172 Exploring Your Options
An overview of using the Internet
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Special programs called Web browsers are specifically
designed to work with HTTP. They make it easier to connect
to a particular network address and send and receive
information.
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
❖A Web browser
❖A telephone line
❖An Internet Service Provider (ISP) account
Once you have established an ISP account, you can access
the Internet.
1Connect your computer’s modem to a telephone line.
For more information on connecting a modem, see
“Connecting the modem” on page 104.
2Start your Web browser. Have your modem dial the ISP’s
telephone number, and establish a connection with the
ISP’s computer.