GETTING CONNECTED TO INTERNET

Basic requirements for getting online are: A TCP / IP enabled computer with a web browser. An account with an ISP. A telephone line plugged to suitable socket A modem to connect the computer to the telephone line.

Basic requirements for Computer: Pentium III / Pentium IV. 128 MB / 256 MB RAM. 640 * 480 resolution and minimum of 256 colors. Atleast 200MB of Hard Disk. Sound Card. Basic requirement for MODEM: Modem range 28 kbps to 56 kbps. Modem type is internal or external.

TYPES OF INTERNET CONNECTION Dial– Up Internet Connection. Integrated Services Digital Network. Cable Modem. Leased Line . Digital Subscriber Line. Broadband.

Dial– Up Internet Connection It is a form of Internet access that uses the facilities of the public switched telephone network (PSTN) to establish a dialed connection to an Internet service provider (ISP) via telephone lines. The user's computer or router uses an attached modem to encode and decode Internet Protocol packets and control information into and from analogue audio frequency signals, respectively. This type connection is used in the Home computers The user needs to specify a username, a password, and telephone number.

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) It is a set of communications standards for simultaneous digital transmission of voice, video, data, and other network services over the traditional circuits of the public switched telephone network. The key feature of ISDN is that it integrates speech and data on the same lines, adding features that were not available in the classic telephone system. High – speed alternative to regular analog phone modems. It is more common in business and commercial use.

Cable Modem A cable modem connects the user to the Internet through a cable television line. Many people who have cable TV can get a high-speed connection to the Internet from their cable provider. Cable modem will typically have two connections, one to the television outlet and the other to the computer. Cable modems not only provide a faster Internet access (10 to 100) times as fast as the dial – up modem), but they also give added interactivity to the television

Leased Line A leased line is a service contract between a provider and a customer, whereby the provider agrees to deliver a symmetric telecommunications line connecting two or more locations in exchange for a monthly rent . Unlike traditional PSTN lines it does not have a telephone number, each side of the line being permanently connected to the other. This facility provides reliable, high – speed Internet access ranging from 2.4 kbps to 45 Mbps. Leased lines can be used for telephone, data or Internet services. Leased Line facility can be provided via fiber optic or copper lines.

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) When you connect to the Internet, you might connect through a digital subscriber line (DSL) connection. Advantages: You can leave your Internet connection open and still use the phone line for voice calls. The speed is much higher than a regular modem DSL doesn't necessarily require new wiring; it can use the phone line you already have. The company that offers DSL will usually provide the modem as part of the installation.

Disadvantages: A DSL connection works better when you are closer to the provider's central office. The farther away you get from the central office, the weaker the signal becomes. The connection is faster for receiving data than it is for sending data over the Internet. The service is not available everywhere.

Broadband The term broadband refers to a telecommunications signal or device of greater bandwidth. This type of access is good for remote location, where ISDN, cable or DSL are not available. Example Broadband connection is Satellite Internet connection. But very expensive.