Buy a computer that has a modem or add a modem to your existing computer. Most Internet service providers require at least an Intel 386 processor (or a Macintosh of any vintage) and a 14.4-Kbps modem. Most new computers will easily satisfy these requirements.

Things You'll Need:

• Modems
• Computers

step1:

Make sure your modem is properly installed, and connect it to the near-est phone jack using a phone cord.

step2:

Look on your computer's desktop for an icon that bears the name of an Internet service provider. If you find one, double-click on the icon and follow instructions to install the software and activate your account.

step3:

If you can't find an icon and you use Windows, open the Start menu and choose Settings, then Control Panel. In the window that appears, double-click the Internet Options control panel. Click the Connections tab, then click the Setup button at the top of the window.

step 4:

On a Mac, look for the Internet Setup Assistant in the Apple menu.

step 5:

If your computer doesn't come with Internet software, look in the yellow pages under 'Internet' for Internet service providers in your area.

step 6:

Look for special offers from large, commercial ISPs on television, in newspapers and in the mail.

step 7:

Contact a provider and request installation software.

step8:

Once you've received the software, follow the instructions on the pack-age to install the program and set up your account.

Tips :

There are a number of other ways to go online besides a dial-up modem, including cable modems and digital subscriber lines (DSL) (see 92 'Choose a High-Speed Internet Access Method').

Read your terms-of-service agreement carefully before signing on.

Consider rates and fees, e-mail and other features, technical support and system requirements when choosing an ISP.

Make sure your ISP offers connection speeds matching those of your modem'56 Kbps for a 56-Kbps modem, for example. Transferring data at 28.8 Kbps with a 56-Kbps modem is a waste of your modem's capacity.