Hello vergita,
Thank you for your question.
Setting up a PC to communicate to the Internet requires both hardware
and software and configuration of both. You did not specify which
operating system you have interest in, but since the vast majority of
PC's run a version of Microsoft Windows, I will concentrate on that.
Other operating systems will be very similar in their configuration
needs.
The PC will communicate with the Internet using either a modem,
broadband connection such as DSL or Cable Modem or perhaps even be
connected to a LAN in a business environment which will provide the
network connection for you and is usually setup by your system's
administrator or IT department.
Modems:
Most newer PC's come with a modem installed and it can also even be an
integrated part of the motherboard in some systems. Most often, it is
an add-on card that simply plugs into the appropriate available slot
inside your computer. Depending on the age of the machine, it may have
an ISA or PCI slot appropriate for a modem. You will need the proper
modem to fit the vacant slot you have available. Though less common
now-a-days, there are also external modems if you happen to
A modem will have two connectors that are the same as that you plug
your standard telephone line into the wall jack which are called RJ-11
connectors. One, which is usually clearly labeled, goes to your wall
jack in place of your phone and the other will allow you to plug a
standard telephone set into, assuming you are using the phone line for
both voice and data communications.
While searching for an example of modem installation instructions, I
came across the following page which details installation of both
internal and external modems"
Waterwheel.com
http://www.waterwheel.com/Guides/how_to/modem/modems.htm
"Installing A Modem
-Modem installation usually goes smoothly. The hardest part is finding
the drivers available on the installation disk. This is usually in the
form of a INF. file. This simply gives the system information on your
device or modem. If you have a Plug and Play modem you should be in
good shape for a installation. When you boot up the computer will find
the modem and you're in Business.
Installing a External Modem
-Installing a external modem has its advantages over the internal. I
have had modem simply lock up on me and not work. When this happens
with a internal modem this usually calls for a reboot. With the
external you can most times just turn it off and back on to reset it.
This can save you a little heartache at times. Not only is the
external modem handy but you can travel with it and hook it up to
other systems. The internal modem is not so handy for such operations.
-Here are some common steps for installing an external modem.
-Turn computer off
-Plug modem into a free serial port
-Pug modem power in and hook up phone line
-Restart system, you should go into a plug and play routine with
windows
-Your system will recognize your new hardware especially if is is PnP
(Plug and Play) device
-In most cases you will be brought to a hardware wizard under windows
and it will ask for a driver for your device
-Make sure you have the installation CD or floppy in the drive
browse location for what is called a INF. File, this provides
information on your device and will help load device
Simply choose location of INF. file and hit ok or next. This should
load the driver for device and your in business..."
Do see their instructions for internal modems and their installation
pictures.
The following page will show you the steps that the wizard will take
you through in this installation process:
http://support.univarusa.com/vopakknowbase/root/public/117.htm
How do I manually configure my modem in Windows?
To do manually configure my modem in Windows, perform the following
steps:
This solution applies to Windows 95, 98, and NT systems.
Once a modem is installed, it will need to be configured to dial in to
your ISP, or service provider. When you ordered service, they should
have provided you with a local dial-up phone number. You will also
need your login-id and password to set this service up. This process
is called "configuring the dial-up connection".
World Of Windows Networking has several excellent pages with clear
illustrations showing exactly the required steps to establish a new
Dial-Up Networking connection and even covers PCMCIA modems if you
happen to be setting this device up to use with a laptop:
http://www.wown.com/j_helmig/dun.htm
http://www.wown.com/j_helmig/duninsta.htm
Installation of Dialup-Networking
This page will take you through confirming that dial-up networking is
already installed on your computer, or will show the steps to install
this if not. Although the page is for Windows 95, other versions of
Windows will act in a very similar manner. This page also covers the
configuration of TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet
Protocol) which is the networking protocol used to access the
Internet. This is an excellent and thorough tutorial and covers
security issues not usually talked about with simple dial-up
networking configuration pages.
If you would like more in depth understanding of TCP/IP, you can find
an excellent tutorial here:
http://oac3.hsc.uth.tmc.edu/staff/snewton/tcp-tutorial/sec1.html
"What is TCP/IP?
Copyright (C) 1987, Charles L. Hedrick. Anyone may reproduce this
document, in whole or in part, provided that: (1) any copy or
republication of the entire document must show Rutgers University as
the source, and must include this notice; and (2) any other use of
this material must reference this manual and Rutgers University, and
the fact that the material is copyright by Charles Hedrick and is used
by permission.
TCP/IP is a set of protocols developed to allow cooperating computers
to share resources across a network. It was developed by a community
of researchers centered around the ARPAnet. Certainly the ARPAnet is
the best-known TCP/IP network. However as of June, 87, at least 130
different vendors had products that support TCP/IP, and thousands of
networks of all kinds use it.
First some basic definitions. The most accurate name for the set of
protocols we are describing is the "Internet protocol suite". TCP and
IP are two of the protocols in this suite. (They will be described
below.) Because TCP and IP are the best known of the protocols, it has
become common to use the term TCP/IP or IP/TCP to refer to the whole
family. It is probably not worth fighting this habit. However this can
lead to some oddities. For example, I find myself talking about NFS as
being based on TCP/IP, even though it doesn't use TCP at all. (It does
use IP. But it uses an alternative protocol, UDP, instead of TCP. All
of this alphabet soup will be unscrambled in the following pages.)..."
WOWN continues their Dial-up Networking Tutorial on the following
page:
http://www.wown.com/j_helmig/dunconfg.htm
Configure Dial-Up Connection
To define now your 'Dial-Up networking' connection, choose 'Dial-Up
Networking' from 'MyComputer' or from the Taskbar-menu:
This page will walk you through creating a new dial-up connection and
will create an icon for that creation. As an aside, if you happen to
be doing this on a laptop and travel frequently, you can setup a
connection for each city you visit and always be prepared to connect
without having to change a setting or search out the connection
information while you are on the road.
Now that your dial-up connection is created, you can perform the final
configurations:
http://www.wown.com/j_helmig/dunconf1.htm
Configure Dial-Up Connection
And finally, making a connection and entering your ISP and account
information:
http://www.wown.com/j_helmig/dunconec.htm
(NOTE: Their mention of a dialing script here is not at all necessary
to make a connection. I have omitted the scripting page so as not to
intimate that this is a requirement of establishing a connection and
configuring dial-up networking.)
If you have never installed a modem and configured dial-up networking,
the above may seem intimidating. It actually is easier than it appears
and there are many helpful pages to be found on the Internet or
assistance is usually only a phone call away to your ISP's tech
support department. Or, you can always post here at Google Answers!
Higher speed broadband connections are now more and more common and
affordable. Though there are other types, by far the two most common
are DSL and Cable Modem. Aside from a huge gain in speed, these types
of service are "always on" and do not require dialing-in to connect to
the Internet.
One of, if not the best resource for information on these services is
BroadBandReports.com"
http://www.dslreports.com/
This site will answer almost any question conceivable in regards to
high speed connectivity and rates and reviews providers as well. They
describe DSL and Cable and contrast them as follows:
http://www.dslreports.com/faq/117
"Q: I heard DSL is cool. What is it? (#117)
A: DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is an always-on internet connection
that ends in a socket on your wall, that looks much like a phone
socket. At least in the US, the socket is exactly a phone socket, and,
for the popular residential DSL, (ADSL), the same housewiring does
indeed carry phone and data!
DSL is billed per month, usually for a fixed price, and for the
majority of providers, for unlimited usage. In other words. whether
you use it for email once a day, or you are a net addict and use it
constantly, your bill is always the same.
Once you have a DSL line, you can use the entire resources of the
internet, in the same way as you did from a regular modem connecting
to an ISP like mindspring or ibm.net, except you can use them 24 hours
a day, with no connection delay, and usually (although not always)
without a 'username' and 'password', and without a busy signal or any
connection/disconnection process (USWest offers a economy DSL product
that does have a connection process however).
The key advantage of DSL over modem is speed. DSL is from several, to
dozens, of times faster than a modem connection. A complex web page
that could take up to a minute to finish loading, can appear in just
seconds over DSL.
Connection speed, reliability, and the 'always-on' nature of DSL, are
the main reasons it is so popular. For small businesses, DSL is also a
great way to save money compared to pay per minute ISDN service, or
expensive T1 lines."
http://www.dslreports.com/faq/129
"Q: DSL vs CABLE? (#129)
A: Cable modems are typically faster for downloads than most if not
all DSL lines, when the cable infrastructure is new or well
maintained. However, cable has a few disadvantages to DSL.
The first disadvantage is that cable is an RF network -- this means
that it is vulnerable to transient problems "within the network" from
RF interference. Since cable is a shared media, there is a possibility
that performance may degrade over time as additional households plug
in, connect additional devices (videos, game machines) to the TV
lines.
A cable company may react slowly to decreases in performance, as they
never sell access by speed, or promise consistent speed or latency.
One of the largest disadvantages of cable over DSL is the upstream
(return path). Cable companies are using a very narrow band for return
signaling, below all the space allocated for TV channels. This band is
prone to RF interference and is very limited in capacity. Upstream
transmissions may therefore compete with others in the area, get
delayed (suffer high latency) due to noise fighting techniques, and
cable Terms Of Service typically prohibit any kind of constant
upstream use. Internet use is shifting away from central servers
broadcasting to many individuals and some interesting peer to peer
applications are appearing (games, voice and video applications,
communal libraries). These applications need a strong upstream
channel.
In summary, cable modems are currently good value and strong
competition for residential casual use, often available more cheaply
and far faster than their ADSL competition. However, DSL is probably
the more future-proof system, offering digital direct from the
internet infrastructure.. If your DSL ISP is on the ball, your
performance in either direction will not be different from peak hour
to early morning, and DSL lines are available for a wide variety of
purposes, both business and residential."
You will find numerous questions and answers like the above that cover
aspects of broadband connectivity at this site including:
-What is the fastest speed that DSL connections are capable of?
-What's this about distance from the CO?
-Latency versus Bandwidth... What is it?
-Why is distance important with DSL?
-Do I still need an ISP with DSL?
-Can I continue to use AOL?
-My email is with MSN/AOL - Can I keep it?
-I heard I can connect my phone to DSL also?
-Must I install additional telephone lines in order to use DSL?
-Will my MAC work with DSL?
-Can I FAX over DSL?
-Does anyone have to visit my house?
-I live in an apartment, not a house. Can I get DSL?
-Can I get DSL with no phone service?
-Can I use a LAPTOP with DSL?
And many, many more informative FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)
DSL and Cable Modems:
As with a dial-up modem, hardware is required for broadband
connections. Though there are internal DSL modems, most often these,
and cable modems will be external devices. You will need an internal
LAN card or "NIC" network interface card. Some providers will install
this hardware and software for you. Some charge and some provide this
service for free. With some providers, you can also choose to
self-install.
Verizon Online has a page dedicated to self installation of DSL:
http://onlinehelp.verizon.net/SRVS/CGI-BIN/WEBCGI.EXE/,/?St=139,E=0000000000000223819,K=261,Sxi=5,problem=1121,command=restart,varset_sitevar=west_dsl
"What is self-installation?
Self-installation is the fastest and least expensive way for you to
get online with DSL. With self-installation, you don't have to meet an
installation technician at your home, and there are no installation
fees to pay.
Most Verizon Online customers find that it takes about 30 minutes to
install DSL themselves. Just follow the Step 1, 2, 3 process to
activate your high-speed Internet access...
...What is in the installation kit?
The installation kit contains:
Step 1—Box containing DSL filters and 2-for-1 adapter
Step 2—Box containing your DSL modem, power cord, phone cord, and
Ethernet cable ...
Step 3—Verizon Online DSL Software with Installation Overview on the
CD ..."
The Installation steps follow. Do review all the pages as I have only
sketched the installation procedure here:
http://onlinehelp.verizon.net/SRVS/CGI-BIN/WEBCGI.EXE/,/?St=292,E=0000000000000223846,K=1929,Sxi=17,case=450
"Step 1: Identify devices needing filters
DSL filters block the DSL signal from reaching your phone, fax, and
other devices. EXCEPT for your DSL modem, every device sharing the
phone number that has DSL needs a filter. Unused jacks do not need a
filter.
If you skip this step, you could experience noise and reduced phone
service quality....
DSL filter installation
There are two types of DSL filters—the wall mount DSL filter and the
standard DSL filter. A standard DSL filter can be used with the
2-for-1 adapter to split one phone jack for use with both DSL and a
telephone.
To install the 2-for-1 adapter and a DSL filter:
The 2-for-1 adapter splits one jack into two. This enables you to plug
a DSL filter into one of the two adapter jacks for phone use, and to
plug your DSL modem into the other jack...
Step 2: Setting up your DSL modem
Verify that you have all required modem equipment.
Should you connect with Ethernet or USB?
If you received a Fujitsu modem, you must connect using Ethernet.
If you received a Westell Dual Connect modem and have a PC, we
recommend that you connect using Ethernet. Ethernet connections are
generally faster than USB connections. Additionally, if you connect
using Ethernet, you don't have to install the Westell USB drivers on
your PC.
If you received a Westell Ethernet modem, you must connect using
Ethernet.
If you have a PC and are running Windows® 95, you must connect using
Ethernet.
If you have a Mac, you must connect using Ethernet.
If you received a Westell Dual Connect modem, DO NOT connect your
computer and the DSL modem using both Ethernet and USB connections.
You can only connect using one method...
Most commonly, DSL is setup using Ethernet. The following page details
this part of the installation:
http://onlinehelp.verizon.net/SRVS/CGI-BIN/WEBCGI.EXE/,/?St=195,E=0000000000000225407,K=1929,Sxi=8,case=933
In part, it says:
"Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet jack in
your computer (use the jack that looks like a wider telephone jack).
If you have difficulty locating the jack on the back of your computer,
you may not have a Network Interface Card (NIC) installed. Check to
see if you have a NIC installed in your computer.
Note: Network Interface Cards are not provided by Verizon Online..."
NICS are very inexpensive and can be found for as little as $5. Some
DSL providers do include these in their installation kits.
http://onlinehelp.verizon.net/SRVS/CGI-BIN/WEBCGI.EXE/,/?St=52,E=0000000000000225958,K=1929,Sxi=5,case=1010
Step 3: Software installation
Before you install the Verizon Online software, be sure that:
Your Service Ready Date has arrived. (Your Service Ready Date was
communicated in an e-mail sent to you after you signed up for
service.)
Your DSL filters are properly installed (see Step 1).
Your DSL modem is set up and the modem lights are on (see Step 2).
Install DSL on your PC
To install DSL:
Close or exit all software programs.
Insert the Verizon Online DSL CD into the CD drive in your computer.
If the installation program does not start automatically, click the
Start button and select Run.
In the Run window, type d:\setup.exe
Note: The “d:” represents your CD drive. If “d” isn't the letter that
represents your CD drive, substitute the appropriate letter.
Click OK.
Click Setup to begin installation. Follow the on screen prompts to
configure your computer and begin using your Verizon Online account.
To connect to the Internet:
After you have successfully installed your Verizon installation
software and registered, double-click the Verizon Online DSL icon on
the desktop to connect to the Internet..."
Now, this is a bit overly simplified and I think you will be
interested in the network settings required for both your NIC card and
the TCP/IP settings for your NIC card and DSL service. This will vary
depending on if your account with your provider has a fixed (becoming
more rare) or dynamic IP address. Lava.net has a page showing
configuration for dynamic settings. If you were assigned a fixed IP
address, then the address, gateway, DNS servers and other details
would be provided by your ISP and you would need to enter the
information that they had given you:
http://www.lava.net/support/config/dsl/windows/dhcp/Win9x/
If you care to learn more about NIC's and their configuration, the
following page of Frick's FAQ's should answer about any question you
might have:
http://www.frick-cpa.com/netess/Net_BasicHardware.asp
"Frick's FAQs
This section provides an introduction to the basic hardware used in a
small PC LAN: NICs, hubs, and repeaters. As with the test, the focus
is on general features and functions, not vendor specific products.
Configuration issues, where appropriate, are included...
...What is a NIC?
A Network Interface Card (NIC), also called a Network Adapter, is
used to connect a computer to the cabling used in a local area network
(LAN). Typically, the NIC attaches to the computer’s expansion bus via
an ISA slot (8-bit or 16-bit) or a PCI slot (32-bit). The NIC has one
or more external ports with which to attach the network cable.
The primary function of a NIC is to allow the computer to communicate
on the network. It does this by transmitting/receiving and controlling
traffic with other computers or devices on the network. When
transmitting, the NIC converts data from parallel to serial, encodes
and compresses it, and then places it on the wire in the form of an
electrical or optical signal. The process is reversed on the receiving
end. The NIC translates the electrical signal it receives off the wire
into bits that can be read by the computer...."
Cable Modems
Installing a Cable Modem is similar to a DSL Modem. DIY Network
answers common questions:
http://www.diynet.com/DIY/aboutCableModem/0,2368,,00.html
"What is a cable modem and how does it work?
A cable modem is an external device that has two connections, one to
the cable wall outlet and the other to your computer and allows
high-speed access to the Internet using cable TV (CATV) wires instead
of telephone lines. Cable modems translate radio frequency (RF)
signals to and from the cable plant into Internet Protocol (IP), the
communications protocol spoken by all computers connected to the
Internet. A cable modem allows consumers to access the Internet in a
fraction of time it takes using a regular dial-up modem. Downloads can
be up to 100 times faster allowing consumers to watch smooth streaming
video, listen to CD quality audio, and trek from Web page to Web page
in lightening speed.
Since I am using a cable line, can I watch TV and surf the net at the
same time?
Yes. Cable modems send and receive data from your computer using cable
frequencies that aren't used by television signals. Someone in your
household will be able to watch their favorite TV show, while someone
else can be on-line.
Does my computer have to be next to my television set?
No. Multiple TV's and computers can be served off of the same cable
line. Just like telephone jacks or cable television outlets, different
wires can be run to almost anywhere in a house.
I heard that cable modems are "always on". Is that really true?
Yes. With cable modems, you are automatically connected to the
Internet. If your computer is on, so is the Internet. It is not
necessary to log on or log off, or to dial a phone number to get a
connection.
I have an AOL account, will it still work or will it become useless?
It will most definitely work. You will still be able to access AOL
through your cable modem connection.
Is a cable modem compatible with PC and Macintosh? What are the
requirements?
Cable modems will work with PCs and Macs. You will have to check with
your cable provider to for the minimum system requirements.
How do I install a cable modem?
Your cable provider will come out to install your modem service just
like they come install your cable service. You can also check and many
of the cable providers or their retail partners have self-installation
kits. Either way-it is real simple!..."
COX High speed Internet has an installation tutorial:
http://support.cox.net/custsup/help/MS_hardware_modem_network_cards.shtml
and here:
http://support.cox.net/custsup/help/MS_hardware_cable_modem_overview.shtml
Most answers can be found on their pages on installation and
configuration.
Software
By far, the most popular browser is Microsoft's Internet Explorer. It
comes bundled with the operating system and can also be downloaded
from Microsoft free of charge or upgraded from the same site to keep
current with new features and patches.
Setting your software to use your Internet connection is quick and
easy and wizard driven. Earthlink shows how to select a dial-up
connection for your Internet connectivity here:
http://support.earthlink.net/mu/1/psc/img/walkthroughs/windows_9x_nt/browsers/ie_5.0/0809.configure.inetwiz.psc.html
How to configure Internet Explorer 5.x using the Internet Connection
Wizard
If you are connected via broadband, you would elect "LAN" rather than
dial-up connection.
Another excellent run through this setup can be found here:
http://www.bangla.net/isp/tech_support/setup-ie-email-1st.html
If you happen to be changing a PC previously configured to use dial-up
and now using DSL, this tutorial will show the few setting that need
to be set in Internet Explorer to effect this change:
http://help.stargate.net/broadband/switchdsl.shtml
Changing from Dialup to DSL
Problem: Your computer still tries to connect via dialup modem when
you open Internet software like your web browser or your email client.
Operating Systems: Windows XP, 2000, ME, 98, & NT
If you have recently switched from dialup to DSL, your Internet
applications may be set to automatically dial a connection, even if
your DSL is active. Many programs use the default Internet Explorer
connection settings (Even if you are using Netscape or another web
browser). If your application is not listed, check the Internet
Explorer settings first. If this does not resolve the problem, consult
the application's Help file for more information.
Internet Explorer 5 & 6
Open the Control Panel.
Double-click the Internet (or Internet Options) icon.
Click the Connection tab.
Select the option "Never dial a connection."
Click the LAN Settings button. These options should be unchecked.
Click OK, then OK again... "
You can now make use of your Internet connection and web browsing.
As you may know, you can use the FTP protocol using a web browser, but
the functionality is limited in this fashion. FTP client programs
specifically designed for this purpose will offer you many more
options. I'll list my two favorites in a moment, but for now, let's
look at this protocol a little closer:
Ipswitch
http://www.ipswitch.com/Products/WS_FTP/whatisftp.html
"Wait a minute, what is FTP, anyway?
FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. FTP client software allows you
to transfer files between your hard drive and a remote server. For
instance, you could put your personal home page up on the Web by
transferring files from your hard drive to a Web server, or you can
download programs from your favorite shareware site — fast.
Ever wonder what "http" stands for in all of the Web sites you access
with your Web browser? Hypertext Transfer Protocol is how your browser
transfers files from remote web servers to graphically display web
content on your monitor. Although HTTP does a good job of downloading
HTML files and the small bitmaps displayed within them, it was never
designed to transfer large files. However, with FTP, you can download
large files and resume transfer after interruptions, where you left
off, saving time (read that "money") and aggravation (priceless).
FTP users find transferring files via e-mail attachments grossly
inefficient or impractical when dealing with large documents. For
uploading such files, FTP is the only open standard answer (e.g., for
efficiently posting new HTML pages onto a Web site or sharing
graphics-laden files)..."
Ipswitch is the maker of WS_FTP, one of my favorite FTP utilities. It
is available for $39.95:
http://www.ipswitch.com/products/WS_FTP/index.html
"The smarter way to transfer files!
WS_FTP Pro is the market leader in Windows-based FTP (file transfer
protocol) client software. It enables users and organizations to move
files between local and remote systems while enjoying the utmost in:
-Security: Protects your business critical and sensitive data with the
highest commercially available data encryption level
-Ease of use: Makes sharing files fast and easy
-Reliability: Maximizes the rate of successful file transfers
-Efficiency: Allows transfers of more files to more destinations
without adding to your workload
Why WS_FTP Pro? WS_FTP Pro is the leading FTP program with millions of
users worldwide. It comes from Ipswitch, the pioneers of FTP
technology, a company with a track record of over 10 years of
successful products, financial stability, and a firm commitment to
customer satisfaction...."
You might also be interested in this tutorial on FTP:
http://www.ftpplanet.com/ftpresources/basics.htm
"FTP 101 - A Beginner's Guide
(Click the green links for definitions)
What is FTP?
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is the simplest and most secure way to
exchange files over the Internet. Whether you know it or not, you
most likely use FTP all the time.
The most common use for FTP is to download files from the Internet.
Because of this, FTP is the backbone of the MP3 music craze, and vital
to most online auction and game enthusiasts. In addition, the ability
to transfer files back-and-forth makes FTP essential for anyone
creating a Web page, amateurs and professionals alike.
When downloading a file from the Internet you're actually transferring
the file to your computer from another computer over the Internet.
This is why the T (transfer) is in FTP. You may not know where the
computer is that the file is coming from but you most likely know it's
URL or Internet address.
An FTP address looks a lot like an HTTP, or Website, address except it
uses the prefix ftp:// instead of http://.
Example Website address: http://www.FTPplanet.com
Example FTP site address: ftp://ftp.FTPplanet.com ..."
They seem to recommend WS_FTP as well and have their user's guide at
this site as well.
My other favorite FTP program is called Smartftp:
http://www.smartftp.com/
This also is an excellent FTP client. You might wish to compare the
interfaces and feature sets of both programs, or search CNET, TUCOWS
or other shareware sites for additional choices.
Once your internet connection is setup as above, you will only need to
enter sites and passwords into your FTP client to get them up and
running.
Although you only asked about web browsing and FTP, I thought a little
further information on other Internet protocols might be of interest
to you and fit well with your question. There are separate protocols
for email, news reading and even synchronizing the clock in your
computer
Cisco has a VERY in depth article:
http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/cisintwk/ito_doc/ip.htm
Internet Protocols
CERN provides the history behind Internet Protocols
http://wwwinfo.cern.ch/pdp/ns/ben/TCPHIST.html
A Short History of Internet Protocols at CERN
Ben Segal / CERN PDP-NS
April, 1995
Now that the Internet has exploded in popularity on a world wide
scale, with a major component of its success (the World Wide Web)
being developed at CERN, it seems a good time to look back and trace
the history of the Internet at CERN. Even before the Web allowed
Internet penetration in the most unexpected places, the presence of
the Internet protocols at CERN had already encouraged their adoption
not only in many other parts of Europe but also in such influential
organizations as the ITU and ISO in Geneva...
And you will find an excellent, easy to understand page on protocols
here:
http://odur.let.rug.nl/~bert/PROSA/rep-protocols.html#e-mail
"Internet protocols
A protocol is a language that is used between computers. Most
protocols are fairly simple, consisting of not much more than a
handful of commands and a description of the format for the returned
answers. For example, the NNTP protocol lists a number of commands
such as article, list, and newgroups, and it says that every command
must be on a separate line and that the responses will be preceded by
a line with a 3-digit number. The Gopher protocol is even simpler. A
protocol is not meant to be used by humans, because it is designed to
be simple for computers, which is not necessarily simple for human
beings.
This chapter describes a number of protocols that are in use on the
Internet, in so far as they are useful for the purposes of this
report, which is information retrieval and distributed services.
Protocols at a low level, that are not directly of importance to the
subjects of this report are left out..."
Search Strategy:
installing a modem
configure a modem
install DSL modem
configure a NIC
"self-install cable modem"
configure Internet Explorer connection
Internet Explorer +"connection tab"
"what is ftp"
internet protocols
I trust my research has answered your setup questions. If I have
missed addressing an area of concern for you, or if a link above
should fail to work or anything require further explanation or
research, please do post a Request for Clarification prior to rating
the answer and closing the question and I will be pleased to assist
further.
Regards,
-=clouseau=- |
