Accessing The Internet

There are many ways to access the Internet.

Large corporations and other organizations often use high-speed connections known as T-1 or T-3 lines that connect them through routers and switches directly to the Internet backbone. Ordinary people can connect to The Internet using an ISP (Internet Service Provider) or an Online Service.

Internet Service Providers

ISP's connect you to the Internet and provide servers that will allow you to access the World Wide Web, use email, access newsgroups, and connect to third-party services like chat and instant messaging. But while ISP's provide you access to pretty much everything the Internet has to offer, they typically won't hold your hand while you find it. But that's okay. There are plenty of search engines and web "portals" that will help you find what you're looking for.

Online Services

For those who do want their hands held, Online Services like AOL and MSN use custom web browsers that put news content, email, messaging, chat, and so forth right on the same screen. You can also access sites outside the online service's domain, if you like. Many experienced Internet users find online services juvenile -- rather like an adult riding a tricycle -- but people new to the Web often find it comforting to have everything in one place.

The Actual Connection

The most popular ways of physically connecting to an ISP or Online Service are the following:

• Dial-up Internet Access over telephone lines is the easiest (but slowest) way to connect. All you need is a computer with a modem installed, a telephone line, and an account with an ISP or an Online Service.

• DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) service also uses telephone lines, but uses special technology to provide speeds many times faster than ordinary dial-up service. DSL requires that you have copper phone lines that are in reasonably good condition and that you live within a certain distance of your phone company's switching office.

• Cable Internet uses a cable television cable to provide speeds many times faster than dial-up Internet service. It tends to be more expensive than DSL in most places, however, and its speed can drop somewhat if many users in the same neighborhood are connected at the same time.

• Wireless Internet works in much the same way as cell phones do. Although primarily intended to provide mobile Internet service for people on the move, Stationary Wireless service is also becoming a popular alternative for people who want a higher-speed connection than dial-up, but who can't get DSL or Cable Internet due to geographic factors.

• Satellite Internet uses a radio transceiver and a satellite dish to connect you to the Internet by way of an orbiting satellite. It is an increasingly popular high-speed alternative for people who live in remote areas not serviced by Cable or DSL.