Getting connected

You can access the Internet from any computer at the Brooklyn Public Library.

In order to access the Internet from home your computer must have a modem, a Web browser and an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Modem

A modem is a component of your computer that translates information so that it can be sent to and from the Internet. Types of modems include dialup, cable, and DSL modems.

Web Browser

A Web browser is software that allows you to see the information available on the Internet. There are many brands of Web browsers available for free, the two most popular being Microsoft’s Internet Explorer and Mozilla’s Firefox. The Brooklyn Public Library has Internet Explorer installed on all of its computers.

Internet Service Provider

An Internet Service Provider is a company or organization that gives you access to their network, and therefore access to the Internet. Examples of ISPs include AOL and Time Warner Cable

There are many options available from ISPs, including:

• Dialup access – Uses telephone line to connect to the Internet
• Cable modem – Uses cable lines to connect to the Internet
• Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) – Also uses regular telephone lines but carries a greater amount of data.

Dialup access is generally less expensive than cable or DSL access, but it is also much slower.