Introduction

This is a brief guide to the various ways you can connect to the Internet and what sort of things you need to be on the lookout for, to ensure that you are not going to pay more that you need to and that what you pay for is actually what you need.

Step 1 - The Very Basics 

Step 2 - Got the Right Hardware?

Many PCs come with modems fitted inside. If you look at the back of your computer and see a socket like this it means it has an 'internal dial-up modem' fitted:

It is possible that your PC has a smaller, separate piece of hardware, which has this port on instead, if so this means your computer has an 'external dial-up modem'. This external device will connect to your computer using a different type of port (such as USB or Serial). If your computer has either of these it will Most likely have some indication of its speed; normally 56K (although slower version are still in circulation).

If you do not have a modem and wish to purchase one, that normally come in at approx. £50 ($80) and it is recommended you purchase an external dial-up modem as they are far easier to fit. Just make sure your PC has the correct port (USB, Serial etc.) to fit to the external modem. Having this type of connection means you can connect to the Internet using the Dial-Up Subscription method or the Pay-As-You-Go method, which will be explained later on.

Typical internal dial-up modem card (fitted inside a PC) An example of an external dial-up modem An example of a cable modem If on the back of your PC you see a port like this it means your computer has a 'network card':

This piece of hardware allows your computer to be connected to a network of other computers (known as a LAN or Local Area Network). It is also the method used to connect your computer to an 'external cable modem'. An external cable modem is an separate piece of hardware, normally supplied by the cable company, to connect your PC for Broadband Internet access. This is the method used to connect your computer to Broadband: the faster, more expensive way the surf the Internet. We will discuss this in more detail later on.

*Please note: Your computer might have both a network card and a dial-up modem. This is not a problem; it just means you can choose which method you wish to use to connect to the Internet. It is also worth noting that you can find both internal cable modems and USB cable modems.

Step 3 - Choosing an Internet Service Provider

There are three widely used ways you can be connected to the Internet: Dial-Up Subscription, Pay-As-You-Go and Broadband. All of these are provided by a company known as an ISP (or Internet Service Provider). In some cases the ISP will also be your phone/cable company. It is to a potential ISP that you mush address questions about what your needs are and how much the various options will cost.

-Dial-Up Subscription

This method uses the dial-up modem to connect over a normal phone line. Here you will pay a flat monthly fee to your ISP for access. With a flat monthly fee you will NOT normally pay phone calls in addition to the fee. Check when this access is provided; some ISPs provide access 24/7 while others only allow flat-rate access at certain hours. This method of connection is good if you intend to use the Internet a fair amount and are worried about accumulating a sizable phone bill. It can be slow, especially around the peak time of early evenings (6pm till 9pm). You can still use the dial-up modem to watch video or listen to music, but often using the lower quality option. You won’t be able to use the phone to make calls while using this method of connection. Example packages in the UK usually cost between £6 (about $10, evenings & weekends) to £15 (about $23 for 24/7 access) per month.

-Pay-As-You-Go

This method also uses the dial-up modem to connect over a normal phone line. However, here you pay for the phone call. You should check at what rate the call will be; local rate, national rate? Also if you are considering this option you should check if the rate varies depending on what time you are connected. It also can be slow, especially around the peak time of early evenings (6pm till 9pm). This method is good if you are only going to use the Internet infrequently for checking your email etc. But please be aware; the time spent on the Internet soon mounts up – you will need to monitor your use very carefully and if you’ve got children who are also using the Internet, the bills will soon mount up. Again, you won’t be able to use the phone to make calls while using this method of connection. For example in the UK, Packages are usually the cost of a local (0845) call: 6.8p (11 cents) per minute during the day, 4.8p per minute during the evening and 1.8p per minute at weekends (or about 3 cents, based on BT call charges).

-Broadband

This method uses a cable modem to connect via a specially enabled phone line or though a cable connection. Its availability can vary depending on your geographical location and you might need to have your front garden dug up to fit the required lines. Often the cable modem you need is provided by the ISP. This method will provide you with a very, very fast Internet connection that can easily be used to watch high quality video and download music. Broadband also allows the phone to be used to make call while somebody is using the Internet. You won’t pay for the time you are connected, as the Internet is always connected while the cable modem is switched on. However this method of connection does cost more than the other methods and normally you are expected to sign up for a set minimum period of time. In the UK, packages usually cost between £25 to £35 per month ($40 to $60).

General ISP Questions

Whichever method you choose, it is worth considering the following issues and checking with the ISP:

Set-Up Charges - What are the set-up costs and what does this pay for?

Contract Length - How long is the minimum length of time you have to pay for the service once you are connected? Is there a fee if you wish to cancel it early due to a change in circumstances?

Email - Does the package include an email address? (Most accounts give you a complimentary email address. It is also worth considering getting what is known as 'web-based email’; this is an email account independent of your ISP that can be accessed from any Internet connection. Using this method means you don’t have to change your email if you change your ISP)

Help - What facilities are available to help you with problems and do these cost? For example, if there is technical support over the phone at what rate is the call charged at?

Web Space - Does the account provide you with complimentary web space you can use to have your own website? Does the ISP provide any support for this and are there any restriction on using it for home or business use etc.

Final Note

Try to see past special offers that ISPs may offer you to pick a long-term option that suits you and your budget. Make sure you have, or can get the appropriate hardware you need to connect to the Internet. When looking at which ISP to choose, shop around: visit www.ispreview.co.uk for a useful list of UK based ISPs with ratings and information. Make sure you read the small print and look out for hidden clauses or charges. It is always good to ask friends what ISP they use and how they have found the after Sales service. Choosing a method to connect to the Internet can seem complex, but broken down into simple choices it should prove managable.