Learning the Basics

79

Setting up for communications

Setting up for communications

To connect to the Internet, use an online service, or communicate across the telephone lines with another computer, you need:

❖A modem (supplied with your computer)

❖A telephone line

❖A browser or communications program

❖An Internet Service Provider (ISP) or an online service if you plan to use the Internet

Before you can use the modem, you must connect it to a standard voice-grade telephone line. See Connecting the modem on page 44 for details.

Connecting your computer to a network

You can connect your computer to a network to increase its capabilities and functionality using one of its communication ports.

Accessing a network

To access a network:

❖At the office, connect an Ethernet cable to the RJ45 jack on your computer. For specific information about connecting to the network, consult your network administrator.

❖While you are at home or traveling, you need a dial-up connection. Ask your network administrator for the telephone number of the network.

❖Wirelessly, you need an optional wireless networking PC Card or an optional Wi-Fi module. For more information about wireless networking, refer to your wireless network device documentation or your network administrator.