Sams Teach Yourself Internet and Web Basics All in One

Types of Internet Accounts

When you sign up with—subscribe to—an Internet service, you get what's called an Internet account.

With an Internet account, you get the right to use the provider's Internet service, your very own email address (so you can send and receive email), and all the other information you need to set up your computer for accessing the Internet through the service. From most providers, you also might get any communications or client software you need, as discussed in the previous chapter.

Dial-Up Accounts

Most Internet accounts are called “dial-up” accounts because you use them by “dialing up” the Internet provider through your modem and telephone line. These are sometimes also described as “IP” accounts because they require ...