Library Services and Collections

Connecting to the Internet and World Wide Web: A Start-Up Guide from Madison Public Library

The following is a brief guide to assist in setting up an internet connection from your home. For more comprehensive overviews, check the Further Reading section at the end of this guide.

Hardware Requirements

You need a computer and a modem. Modem speed should be at least 56K though you’ll find the world wide web is sometimes still slow at this speed. Modems are either external (separate from the computer) or internal (inside the computer). There’s no need to purchase a brand new computer to access the internet. Many stores in the Madison area sell used computers, and these are often adequate for basic email and world wide web surfing requirements. Keep in mind, though, that the newer the computer, the faster your internet access is likely to be. Computer memory, processing speed, modem speed, and type of internet connection all influence the speed and ease at which you can access the internet. You need to consider how often you’ll use the internet, and for what purpose.

Software Requirements

To access the world wide web, you’ll need two types of software--a communications program (often called TCP/IP software) and an internet browser. A communications program allows you to make the connections between your computer, your modem, and your internet service provider’s (ISP) computer. One example of this program is Trumpet Winsock. An internet browser is the software that allows you to read and manipulate the information available on the world wide web. Two examples of this software are Netscape and Internet Explorer. An internet browser looks similar to other Windows-based programs, and includes a gray "frame" with commands and information surrounding the middle "window," which would be the information on the world wide web. Each internet service provider offers its own communications program, so it is best to use the software they suggest for this service. For internet browsers, Netscape Navigator (version 4.7 or higher) and Internet Explorer (version 5.5 or higher) are the most popular browsers. If you choose to go with a "plug and play" service like AOL (America Online), you may only need to install one software package.

Internet Service Provider (ISP) Account

Once you’ve got the hardware, you’ll need an account with an internet service provider. These accounts allow you to use your computer to connect to their computer, allowing you to easily browse millions of different home pages with a single local telephone call. ISPs also store your web page (if you wish to have one) for you on their computer. There are many local and national ISPs available in and around Madison. You’ll wish to consider several things in choosing an ISP that is right for you:

1. Local vs. national providers. National providers, such as AOL (America Online) and MSN (Microsoft Network) are often very easy for even a novice to connect to and use. Unfortunately, they are handling a much larger volume of calls and connections than most local providers, and you may experience customer service delays and/or higher prices, depending on the amount of time you spend on email or world wide web surfing in a given month. Many of these subscription services offer much more than an internet connection, however, and are sometimes the best choice for many people.

2. Cost. Many local ISPs offer packages of 60+ hours per month for less than $10.00 per month, and unlimited access for around $15.00-$20.00 per month. You’ll need to think about how much you plan to use the account for email and web surfing to decide which plan is the best for you. An easy way to compare prices of major providers is to check the ads in local papers. You may also check the yellow pages under the heading "Internet--On-Line Service Providers." You’ll also want to consider if the providers have any additional costs, such as one-time setup charges or charges for the software you’ll need to use.

3. Speed. What modem connection speeds does the ISP support? If you’ve bought a brand new computer recently, you'll have at least a 56K modem. Most local support this modem speed. Cable modems or DSL are also an option for providing faster service, but are generally more expensive.

4. Availability and service. Try calling both the connection line (modem line) and help desk support line during the times you think you’re most likely to connect to the ISP. If they’re always busy over a week-long period, you might experience problems connecting or getting help once you’ve signed up. Most providers offer 24-hour help desk support to answer questions about how to connect and how to problem-solve when something doesn’t appear to be working.

Starting Up

Your new ISP will give you a CD-ROM with the software you need to connect to them (communications software and internet browser), as well as some other files such as an automated login script. The initial setup of the program is often very complex. If you’ve used the internet before, or many other computer programs in the past, you might want to try to set it up yourself, keeping in mind that you can call the ISP’s help desk with any problems. If you’re a computer novice, you might want to consider having someone set it up for you--an experienced friend or relative, or perhaps even a computer consultant. If you use the latter, one hour’s service should be sufficient to get your internet connection up and running. As time goes on, you may want to update your software when new versions are released. You can do this on your own, if you know how, or your ISP can help.

The World Wide Web and Your Telephone

Once you’re set up, you’ll want to remember two things: first, if you have call-waiting on your telephone line, you’ll want to disable it before you connect to your ISP. Some call-waiting programs can disconnect you from your ISP while you’re "online," just as picking up the phone during an internet session may disconnect you. Second, when you’re connected to your ISP, you won’t be able to receive telephone calls. Should you get another phone line installed? Probably not, unless you’re a heavy internet user! If you’re concerned about missing important calls, you may want to subscribe to a voice mail service through your local telephone service instead. This is often a less-expensive alternative that will prevent you from missing important calls or messages.

A Word About Email

All ISPs and subscription services offer free email accounts. Netscape Navigator and Microsoft’s Internet Explorer have built-in software for reading and managing your email files. If you use another internet browser, you may need additional software, or you may prefer to use a different email reader such as Microsoft Outlook or Eudora.

When you sign on with an ISP, they’ll ask you for a login name and a password for your email account. You’ll need to remember these in order to access your email account in the future, unless you pre-program your internet browser to remember these and automatically bring them up each time you connect to email. This is fine if you’re the only user of the computer, but may not be acceptable if you’re sharing a computer with someone else.

If you’re thinking of purchasing a computer and internet access solely for sending and receiving email, you may wish to set up a free web-based account that you can use at a friend or relative’s house, or your local public library, before you invest in a computer and internet access. These accounts are advertisement-sponsored, and accessible from any computer with internet access. Free email accounts usually take about 30 minutes to set up and learn, and can be an inexpensive way for you to receive email on a limited basis, or to test whether you really need an email account.

Questions?

Your local librarian MAY be able to explain some of these services to you. You also might try asking experienced friends, neighbors, relatives, or workmates about their ISP experiences or about computers, the world wide web, or email. Computer store personnel are often helpful in explaining hardware or software requirements, as well as what is compatible with what. If you feel "lost" around computers, you may want to consider taking an introductory course through a local college extension or community education programs. The public library sometimes offers "Introduction to the World Wide Web" and "Free Yahoo! Email Accounts" courses. Once you’ve set up an ISP account, you can call the ISP’s help line with questions.