The three most common ways to connect to the Internet are

•	dialing an Internet service provider (ISP) using a modem and telephone line
•	connecting to an ISP using a digital subscriber line (DSL) modem or cable modem
•	connecting directly to a network that is itself connected to the Internet (your office or school intranet, for example)

Preparing for your first connection

To set up your computer for an Internet connection:

1	If you will be dialing an ISP, set up your dialup modem.
	If you are using an external DSL or cable modem, follow the setup instructions that came with the modem or your DSL or cable service.
	If you are connecting directly, connect an Ethernet cable from the local network to your computer.
2	Use the Internet Setup Assistant. The assistant will help you set up your networking software and, if you wish, set up a dialup account with a local ISP.

Open the Internet Setup Assistant for me.

If you're using a DSL modem, cable modem, or direct network connection:
Your connection is ready when you set up your modem (if necessary) and complete the Internet Setup Assistant. You can start using a Web browser or other Internet application at any time.

Establishing a dialup connection

To use a dialup modem to connect to the Internet:

•	Click the Remote Access portion of the Control Strip and choose Connect from the pop-up menu.

If you don't see the Control Strip:
Use the Control Strip control panel to display it.

Tip: You can set up your Remote Access configuration to connect to the Internet automatically any time you open a Web browser, email program, or other Internet application.

•	Open the Remote Access control panel, click the Options button, click the Protocol tab, make sure PPP is selected, then select "Connect automatically when starting TCP/IP application."

You can also create Internet location files that quickly connect to your favorite Internet locations.

To break the connection:

•	Click the Remote Access portion of the Control Strip and choose Disconnect.

If you have problems connecting to the Internet:
Check these possible solutions.