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Exploring Your Computer’s Features
An overview of using the Internet
5.375 x 8.375 ver 2.3
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 and telephone line, or a LAN connection
❖ A Web browser
❖ An Internet Service Provider (ISP) account
The Microsoft
®
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 140.
2 Start your Web browser. Have your modem dial the ISP’s
telephone number, and establish a connection with the
ISP’s computer.
If you are using your computer at the office, then you
probably connect to the Internet through your company’s
network. See your network administrator about connecting to
the Internet.