There are four basic steps to connecting to the Internet:

1. Obtain a computer capable of running Windows or Apple based programs;
2. Install a modem (most computers have modems already installed);
3. Obtain Internet software; and
4. Locate and sign up with an Internet Access Provider (ISP).

1. Computer. A Pentium or even a 486 computer running Windows based programs can easily access the web and operate at a fast speed.

2. Modem. A modem needs to be installed to convert the computer’s digital signals into analog signals that can be transmitted across telephone lines. A modem costs approximately $50. For access to a regular telephone line choose one that transmits at a speed of 56,000 BPS or higher. A fast modem will decrease the time to upload or download information off the Internet. For example, a 1-megabyte file will take 22 minutes to download using a 9600 BPS modem, 14 minutes using a 14,400 BPS modem, and 8 minutes using a 28,800 BPS modem.

Different modems are required if you are connecting to an Internet cable service or wireless broadband.  Contact the particular service to determine a compatible modem . 

3. Internet Software. Software is needed to access the various communication sources, transfer files, send e-mail, and conduct a host of other Internet services. For the WWW, one needs a browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Internet Explorer to surf the web or send or receive e-mail. Generally, your ISP provides this software or it can be downloaded free off the Internet.

4. Find an Internet Service Provider (ISP). To connect to the Internet you have to go through an Internet Service provider (ISP). An ISP can be a private company such as Earthlink (www.earthlink.com), a cable company such as Cox Communications (www.cox.com) or your local telephone company such as Qwest (www.qwest.com). Using a modem, you connect to the ISP’s host computer that is directly connected to the Internet. Most ISP’s have regular phone line access transferring data at 14, 000 BPS, 28, 000 BPS or the new 56,000 BPS. Some providers offer ISDN service (Integrated Services Digital Network) with speeds up to 128,000 BPS. Cable companies offer access of 1.5 MBPS or faster. The higher the BPS the faster one can surf the net and transmit data, graphics, and video. Also see the prior section on Digital Information Channels (Bandwidth) and Connectors and Emerging Connection Channels.