Developed in 1970 the Internet is a collection of computer networks (two or more computers connected together) that store a vast wealth of information that can be accessed by people all over the world. The Internet offers an exciting array of resources that include the ability to send and receive email, chatting with people through text commentary in Chat Rooms, making conference calls by assembling all parties in a Telephone Chat Room, and doing research on any subject through inter-linked Web pages that can take you on a world-wide tour—Ready, Set, Start!

First, decide on how to connect your computer to the Internet. Connections can be through telephone, cable, or satellite service providers.

Using Telephone Lines
A now old method is connecting through a device in your computer known as a phone modem where you can connect a standard telephone line from your computer to the telephone wall jack. The speed of this connection will depend on the speed of the phone modem with the highest speed being 56Kbps (thousands of bits per second).

The next step up from your common phone modem is an ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) line with a speed of 128Kbps (thousands of bits per second). This requires an ISDN modem. This also has become "old technology."

DSL (digital subscriber line) is the next flavor, which collectively refers to several categories of DSL lines. The most common are ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) and SDSL (Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line). ADSL speed will depend on whether you are sending or receiving information with a range of 1.5 to 9Mbps (millions of bits per second) receiving, and 16 to 640Kbps (thousands of bits per second) sending. SDSL supports an information flow of up to 3Mbps (millions of bits per second). Each type of DSL connection requires its own variety of modem.

Using Cable
Connecting through the cable company can offer a high-speed alternative to telephone lines with speeds that vary from 500Kbps (thousands of bits per second) to 1-2Mbps (millions of bits per second) and higher. A special cable modem is required for this connection.

Using Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS)
Although satellite dishes are widely used, they were originally designed to send a signal in one direction (one-way communication). On the other hand, the Internet uses two-way communication meaning you receive information and also send information. As a result, a satellite dish that is capable of two-way communication will need to be installed by a licensed installer (a FCC regulation). Some limitations of this type of service are your computer must contain a USB port to connect the dish modem, a slight delay in the signal that can affect certain games played over the Internet, satellite links can be lost during inclement weather, and Macintosh computers are not supported. Satellite connection speed is up to 500Kbps (thousands of bits per second) receiving information; however, when sending information the speed can be reduced to 50Kbps to 150Kbps.

Now you know "How"- what is next?
In short, you need an ISP (Internet Service Provider). An ISP is a company that acts as a middleman between your computer and the Internet. In the case of a phone modem, the monthly fee is paid to the ISP, E.g., Prodigy, AOL, CompuServe, etc. For ISDN, DSL and Cable connections, the contract is with either the phone or cable company who may partner with an Internet Service Provider. Satellite companies handle the connection directly and you contract with the satellite service provider.

Depending on where you live, some or all of these services may be available. Check directly with your telephone, cable or satellite providers to see if they offer Internet connections in your area. ©2002 The Computer Teacher, All Rights Reserved