Toshiba Tecra A1 User Manual - Page 165

165 Exploring Your Options An overview of using the Internet Signing up with an Internet Service Provider Microsoft's Web browser, Internet Explorer, which is preinstalled on your system, is automatically configured 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 access the Internet. Surfing the Internet Once connected to the Internet, the Web browser displays a home page, for example, your ISP's home page on the Internet or your company's Web site home page. To visit a desired Web site, type in the Web address. The Web address, or Uniform Resource Locator (URL), is a unique identifier for that computer system linked to the Internet. Web addresses can also appear within a Web page's text, and are known as links. Clicking a link automatically transfers your Web browser to that site. You can also use a Search Engine, a Web site specifically designed to help you look for information. Internet features The Internet offers many types of communication tools to help you perform many tasks. ❖ Internet email To send and receive email of your own, you need a mailbox on the Web, or an email address. If you have an account with an ISP, you can probably set up an email address at the same time as you sign up for the service.