Although the personal computer is by far the most common way to access the Internet, it's definitely not your only option. Even if you don't have a computer of your own, you can still find your way online. This chapter examines what it takes to connect to the Internet, with and without a PC.

Options for getting online

A new class of Internet-capable devices aren't really computers at all, but electronic appliances that offer Internet functionality in a small package. For example, you can buy a box to place on top of your television set that enables you to browse the Web over a phone line connected to your TV. You can buy wristwatches and pocket-sized pagers that retrieve information such as sports scores or stock quotes from the Internet. And a variety of miniature, handheld computers and personal organizers are available that use the Internet to send messages and faxes. As computers get smaller, and wireless technology becomes more widespread, you'll see other devices for your home, car, and even your wallet.

Another option for getting online is to use public resources for Internet access. If you're a student, you may already have an account through your school or library. Many city governments now provide computers or terminals with Internet access at public libraries and information "kiosks." And finally, if you'd enjoy a latte as you browse the Web, keep an eye out for cyber-cafes, the newest trend in Internet-equipped coffee shops, which are proliferating across the country.

An account with an ISP or online service

Internet service providers (ISPs) provide their customers with Internet software and some technical help to get them connected to the Internet, and many will also host personal Web pages and offer commercial services for companies that do business on the Internet. When you sign up for an ISP account, you are usually required to set up and configure your own network connection, so you may need to be at least partially familiar with Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and other Internet technicalities. You can find ISPs in your local telephone directory's yellow pages under the "Internet Products and Services" or something similar. As with online services, it's a good idea to shop around for an ISP that offers the options best suited to your online habits.

Like ISPs, an online service offers subscribers a link to the Internet. But they also include their own features and content, presented in an organized and easy-to-use format. Most online services provide a variety of subscription options based on how much time you spend online. You may want to pick a service with a flat-rate fee for unlimited use. If you're not sure which service to choose, you can usually request an introductory subscription; in the case of MSN™, The Microsoft Network online service, that means a month of free basic usage to qualified users (some resrictions apply).

Internet software: A browser and the right accessories

Once you're connected to the Internet, you need software that can unravel the bits and bytes coming from the Internet into your computer, and present them as pictures, text, and files. The various Internet components have their own protocols for transmitting data, so you need software applications that can handle file transfer protocols (FTP), newsgroups, e-mail, and browsing the Web. The full-featured Microsoft Internet Explorer contains tools for all of these in an integrated package, and it's available free*, along with Microsoft Mail and News at the Microsoft Web site.

Connecting to the Internet

When you've put together your system, you'll need to complete the task of getting online. If you're using Windows 95, you'll first need to create a dial-up connection, then log on to the Microsoft Web site to download Internet Explorer, the free browser software from Microsoft. If you have Windows 95, you can do this simply and easly with Dial-Up Networking.