1. Click your mouse to continue. Connecting to the Internet To connect to the Internet, your computer must have: A Web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator A modem or network connection An account on a server, such as a login or a user name

2. Click your mouse to continue. Dial-up Connections When you connect to the Internet using a dial-up connection, a Connect dialog box (or a similar dialog box) opens when you start the browser. If necessary, enter your user name and password, select the connection to dial, and then click the Dial button.

3. Click your mouse to continue. Dial-up Connections After a few moments, your computer will log on to the server and start your browser. An icon like this one appears in the status tray to show your connection. Connection icon

4. Click your mouse to continue. Network Connections Some computers are always connected to the network. When you start your browser, you won’t need to “connect” to the network. You might be prompted to enter your user name or login and a password to use the network connection.

5. Click your mouse to continue. What If I Don’t Have a Connection? If you don’t have a connection, you can contact any Internet service provider (ISP) to request an account. An ISP is a company that sells Internet access. Most ISPs provide a dial-up connection for about $20 a month. Network connections are usually more expensive because they provide faster access.

6. Click your mouse to continue. What If I Don’t Have a Connection? Some ISPs that provide national access are America Online, MSN, and Earthlink. Your local yellow pages can provide you with additional options. Try looking for the topic “Internet connection.”