Connecting to the Internet

The Internet is a network that enables computers all over the planet to talk to each other. Connecting your computer to the Internet can give you access to a huge range of information and services covering every topic you could imagine, including healthcare, hobbies and finance. The Internet also lets you send messages and pictures to your family and friends anywhere in the world if they also have access to the Internet.

Connecting to the Internet is no longer a complex process that only computer experts can do. These days it is easy. In order to get connected to the Internet you will need:

• A computer - this can be a Personal Computer (PC) or Macintosh (Mac or Apple). The computer itself doesn't have to be a high powered machine to access most things on the Internet but to properly experience some of the newer multimedia features such as sounds, digital movies and interactive software you may require one of the more powerful machines available.
• An internet access account - your internet access account lets you connect your computer to the computer of an Internet Service Provider (ISP) which will then have a connection to the rest of the Internet. Your Internet Service Provider should provide you with any instructions and software you need to connect. They will also provide you with a password that ensures nobody else can use your account. Most providers have a wide range of account types that cost different amounts depending on how much you want to use the Internet.

Depending on the type of connection you get from your ISP (e.g. a "dial up" connection or a high speed "broadband" connection) you may need the following:

• A Modem - which connects your computer to the Internet. The type of modem will depend on how you are connecting your computer to the Internet. If you are connecting through a "dial-up" connection you will need dial-up modem. If you are connecting through "broadband" you will need an ADSL or cable modem. In many cases your Internet Service Provider will supply the modem you need.
• A telephone line - if you are connecting through ADSL or a dial-up account you will need a standard telephone line from your telecommunications company (such as Telstra or Optus). If you are connecting through another service, such as a cable modem or satellite, your Internet Service Provider will tell you what you need.

Once you are connected to the Internet you will need a few extra things such as web browser software and email software. Your Internet Service Provider will let you know where you can get hold of this software, and may even be able to provide you with some of it.

If you need help with connecting to the Internet, or getting the things done on the Internet that you want to do, you can contact your local computer club via the Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association website.