What is ACORN?Important ACORN NumbersRegisteringConnection InstructionsTime LimitsHaving
Trouble Connecting?| What is ACORN? |
| Important ACORN Numbers |
Registering |
| Connection Instructions |
| Time Limits |
| Having
Trouble Connecting? |
Last modified September 7, 2011
| What is ACORN? |
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ACORN is the Akron Community Online Resource Network, a service of the Akron-Summit County Public Library. ACORN first became available to the public in June of 1995 as Akron's first Community Networking site (at that time it was known as the Akron Regional Free-Net). From the beginning the Akron-Summit County Public Library was a major partner, providing the communications hardware and links for our T1 connection to the Internet and for the initial 16 dial-in lines. In September of 1999, ACORN introduced PPP services to its users, which meant that ACORN users could access the Internet with a web-based browser. The ACORN Homepage (http://www.acorn.net) offers help with the ACORN system and also offers links to groups that are unique to ACORN. ACORN offers three basic services to its users:
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Q: What is the difference between ACORN and an Internet service provider, like America Online?
A: ACORN is a community network, providing not just access to the Internet, but also local community information. As a community network, there are no charges for our services. There is a time limit of one hour per day per account holder.
| Important ACORN Numbers |
ACORN Office |
330-643-9145 |
For questions about applications, accounts, passwords, and general information. |
Modem Access |
330-434-2736 |
To connect to ACORN using your home computer. |
Northern |
800-883-1348 |
To connect to ACORN using your home computer. |
Web Site Hosting |
330-643-9145 |
For assistance with free web site hosting for non-profit groups in Summit County. |
For help via e-mail. |
| Registering |
Q: How do I get an ACORN account?
A: You can fill out an application at any Akron-Summit County Public Library. The form must be signed, dated and returned to any Akron-Summit County Public Library with proof of age and residence.
Q: Can I get an application online?
A: Yes! You can select the appropriate application below (adult or juvenile) for printing. The application can then be mailed to us with proof of age and residence (e.g. a copy of your driver's license or if you are 17 or under, a parent's driver's license) or returned to any branch of the Akron-Summit County Public Library. Note: to view/print the application you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer.
| Adult ACORN Application Ages 18 and over | Juvenile ACORN Application Ages 17 and under |
Q: What can ACORN offer me?
A: ACORN offers free dial-up Internet access and local community information to residents of Summit County. ACORN also offers web site hosting for community groups. Call Larry Schaffner at 330-643-9148 if you belong to an organization desiring a web site.
Q: I don't have a computer at home, but I want to use the Internet. Where do I go?
A: You may use the Internet at any Akron-Summit County Public Library. The only requirement is that you have a valid library card with fines under $75.00.
| Time Limits |
Q: What are the time limits for ACORN?
A: Each registered account holder receives one hour of connect time per day.
Q: What happens when my time is up?
A: When your hour is up, you will be disconnected. You can watch your online time in the connection window that pops up when you connected to ACORN.
Q: Can I log on again once my time is up?
A: No. Once your one hour is used for the day, you cannot log in again. (You will get a message: "Error 691..."). If you consistently run out of time using one hour on ACORN, you may want to look into other ISP services.
| Having Trouble Connecting? |
To use ACORN you must have a correctly installed and configured modem.
Follow your modem manufacturer's installation instructions or contact the modem manufacturer for assistance.
Verify the number you are dialing
Check to be sure your "Connect to" window is displaying the correct phone number (including the area code and any additional dialing prefixes (required to get an outside line). Edit the phone number in "ACORN Properties" as needed.
Someone else on the line
If someone else in the house picks up a phone sharing the same line with your computer while you are on the internet the connections will be disrupted. Fax machines and other computer modems can also pick up the line and disrupt the connection. There is usually no way for the other person to know that you are using the line for an internet connection until they pick up the receiver and listen. At which point the modem connection has usually been interrupted.
Below is a list of common error codes and some suggestions for resolving them:
Error 676: The line is busy. Try again later.
Most systems will inform you of this and suggest you try again in a few minutes or do this for you. You can also simply click "OK" when you receive this error message and then click "Connect" to attempt to dial again.
Error 691: The computer you are dialing in to cannot establish a Dial-Up Networking connection. Check your password, and then try again.
This is by far the most frequent error reported to our offices. If you get Error 691, it means one of three things: The password you are using is incorrect. The password was typed incorrectly (e.g. all caps). You have used your 60 minutes for the day and your time is up.
First, check your password and try again. We recommed that you reenter both your username and password (making sure the caps lock key is not on). If you are still getting Error 691and you have not used your 60 minutes, call the ACORN Office so we can verify your account information.