Toshiba A45 Series 177, Internet Service Providers, Signing up with an Internet Service Provider

Exploring Your Options	177
An overview of using the Internet

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.

Signing up with an Internet Service Provider

Microsoft’s Web browser, Internet Explorer, which is preinstalled on your system, is automatically configured so that when you first start it, it guides you through signing up for a new ISP account, or assists you in setting up your computer to work with your existing ISP.

Once you have established an ISP account, you can access the Internet.

Surfing the Internet

Once connected to the Internet, the Web browser displays a home page, for example, your ISP’s home page on the Internet or your company’s Web site home page.

To visit a desired Web site, type in the Web address. The Web address, or Uniform Resource Locator (URL), is a unique identifier for that computer system linked to the Internet. Web addresses can also appear within a Web page’s text, and are known as links. Clicking a link automatically transfers your Web browser to that site.

You can also use a Search Engine, a Web site specifically designed to help you look for information.