the internet is a worldwide network of computers linked together to provide information to people everywhere. the two most popular services on the internet are e-mail and the world wide web. you can access this network by connecting your computer to a telephone, dsl (digital subscriber line), or cable line and signing up with an internet service provider (isp).

    cable and dsl modems, a connection known as broadband, use your tv cable or special telephone lines to connect to your isp and access the internet. cable and dsl modems connect to your computer through an ethernet jack and provide a faster connection speed than if you use a standard telephone modem.

    for the location of your modem and ethernet jacks, see "back" on page 6 and "back" on page 173.

   

    if you want to access the internet you need:

    ■ a modem - a device that connects your computer to other computers or servers using a telephone, dsl, or cable line.

    ■ an internet service provider - a company that provides access to the internet through an isp server. when you connect to an isp, the isp server lets you access the internet and your e-mail messages.

    ■ a web browser - a program that displays information from the world wide web.

    ■ an e-mail program - a program that lets you create, send, and receive e-mail messages over the internet.