eMachines EL1200 Series manual Learning about the Internet, Setting up an Internet account

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Chapter 3: Using the Internet and Faxing

Learning about the Internet

The Internet is a worldwide network of computers linked together to provide information to people everywhere. The two most popular services on the Internet are e-mail and the World Wide Web. You can access this network by connecting your computer to a telephone, DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), or cable television line and signing up with an Internet service provider (ISP).

Internet Servers

store information so other computers can access it from the Internet.

Your computer connects to the Internet through an ISP.

ISP Servers

let you connect to the Internet and access your e-mail messages.

If you want to access the Internet you need:

A modem—a device that connects your computer to other computers or servers using a telephone, DSL, or cable television line. Your computer may have a built-in dial-up telephone modem. Cable and DSL modems connect to your computer through an Ethernet jack and provide a faster connection speed than a standard telephone modem.

An Internet service provider—a company that provides access to the Internet through an

ISP server. When you connect to an ISP, the ISP server lets you access the Internet and your e-mail messages. Check your telephone book for a list of Internet service providers available locally.

A Web browser—a program that displays information from the World Wide Web. Microsoft Internet Explorer was included with your computer. For more information, see “Using the World Wide Web” on page 21.

An e-mail program—a program that lets you create, send, and receive e-mail messages over the Internet. Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express was included with your computer. For more information, see “Using e-mail” on page 22.

Setting up an Internet account

Before you can view the information on the World Wide Web, you need to set up an Internet account with an Internet service provider (ISP). To set up an ISP service or to transfer an existing account to this computer, contact the ISP directly.

Dial-up Internet connections are those using a telephone system to connect to the Internet. This may include ordinary analog telephone lines, ISDN connections, and in some cases ADSL over PPP, or other technologies. Because dial-up connections are designed to be temporary connections to the Internet, dial-up charges (with both your telephone company and Internet service provider) often increase the longer you connect to the Internet. To minimize the cost for dial-up Internet service, we suggest that you only connect to the Internet during your e-mail and Web browsing session, then disconnect when you are finished. Your Internet service provider can provide instructions on how to connect to and disconnect from the Internet.

Cable and DSL modems, a connection known as broadband, use your cable television or special telephone lines to connect to your ISP and access the Internet. In many instances, broadband is considered an always-connected service. With this type of service, your cost is the same regardless of the amount of time you use your Internet connection.

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Contents Desktop PC User Guide Page Contents Networking Your Computer Iii Contents Chapter Tip Using the eMachines Web site Using Help and SupportThank you for purchasing our computer Getting help for Windows Media Center Using online helpContacting eMachines Getting Help Using Windows Using the Windows desktop HelpUsing the Start menu ShortcutAdding icons to the desktop Identifying window itemsWindow item Description Creating folders Working with files and foldersViewing drives Copying and moving files and folders Deleting files and folders Using the Windows Search Searching for filesUsing advanced search options Browsing for files and foldersSaving a document Working with documentsCreating a new document Opening a document Printing a documentShortcuts Do thisUsing Windows Using the Internet and Faxing Setting up an Internet account Learning about the InternetConnecting to a Web site Using the World Wide WebAccessing your Internet account Sending e-mail Using e-mailDownloading files Click Create MailSending a fax Using Windows Fax and ScanChecking your e-mail Click Send/ReceiveUsing the Internet and Faxing Page Setting up your cover page template Canceling a fax Faxing a scanned document or from programsReceiving and viewing a fax Playing and Creating Media Files Playing music and movies Playing audio and video filesPlaying an optical disc using Windows Media Player Playing optical discsIf the disc is not already playing, click play Recording audio files Creating audio files and music librariesCreating music files Creating WMA and MP3 music files Building a music library Editing track informationCreating a music CD Creating a music CD using Windows Media PlayerCreating music CDs and video DVDs Creating a video DVD using Windows DVD Maker Creating a video DVDPlaying and Creating Media Files Creating and copying data discs Creating a data discUsing Windows Media Center Starting Windows Media CenterPage Using the Media Center remote control Buttons FunctionsNetworking Your Computer Ethernet networking Wired Ethernet networkingIntroduction to Networking Networking terms you should knowClick System and Maintenance, then click System Equipment you need for a router-based Ethernet networkSetting up wired Ethernet network hardware Making sure your broadband connection worksWireless Ethernet networking Equipment you need for an access point-based network Wireless Ethernet standardsUsing an access point Naming the computers and the workgroup Setting up wireless Ethernet network hardwareEstablishing your Ethernet network connection Configuring the TCP/IP protocol Connecting to a wireless Ethernet networkPage Adding a printer to your network Testing your networkWireless security Sharing resourcesPage Creating a shortcut to a network drive Using the networkViewing shared drives and folders Opening files across the networkPrinting files across the network Bluetooth networkingCopying files across the network Help Protecting your computer Data security Startup and hard drive passwordHardware security Kensington lock slotRemoving viruses and spyware Using NortonProtecting your computer from viruses Protecting your computer Updating your virus and spyware definitions Click Start, Control Panel, then Click Security Using Windows Security CenterModifying security settings Security updates Windows UpdateBigFix Scheduling automatic updatesClick Windows Update Customizing Windows Low 8-bit = 256 colors Medium 16-bit = 65,500 colors Changing screen settingsChanging color depth and screen resolution Changing the appearance of windows and backgrounds To change the Windows desktop backgroundSelecting a screen saver Changing gadgets Using a gadget’s control panel Configuring the gadget SidebarSetting up multiple monitors Changing system sounds User account tips Changing mouse settingsAdding and modifying user accounts To add, delete, or modify user accounts Changing power-saving settings Changing the power planClick Save changes Changing accessibility settings Using the Ease of Access CenterSetting up parental controls Using voice recognitionFiltering Internet access Restricting game access Scheduling computer and Internet usePage Restricting specific programs Creating activity reportsAll Rights Reserved Trademark acknowledgmentsChapter Index See DVD HD-DVD Sending fax Page MAN Ecooper USR GDE 11/08