Getting to the Internet
Now that we know what the Internet is and how it works, let's work on getting ourselves connected. For this we are going to need a computer, a connection, and an Internet Service Provider.A Computer and a Connection
At a minimum, you will need the following to get on the Internet:
 | Computer - although the processing speed and power of your computer has little to do with getting onto the Internet, it can make a difference with the kinds of things you may want to see (and hear) and do on the Internet. |
| Modem or Network Adapter - this is a device that will connect your computer to an Internet Service Provider (a modem) or to the network server (network adapter). |
| Phone or cable wiring - if you have a modem, you will use a phone line to connect to the Internet Service Provider; in an office or school environment, you will be connected to the server via network cables. |
| Internet software - at least two pieces of software are required: 1) a TCP/IP software stack and dial-up program (for a modem) or network client software package; and 2) various web browser, e-mail, and file transfer software programs. The TCP/IP stack enables you to connect to the network via a phone connection and establish your own IP address, domain server, and provider IP address (gateway). |
In some situations, such as network environments, IP addresses are permanently assigned to every potential client on the network. In most cases, when you connect to an Internet Service Provider (via the phone), your IP address is dynamically assigned, that is, it changes every time you connect to the Internet.
Internet Service Providers
We keep mentioning Internet Service Providers - now it is time to tell you what they are.
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) connect individuals, small companies, and other organizations to the Internet. Large organizations, including large companies, universities, and school systems, usually connect to the Internet through companies such as MCI or Sprint with expensive, high speed connections. For individuals and smaller organizations, Internet access is provided by companies who maintain large banks of modems for access to the Internet.
ISPs typically charge monthly, semi-annual, and annual fees to use their services.
When considering an ISP you should consider:
| Accessibility - can you get onto the Internet (dial-in) whenever you need to - don't forget long-distance charges depending on where you are when you want to connect (there are national service providers such as AOL)? |
| Cost and fee structure - how long will you be on-line (a few minutes a day to many hours a day) and what is the best cost structure? Many ISPs offer flat rate for unlimited time, metered billing (cost per hour), and hybrid (so many hours free, with additional hours on a metered schedule). Generally speaking, a flat rate for unlimitedl use is usually the best deal. |
| Technical support - can you get help when you need it? |
How can you assess these characteristics? Ask around and don't rely on advertising alone. Check with friends and acquaintances and find out what their experiences were.
Bandwidth and Communication with the Internet
Bandwidth is the speed that a computer can communicate with other computers on the Internet. It is usually measured in bits per second. A bit is a single unit of data and equal to a one or zero. Data is constructed by assembling bits into bytes (8 bits = 1 byte). Bytes can be used to represent text, graphics, audio, and video as well as make up computer software programs. But how many bits make up a file?
Consider the following examples:
| Content | Size (bytes and bits) |
| Simple page of text: 50 lines by 60 characters per line | 3000 bytes or 24,000 bits |
| Full screen, high quality image on a computer | 900,000 bytes or 7,200,000 bits |
| Short e-mail message (200 words) | approximately 300 bytes or 2400 bits |
| Typical web page with text and graphics | 50,000 bytes or 400,000 bits |
Typically we measure computer bandwidth speeds in kilobits per second (kbps, kilo = 1000s) and megabits per second (mbps, mega = 1,000,000s). Using the above examples:
| Content | Size (bytes and bits) |
Time to Transmit |
| Simple page of text: 50 lines by 60 characters per line | 3000 bytes or 24,000 bits | < 1 second |
| Full screen, high quality image on a computer | 900,000 bytes or 7,200,000 bits | over 4 minutes |
| Short e-mail message (200 words) | approximately 300 bytes or 2400 bits | .1 seconds |
| Typical web page with text and graphics | 50,000 bytes or 400,000 bits | 13 seconds |
There are a number of hardware approaches for connecting computers to the Internet. Each of these approaches provides a range of speed capabilities and associated costs:
| Service | Speed | Cost |
| Modem Standard analog telephone line providing dial-up access. |
14,400 to 56,000 bits per second | Modem: $50 to
$150
Connection: conventional phone service (varies by phone company) |
| ISDN
(Integrated Services Digital Network) ISDN is a digital connection using standard phone lines; it is available in many urban areas |
56,000 to
112,000 bits per second per channel (use up to 2 channels simultaneously) |
ISDN Modem:
$200 to $300
Connection: varies, typical is monthly fee ($20-$40) and metered cost ($0.01 to $0.03 per minute) |
| DSL
(Digial Subscriber Line) Numerous providers. |
640kbps
and up (download)
90kbps and up (upload) Access is very fast, runs continuously. |
Phone
service (line can be used simultaneous for voice/fax).
DSL modem and or network adapter (typically uses VPN technology). |
| Cable
Modem Available through television cable companies. Very limited distribution in mid 1998. |
500,000 to 1,000,000 bits per second | Network adapter
card: $50 to $150
Connection: varies in many areas cost ranges from $30 to $70 per month for unlimited access. |
| Networks Found in schools and companies. |
10,000,000 to
100,000,000 bits per second Bandwidth is often shared limiting each machine to 1,000,000+ bits per second. |
Network adapter
card: $50 to $150
Supporting wiring, routers, bridges, hubs (network hardware) and technical support: e.g., a 20 person network - $2000-$5000 per year (not including computer costs) Connection: external high speed connection to the Internet (T1 to T3): $1000 to $10,000 month |
As you can see in the above chart, there is a definite relationship between speed and cost. For typical home use, a standard analog modem and telephone line are the most effective solution.
Web Hosting Services
Although many ISPs will host your web site, there is an alternative...
Web hosting services are a little different from ISPs. They focus on providing a place for you to host your web site only!
Web hosting providers offer you a place to put your web site on the Internet. While ISPs mainly focus on providing dial-up and connectivity - web hosting services have a single connection to the Internet and focus on hosting hundreds and thousands of web sites.
Most web hosting services enable you to "park" your domain name. They offer package deals that give you plenty of disk space for your web pages and usually offer multiple e-mail addresses and the ability to host databases and run programs (Perl and Active Server Pages) on your web sites.
Fees for web hosting range from:
| $10-$15 for 20 to 50 MB of space, 10-20 e-mail boxes, and unlimited access |
| $15-$30 for 50 to 100 MB of space, 20-30 e-mail boxes, databases, and unlimited access |
| $30 + for 100+MB, 50-100 e-mail boxes, databases and other specialized services |
Something to remember about web hosting services, you will still need an ISP to connect to the Internet and gain access to your web site. Also, most require you to get a domain name from www.internic.net before you set up your site.
Free Web Hosting
As we discussed earlier, many ISPs will host your web site (usually not more than 1 MB or so) as part of your connection fee. You can also get a web hosting service. There is another alternative - free web hosting.
There a are a number of companies on the Internet that will let you have "free" space for your web site. The only condition is that they will add advertisements to your web page when it is served.
Some Internet Service Providers...
AOL (America OnLine) - www.aol.com - a very good place to start! AOL provides an easy to use interface that is well suited for beginners who not very computer savvy.
Erols - www.erols.com, also www.verizon.net - they have a very good reputation for the Washington metropolitan area.
Heller Information Services - www.his.com
Cost
| Most of the local services run about $15/ month (unlimited use) |
| AOL - typically $20/month (unlimited use) |
| Cable modem services - $30+ based on number of hours of use |
Many of these services often provide CD-ROMs with web browser setup programs.
How do I get my own Domain Name?
Go to http://internic.net - it is the company that keeps track of domain names by coordinating with various other companies (e.g., web hosting companies). Domain names range in cost from free (when you set up a web site) to $70 for the first two years, then $35 per year afterwards.