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Exploring Your Options
An overview of using the Internet
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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 125.
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.