Getting Connected

Getting Connected

To summarize so far, you need certain hardware components , software, and a provider to access the Internet. After you have these lined up, your first task is to set up Windows for your new connection. You only have to do this once. After that, starting your email program or going to a Web site is as simple as clicking an icon. But, the first time, you need to enter some technical information about your connection and provider.

Stepping Through the New Connection Wizard

Windows XP provides the New Connection Wizard, which leads you step by step through the process of getting connected. Using information supplied by your provider, this setup wizard gets you up and running in no time. If you have any problems or questions, contact your Internet service provider.

caution

The other chapters in this part of the book assume that you have set up your Internet connection and email account. Because the process varies from provider to provider, this book cannot list the exact steps. Use the New Connection Wizard to help you get set up. If you have problems, try Windows help or contact your Internet service provider for help.

Follow these steps to start the New Connection Wizard and get connected:

1.	Click the Start button and then click All Programs.
2.	Click Accessories, Communications, New Connection Wizard.
3.	Complete each step of the wizard, clicking Next to advance to the next step. Click Back if you need to change one of your selections. Keep in mind that the steps vary depending on the type of connection. You can get a rough idea of setting up a dial-up account from the following: note You can also use this wizard to set up a home network. See Chapter 24, "Setting Up Windows XP on a Home Network." Select the connection typedial-up modem, broadband connection (DSL or cable), or network broadband (DSL or LAN). Enter the name of your ISP. Enter the connection information. For instance, for a dial-up account, you type the phone number your computer dials to connect with the Internet service provider. Type your account information (username and password). Use the information provided to you by your ISP.
4.	When you have completed all your steps, click the Finish button. You are set!

Starting Your Connection

After you finish with the wizard, you connect to the Internet or email by clicking Start and then clicking Internet or E-mail from the Start menu. You'll see your connection prompt (see Figure 5.4). For dial-up accounts, you normally type your username and password. Then, Windows XP dials your provider and connects you to the Internet.

Figure 5.4. Follow the steps to log on to your provider.

tip

You also need to set up your mail accounts. The first time you start Outlook Express you are prompted to do so. You learn more about mail programs in Chapter 7, "Sending and Receiving Email."

tip

You can set up your connection so that Windows XP remembers the phone number to dial as well as your username and password.

You are now ready to start your Internet journey.

Exiting and Disconnecting

When you are not working online, you should exit your mail and browser programs and log off (if you have a dial-up account). To do so, click the Close button for the program window. You are prompted to log off if you have a dial-up connection. If you are prompted to log off, select Yes or Disconnect.

If you are not prompted to log off, right-click the connection icon in the taskbar and select Disconnect (see Figure 5.5).