What Do You Need to Access the Internet?

In this day and age, the Internet really is the place to be. If you are one of an ever smaller number of people who do not access the Internet regularly, you may have many basic questions about the Internet ... including what do you need to access the Internet. This article provides some insights about what you do need to access the Internet.

Access to the Internet is Easy

Access to the Internet doesn’t require much in the way of equipment or even knowledge these days. It’s become a plug-and-go process, requiring little technical expertise other than knowing how to connect the hardware and install the correct software.

The First Step You Need to Take

The first thing you need is, of course, a computer or Internet device. While many people use personal computers (PCs), there are many palm computers and Internet-access televisions. More game consoles now come equipped with Internet access capabilities, and some home televisions do as well.

Accessing the Net from Your Home or Office

The next thing you will need is a way to get to the Internet. Most people, especially those who use a computer as their Internet device, use telephone or cable access. Your choice will rest heavily on what kind of access you want, narrowband or broadband. Both are available by telephone lines, but cable is a form of broadband that will access the Internet using television cables.

Narrowband or Broadband: Which is Right for You

Deciding between narrowband and broadband is easy these days—most people choose broadband. Narrowband, or dial-up, is a cumbersome way to access the Internet, and is also time-consuming. In some areas you may also pay by the minute for access—make sure you know what you’re paying for with narrowband. Broadband is high speed access to the internet, for which you will pay a flat rate. Broadband is also preferred because it doesn’t tie up your home or work phone. Some areas don’t have broadband yet, so check with your local phone company or cable provider.

Selecting an Internet Service Provider or ISP

The last thing you will need is an Internet Service Provider, or ISP. There are many ISPs today, and have varying service records. A good way to check the reputation of a service provider is by sifting through computer magazines. Most of these publish reviews of ISPs regularly, and you should check these reviews to make sure their customer service, reliability and price are what you’re looking for. Also make sure they have good technical help for those days when you have problems and can’t figure them out yourself.

A way to find out about ISPs locally is to ask friends and relatives. Although they may have different requirements, they can still tell you about service and price, and you can decide for yourself if it’s the value you want. And before you agree to anything, make sure you know how long your ISP contract is for—some tie you up for 12 months, but offer you a lower rate for the commitment.