Mac OS® X Leopard™ Bible

Chapter 10. Getting on the Internet

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Setting up an Internet connection

• Making the Internet connection

• Browsing the Web with Safari

• Searching the Internet

• Sending and receiving e-mail with Mail

If your Macintosh is running OS X, and especially if you have made the effort to read this book (whether you're browsing in the computer section of a Barnes and Noble or perusing the pages in the comfort of your living room), there is no doubt about it: your computer needs an Internet connection. Having access to the World Wide Web is an essential component of the OS X experience, not only for information and communication, but also for downloading Apple's frequently provided and often massively sized software updates. Most software today can be purchased online and downloaded immediately.

This chapter discusses the very basics of getting your Mac onto the Internet, and how to use the Internet after you are successfully connected to it. This chapter walks you through the Network Setup Assistant as the means to configure your Mac for Internet connectivity. (For advanced configuration and setup, see Chapter 11.) The Internet Connect application is described here, as well as Mac OS X's menu bar icons that are related to connecting you to the Internet. This chapter also provides a detailed overview of Apple's Safari Web browser and Mail application for surfing the Web and sending and receiving e-mail, and a brief description of newsgroups and news readers.

Why You Need the Internet

Using ...