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ABC FOR CONNECTING TO THE INTERNET GUIDE
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ABC to connecting to the internet
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About
Connecting to the Internet gives you access to lots of information, allows you to send and receive email, and even do online banking.
ADSL is a data communications technology that enables faster data transmission over copper telephone lines than a conventional voiceband modem can provide.
Basics
You need a computer that is preferably fairly modern (less than 5 years old) – either notebook or standalone PC – with a network (Ethernet) port or WiFi. You can also use USB, but this is sometimes a bit complicated and prone to instability.
Your computer needs an Internet browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox) and an email application (Outlook, Firebird). Most modern computers have these applications built in.
You need to be able to find your way around these two applications with both keyboard and mouse.
Connectivity
You need a telephone line from Telkom with a valid telephone number, and your account with Telkom needs to be paid-up.
Your telephone line needs to be converted to allow ADSL to run over it as well, not just telephone calls. This line conversion takes a few days, and determines the speed of your Internet connection.
You need an ADSL account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) which keeps track of the amount of data you use on the line, and bills you accordingly.
You need an ADSL modem that connects your computer to your ADSL-converted telephone line. The connection between the ADSL modem and your computer can be via a cable (Ethernet network) or wirelessly (WiFi) if your computer supports WiFi.
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