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Your Internet, Made Simple

Find step-by-step guides, troubleshooting tips, and answers to common Internet questions.

Security and Settings Tag

Security & Settings Frequently
Asked Questions

Information about viruses, spam, spyware, security, and FTP settings. Click or tap here to download one of our Volcano Internet Survival Guides (PDF) or use our FAQ section below

Here are some quick tips for basic internet and computer security:

  • Keep everything updated: Enable automatic updates for your operating system, browser, and apps (like Chrome, Zoom, Adobe Reader) to patch known vulnerabilities.

  • Use antivirus software: Install trusted programs like Bitdefender, Malwarebytes, or use Windows Security. Keep it updated and run regular scans.

  • Enable your firewall: Use the built-in firewall on your device (Windows or macOS) and make sure it’s turned on.

  • Back up important data: Use cloud services (Google Drive, iCloud, etc.) or an external hard drive to protect your files from loss.

  • Download with caution: Only download software from trusted sources. Avoid programs that seem too good to be true.

  • Be smart online: Don’t click suspicious links, and always use strong, unique passwords. If something feels off, it probably is.

Staying informed and cautious is the best defense against online threats.

Spyware is unwanted software that can slow your computer, change settings, show pop-ups, or track what you type.

How does it get on my computer? Usually through free software, pop-up ads, or insecure browser settings.

Signs of spyware:

  • Endless pop-ups

  • Changed homepage

  • Sluggish performance

  • Internet issues

Scan your computer with trusted tools like Malwarebytes, Spybot, or Ad-Aware. Make sure they’re updated before scanning.

How to prevent it:

  • Download only from trusted sources

  • Don’t click pop-up ads

  • Keep your system and browser updated

  • Use a firewall and a secure browser like Chrome or Firefox

Stay cautious online—it’s your best protection.

Spam is unwanted email—often scams, ads, or offensive content—sent without your permission.

How can I limit spam?

  • Use a unique email address

  • Keep your Volcano email private

  • Don’t respond to spam or click “unsubscribe” links

  • Don’t buy anything advertised in spam

Volcano email accounts include spam filtering, but no filter is perfect—following these tips helps reduce what gets through.

How can I protect myself from viruses?

  • Don’t open unexpected attachments, even if they look like they’re from someone you know

  • Use antivirus software and keep it updated

  • Update Windows regularly

  • Back up important files in case of infection

  • Use a firewall to block suspicious connections

  • Download only from trusted sites

  • Consider a non-Windows OS like macOS or Linux for added virus resistance

Staying cautious and keeping your system updated is key to avoiding threats.

DNS Addresses:204.213.194.20

Incoming Mail Server:pop.volcano.net

Port – 110

NO SSL

Username: entire email address including the “@volcano.net”

Outgoing Main Server:

mail.volcano.net

Port – 587

NO SSL

Username: Entire email address including the “@volcano.net”(if Microsoft email client, on “server” tab check the “use same settings…” button, NOT the “Login using…” button)

Cable Modem Tag

Cable Modem Troubleshooting

For WebStar and Cisco DPQ2160 Cable Modems

Turn off your cable modem and leave it powered down for at least 30 seconds. Then, turn it back on and wait for the Cable light to become solid.

(WebStar cable modem only): The solid ‘Cable’ light means the modem has synchronized with the cable signal on our system.

Once the modem powers back on, check the front indicator lights to verify it’s online.

For WebStar Cable Modems:

  • The Cable light should be solid, meaning it has synchronized with the network.

  • The Send and Receive lights should begin flashing, indicating active data transfer.

For Cisco Modems (e.g., DPC3010 or DPQ2160):

  • DS (Downstream) and US (Upstream) lights should become solid after blinking.

  • ONLINE should be solid – this confirms the modem is registered on the network.

  • LINK should be blinking or solid, showing your device is connected via Ethernet.

If the ONLINE light never turns solid, the modem hasn’t connected to the internet yet. Try rebooting again or proceed to the next step.

If rebooting the modem didn’t restore your connection, power cycle your other equipment:

  • Turn off your router (if present) for 30 seconds, then turn it back on.

  • Reboot any connected devices, such as computers, VoIP phones, tablets, or smartphones.

The recommended order for turning devices back on is: modem → router → other devices.

These steps usually resolve most connection issues. If you’re still unable to get online, please contact our Internet Department at 1.209.296.7574 for further assistance.

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WebStar Cable Modem Light Indicators

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PC: If the ‘PC‘ light is flashing, data is being transferred between the PC and the cable modem.

If the ‘PC‘ light is solid, it indicates either the Ethernet/USB carrier is present.

Cable: If the ‘Cable‘ light is flashing, the modem is scanning the network and attempting to register.

If the ‘Cable‘ light is solid it means the modem is registered.

Send: This light flashes in sync with data sent from the cable modem to the network.

Receive: This light flashes in sync with data received from the network to the cable modem.

Power: This light stays solid when power is supplied to the cable modem.

Cisco DPQ2160 Cable Modem

Cisco_DPQ2160_front
  1. POWER: Illuminates solid green to indicate that AC power is being applied to the cable modem.
  2. DS (Downstream) – Indicates the status of the connection for receiving data. Illuminates during normal operation.
  3. US (Upstream) – Indicates the status of the connection for sending data. Illuminates during normal operation.
  4. ONLINE – Solid green means the modem is fully connected. Blinking means it’s starting up, searching for a connection, or trying to re-register with the network.
  5. LINK – Illuminates solid green to indicate that an Ethernet/USB carrier is present and blinks to indicate that Ethernet/USB data is being transferred between the PC and the cable modem.
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  1. 100-240 VAC – Connects the cable modem to the DC output of the AC power cord that is provided with your cable modem. To avoid damage to your equipment, only use the AC power cord that is provided with your cable modem.
  2. RESET – Reset-to-Default button (Factory Reset) Note: This button is for maintenance purposes only. Do not use unless told to do so by your service provider.
  3. ETHERNET – RJ-45 Ethernet port connects to the Ethernet port on your PC.
  4. USB – 12 Mbps USB port connects to the USB port on your PC.
  5. CABLE – F-Connector connects to an active cable signal from your cable service provider.

DSL Link

DSL Troubleshooting

For Cisco dpc 3008 & Comtrend vr-3030 modems

Unplug your modem for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.

  • Cisco DPC 3008: Wait for the POWER, DS, US, and ONLINE lights to turn solid. A blinking LINK light means devices are connected.

  • Comtrend VR-3030: Wait for POWER, DSL, and INTERNET lights to turn solid green. LAN/WLAN should blink if devices are active.

After rebooting:

  • On the Cisco DPC 3008, the ONLINE light confirms your modem is fully registered. The LINK light should be blinking to show active data transfer with connected devices.

  • On the Comtrend VR-3030, a solid INTERNET light indicates the modem is authenticated and online. If this light is off or red, the modem may be unable to connect or log in.

If the lights are not displaying correctly, consult your modem’s user guide or proceed to the next step.

If your modem is online but you still can’t access the internet:

  1. Turn off your router (if you have one) for 30 seconds, then power it back on.

  2. Restart any other devices, such as computers, VOIP phones, or mobile phones.

  3. Power devices back on in this order:

    • First: Modem

    • Second: Router

    • Third: All other devices

This power-up order helps your devices connect and receive proper IP addresses.

These steps usually resolve most connection issues. If you’re still unable to get online, please contact our Internet Department at 1.209.296.7574 for further assistance.

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Cisco DPC 3008 pictured above

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Comtrend Vr-3030 pictured above

DPC 3008
  1. After the cable modem is successfully registered on the network, the POWER,DS, US, and ONLINE LEDs illuminate continuously to indicate that the cablemodem is active and fully operational.POWER – ON, power is applied to the cable modem
  2. DS- ON, the cable modem is receiving data from the cable network
  3. US-ON, the cable modem is sending data to the cable network
  4. ONLINE- ON, the cable modem is registered on the network and fully operational
  5. LINK-ON, the Ethernet connection is operational. BLINKING indicates that data is being transferred

Note: After the cable modem is successfully registered on the network, the POWER,DS, US, and ONLINE LEDs illuminate continuously to indicate that the cable modem is active and fully operational.

2025-05-29 16_16_32-Cisco Model DPC3008 and EPC3008 8×4 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem User Guide
  1. POWER– Connects the cable modem to the AC power adapter that is provider with your cable modem.
  2. Ethernet- One RJ-45 Ethernet port connects to the Ethernet port on your PC or your home network
  3. RESET- —A momentary pressing (1-2 seconds) of this switch causes a reset-to factory default of all settings and then reboots the cable modem

CAUTION: The RESET button is for maintenance purposes only. Do not use unless instructed to do so by your service provider. Doing so may cause you to lose any settings you have selected.

  1. CABLE- F-connector connects to an active cable signal from your service provider

Guids Link

Internet Help Guides

Volcano.net Email 

Learn about Volcano.net email features, how to set up your email account, and about Volcano Webmail

Troubleshooting Volcano Internet Service

More troubleshooting steps for DSL, Cable Modem, and fixed wireless internet services. DSL and cable modem and router descriptions and wiring diagrams.

Malware

Learn about how to avoid viruses, trojans, and other types of malware, and what to do if you get infected.

Home Networking and Wireless Security

A home network offers many possibilities—this guide highlights some useful options

Why Our Customers Choose Volcano

Real Stories. Real Connections.

“I have never had any problems; I came from using Comcast and we have had less issues with Volcano Communications living upcountry.”

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Service bought here
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Volcano communications has been an absolute pleasure to deal with, from start to finish! Trevor was amazing while onboarding upon opening and Johnathan and his team have worked diligently to keep us up and running! Comcast should take some lessons from the team @ Volcano!

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Owner, Plate 88 Restaurant and Bar
Justin Berenstein
Owner, Plate 88 Restaurant and Bar
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Owner, Willow’s On Main
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“Always polite and professional, Volcano takes the time to help and you’ll always speak to a real person. Excellent customer service.”

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