Many variables must be taken into account before successfully connecting to the Internet.  Two of the most important are your hardware and your software. Once you establish your capabilities, you can proceed to personal preferences.

Hardware
Computer - the first step in attempting to connect to the Internet is having a computer with the minimum requirements.  The average system requirements, according to leading Internet Service Providers (ISP), are as follows:

            - 100 MHz Pentium processor

            - 32 MB of RAM

            - 100 MB of free disk space

            - A mouse (to navigate through the web) 

            - A 56K modem (see below)

Modem - a modem is vital to connect to the Internet. Whether it’s internal or external, this component is what converts sound into binary code. The modem receives the analog data from a telephone line and turns it into digital code that a computer can interpret and display on your screen. The majority of computers purchased now are equipped with internal modems making the whole internet connection process one step easier.

Telephone line - a telephone line is the most common way of connecting to the Internet.  Without one, the only other method of connection is via cable or satellite.

Physical connections - once all the hardware is in place, you can connect a phone line going from your phone jack to the modem.

Software
Operating system - in order to run any kind of Internet connection software, you must have an operating system. Most ISP’s recommend Windows 95/98/ME.

ISP software - before browsing the Internet, you must first establish a connection. For this to occur, you dial-up your ISP for a gateway to the Internet using software. This software calls your ISP server, which authenticates your information (user name and password) and in turn provides your computer with a temporary IP address. That address is used to access the Internet via your ISP. This may sound complicated, but it can be accomplished with a simple click to your software (i.e. AOL, Earthlink, Netzero).

Internet Browser - once you have established a connection to the Internet, you need some means of converting the digital data into recognizable information. For this translation to occur, you need an Internet browser. Without one, you will not be able to view the Internet. Most computers come with a browser pre-installed.  Two of the most popular and user friendly browsers are Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator.

Alternative Internet Access
Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) - a portable device that can be utilized to access the Internet via wireless connections. Structures vary from being hand-held and using a stylus to type to having a small keyboard and screen.

WebTV - no computer is needed to access the Internet, just a TV, a phone line, an ISP and the purchase of a receiver. The receiver has all the necessary software loaded and has ports to connect a keyboard and mouse.

Compiled by Jorge A. Garcia