Macintosh Computer Users: Important Information: Feb 8 - Mac users have reported trouble signing onto Unimatic or Apollo since the upgrade on February 08, 2005. The symptoms of this problem for Macintosh computers are as follows:

Update: If you are a Mac user accessing Unimatic/Apollo via the 'Safari' browser, the following information will not apply. You should be able to sign-on normally.

1. The Mac user arrives at the terminal window.
2. They type SON/XXXXXX, press Enter, receive the password prompt, enter the password, hit enter and Unimatic does not respond.

Temporary Solution for this Problem:

Core Technologies has determined that the ENTER or RETURN key on the Mac is not mapped to submit the password to the host. Until Core has a fix for this problem, all Mac users should perform the following workaround:

• Sign on to Unimatic as usual
• Type your password, but don't hit the ENTER key
• Go the SPECIAL option on the menu bar
• Select 'Transmit'
• Your password will then be sent to Unimatic, and you'll be logged on.

Until Core has a fix for this problem, all Mac users should use the SPECIAL/Transmit step mentioned above for all commands.

Original Feb 4 Story Below:

Blackout on February 8th between 0400 and 0800 CST.

On Feb 8, 2005, all United Airlines employees/retirees will be unable to access Unimatic and Apollo via AOL from 0400 to 0800 CST.  A software upgrade will be performed during this outage.

Then, after Feb 8, the next time you attempt to use AOL to connect to Unimatic or Apollo, your computer will automatically download a small 1MB file you need to connect. You do not need to do anything, but be prepared to allow for time to download the file.  The download should take no more than 30 minutes on even the slowest dial up modem connections. 

If all goes well, once the download finishes you will automatically connect to Unimatic and Apollo. If not, well then life sucks.

If you cannot connect to Unimatic or Apollo after downloading the new file, please contact AOL Support at 1-877-340-1014.

Remember: You will not receive a message telling you the download is in progress. In most cases, you can check your computer's processing light to see if there is any hard disk activity during the download. It's best to just be patient and allow for up to 30 minutes for the download to complete.

Questions and Answers about the Upgrade

Updated: Feb 7, 2005

The following document was published by Onboard Service and provides common questions and answers concerning the Unimatic/Apollo upgrade on Feb 8, 2005.

Will I be able to use AOL to access Unimatic and Apollo during the upgrade?

No. On Feb. 8, from 0400 – 0800 CST, you'll be able to connect to the AOL service, but not to Unimatic and Apollo.

What are AOL and United doing?

AOL is upgrading security certificates and completing routine software maintenance during the outage.

How does it affect me?

After 0800 CST Feb. 8, the next time you use AOL to access Unimatic and Apollo, your computer will automatically download a small file you need to connect. You do not need to do anything, but be prepared to allow for time to download the file.

How long will it take?

The download should take no more than 30 minutes on even the slowest dialup modem connections.

What will I see during the download?

You won't see much. Your screen will look similar to the image below.

How will I know when it's done?

The Unimatic terminal window will automatically appear as normal.

How long should I wait for it to appear?

If you have a relatively fast computer and a high-speed Internet connection, 15 minutes is long enough to wait. If your computer is slower or on a dialup connection, you should allow 30 minutes for the process to complete. If it doesn't work the first time, try again before calling AOL for assistance.

Who do I talk to if it doesn't work?

If you have tried twice and still experience difficulty, call the AOL Premium Support Service Center accessible to United employees at 1-877-340-1014.

I'm more comfortable talking to United people. Who can I call here for help?

As is the case with all AOL issues, if you are signed on to AOL but the Unimatic and/or Apollo sign-on screens aren't visible, only the AOL Premium Support Service Center can help you. If you have trouble signing onto Unimatic and Apollo once the screens have appeared, call United's help desk at 847/700-5800 for assistance.

Why is this happening now?

Because United's systems must remain compatible with AOL's to continue the home access to Unimatic and Apollo that many of United's employees rely on.