How do I access the Internet and the Web?

To get connected to the Web, you must first have an Internet connection. Connections are available in several ways:

• A direct Internet connection - This connection is a hardwired line to an Internet server. You can be connected over a network, but it still means you must have a line to an Internet server. This is what we have at Alverno. It is a very fast connection and significantly speeds up the access time for viewing web pages.
• A remote or dial-in connection -These are connections via the phone lines and modems to a commercial Internet Service Provider (ISP), a company that provides access to the Internet. This type of service turns you own personal computer into a temporary Internet node, and enables you to use software from your own machine.

When you work at Alverno, the computers have all of the necessary software you will need to get online and view the Internet. To get online on your own personal computer, you will need special software and hardware. You will need:

• A modem (to connect over phone lines) - most computers sold today come with internal modems
• A dial program - to dial your Internet Service Provider - again, most computers sold today come with this software already installed.
• A browser - the two main browsers are Netscape and Internet Explorer. Internet Explorer comes with all Microsoft Windows operating systems.

You will also need some information from your ISP - your user name (login), password and phone number to dial. You will get all of these pieces when you sign up with your Internet Service Provider.

You can also access the Internet from most public libraries, schools and Internet "cafes".

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