Windows XP Annoyances for Geeks, 2nd Edition

Connect to the Internet

Although connecting to the Internet is really not any different than connecting to a workgroup, at least as far as Windows is concerned, you'll typically encounter different types of problems. Use these procedures to connect your computer (or your workgroup) to the Internet.

Connection Types

The procedure to initiate an Internet connection varies with the type of connection you wish to establish:

• DSL, cable, T1, or other high-speed connection with a static IP address (no username and password)

• DSL, cable, or other high-speed connection via PPPoE (username and password required)

• Connection provided by a router or another computer via Internet Connection Sharing

• Dial-up connection, including analog modems over standard phone lines

If your connection doesn't fit neatly into one of the above categories, your setup may still be similar to one of the following sections anyway. Otherwise, you'll need to contact your service provider for specific instructions and software for Windows XP. Details on each of these connection types are as follows.

DSL, cable, or other high-speed connection with a static IP address

High-speed connections with static IP addresses are probably the easiest of the aforementioned connections to set up in Windows XP.

A static IP address means you have the same IP address on the Internet every time you start your computer. If you're not sure if you have such a connection, check to see if your connection requires a username and password to log on; if ...