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Exploring Your Options
An overview of using the Internet
Internet Service Providers
To connect a computer directly to the Internet, many people and
businesses use an Internet Service Provider (ISP). An ISP is a
company that has the equipment and the telecommunication lines
necessary to maintain an Internet connection.
You can connect to the Internet by using a telephone and modem
or through other higher-speed communication methods such as
Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL), cable, and satellite links.
Connecting to the Internet
To connect to the Internet, you need:
❖
A modem
❖
A Web browser
❖
A telephone line
❖
An Internet Service Provider (ISP) account
Microsoft’s Web browser Internet Explorer is automatically
configured on your system so that when you first start it, it guides
you through signing up for a new ISP account, or assists you in
setting up your computer to work with your existing ISP.
Once you have established an ISP account, you can connect to the
Internet.
1
Connect your computer’s modem to a telephone line.
For more information on connecting a modem, see
“Connecting the modem to a telephone line” on
page 134
.
2
Start your Web browser. Have your modem dial the ISP’s
telephone number, and establish a connection with the ISP’s
computer.
