Getting connected

Get connected

To get connected online, you need some hardware and an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Hardware

• A computer - typically a pc or laptop or an apple mac or macbook.
• A modem - for broadband or dial-up service and
• A phone line - to provide the connection to the Internet.

Your computer connects to the modem, which is a special device that plugs into your phone line to allow your computer to connect to the Internet and to 'talk to other computers'.

Your modem allows your computer to connect to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) - the company which connects you to the internet.

Newer computers often come with internet services pre-installed and with some of the cables you will need to link to your modem and phone line.

Internet Service Provider (ISP)

An ISP is a company who sells Internet connections to consumers and businesses.

There are different types of service:

• pay as you go - for occasional use
• dial-up - for light weight use or where there is no broadband connection
• broadband - the main service for regular fast connection to the Internet.

To help choose an Internet Service Provider, try asking your friends or look in an internet review or specialist magazine.

Check the costs for installation, hardware and monthly subscription.  Some of the best known are:

• AOL broadband*
• BT*
• Demon*
• Sky broadband*
• Tiscali*
• Virgin*

Find out more about Broadband next.

* Hampshire County Council is not responsible for the content of external websites.

Broadband

Broadband is the technology that enables you to enjoy a high speed internet connection at home.

Unlike the original dial-up connections, with broadband you can:

• talk on the phone and use the Internet at the same time on a single phone line
• browse the web for unlimited times at no extra cost (check the tariff carefully)
• download music, photos and films faster
• enjoy high quality picture and sound quality.

A modern broadband connection is important if you wish to use the Internet effectively, particularly for sharing photos, listening to Internet audio and watching video clips.

You can check to see what broadband is available to you in your area by using the Broadband Checker*

* Hampshire County Council is not responsible for the content of external websites.

Wireless (WI-FI)

Wireless which is also known as WI-FI, is one of the options you should think about, particularly if you are going to use a laptop computer is to get a wireless setup.

This will not fix the location of your computer to a single room or position.

Any room . . . even in the garden!

With a wireless router, you should be able a connect a suitable computer without wires, this could allow you to access the Internet from:

• your study or home office
• the comfort of your living room sofa
• your kitchen table
• your bedroom
• or even the garden.

The locations you can use will be subject to the range of your wireless router, the construction and layout of your house - nb wireless signals don't travel as well through walls and ceilings.

WI-FI Hotspots

WI-FI hotspots can be found all over the country. Hotspots allow you to access the Internet with out wires while out and about. Hotspots can be found in Cafe's, hotels, and pubs. For more information on where to find hotspots see;

• BT Openzone

• My Hotspots

On the move

It is possible to access the Internet to browse the web and read your e-mails when you are on the move.

This can be done with:

• a laptop with a mobile phone/data card
• a modern mobile phone with an internet browser
• a specialist device such as an Apple iPhone* (or for businesses such as a BlackBerry*).

* Hampshire County Council is not responsible for the content of external websites.