.delta.com
But before we get into the VPN, I should point out that for fast and easy access to DBMS and RES, there is a much better solution than DeltaNet. It is a shareware program called Crewdog Terminal. It is a Mac OS X native application that uses your Flightline (FDS) account to access DBMS and RES over your internet connection. I realize that the DBMS portion may not be of use to our retirees, but the RES portion certainly might be. You can download and try Crewdog Terminal at http://homepage.mac.com/tc_gray Once there, download the program called CDT.
Okay, if you are just determined to try the DeltaNet VPN, here's the gouge to setup VPC on your Mac for the DeltaNet.
1. You will need to purchase and install Virtual PC. Any currently shipping version of Windows is fine.
The following must be done BEFORE installing the DeltaNet software:
2. You MUST be running Virtual PC in Virtual Switch mode. This option is located in your Virtual PC Settings under Networking.
3. If you are a DSL or Cable-modem user, then you MUST be using a network router of some kind. This could include:
A wired router connected to your DSL or Cable Modem A wireless router connected to your DSL or Cable Modem (a Snow-colored Apple Airport Base Station satisfies this requirement) There are literally dozen of routers on the market, wired and wireless, that will work with your Mac. While I can't get into recommendations, these are ones I've used and know to work. For a wired option, the Linksys BEFSR 41. For wireless, the current Apple Airport Extreme works great.For Dialup users:
A router is not necessary, however you still must be running in Virtual Switch mode. You will need to setup Windows Dialup Networking with the phone number and passwords for your ISP. Refer to your VPC or Windows documentation if you don't know how to do this.4. Before installing the DeltaNet software, and after accomplishing the above, try some test web-surfing in Windows. Again, do this test in Virtual Switch mode. Successfully connecting to the internet at this point insures that you've accomplished everything necessary to ready your Mac for the VPN.
5. Now you may proceed with the VPN installation. At this point, you are like any other Windows user. From Internet Explorer in Windows, go to http://www.register.delta.com Follow those instructions and you'll be on the DeltaNet in no time. Enjoy!
Notes:
The one step you might want to do in advance at http://www.register.delta.com is to order your authorization code, since this comes by US Mail and can delay you a couple weeks. Once you have the code, you must successfully log into the VPN within 60 days to validate it.
Best regards,
Dave Kupiec
