Getting on the internet is the first step to your journey into cyberworld. If you are reading this page, then you are already on the internet. If you are using someone else's computer, then you have some work to do.
To get on the Internet, you will first need a computer. Most modren PCs will work. With evolution of software and hardware, it's best to use the latest designs in the market. If you're about to buy a modem, I'd recommend the highest speed available. You also need to buy the correct type to match the package from your internet service provider. Many will provide their own modems at a nominal cost to simplify the process for the user. There are many options for high speed connections, like ADSL2+ broadband, but obviously, the higher the speed, the higher the cost. If you plan to spend a lot of time online, especially transferring large files, you will need to look at these options. Read the fine print. Many incur additional charges when you cross a fixed data limit or time threshold.
The ISP (Internet Service Provider) provides you with the essential link to the internet. There ought to be many local services within your region which provide internet connections. In the early days, you would dial in to their server with a standard phone line and their servers remain connected to the internet 24 hours a day. That will allow you to access the internet anytime you dial in. Today, most users use broadband, which utilizes the existing phone line for ADSL or ADSL2 broadband or a new coaxial cable for Cable Broadband. The other feature of the ISP is that it provides you with an e-mail address. It gives you a nice address which is not a generic web based address. This is useful for official applications as it provides tracibility. Some companies will require this email address for registration to their services. Whenever anyone sends you e-mail, it will be held there until you log in and check your mail.
Note that you can use a free e-mail as an alternative to your ISPs e-mail. You can access this e-mail from cyber-cafes and other places. Yahoo is an example of free e-mail. The advantage is that it is worldwide access wherever there is an internet connection.
A broadband connection also gives you a fixed IP address which is like a house address on the internet. This enables certain other point to point applications to be used for file sharing etc. Note that this also enables you to be traced backward, so avoid doing anything naughty on the internet!
When choosing an ISP, look out for things like, is there limited or unlimited access, if limited, then how many hours, or how much download or what speed per month? Will server space be provided for your homepage or website? Are there limitations to how much data you can send and receive (e-mail, uploading files etc)? Will a set of basic licensed software and help be provided (connection software, firewall, modem drivers, technical support)? You might also be concerned about blocking of adult sites if you have young children.
Finally, you need a decent modem. Get the fastest available. You can purchase a USB, ethernet, or wireless type. Getting a decent brand will help in configuring the modem. You will need to configure the modem when you first connect to the ISP. There will be a part in the setup software which will require configuring.