What do I need to connect to the Internet?

You need an Internet service provider (ISP) and some hardware to connect to the Internet.

• ISP. An ISP provides access to the Internet. You sign up for an account with an ISP just as you do for telephone service or utilities.

• Hardware. For a broadband connection , such as Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) or cable, you need a DSL or cable modem. This might be included as part of the start-up hardware from your ISP when you sign up for a broadband account. For a dial-up connection, you need a dial-up modem. Many computers come with a dial-up modem already installed.