How Do I Connect to the Internet?

How Do I Connect to the Internet?

You have all the basic parts of your computer set up and want to start surfing the Internet. You might even see an Internet Explorer icon on your desktop. You may be wondering if getting online is as simple as clicking that icon. Well, yes and no.

There are basically three things you need to use your computer to become active online -- an Internet Service Provider (ISP), a modem, and an Internet browser. Before you can connect to the Internet, you have some decisions to make about these three topics.

Types of Internet Access

Before you can connect to the Internet, you need to determine the type of Internet access you would like, and which Internet Service Provider (ISP) you want to provide you with this access. An ISP is the company that provides you with your connection to the Internet for a fee. Often ISPs offer different types and tiers of access, so it is a good idea to consider the common types of service before exploring specific companies.

Dial-up Access

Dial-up access is usually the least expensive way to access the Internet; however, it is also the slowest. With dial-up service, you need a phone line and PC modem to dial-up and be connected to the Internet by your ISP. A modem ties up the phone line so can't use the phone and computer at the same time.

While dial-up access can be an affordable option, the web pages load slowly due to the limitations of the modem. Some websites with a lot of videos or graphics may have a difficult time loading, if they load at all. Additionally, with dial-up access, your Internet connection isn't immediate. Since you have to use the telephone line to dial into a server, it can take from several seconds to minutes before you can access the Internet.

If you only use the Internet to check your email and occasionally view other websites, a dial-up connection may serve your needs. If you are going to spend any significant amount of time online, you should consider another option. Keep in mind that some ISPs have increased the fee for dial-up access in an effort to transition more people to broadband access.

DSL Access

DSL, or Digital Subscriber Line, provides high-speed, Internet access through a phone line. With DSL service, you can talk on the telephone and access the Internet at the same time. It is considered a type of broadband Internet access, which refers to high-speed Internet connections that allow for transmission of data at rates 10 to 50 times faster than dial-up service. Verizon and AT & T are two popular DSL providers.

A DSL modem and an Ethernet card are required for installation. A splitter may also be required to filter the DSL signal from the low frequency voice signal; however, this is handled by the Internet Service Provider.

Cable Access

Cable access is provided through your local TV cable company and transferred through your TV cables. Like DSL access, it is considered broadband, high-speed Internet access. If you don’t have cable TV, you can still purchase cable Internet service as long as it is available in your area.

With cable access, web pages load quickly and you will find it easy to download and upload files. One thing to be aware of though is that cable access is a shared service and can be affected by others who use the same cable lines. For example, if it is a holiday and everyone in your neighborhood is at home surfing the web, you may notice that some aspects of service are slower than normal. In most areas, this won’t be an issue.

Satellite Access

Satellite access can be used in locations where there is no broadband cable or DSL Internet available. Satellite access is available across the world and can provide you with a broadband connection that is equal to a high speed connection. Satellite service is the most expensive and will require costs such as installation and satellite equipment, which will cost several hundred dollars.

Choosing an Internet Service Provider (ISP)

Once you have decided which type of Internet access you are interested in, you can determine which ISPs are available in your area that offer the type of Internet access you want. Then, you need to choose the ISP that best meets your needs based on their prices and service packages, and secure Internet access through that company. Talk to friends, family members, and neighbors to see what ISP they use.

Some things to consider as you research ISPs:

• Speed
• Price
• Billing
• Installation Software
• Physical Service
• Service Record
• Extras such as email accounts and web space
• Technical Support
• Remote Access
• Contract Terms

Hardware Needed

Network CardModem
Once you have your computer, you really don't need much additional hardware to connect to the Internet. The primary piece of hardware you need is a modem.

The type of Internet access you choose will determine what type of modem you need. Dial-up access uses atelephone modem, which may come installed on your computer. DSL service uses a DSL modem, cable access uses a cable modem, and satellite service uses a satellite adapter. These modems are usually included as part of the start-up hardware from your ISP when you sign a contract for service.

Network Card
A network card is a piece of hardware that allows computers to communicate over a computer network. Most newer computers have a network card built into the motherboard, so it probably is not something you will need to purchase. Some modems use an Ethernet connection and network card to access the Internet, while other modems may use a USB port.

Router
A router is a hardware device that allows you to use several computers on a single Internet connection from your ISP. With a router, all the computers in your home can connect to the Internet and all you pay for is one account with an Internet Service Provider and one IP address. Additionally, cable, DSL, and satellite users can use a router as a hardware firewall. Some people believe that a router provides better protection from hackers than a software firewall. Many routers are easy to install, priced reasonably, and can be used for wired or wireless networks.

Internet Browser

A browser is the tool that allows you to view and interact on the Internet. Once you have an account with an ISP and can access the Internet, you'll need to use a browser to access web pages. Browsers can be referred to the window of the web because they allow you to view all the pages on the Internet.

Most computers come preloaded with Microsoft Internet Explorer, so you don't have to worry about purchasing a browser; however, you don't have to use Internet Explorer. If you would prefer to try another browser option, you can. For example, Mozilla Firefox is a free browser that you can download and use.

Website Viewed Through Mozilla Firefox Browser
Challenge!

• Research 2 or more Internet Service Providers and compare their service packages.
• Determine which provider and service package would be best for you, based on your needs.
  

What is inside a desktop computer?

What is Inside a Desktop Computer?

Watch the video (3:44). 

Have you ever looked inside a computer case before? Or seen pictures of the inside of one? The small parts look very complicated, but the inside of a computer case really isn't that mysterious. This lesson will help you master some of the basicterminology and understand a little about what goes on inside the four walls of the computer casing.

A Look Inside a Desktop Computer

Let's explore the inside of a computer tower.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)CPU/Processor
The Central Processing Unit (CPU), also called aprocessor, is located inside the computer case on the motherboard. It is often called the brain of the computer, or the computer's engine. Its job is to carry out commands. Whenever you press a key, click the mouse, or start an application, you're sending instructions to the CPU.

The processor determines how fast a computer can execute instructions. A processor's speed is measured inmegahertz (MHZ), or millions of instructions per second, and gigahertz (GHZ), or billions of instructions per second. So, the higher the hertz, the faster the computer can process instructions. The power of the processor is measured in bits. The more bits a processor can handle, the more data it can handle, and therefore, the more powerful the processor. 

CPU Socket

The CPU is generally a 2 inch ceramic square with a silicon chip located inside. The chip usually about the size of a thumbnail.

The CPU fits into the CPU socket, which is covered by the heat sink, an object that absorbs heat from the CPU.

There are many processor manufacturers for personal computers including Intel, Cyrix, VIA, and AMD.

• Many processor chip designers include funny or interesting hidden artwork, such as images, phrases, initials, and logos on the chips. This artwork is only visible when the chip is open and magnified, so it's really a joke among the chip developers, rather than something intended for everyone to see.

A Look Inside a Desktop Computer (cont.)

Random Access Memory (RAM)RAM
RAM (Random Access Memory) is your system's short-term memory. Data is temporarily stored here until you save your work to the hard disk. RAM is used by the system to store data that is processed by a computer's CPU.

The computer's work takes place in RAM. This is where programs run when you are using Word to create a letter, or Excel to produce a company spreadsheet.

This short-term memory disappears when the computer is turned off, so always save your file before turning off the machine. When you save a file, you are saving it to long-term storage that does not disappear when the computer is turned off.

RAM on motherboard
The more RAM you have, the more things your computer can do at the same time, and the faster your computer performs certain tasks. RAM is measured in megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB).

To understand megabytes and gigabytes, you need to know about bits and bytes. A bit is the smallest unit of data in computer processing. A byte is a group of eight bits. A megabyte is about one million bytes. A gigabyte is 1,024 megabytes.

To put this into perspective, consider that a printed page of single-spaced text contains about 3,000 characters. One MB holds about 400 pages of single-spaced text.

Motherboard
The motherboard is the computer's main circuit board. It's a thin plate that holds the CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, connectors for the hard drive and optical drives, expansion cards to control the video and audio, as well as various external ports and peripherals. The motherboard connects directly or indirectly to every part of the computer.

• If you decide to open the computer case and take a look, be sure to touch a grounded metal object to discharge any static buildup. Static electricity can be transmitted through the computer circuits and ruin them.

A Look Inside a Desktop Computer (cont.)

Random Access Memory (RAM)RAM
RAM (Random Access Memory) is your system's short-term memory. Data is temporarily stored here until you save your work to the hard disk. RAM is used by the system to store data that is processed by a computer's CPU.

The computer's work takes place in RAM. This is where programs run when you are using Word to create a letter, or Excel to produce a company spreadsheet.

This short-term memory disappears when the computer is turned off, so always save your file before turning off the machine. When you save a file, you are saving it to long-term storage that does not disappear when the computer is turned off.

RAM on motherboard
The more RAM you have, the more things your computer can do at the same time, and the faster your computer performs certain tasks. RAM is measured in megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB).

To understand megabytes and gigabytes, you need to know about bits and bytes. A bit is the smallest unit of data in computer processing. A byte is a group of eight bits. A megabyte is about one million bytes. A gigabyte is 1,024 megabytes.

To put this into perspective, consider that a printed page of single-spaced text contains about 3,000 characters. One MB holds about 400 pages of single-spaced text.

Motherboard
The motherboard is the computer's main circuit board. It's a thin plate that holds the CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, connectors for the hard drive and optical drives, expansion cards to control the video and audio, as well as various external ports and peripherals. The motherboard connects directly or indirectly to every part of the computer.

• If you decide to open the computer case and take a look, be sure to touch a grounded metal object to discharge any static buildup. Static electricity can be transmitted through the computer circuits and ruin them.

A Look Inside a Computer (cont.)

Hard Disk DriveHard Disk Drive
The hard disk drive is the data center of the computer. All of your programs are stored here. The hard disk drive islong-term storage where information is stored permanently. When you use a word processing program, the computer loads the instructions from long-term storage (your hard disk) into short-term memory.

Hard disk speed determines how fast your computer starts up and loads programs. The hard disk is called the C drive on most computers.

Optical Disc Drive
An optical disc drive is a peripheral device that reads data stored on optical discs. Some drives can only read from discs, but often drives are both readers and burners. CD and DVD drives are common optical drives. From inside the computer, optical drives look very similar to hard disk drives.

Expansion SlotsExpansion Card
An expansion card is a card which you can install to expand a computer's capabilities. Expansion cards are inserted into expansion slots on the motherboard. For example, your computer's video card is an expansion card which plugs into the expansion slots.

Video card
The video card is responsible for what you see on the monitor. If you like playing graphic-intense games on the computer, a good video card is important to you. The main function of the video card is to generate and output images to the computer screen. Better graphics card equals better performance when playing games or working on a high resolution monitor.

Sound Card
The sound card, also called an audio card, is another type of expansion card. It lets the computer play sounds through speakers. Some motherboards feature integrated sound, and do not require a separate sound card..

A Look Inside a Desktop Computer (cont.)

Network CardNetwork card
The network card allows your computer to communicateover a network. With the network card you can set up a home network with a few computers and connect them by via Ethernet cords or wirelessly. Network cards used to be expansion cards that plugged into the motherboard; however, most newer computers have a network interface built into the motherboard.

Power Supply UnitPower Supply Unit
The power supply unit in a computer converts the powerfrom the wall outlet to the type of power needed by the computer. It sends power through the cables to the motherboard and other components.

Challenge!

• Review the parts of the computer identified in this lesson. Make sure you know the function of each part.
Think Creatively! In the lesson and videos, we compared the CPU to a brain, the hard drive to a closet, and the motherboard to a blue print. Can you think of any other good analogies, or comparisons? Do any of the computer parts listed remind you of something else?