Windows Me Annoyances

Connecting to the Internet

Windows Me comes with everything you need to connect to the Internet, with the notable exception of an explanation of how to do it properly.

The following topics should cut through the nonsense and let you connect to the Internet in just a few minutes. But first . . .

A Word About the Different Types of Internet Connections

This book is, in essence, a response to all the different questions Windows users ask me on a regular basis. One of the most common questions I get asked is what is really the best type of Internet connection. Here are some thoughts that should give you a little more insight.

If you’re connecting through a large company or a university, you may have a high-speed T1 or a T3 line at your disposal, in which case, you’re set. There are also some obsolete technologies, such as ISDN and satellite connections, but I won’t waste your time with them here. What’s left is standard analog dial-up connections, DSL, cable, and wireless—because most home and small-business users will be choosing among these, that’s what we’ll discuss:

Dial-up

Dialing into the Internet with an analog modem is, for most of us, the cheapest access available. Most PCs come with a modem, and everyone already has a phone line. The downside is that dial-up connections are slow and unreliable and can sometimes be busy.

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)

Offered through your phone company, DSL is the best replacement for a dial-up connection. It’s always on, it’s generally very ...