If you want your computer to connect to the huge network of other computers called Internet, it involves the adequate set of equipments and proper procedures to get connected. The steps involved are not difficult to implement. General awareness and knowledge of the hardware and provider is necessary to operate the hardware devices.
As per as hardware requirements concerns, first you need a computer system to connect to the Internet. Further requirements depend what kind of connectivity you are looking for. Such as if you want to use broadband connection for internet access then you need a DSL cable to connect to Digital Subscriber Line. Internet service provider (ISP) usually makes available this service to the internet users. For using a dial-up connectivity dial-up modem is required. Now-a-days these modems are already included in your computer system which are also known as in-built modem, otherwise you may purchase them easily too.
On the other hand, if you want to use Wi-Fi internet connectivity on your computer, then your need to purchase a Wi-Fi router and install it in your machine. Then connect its port to your modem. You may use “Ethernet Cable” for this purpose too. As per as the software requirements concern, these days all software are pre-loaded in the device you purchase. Also, you may download the required files from their websites by entering the exact model number of your device. Once you are connected with the internet, this smart software will not only get updated but also will suggest you some other relevant software that matches your preferences. In a nut shell, these days all the hardware and software requirements are fulfilled and pre-installed by the computer manufacturers. Also, they provide a complete set of drivers either in DVD or both in DVD and their websites.
Minimum Hardware and software requirement to access Internet-
• A working computer system with all necessary peripherals.
• A modem and telephone line (if you are using dial up access) or any other Internet Service Provider (ISP).
• An Internet browser (such as- Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera, etc) and software to connect you to the ISP.
Types of Internet Connection-
Dial-Up Connection-
A modem connects to the Internet after the computer dials a phone number. This is a slower analog signal is converted to digital via the modem and sent over a land-line serviced by a public telephone network.
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) Connection-
It is an internet connection that is always “on”. This uses 2 lines so your phone is not tied up when your computer is connected. There is also no need to dial a phone number to connect to the internet. DSL uses a device named router to transport data over the network.
Cable Connection- Cable provides an internet connection through a cable modem and operates over cable TV lines.
Wireless Connection- Wireless, or Wi-Fi, Instead of cable, it uses radio frequency. Wireless is also an always on connection and it can be accessed from just about anywhere.
Satellite Connection- Satellite accesses the internet via a satellite in Earth’s orbit. The enormous distance that a signal travels from earth to satellite and back again, provides a delayed connection compared to cable and DSL.
Cellular Connection- Cellular technology provides wireless Internet access through cell phones. The speeds vary depending on the Internet Service Provider (ISP), but the most common are 3G and 4G speeds. A 3G/4G is a term that describes a 3rd/4th generation cellular network.
Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) Connection- An earthbound station used in satellite communications of data, excluding broadcast television. A VSAT consists of two parts, a transceiver and a device that is placed indoors to interface the transceiver with the end user’s communications device, such as a PC. The transceiver receives or sends a signal to a satellite transponder in the sky. The satellite sends and receives signals from a ground station computer that acts as a hub for the system.