If you don't have a land phone line, your options for connecting to
the internet are DSL or cable. A good place to start looking for an
Internet Service Provider (ISP) is http://www.dslreports.com/begin.
This web site gives you information on the different ways to connect to the internet
(DSL, cable, phone modem or wireless). It has cost comparisons as well as gives reviews
from users of the various providers. One thing to keep in mind if you do decide to get DSL or cable
is that your computer will need a network card. You may already have one - if
you do your computer will have a spot that looks like a regular phone
jack, but the opening will be slightly too large for a regular phone
cord. If you do not, they are fairly inexpensive, starting at around $30.
There are many different types of laptops and you will need to take many things into consideration
when choosing the right laptop for you. We did a program on "Buying a Computer" last year. Our experts said,
"...an essential step you need to take before buying a computer: defining your needs and finding the applications
that will perform those tasks." Here is a link to that episode page.
On this page is a link to the streaming video files that have the entire program as well as a PDF document
that has a transcript of the program. (See the upper right corner of the web page.)
Considering the fact that you want Internet access, when looking at laptops you will probably
want to make sure it has wireless capability as well as a built-in network card. There are many places you
can go that offer wireless internet access. This web site allows you to put in your zip code and searches for coffee shops and
bookstores in your area that provide this service. And of course, you've probably heard the news that Minneapolis may go entirely wireless in
the near future.
Thanks again for your interest in our program.
Sincerely,
Tech Talk Staff
