To set up an Internet connection you must first have an Internet Service Provider (also known as an ISP). An ISP (such as Rogers, Sprint, or Verizon) provides users with an Internet connection. There are main two types of Internet connections: Dial-up and High Speed Internet (Cable/DSL).

 

The first type of Internet connection was called dial-up. This involves having a computer with a dial-up modem physically installed (a modem is a device that allows computer information to be transmitted and received over a telephone line), a telephone line, and an account set up with the ISP who is providing you with the service.

 

The second type of Internet is high speed Internet which uses a cable or DSL modem. This includes having a computer (no modem needed inside the computer), a network interface card physically installed (also called a NIC, a large phone jack connection type sometimes provided by the ISP), a cable or DSL modem (provided by your ISP), and an Ethernet cable (also provided by the ISP).

 

A dial-up modem’s performance is slow in comparison to high speed Internet. Wireless connections would be in the middle of these two drastically different connection types.

 

To set up an Internet connection, first open the Control Panel and select Network and Internet Connections, and then select the Network Connections control panel icon. In the Preview Pane on the left side of the Network Connections window, select Create a New Connection. The New Connection Wizard will appear. Once you click Next, you will see four options listed:

 

            Connect to the Internet: Connect to the Web/Internet using a typical high speed or dial up connection.

            Connect to the Network at my Workplace: Connect to a business network via dial-up or VPN (another type of dial-up connection).

            Set up a Home or Small Office Network: Connect to an existing home or small office network or set up a new connection.

            Set up an Advanced Connection: Connect to another computer via serial, parallel, or infrared port. You may also have a computer connect to your computer.

 

Let’s go into each of these options in detail, guiding you through the wizard you see on your screen. We’ll be starting from the second page of New Connection Wizard window:

 

 

Connect to the Internet

 

1. Select the Connect to the Internet radio button. Click Next.
2. Select your connection method type: choose from a list of Internet service providers, set up your connection manually, or use the CD you got from your ISP. Click Next.
3. The next steps vary on the method you choose: you will either have to choose from a list of ISPs, enter your network information, or insert your CD.

 

Connect to the Network at my Workplace

 

1. Select the Connect to the Network at my Workplace radio button. Click Next.
2. Select a connection method type: dial-up or Virtual Private Network connection. Click Next.
3. Enter your details.

 

Set up a Home or Small Office Network

 

1. Select the Set up a Home or Small Office Network radio button. Click Next.
2. Click Finish.
3. The network set up wizard will then appear, which we will discuss in lesson 4.2.

 

 

Set up an Advanced Connection

 

1. Select the Set up an Advanced Connection radio button. Click Next.
2. Select a connection method type: Accept Incoming Connections or Connect Directly to Another Computer. Click Next.
3. The options that will appear will vary depending on your choice. These are very advanced features and will not be covered at this time.