Step 11: Configure Your Networking

Now it's time to reconnect the Internet. Here's how, using the most common types of Internet connections.

Home Network

If you have a home network, it's time to reconnect your network cable or turn your wireless back on. You should be able to reconnect instantly.

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)

If you have a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) available through your telephone company, install the software provided, and enter your username and password in the appropriate places. Then connect your Ethernet cable to your DSL modem.

Cable Internet

If you use cable Internet, consider getting a broadband home router, if you don't use one already. Cable Internet makes your entire neighborhood one big local network. So a router gives you extra protection against bad things circulating in your neighborhood. If not, your software firewall (installed earlier) protects you. After either of these protections is in place, reconnect your network cable.

Dial-up

If you use a dial-up connection with your phone line to connect to the Internet, reinstall the connection software provided to you by your Internet provider, if any was provided. Otherwise follow these steps:

1.	Click Start and select Control Panel.
2.	Select Network and Internet Connections.
3.	Click Setup or Change Your Internet Connection (see Figure 9.26).
4.	Choose Add and then Dial Up to Private Network, and follow the setup process, entering all of the information for your Internet provider.
5.	Reconnect your modem to the phone line.

Figure 9.26. Set up your dialup modem in Network and Internet Connections in the Control Panel.

Tip

If you don't see Network and Internet Connections in the Control Panel, click the Switch to Category View on the left side of the window.