Connecting to the Internet

The first step in connecting to the Internet is to find an Internet service provider (ISP). The most important services an ISP offers are:

• Internet access. Access any Web site, send instant messages to your friends, play online games, or use any other Internet service.

• email. You can access your email with an email client (like Evolution) or your Web browser. Most ISPs offer multiple email addresses, so everyone in your family can have an account. ISPs typically provide spam filtering that reduces, but does not eliminate, unwanted messages. It is also possible to set up an email address through a Web-based provider, such as Google. All students who complete the BWORKS Earn-A-Computer program have a gmail account created for them.

Depending on your location, you might have several different choices for Internet access. Common Internet connection types are:

• Cable modems. The best performing and most affordable option available to customers, most cable TV providers offer broadband Internet access.
• DSL. An excellent choice for businesses, DSL typically offers better reliability than cable modems. However, DSL tends to be more expensive than cable modems for similar levels of service. It also may not be available in all areas.
• Dial-up. The slowest method of connecting to the Internet, dial-up enables you to connect to the Internet using your existing phone lines. Dial-up is convenient because it is available to any location with a phone. However, slow performance makes using the Internet frustrating.
• Satellite. Satellite broadband services provide high-speed Internet access to any location with a clear view of the sky (currently available in North America and certain other locations). Satellite services may be the only broadband option for people living in rural areas. The cost of satellite services is significantly higher than other services. While you can transfer large files quickly with satellite, browsing the Web or playing online games can seem slower than with dial-up because of the delay caused by sending signals to and from satellites.

To find an ISP, you should contact your cable television provider for cable modem service ,your telephone company for DSL, or select a dial-up ISP from the list below. Almost all cable and telephone companies offer broadband Internet access, and they typically offer a discount if you purchase multiple services from them.

AT&T is offering $10/month DSL to new subscribers. http://bworks.org/att-dsl/ is a redirect link provided by BWORKS, which will direct you to AT&T's offering.

Dial-up ISPs include:

Bandwidth

Internet bandwidth (the speed at which your computer can send and receive information) is measured in either Kbps (kilobits per second) or Mbps (megabits per second). If you are lucky enough to have multiple broadband options in your area, compare these factors:

• Downstream bandwidth. This is the speed with which your computer can receive information from the Internet. The higher the downstream bandwidth, the faster your computer can display Web pages, transfer music, and download files. For most people, downstream bandwidth is more important than upstream bandwidth, so the speeds tend to be much higher. For example, a cable modem service might offer 6,000 Kbps downstream and only 768 Kbps upstream.
• Upstream bandwidth. This is the amount of data your computer can send to the Internet. This isn't important if you just plan to read email and surf the Web, because your computer only needs to send a small request in order to receive a large Web page or email. However, if you're into online gaming or you want to send large files to people, then higher upstream bandwidth is important, and you should choose the highest upstream bandwidth available.
• Reliability and customer service. ISP reliability has increased significantly in recent years; however, it is still not as reliable as your phone or television service. There is no objective way to measure reliability and customer service, so you should talk to your neighbors about their experiences and search the Web for reviews of ISPs in your area.

No matter which ISP you use, you'll connect to the same Internet. You'll be able to reach the same Web sites and send instant messages to all of your friends. However, if you use the email account provided by your current ISP, you will lose that when you switch ISPs.

If possible, activate your new ISP account a week before you close your old ISP account. Notify everyone you want to exchange email with that you have a new email address, and ask them to update your address in their contact list. Then, if anyone sends an email to your old account before you close it, reply from your new address.

Tip: Your new ISP will provide you with an email address. However, you do not have to use it. Consider using a free Google gmail account instead. If you use Google's gmail, you can keep the same email address no matter which ISP you use.

If you've registered your email account with Web sites that you want to receive email from, you'll need to let those Web sites know that your address has changed. Examples might include online stores, forums, communities, financial services, etc. It's important to change your account while your old email address is still available, because Web sites often send a confirmation email to your existing address before allowing you to make a change.

Your ISP brings the Internet to your home, but it's your home network that connects your computer to the Internet. If you have a single desktop computer and it's in the same room as your Internet connection, your home network will simply consist of a single cable (phone cable for phone modem, CAT5 ethernet cable for other options) that runs from your modem or router to your computer. BWORKS volunteers can assist with connecting your computer, regardless of which type of ISP you choose.

If you have multiple computers or devices to be connected to the Internet, then your home network will require a router, hub, or switch.

Your computer comes with both a phone modem and a Network Interface Card (NIC) already installed.

Once your network is set up, you need to connect your computers and other network devices.

Cable Modem
DSL
Dial-up
Satellite