| If you need to use email and the internet on your | | | | need a special cable modem, which most cable |
| computer then you are probably in the market | | | | providers will supply. You can generally install the |
| for an internet service provider (ISP). But, | | | | equipment yourself, or if necessary, cable |
| particularly if you are new to computers or | | | | providers can send a technician to your house to |
| getting connected to the internet, it can be | | | | install it for you. Ask if there is a charge for the |
| bewildering trying to wade through all the | | | | latter option.Your computer will automatically be |
| techno-speak. Make sure you choose the right ISP | | | | connected to the internet when you start it and |
| by first educating yourself about the key features | | | | as the cable is separate to your telephone line |
| offered. | | | | your internet access won't disrupt your telephone |
| Connection Options | | | | usage. |
| Connectivity Basics: You can choose dial-up using | | | | Satellite: Many remote locations do not have the |
| a modem and telephone line (narrowband) or a | | | | infrastructure to support high speed internet |
| broadband connection that gives you access to | | | | access via a land connection. In this case your |
| high speed connections such as Digital Subscriber | | | | only option to access broadband may be via |
| Line (DSL), cable, satellite and wireless. | | | | satellite. The upload speed via satellite is much |
| Dial-up: Dial-up is often slower but it's also cheaper. | | | | slower than the download speed and although the |
| Some dial-up ISPs require their own software to | | | | download speed is slower than either DSL or |
| be downloaded on your computer - find out if the | | | | cable, it is still considerably better than dial-up. The |
| ISP you're considering has requisite software and, | | | | other main issue with satellite is that it requires a |
| if so, how you can find it. One major advantage | | | | clear line of sight to the satellite and if this is |
| of dial-up is that it gives you the flexibility of | | | | blocked by trees or heavy rain your access can |
| connecting to the internet anywhere there is a | | | | be interrupted. |
| phone line. Although you still need to be careful | | | | Wi-fi: Wi-fi, which is short for wireless fidelity, has |
| that the number your modem dials is still local. | | | | plenty of popular so-called hot spots where |
| Otherwise you will be paying long distance phone | | | | computer users can gain access to the internet |
| rates. | | | | for free. If your computer already has a wi-fi |
| DSL (Digital Subscriber Line): Also known as ADSL | | | | card built into it, you'll simply need to find a |
| or XDSL, this option will provide you with a fast, | | | | hotspot (if you live in a large city, you may find |
| secure internet connection. This service frees | | | | this particularly easy) to which you can connect. |
| your phone line for calls. You'll need a DSL | | | | You can also create a hotspot in your own home |
| modem, which the DSL provider may supply, | | | | with your modem and a wireless access point |
| either for free or for a fee (ask so you know). | | | | router. The downside to wi-fi, especially free wi-fi, |
| One thing to keep in mind with DSL is that it is | | | | is that it doesn't offer a high level of security or |
| linked to a specific telephone number and line, so | | | | protection. |
| if you move, the service will also need to be | | | | Tip: Take the time to call each of the ISPs, so |
| moved by your DSL provider. | | | | you know what to expect, especially from |
| Cable: Most cable providers offer their own | | | | customer service. |
| high-speed internet service. As with DSL, you'll | | | | |