What Items Do I Need To Get Connected To The Internet?

To get connected to the internet you will basically need three items; a computer, a modem and a telephone connection. The computer should be preferably of the latest configurations with respect to memory, hard disk space and processor speed while the speed of the modem, which is measured in kilobytes per second (kbps) should be at least 14.4 for optimum performance. The modem could be an internal modem or an external one.

The telephone connection enables your computer to access other computers but at the same time you cannot make or receive calls when you are using the internet unless you have a digital line (ISDN). Today there are various new ways in which you can get connected and not all of them require you to have a telephone connection. For example if you are accessing the internet through a local area network (LAN) or a satellite connection. One can also get connected using cable internet via the same cable that your TV set is connected to or a wireless connection via a cellular phone.

One will also need the right software preferably a Windows operating system and a browser like Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer which is generally part of the package that the internet service provider (ISP) is offering. There are a number of companies that offer different types of internet connection packages and it would be better to select one that would be compatible with your requirements like the amount of time that you would be online and the internet features like graphics and animation that you would want to access.