Equipment
Once you have decided how you will be accessing the Internet, you must purchase the appropriate equipment to do so. If you choose an online service, or Internet service provider (ISP) you will need a PC, and a modem, and a telephone line.

Your PC should be less than two years old. If it is older, check with your online service or ISP to see if your system will work with their service.

A modem allows you PC to "talk" with other computers over a telephone line. The faster the modem the better. A 28.8 Kbps is a good place to start.

Your standard analog telephone line is usually adequate to connect to the Internet. However, if you plan to use the Internet a great deal, you may want to consider adding a second telephone line so your first line is not tied up while you are on the Internet.