Equipment Required for an Internet Connection

For using Internet,we need the following equipment:

Computer

Any good IBM compatible ,Macintosh or UNIX computer that has good storage space(2 GB or more) ,atleast 16MB RAM or more and 200MHZ processor.

Modem

Modem is a device that is used to transmit data over the network .Your computer sends data in binary code to your modem which converts the binary-coded data to an analogue signal.This data then travels along the telephone network .When the data reaches the destination computer ,the modem connected to that computer converts the analogue signal back into binary coded data which can be read by your computer .Thus the modem transmits data over the network.
There are two types of modems: External Modem and Internal Modem.

External Modem and Internal Modem

The External Modem has to be connected to your computer and telephone line with cables and electric socket while the Internal Modem is already built inside your computer.The electric socket while the internal Modem is already built inside the computerThe billing meter of your telephone starts moving the moment you get connected to Internet .So a modem with good speed ensures low telephone bills .Modem with a speed of 28,800 bps is recommended ,but you can also use one having a speed of 14,000 bps.

Web Browser

The software used to navigate through the web is known as a browser.The most popular browser types today are Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0/5.5.Before you start working on the Internet ,make sure youn have a web browser in your
computer ,otherwise you will not be able to surf the net.The Microsoft Internet Explorer comes installed along with MS OFFICE 2000/XP.

Telephone Line

It is essential to have a telephone connection to get connected to Internet .All the data and information pass through the telephone lines as anologue signals,if you use the "call waiting" facility.

Internet Service Provider(ISP)

If you have a computer with a web browser ,a modem and a telephone line connected to your computer ,you now need an Internet connection.You cam get an Internet connection from various Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Earlier in India,Inernet connection was only available through VSNL (VIdesh Sanchar Nigam Limited).Now, you can choose your ISP from among 120 companies which have been granted ISp licenses.Among them ,the most popular ISPs are VSNL,MTNL and Mantra Online