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3.1. Connecting to and Using the Internet
The Internet is used by millions of people daily for work and entertainment. Searching for information all over the world, corresponding with friends and relatives, participating in discussion forums, reading the news, playing games, has never been easier... or more accessible.
The means of connecting to the Internet is not always a choice and depends greatly on where you live and/or work and the surrounding infrastructure. The pre-requisites to connect to the Internet are an Internet Service Provider (ISP) subscription and a functional Internet connection in your area. Configuring the Internet connection requires minimal involvement from you. Ubuntu supports most connection types. This lesson will cover: Broadband (cable or ASDL), dial-up and direct access through Local Area Network (LAN).
Broadband connections are fast and reliable connections that users subscribe to for a monthly fee. Broadband companies offer packages with different speed specifications and bandwidth limits. If you travel and need In- ternet access, you can purchase a wireless Internet connection. If your computer does not have one pre-installed, you will need to install a wireless card. This connection is similar to a satellite connection, where data is trans- mitted through the airwaves.
Dial-up access uses the same lines as your phone connection, except that the parties at the two ends are comput- ers. This is a slow and cheap connection that uses a phone line to connect to a local server. Your computer dials a phone number that is provided by your ISP and connects to the server. Consequently, you cannot make phone calls while you are connected to the Internet. This is the oldest and slowest means of connecting; carrying out many functions using this mode can be very tedious and frustrating.