Choosing Equipment

You'll need to purchase equipment compatible with the particular type of Internet service you'll be using. If you're going to use dial-up service, your computer probably came with a modem pre-installed so you don't have any choices to make. If you are going to buy new connection hardware, here are some points to consider:

• Most broadband services require specific hardware that your ISP provides (you can sometimes buy a DSL or cable modem independently, but be sure it's going to be compatible with the equipment your ISP uses). In addition, broadband modems connect via USB or through an Ethernet network adapter. If your service needs a network adapter, be sure it's Windows XP-compatible.

• If you're going to share your Internet connection with other computers via a LAN, please read Chapter 19 before making any hardware purchases, as there are some nifty special hardware setups you might want to consider.

• Above all, be sure any hardware that you have to plug directly into the computer (modem or LAN adapter) appears in the Windows Catalog (www.windowsmarketplace.com) or in the Windows 2000 Hardware Compatibility List (http://www.microsoft.com/hcl). This isn't such a great concern now that Windows XP has been around for a while, as every vendor has had time to become XP compatible. However, not all of them have invested the effort to get Microsoft certified, so it's still worth checking the list before you make any purchases.

• For dial-up service, choose a modem that is compatible with the fastest service level provided by your ISP. They should be using V.90 modems for 56Kbps service. If your ISP still uses X2 or K6Flex modems, they're way behind the times. Some ISPs support the V.92 call-waiting protocol. If you have a modem that supports this feature, ask prospective ISPs if they support it and if there's an additional charge.