Toshiba Satellite E105-S1802 User Guide - Page 128

128 Exploring Your Computer's Features 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 through high-speed communication methods such as Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL), cable, and satellite links. Connecting to the Internet To connect to the Internet, you need: ❖ A wireless or a LAN connection ❖ A Web browser ❖ An Internet Service Provider (ISP) account Once you have established an ISP account, you can connect to the Internet. Depending on your situation, see your network administrator about connecting to 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 you sign up for the service.