Toshiba Tecra M2V-S310 User Guide - Page 153

153 Exploring Your Options An overview of using the Internet Internet Service Providers To connect a computer directly to the Internet, many people and businesses use an Internet Service Provider (ISP). An ISP is a company that has the equipment and the telecommunication lines necessary to maintain an Internet connection. You can connect to the Internet by using a telephone and modem or through other higher-speed communication methods such as Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL), cable, and satellite links. Connecting to the Internet To connect to the Internet, you may need: ❖ A modem and a telephone line, or a LAN connection ❖ A Web browser ❖ An Internet Service Provider (ISP) account The Microsoft® Web browser Internet Explorer is automatically configured on your system 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 connect to the Internet. 1 Connect your computer's modem to a telephone line. For more information on connecting a modem, see "Connecting to a phone line" on page 85. 2 Start your Web browser. Have your modem dial the ISP's telephone number, and establish a connection with the ISP's computer. If you are using your computer at the office, then you probably connect to the Internet through your company's network. See your network administrator about connecting to the Internet.