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Exploring Your Options
An overview of using the Internet
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connected to the Internet) that work together using a specific
Internet protocol called Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP).
The World Wide Web offers information as text, images,
audio, or video to be referenced from anywhere in the world.
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 line 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 109.
2Start your Web browser. Have your modem dial the ISP’s
telephone number, and establish a connection with the
ISP’s computer.