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Do I Need an ISP
Another thing to consider is whether you need an Internet service provider
(ISP). The choice is like the Internet equivalent of paying one flat rate
to have the phone line hooked up, and then paying another flat rate for
your calls: You can use two different companies, just like you would with
local telephone and long distance carriers. With an ISP, what you pay for
are the computers (called servers, because they serve data to and from
your computer) that sit between your computer and the rest of the
Internet.www.tartoos.com
If you have cable service, you won't usually need an ISP. Cable providers
have a group of computers (usually called a server farm) that handles the
connection between your computer and the Internet. If you have DSL or ISDN
service, you'll usually need an ISP. You can choose from a list of
companies the service works with, or you can use any other ISP.www.tartoos.com
When you sign up with an ISP, they give you a user name and a password. If
you're someone@example.com, you can log on to "example.com" any time and
browse the Web. You just have to know your user name and password.
Currently, many ISPs offer "always-on" service, so you can launch your Web
browser and view sites right away, without having to give your password.www.tartoos.com
Why do the choices matter to a home network?www.tartoos.com
Many home networks get their start because people are tired of taking
turns surfing the Web so sharing an Internet connection is the main reason
most people set up a network. Again, if you have or plan to have broadband
service, you should wait to buy network hardware until you know what
you'll get from your service provider. Some service providers will rent
you a modem that comes with sharing capabilities built in. Some will give
you such a modem at no charge, while others will charge you for sharing
your connection and rent you the modem. Especially with wireless networks,
configuring some network hardware to work with some broadband hardware can
be a headache at best. If you plan to run a wireless network with a
broadband connection, make sure you get well-matched hardware.www.tartoos.com\
Usually any kind of network works with any kind of Internet connection,
but often you need special adapters. Most network technologies are faster
than the fastest Internet connection, but you'll want to have room left
over for everything else you do on the network—for instance, share files,
share printers, or look at movie files in one room from a computer in
another room.www.tartoos.com
We cover the specifics of each kind of Internet
connection in the sections on
connecting networks to the Internet. Just
remember which kind of Internet connection you have while you're thinking
about which kind of network to set up. If you still don't have an Internet
connection, consider what you need your network to do, and pick one that
will work for you. Find out which kinds of Internet connection will work
with your network and also fit your pocketbook, and call around to see
what's available in your area.www.tartoos.com
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