Getting Connected

Follow this guide, as we take you step-by-step through the connection process, from choosing a computer and operating system, to installing the necessary hardware, and how to get high-speed Internet access.

Why Connect to the Internet ?
-To send mail you don’t need a stamp; it takes seconds to get to the recipient instead of days, and you still can read it even if you are away from home.
- You can talk over the Internet and usually no record exists of what was said.
- If you send a fax to a person, and they forward it to someone else, and so on, eventually, it becomes illegible. Email stays legible no matter how many times is forwarded.
- You don’t have to go to the library to find information; just type a keyword and you will find everything you need in a matter of seconds (did we mention that it is open 24/7?).
- News on the Internet is updated continuously throughout the day.
- You can conduct video conferences without spending one penny.
- You can update your computer without waiting to receive the update software in the mail.
- You can find tutorials, do courses, change your mailing address, pay your bills, manage your bank account, buy stuff and so much more.
In other words, the Internet brings you all the advantages of traditional communications and improves on their worst characteristics.

Choosing the right computer
Actually, to connect to the Internet you don’t need a “super computer,” you can do it with an old 8086 with the MS-DOS operating system. But since everybody likes to have something that works without having too many problems, I recommend anything faster than 333 MHz (processor speed). Now available are processors with speeds up to 2 GHz (2048 MHz), but you won’t need that much speed - we are talking about connecting to the Internet, not running a bank.
The computers that we are talking about here are sold by any computer vendor in the world, and can be brands such as Gateway, Compaq, Dell, Hewlett Packard, or can be unknown manufacturers, depending on the available money to buy it. We recommend a brand-name computer because of the technical support available, plus the warranty and quality are better for relatively few more dollars.
The speed of the computer is controlled by three aspects: processor(s) speed, hard drive RPM (revolutions per minute), and RAM (Random Access Memory). A simple IDE hard drive can go up to 10,000 RPM but 7,200 RPM with a storage capacity of more than 10 GB is sufficient, and a computer with 128 MB or more of RAM is fine for now. I say “now” because every time a new OS (Operating System) comes out, it requires more memory, but don’t worry, memory is very cheap these days.

Operating Systems
The world is a place where diversity is everywhere and computer operating systems are not the exception. We have anywhere from simple operating systems to complicated; we recommend the ones in the middle. Now we have “Windows XP,” the latest creation from Microsoft which brings a new look and faster performance. They have released a professional edition and a home edition just like Windows 2000, which is also a solid OS. It was the first generation of non-hard-time operating systems, as it has a huge database of drivers that facilitates the upgrade of old computers. The system requirements for these operating systems are 128 or more MB (megabytes) of memory, and hard drive with at least 4 GB (gigabytes). These are the minimum requirements to run the operating system; you may need more memory depending on what else you plan on doing with your computer.
To upgrade your computer to Windows XP or Windows 2000, the first thing you need to do is call your computer manufacturer and find out if your model is fully compatible with the new operating system. Or you can go to the manufacturer’s website and download all the drivers for the new operating system. Of course, do not put the drivers on drive C drive; try D drive, a CD-Rom or a floppy disk. You also should back-up your documents and other important files that you have as some information can be lost when you upgrade. When you have accomplished that, you are ready to put the OS (X) in the CD-Rom drive and a screen is going to pop up then follow the steps for upgrading and in about 30 minutes you will be done.

How do I connect to the Internet?
There are many options to choose from here, but for our purposes, we are going to discuss the three most common. The most common way is a dial-up modem. To connect using a modem, the first thing you need is to make sure that your computer has a modem, and that it is installed.

Do I have a modem?
Most computers (both desktops and laptops) are now sold with a modem. Check the documentation that came with the computer or contact the vendor if you are not sure. Some computers even have a modem built into the Mainboard: check your manual for the Mainboard. Another way to find out if you have a modem is to take a look at the back of the computer - you will see a space where a telephone line can be plugged in. Sometimes there are two spots for a phone line - one for the line-in and other for the line-out so you can have the telephone and the computer using the same line (one at a time of course) without the need of an additional phone jack.
If you are using Windows as your operating system, it is easy to check whether a modem is installed. Click Start | Settings | Control Panel, then double-click on ‘Modems’ (if it is there). Under the General tab, it will say which (if any) modems are set up. If a modem is listed, click the diagnostics tab, choose the port that the modem is connected to, then click the “More Info” button. Windows will then try to communicate with the modem and report the results. If it responds with a list of details, your modem is installed. All that remains is to plug in the telephone line, if you have not already done so.

Choosing a modem (if you don’t have one)
A modem is a device that enables your computer to send and receive data through a standard telephone line. Run a phone line from your modem into the standard (RJ-11) phone jack on the wall. If you use your modem on a line with call waiting, remember to insert a *70 in your dialing string to disable the call waiting. If you don’t, an incoming call will interfere with your modem and knock you offline. The ordinary modem (usually called a “fax modem” because it can handle faxes as well as data) comes in two main forms: internal or external. Either will serve your purposes. Some modems work faster than others; the faster the better (speeds range anywhere from 18k to 56k).

ISPs (Internet Service Providers)
Now you need an Internet Service Provider (ISP). There are a lot of ISPs to choose from (see our directory in the appendix at the end of this issue), but the biggest and most well-known are AOL, MSN and CompuServe. These services have bundled everything that you need into the software provided. If the Internet were a bicycle, using these guys is like riding a bike with the training wheels on. To set up an account with them, just find their software on the Internet or call them to receive it in the mail. They even have special offers that give you free minutes when you sign up or special plans for ‘x’ hours a month. They typically offer a flat rate, which is usually about $20 a month for unlimited access, although this price may vary depending on the ISP. There are other providers that give you the service for free but they usually have advertisments popping up on your screen constantly.

Connecting with a modem
If you already have an account with an ISP, but they did not provide you with the software to connect, you will have to do it yourself. Go to the Start Menu button and click on Settings, then click on Network and Dial-up Connections. Once the folder opens, click on the icon with the name Make New Connection. This will open the Network Connection Wizard and all you have to do is follow the steps. Since you are setting up a Dial-Up Connection you need to know the phone number to dial (you can get this from your service provider). You will also need to know your username and password for authentication.

Using a fast line (Cable Modem, DSL)
The Internet, as any other service, grows and improves its efficiency. That’s why nowadays ISPs are offering high-speed Internet connections such as DSL and Cable access for a very low price - only $20 to $30 more per month. With high-speed access, you can enjoy service that is ten times faster, and can still use your telephone line at the same time. Believe me; you are going to enjoy it!
Usually, your local phone company can provide this service as well as many cable companies. Both DSL and Cable modems are extremely fast, but the exact speed varies depending on the zone you are in and how many users are connected at the same time around you.

What do I need for DSL or Cable access?
The first thing you need is to find a service provider that offers high-speed access in your area. Once you know the service is available, you will receive a small box (a Cable or DSL modem) that will be your gateway to the Internet. In most cases, they have a connection to your computer through a USB (Universal Serial Bus) Port or Ethernet Port (Network Card).

Can I connect additional computers to the Internet with the same connection?
It is possible with a simple dial-up modem, but it is very complicated and generally not worth the trouble because of the slow speed.
Sharing a DSL or Cable Modem connection is possible in many ways. One option is to pay an additional fee (approximately $5 to $10 a month) per computer to acquire extra IP addresses. Then you can purchase a simple hub or switch that connects all of your PCs.
The easiest way to share a DSL or Cable Modem is with a DSL/Cable router; they are made to allow multiple users on a single line and a single IP. This means that you don’t have to pay for extra IP addresses, as they come with DHTP Service (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). Some of them even have a firewall included, giving you a secure network for intruders on the Internet.
You also can run several PCs through a single IP address using Network Address Translation (NAT) software, such as WinGate, or through an Internet-sharing device.

Can I connect to AOL using another ISP?
AOL offers a “Bring Your Own Access” service rate of only $9.95 per month (AOL prices may vary). This charge is in addition to and independent of the ISP DSL/Cable service price billed to you by your provider. The ISP does not provide billing service for connection to AOL. This is a good service and enables you to keep your existing AOL E-mail address if you have one.