Toshiba M405, M400 Internet Service Providers, Connecting to the Internet

Exploring Your Computer’s Features	141
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.

Connecting to the Internet

To connect to the Internet, you need:

❖A modem and telephone line, or a LAN connection

❖A Web browser

❖An Internet Service Provider (ISP) account

The Microsoft® Web browser Internet Explorer is automatically configured on your system 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 connect to the Internet.

1Connect your computer’s modem to a telephone line. For more information on connecting a modem, see “Connecting the modem to a telephone line” on page 135.

2Start your Web browser. Have your modem dial the ISP’s telephone number, and establish a connection with the ISP’s computer.