Gateway DX442XP User Manual

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Contents

Gateway DX442XP User Manual Manual pdf 26 page image

Chapter 3: Using the Internet and Faxing20Learning about the InternetThe Internet is a worldwide network of computers linked together to provide information to peopleeverywhere. The two most popular services on the Internet are e-mail and the World Wide Web.You can access this network by connecting your computer to a telephone, DSL (Digital SubscriberLine), or cable television line and signing up with an Internet service provider (ISP).If you want to access the Internet you need:• A modem—a device that connects your computer to other computers or servers using atelephone, DSL, or cable television line. Your computer may have a built-in dial-up telephonemodem. Cable and DSL modems connect to your computer through an Ethernet jack andprovide a faster connection speed than a standard telephone modem.• An Internet service provider—a company that provides access to the Internet through anISP server. When you connect to an ISP, the ISP server lets you access the Internet and your e-mailmessages. Check your telephone book for a list of Internet service providers available locally.• A Web browser—a program that displays information from the World Wide Web. MicrosoftInternet Explorer was included with your computer. For more information, see “Using theWorld Wide Web” on page 21.• An e-mail program—a program that lets you create, send, and receive e-mail messages overthe Internet. Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express was included with your computer. Formore information, see “Using e-mail” on page 22.Setting up an Internet accountBefore you can view the information on the World Wide Web, you need to set up an Internet accountwith an Internet service provider (ISP). To set up an ISP service or to transfer an existing accountto this computer, contact the ISP directly.Dial-up Internet connections are those using a telephone system to connect to the Internet. Thismay include ordinary analog telephone lines, ISDN connections, and in some cases ADSL over PPP,or other technologies. Because dial-up connections are designed to be temporary connections tothe Internet, dial-up charges (with both your telephone company and Internet service provider)often increase the longer you connect to the Internet. To minimize the cost for dial-up Internetusers, we suggest that you only connect to the Internet during your e-mail and Web browsingsession, then disconnect when you are finished. Your Internet service provider can provideinstructions on how to connect to and disconnect from the Internet.Cable and DSL modems, a connection known as broadband, use your cable television or specialtelephone lines to connect to your ISP and access the Internet. In many instances, broadband isconsidered an always-connected service. With this type of service, your cost is the same regardlessof the amount of time you use your Internet connection.Your computerconnects to the Internetthrough an ISP.ISP Serverslet you connect to the Internetand access your e-mailmessages.Internet Serversstore information so other computers canaccess it from the Internet.