Connecting to the Internet

Connecting to the Internet is the first thing many people want to do after they get a computer. Here is the information you need to understand this process.

An ISP (Internet Service Provider) is the one that will actually connect you to the Internet. However, there are several means of making the connection. It really depends on exactly where you live.

• Dial-Up - The most common method, is a dial-up connection; which uses existing telephone wire. Many companies offer dial-up service in the USA. There is a monthly charge of about $10 to $35 for a 56K connection for the service. You must have a modem ($25 - $30) connected to your computer (modems are discussed in the Part 2: Basic Parts).

• ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) - Installed by your local phone company, this is a special telephone cable for Internet connections. If available in your area, this will increase the speed of your connection to 64 Kps for a one channel connection or to 128 Kps for a two channel connection.

• DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) - Also uses the phone line. It is even faster than ISDN, increasing speed from 128 Kbps to 8.5 Mbps, a dramatic increase. However, areas of access are at present very limited and spotty even within major metropolitan areas. This is due to the need for subscriber's computers to be physically located strictly within three miles of a DSL facility. Your phone company will have detailed maps of the areas covered by DSL availability.

• Cable - Installed by your local TV cable company, if available in your area, the speed of your connection will increase dramatically to about 2.5 Mbps for uploading and to 27 Mbps for downloading, depending on the cable company’s connection to the Internet. Special cable would have to be installed in your neighborhood.

• Wireless - There are two kinds available:

  • GPRS General Packet Radio System) - If available in your area, offers connection speeds from 56 Kbps to 114 bps.

  • Satellite - Is available everywhere but you will need a special satellite dish and reception equipment. This offers a speed of 400 Kbps.

Wireless Internet connections are more vulnerable to interruption than any other means of connecting to the Internet. Periodically, you will likely experience signal interference, noise, and a problem surrounding the limitation of bandwidth. Improvement in wireless technology as well as the development of other wireless technologies may become available at any time.

If you select a wireless connection, you can always have a backup, such as dial-up, for better reliability.

Last Thoughts

If you follow the information and recommendations provided, you should have no problem in searching for and buying a computer that is well-suited to your needs and budget.

I leave you with these last points:

• Take time and learn the terminology and computer component basics. You want to be able to show some knowledge when talking about computers.
• Buying a computer is an important purchase. Make sure you gather enough information to make an informed decision.
• Never allow yourself to be talked into more computer than you need.

With good planning, you will find the buying process to be interesting, enjoyable, and rewarding. We hope we have been of some help in getting you maximum technology at a minimum price.

[ Part 1 - How Much Computer Do You Need? ]