How Does the Internet Work?

Abstract

If you have access to a telephone line, a modem, and a computer, you can connect to the Internet. There are four basic ways to connect to the Internet: make a direct connection over dedicated communications lines; use your computer to connect to a university or hospital computer system that has Internet access; buy time and connections from a commercial Internet service provider; or use an indirect service provider. The next section describes the various options for connecting to the Internet, including the advantages and disadvantages of each. Then, we give some guidelines to help you select the connection that is appropriate for you.