How to connect to Internet

Laptops can connect to the Internet in numerous ways.

Connecting through a dial-up connection. For this you need a modem, a phone line, and a connection with an ISP (Internet Service Provider). The connection between the notebook computer and the modem is made via a cable with RJ11 (Registered Jack) connectors on both ends. The modem is connected to the phone line.
Connecting through a network LAN connection. If you have access to a LAN at your workplace or school, then you can use that to connect to the Internet. You will require an Ethernet port that is usually at the back of your laptop notebook, which is connected to the RJ45 (Registered Jack) LAN connector at the end of the CAT-5 cable.
Connecting through the Cable Internet connection. The cable that carries the TV signal is used to connect to the Internet. The computer needs an Ethernet card and a monthly charge is to be paid to the cable operator for supplying the Internet service. No modem is required.
Connecting through the Broadband connection. This gives a higher speed and uninterrupted service. A cable is connected to the Ethernet card. An ADSL/DSL modem is required. The prime equation is between speed and price. More the speed, more the price.
Connecting through ISDN. An ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) is a digital phone line that can transmit data much faster than a traditional analog phone line. Subscription to the service is required.
Connecting through Wireless. Most new notebooks have built-in Wireless features with 802.11b or 802.11g compatible wireless networking cards. In some laptops, these cards can be inserted through the PCMCIA slot. Wireless enabled cards have an Ethernet port. If it does not have then you need a USB dongle that will connect the laptop with the USB port and the dongle will have a Ethernet port. Wireless connection to the Internet is the most accepted way for laptops to connect, since they are portable and mobile. Web cam notebooks and wireless notebooks have built-in 802.11b cards to enable wireless networking.
Connecting through WebTV. In late 1996, WebTV (http://www.webtv.net/pc/) was introduced by Microsoft, which provided Web and E-mail access through ordinary TV sets. A special set-top unit is required which also acts as a high-speed modem.
Connecting through the Satellite connection. HughesNet (http://go.gethughesnet.com/) offers broadband connection through the satellite. This fast speed Internet connection is an efficient method for receiving and sending large graphics and other items. For other Internet features like surfing, you need a modem. You have to buy the necessary connection hardware and subscribe to the HughesNet to use the service.

Selecting the ISP (Internet Service Provider)

There are many fee plans that are offered by various Internet service providers. Choosing a plan, which suits your requirement, is a prime consideration with respect to the cost involved. If you plan to use your net regularly for two or more hours every day, then it is economical to go for a flat monthly fee plan instead of an hourly-metered plan. Some providers also take a startup fee, which also varies. If your provider does not have a local access number, then you would be probably paying for long distance charges for each Internet session. Check out whether the provider has local access phone numbers or not. Some providers give a yearly contract and charge penalty if they are canceled earlier. The ability to connect during peak hours is a necessity. Check by phoning up some of the ISP's present clients whether the ISP can provide dependable access during peak hours. Some ISPs, like America Online, Prodigy and CompuServe, besides providing a connection to the Internet, also provide their own databases, conference centers, and chat rooms for the benefit of the clients. You must select the ISP that fulfills your requirement and your notebook's physical configuration most efficiently.