Union Plus.net Communication Services

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information
Billing
Dial-Up Connection
E-mail Support
Passwords
Portal Page
Voice

General Information

What is the Union Plus.net WebPack?

The Union Plus.net WebPack provides a complete online experience with a collection of content, tools, special features and services. The WebPack consists of a state-of-the-art e-mail account with Unlimited Storage Capacity and a big league address ‘YourName@UnionPlus.net’, a customizable portal page with over 120 news, information and content choices, a browser Toolbar with scrolling sports news, search, favorite sites, as well as the latest in online protection tools- Pop-up Blockers, Spam Filters, and Virus Protection. The WebPack comes in two versions: Free and with High Speed Dial-up access.

I already have an Internet service provider but want the Union Plus.net WebPack features. Can I still sign up?

Yes! Don’t want to switch your Internet service provider but want all of the Union Plus.net Communication Services membership benefits and exclusive content? Just sign up for Union Plus.net WebPack - it’s ideal for both dial-up and broadband connections.

What is the Union Plus.net Toolbar?

The Union Plus.net Toolbar sits just below your web browser address bar and provides one-click navigation to your Union Plus.net e-mail, top search engines, and the Online Mall. The Toolbar also includes an effective pop-up blocker and family-friendly content filters.

Where can I download the Union Plus.net Toolbar?

Although the Toolbar is downloaded and installed automatically when you sign up for your account you can download the Toolbar on its own by visiting: toolbar.unionplus.net

How do I use the Pop-Up Blocker?

The Pop-Up Blocker works automatically so you can enjoy surfing the web without interruption! When you visit a website that attempts to serve a pop-up ad, the Toolbar flashes, letting you know that an ad has been blocked. You can also click on the 'options' button within the Pop-up Blocker to customize the level of protection you receive.

What is the Online Mall?

The Online Mall currently features over 3,200 brand name stores and retailers. Search online for your favorite brands such as Amazon, Bose, Crayola, Circuit City, Petco, Travelocity and many, many more.

Does Union Plus.net Communication Services have parental controls for families?

Yes! Union Plus.net Communication Services has content filters to help you protect your children from being exposed to explicit material or accessing adult websites. Union Plus.net Communication Services Content Filter currently restricts access to over 65,000 recognized adult web sites. Parents can even control the level of protection by creating their own list of ‘off-limits’ websites. (Union Plus.net Communication Services does not make any guarantees that all inappropriate content will be blocked, filtered, or removed or that your child will be absolutely safe from inappropriate content. It is always a good idea for parents to directly monitor the Internet activity of children at all times.)

What are the minimum computer system requirements for Union Plus.net Communication Services ?

For Microsoft Windows only. Minimum System Requirements:

Pentium II or higher.
32MB RAM or higher.
Window 98, ME, NT 4.0 (Service Pack 4), 2000, XP or higher.
Telephone Modem.

Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Is this service compatible with my Macintosh computer?

The majority of WebPack features can be used by PC and Macintosh computers. However, Toolbar and High Speed Dial-up products can only be used on PC platforms. If you have questions about compatibility, please contact customer support.

I'm not a technology expert. What sort of help and support does Union Plus.net Communication Services offer?

It can be wildly frustrating to have a problem you can't solve. Our world-class customer service provides many help resources available to Union Plus.net Communication Services customers:

Technical E-mail Support --where you can get answers in hours, not days!
Technical Telephone Support-- where you can speak directly to a Technical Support representative.
Technical Online Chat-- where you can chat live one-on-one with Technical Support representatives online.

I’m a free product user-how do I contact Customer Support?

Customer service representatives are here to help free of charge! Simply send an e-mail to TechSupport@UnionPlus.net and your question or issue will be answered promptly. Be sure to search this area for more answers to our frequently asked questions. Phone support and Online Live Chat are provided for paid users only.

How do I receive an additional month of FREE service?

After you sign up, tell a friend, co-worker, or family member to sign up for their own paid account. If they remain a member for 30-days, you will receive 30 days of free service. Just have them enter your Union Plus.net user name (the first part of your e-mail address) in the "Who Referred You?" box during the sign-up process. Once they register and remain a paid member for 30 days, you will receive a credit for one free month of service!

I’m ready to get started! How Do I sign up?

Take advantage of our special offers and incentives by visiting http://www. unionplus.net or call 1-888-868-6818

All Access

Billing

What are my payment options?

You may use a valid credit card to sign up for Union Plus.net Communication Services . The name and address you provide during registration must be as they appear on your credit card. You may also pay by electronic funds transfer (EFT).

How will I be billed?

A charge from Union Plus.net Communication Services will appear each month on your credit card statement or bank statement if you signed up via electronic funds transfer (EFT).

I have a question about my bill. Who can I contact?

For billing questions please call 1-888-868-6818 . Union Plus.net Communication Services offers toll-free customer support 7 Days a Week. You may also send an e-mail to: TechSupport@UnionPlus.net.

Dial-Up Connection

Why should I choose the Union Plus.net WebPack with High Speed Dial-up over other service providers?

Compare to AOL and you can save over $100 per year by making the switch! Check our comparison chart below and you’ll see why Union Plus.net Communication Services is the right choice. Union Plus.net Communication Services offers all of the features you want at a discounted price. Sign up and start saving today!

COMPARE THE FEATURES	Union Plus.net	AOL	Earthlink	Yahoo	MSN	United Online (Juno & Netzero)
Unlimited E-mail Storage	YES	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO
Unlimited Internet Access	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES
Dial-Up Accelerator Included	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES	YES
Number of E-mail Accounts	12	7	8	11	11	1
Spam & Virus Protection	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES
Free Technical Support	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES
Free Pop-Up Blocker	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES
Adult & Content Controls	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	NO
MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION	$14.95	$23.90	$21.95	$21.95	$21.95	$14.95

What do I get with Union Plus.net WebPack with High Speed Dial-up?

Unlimited Reliable High Speed Access - Surf as long as you want for one low price. Up to 5 times faster than normal dial-up with thousands of access numbers so you’ll experience fewer busy signals or bad connections.

Union Plus.net E-mail - Finally, web-based e-mail that is easy to use! Show your pride with an e-mail address such as: YourName@ unionplus.net , unlimited e-mail storage, virus protection, 12 accounts for you and your family, a spam filter to block unwanted messages, an address book to store your contacts, the ability to check your messages from any computer and more.

Union Plus.net Portal – Your personal portal page is fully customizable with headline news, weather, sports, driving directions, movie finder, search engines, horoscopes, a personal calendar, online shopping and more.

Union Plus.net Toolbar - Enjoy surfing the web again with the Union Plus.net Pop-up Blocker and the family-friendly Content Filter. Plus, get scrolling sports news, one touch access to e-mail, search, home page and all your favorite websites.

Toll Free Technical Support - Need help? Have a question? Our team is here to assist you with toll-free technical support, seven days a week. Just call 1-888-868-6818 or send an e-mail to TechSupport@UnionPlus.net

Where can I find Union Plus.net Communication Services software?

If you don't have the software on your computer, you will have the option to download it at the end of your online registration process. You can also request a free start-up CD from us and receive it within 14 days by calling Customer Services at 1-888-868-6818 ; or you can download the software from our download center.

I have the CD-ROM. How do I sign up?

Just place the disk in your computer’s CD-ROM drive and follow the instructions. Each Union Plus.net Communication Services disk launches automatically and has a step-by-step registration and installation process. During registration, make sure to enter the promotional code (if available) that is printed on the sleeve of the CD-ROM.

Someone gave me their CD-ROM. Can I use it to sign up?

Yes you can. Once you sign up, feel free to pass the disk onto friends or family. Just place the disk in your computer’s CD-ROM drive and follow the instructions. Each Union Plus.net Communication Services disk launches automatically and has a step-by-step registration and installation process. During registration, make sure to enter the promotional code (if available) that is printed on the sleeve of the CD-ROM.

Are there any additional fees that come with my service? What about phone toll charges?

Union Plus.net High Speed Dial-Up 9.0 provides unrestricted Internet access and membership for one monthly rate. However, depending upon the access numbers you choose, your location, and your calling plan you may be responsible for toll or long distance charges that are in addition to the local service charges on your phone bill. Union Plus.net Communication Services recommends that you call your telephone operator to determine what charges you may incur.

How do I create additional e-mail accounts for family members?

Dial-up customers can create additional user accounts by clicking on the 'User Admin' link on their personal home page. Next, click on the 'Admin Sub-Users' link and enter up to 12 other sub-accounts for family members. Each family member will have their own e-mail account and password along with the opportunity to customize a personal home page to their individual preferences. To access a specific account just be sure to log in with the appropriate user name and password.

How many dial-up access numbers does Union Plus.net Communication Services provide for calling in?

Union Plus.net provides thousands of nationwide access numbers to get online with fewer busy signals and disconnects. To check what access numbers are available in your area, visit our access numbers page.

How do I cancel my current Internet service provider?

After you register with Union Plus.net Communication Services make sure your new account is up and running by logging into your homepage and sending a few test e-mails to friends or family. Next, contact your Internet service provider (ISP) to cancel your old account. For your convenience, we’ve compiled a list below of a few major providers. When you contact your old provider, be sure to have the following information available:

Username (e-mail address and/or screen name)
Password
Mailing address and/or phone number
Number of the credit card that you charged the service to (sometimes the last four digits are used for verification purposes)
Ask that confirmation of your cancellation be faxed or mailed to your home address.

Service Provider	Phone Number	Fax Number	Mailing Address
America Online (AOL)	1-888-265-8008	1-801-622-7969 Fax Form	America Online, P.O. Box 1600, Ogden, UT 84402-9926 Mail Form
Microsoft Network (MSN)	1-800-386-5550	1-888-747-5857	MSN Internet Access, P.O. Box 249, North Bend, OR 97459-0249
AT&T Worldnet	1-800-400-1447	1-800-972-1126 Fax Form	AT&T Worldnet Services P.O. Box 1923, Morristown, NJ 07962 Mail Form E-Mail
CompuServe	1-800-848-8990	1-904-357-7198	CompuServe P.O. Box 28650, Jacksonville, FL 28650-8650 Mail Form
Earthlink	Dial-up customers: 1-800-890-6356 DSL customers: 1-888-829-8466	Not applicable.	Not applicable.
Juno	1-888-839-5866	Not applicable.	Not applicable.
Netscape Internet Service	1-866-541-8233	Not applicable.	Not applicable.
NetZero	1-866-841-1442	Not applicable.	Not applicable.
Prodigy	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	Prodigy Communication P.O. Box 203370 Austin, TX, 78720-3370 Mail Form
SBC/Yahoo!	Dial-up customers: 1-866-SBC-DIAL DSL customers: 1-877-SBC-DSL5	Not applicable.	Not applicable.

If you don't see your current Internet service provider listed above, please visit the company's Web site and check the support area for information on canceling your service by phone, fax, or mail. Should you have any other questions please contact Customer Services, 1-888-868-6818 .

How do I switch to Union Plus.net WebPack with Dial-up?

Union Plus.net offers toll-free Customer Service, seven days a week. Call Customer Services at 1-888-868-6818 and we can help you switch quickly and easily. You may also send an e-mail to: TechSupport@UnionPlus.net

E-mail Support

How Does Union Plus.net Communication Services protect me from unwanted e-mail (spam)?

Union Plus.net WebPack provides a powerful spam filter that works behind the scenes to keep your inbox free of unsolicited e-mail messages. WebPack offers users three levels of protection; standard, enhanced and exclusive to control the level of your account’s security.

Does Union Plus.net Communication Services provide my e-mail address to outside parties?

No. Union Plus.net Communication Services values the privacy of your e-mail address and does not sell to any third party information about its customers, except in cases where we are required by law to do so (such as in the case of a subpoena or court order) or where disclosure is necessary to protect our network (as in a hacker attack) or in an emergency situation. View our Privacy Policy.

Where did my personal e-mail account go? When does an account become dormant?

If a Free WebPack e-mail account is not logged into by a user for a period of 60 days that account becomes dormant. All incoming messages to this account will bounce back to the sender. To reactivate a dormant account, simply log in. If a dormant account remains inactive for more than 90 days, all files, messages, folders and addresses are permanently deleted and can not be retrieved by the user. For more information please see our full Terms and Conditions.

Can I access my other e-mail accounts with Union Plus.net Communication Services ?

Yes! Because Union Plus.net Communication Services has a web based e-mail system, you can collect all of your e-mail accounts into one mailbox! After the registration process, simply visit the ‘Options’ section of your e-mail system and add your other accounts under ‘POP Settings’. This is for paid users only.

How many e-mail addresses come with my service?

Each Dial-Up subscriber has the option to create as many as 12 e-mail addresses, available at no extra cost. WebPack Premium and Free WebPack users have one address only.

How much storage space do I get with Union Plus.net e-mail account?

WebPack users have unlimited e-mail storage! Free WebPack users have unlimited storage.

Can I access my e-mail and homepage away from home or work?

Yes you can! The Union Plus.net Communication Services web-based system allows you to check your account from any computer with an Internet connection. Feel free to log on from home, work, vacation - it’s up to you.

What is the difference between web-based and client-based e-mail?

Web-based e-mail means that your e-mail account is actually a web site, providing global access to your e-mail from any Internet-connected computer. Once you have connected to the Internet via a network or Internet service provider just visit http://email.unionplus.net and log into your account. This is different from client-based e-mail in which you need to connect directly (most times from your own computer) to your network or Internet service provider to access your account.

How large of an attachment can I send or receive through e-mail?

An individual message can be up to 20 MB. Individual messages larger than 20 MB cannot be delivered.

What is an e-mail alias and how does it work?

An e-mail alias is an alternative e-mail address that you choose. It is like an assumed name or nickname that enables you to personalize your e-mail address.

As a Union Plus.net Communication Services member, you will be able to choose your user name, which will become your e-mail address, during the registration process. Creating or changing your e-mail alias does not affect your primary e-mail address. You will receive e-mail sent to both your e-mail alias and your e-mail address.

What is Union Plus.net Communication Services doing to stop unsolicited e-mail, also known as spam?

Union Plus.net Communication Services is committed to protecting the privacy of your e-mail address and is actively developing ongoing solutions to address the problem of unsolicited commercial e-mail. We do this in a number of ways, such as by limiting the number of e-mail messages that can be sent at one time to 100 recipients and the total number of e-mail recipients in any one-hour period to 500. We are implementing new features that allow you to control messages that are delivered to your inbox. For example, by creating block and safe lists you can help to ensure that the e-mail you want gets to your inbox, as well as minimize your junk e-mail.

What is the bulk e-mail folder?

As part of our continuing efforts to increase the quality of the Union Plus.net E-mail service, the bulk e-mail folder is intended to radically reduce the amount of spam you receive in your inbox. Most bulk messages are redirected to your bulk mail folder. This filtering system is automatically activated when you receive a message that our automatic filter determines was sent in bulk. Note: Messages in the bulk folder are automatically deleted after 7 days. Occasionally a message meant for your Inbox may be inadvertently sent to your bulk mail folder. If this occurs you should add the sender’s address to your personal address book to prevent it from being recognized as bulk mail in the future. To add a sender’s name to your address book:

Click the Address Book tab
Click the 'Add New Contact' button
Type in or cut and paste the sender’s address into the e-mail addresses section
Click ‘Add’

What is the Union Plus.net Communication Services Privacy Policy?

Union Plus.net Communication Services respects your privacy. We will not sell or disclose your personal information to outside companies for marketing or advertising purposes. For more information, you can read the entire Union Plus.net Communication Services Privacy Policy.

Passwords

What if I forget my password?

If you come to the Portal Page login screen and can’t remember your password, just click on ‘Forgot Your Password?’ You’ll be asked for a few pieces of information: username, address and the answer to the secret question that you created during sign up. Answer these correctly, and you’ll be given access to your password. If you are unable to answer any of these items, please use the customer support contact information that is listed on the Portal Page login screen.

Why doesn’t my password work?

There are several reasons why you may be getting an "Invalid Password" error message:

Set your CAPS LOCK key correctly. Passwords are case sensitive (meaning that "PASSWORD," "PaSsWoRd," and "password" are not equivalent), so be sure to keep this in mind when entering your password.
Wait up to 24 hours. If you recently requested a new password or changed your password, this will allow your account to update.
Sign in with the correct Union Plus.net user name. If you have forgotten your Union Plus.net user name, please contact customer support. Your user name is the first portion of your e-mail address.
Delete your cookie files. A cookie is a small piece of information stored by your browser that helps identify you. If your cookie is not being accepted correctly, you will be logged out of your account as soon as you move to a different page. This may be blocking your current ability to log in or stay logged in. To delete your cookies, close all browser windows, find the "cookies" directory, and delete the cookie files inside. As always, make sure that you have selected the proper files before deleting.
Clear your browser's cache. At times it's necessary to clear your browser's cache. The cache is the memory your browser uses to store content of the web pages that you visit. Storing that content lets your browser load those same pages more quickly the next time you visit them.
If you're still having problems, contact Customer Support to request a new password.

How do I change my password or other personal account information?

Users who would like to change their password should go to http://www.unionplus.net/user/admin and log in. Once inside the user admin area, you may update or change any of your user information.

Portal Page

What is the Union Plus.net Portal Page?

The Union Plus.net Portal Page is a customizable home page that offers users a wide array of exclusive content such as worldwide news coverage and photos, unique membership benefits, discounts and all the web tools and services you could ask for. The Union Plus.net Portal Page also allows users to import content from anywhere on the web with the RSS Feed Reader. (What’s RSS?). The Portal page lets you choose, organize and display the tools and content that’s important to you-all in one location.

How do I get started?

Personalizing your Portal Page is easier than ever. Once you’ve logged in with a user name and password, just check a few boxes to choose the content modules you’d like to display and you’re ready to go. After the Portal is set-up you can always click ‘Add Content’, ‘Change Layout’ or ‘Change Template’ at the top of the page to update or further customize your settings.

How do I customize Union Plus.net Portal Page content modules, tools and services?

You can personalize almost everything on your Portal Page. Just click on the ‘Edit’ button located within the module you’d like to modify, select ‘Edit Content’ from the menu options and you’ll be presented with a variety of choices for customizing each content area. Content modules can be deleted, moved up, down or even across the page. Want to add more? Be sure to click on ‘Add Content’ to display more content modules.

Select from numerous news topics, view up to the minute photos and images, import RSS Feeds from anywhere on the web, get local and worldwide weather forecasts, read daily comics, search local movie theaters, track your stocks, get in-depth financial news, display the scores and stats of your favorite sports teams, create a personal calendar, view local maps, get directions, book a vacation, view e-mail messages, read your horoscopes, and so much more. The Union Plus.net Portal Page is your home on the web!

How do I make the Portal Page my home page?

To set the Portal as your browser’s home page just click, “Set as Home Page” at the top of the Portal Page. You can also change the setting in Internet Explorer.

Pull down the Tools menu and select Internet Options
Select the General tab sheet
Type Enter correct address here in the Address box
Click the OK button

What’s new in the Union Plus.net Portal Page?

The Portal Page has lots of new features- all of which can be personalized and arranged according to your preferences. Remember to click on the ‘Edit’ button within each module to personalize the content to your liking.

Award-winning AP news content and photos
Breaking news and information from the Union Plus.net
Spanish language news and content
Ability to import RSS feeds into Portal Page
Up to the minute sports scores and stats
Expanded weather forecasting and data
Stock Tracker and financial news
Daily comics
E-mail summary and alert modules
‘Premium Only’ offers and discounts
Movie Finder
Maps and Directions
Travel Search Engine
Expanded horoscopes
Word and Quote of the Day
Improved Personal Calendar
Multiple Portal Page templates and colors
Multiple layout choices
Exclusive member benefits and offers
Easier navigation in Online Shopping Mall
More features being added all the time!

What are RSS feeds anyway? Why are they changing the way we use the web?

Everyone has their list of favorite websites, but why visit each one over and over to check for the latest information and content? Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds allow news and headlines from any number of websites to be delivered directly to a single location.

Adding RSS feeds to your Portal Page lets you constantly receive the most up to date information about the subjects that are important to you- all in one place. Using the web has never been so easy.

How do I find out if a website offers RSS?

Every day, more and more websites are enabling their content to be distributed by RSS. Next time you visit a favorite website or blog, look for an icon to determine if a feed is available. If one is present, our RSS Reader will allow you to add this and other feeds to your Portal Page in just a few simple steps. If you’re interested in searching for websites that currently offer RSS feeds, here are a few of the more popular directories available on the net.

How do I add an RSS feed to my Portal Page?

Once you’ve found an RSS feed you’d like to include on your Portal Page, you’re just a few steps away.

Find the small icon signifies RSS capability and right click on that icon to ‘Copy Shortcut’. Or just click on the icon itself and copy the URL address that is displayed in your internet browser’s address bar.
Return to the ‘Add Content’ page of your Portal Page and paste the shortcut or URL address into the ‘Add RSS by URL’ box.
Click the ‘Add’ button and you’re done!

Your new RSS Feed will be positioned at the bottom of your Portal Page. Click on the ‘Edit’ button to move the module up or down on the page.

If the new RSS feed does not appear, you may have incorrectly copied the URL into the ‘Add RSS by URL’ area or your computer may be protected by a firewall and will not accept content from other websites. If this problem continues please contact Customer Support.