User guide

Chapter 3: Using the Internet and Faxing
20
Learning about the Internet
The Internet is a worldwide network of computers linked together to provide information to people
everywhere. 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 Subscriber
Line), 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 a
telephone, DSL, or cable television line. Your computer may have a built-in dial-up telephone
modem. Cable and DSL modems connect to your computer through an Ethernet jack and
provide a faster connection speed than a standard telephone modem.
• An Internet service provider—a company that provides access to the Internet through an
ISP server. When you connect to an ISP, the ISP server lets you access the Internet and your e-mail
messages. 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. Microsoft
Internet Explorer was included with your computer. For more information, see “Using the
World Wide Web” on page 21.
• An e-mail program—a program that lets you create, send, and receive e-mail messages over
the Internet. Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express was included with your computer. For
more information, see “Using e-mail” on page 23.
Important
To determine if you have an Ethernet jack on your computer, see your
Hardware Reference. If you do not have an Ethernet jack on your computer and
would like to purchase an Ethernet card, visit the Accessory Store at
www.emachines.com
.
Your computer
connects to the Internet
through an ISP.
ISPServers
let you connect to the Internet
and access your e-mail
messages.
InternetServers
store information so other computers can
access it from the Internet.
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