Requirement for Internet Connection | Internet Basics | Class 10 CBSE | Computer Application

The Requirements for internet connection

Computer System

A computer with a good CPU speed is the prime requirement to access the Internet. This can be a normal desktop, or a laptop. This computer will act as the client or the workstation. Today's websites are a mix of text, sound and images so the contents of the websites might be heavy. Hence, more the speed of the CPU better will be the performance of Internet access.

The computer should have at least 1 GB of RAM. The higher the size of the RAM, the better is the speed of your computer.

The computer should have at least 1 GB of free hard disk space. But this must not be a problem because most of today's computers come with at least 500 GB hard disk space. Besides the above, a sound system with a microphone, speakers and devices like a printer, scanner, etc. are desirable but not compulsory.

Modem

A modem is a device that converts the analog signals to digital signals and the digital signals to analog signals. It helps the computer to communicate with each other. It connects a computer system to the Internet using telephone or cable lines.

The term Modem stands for Modulator-Demodulator. Modulation is the process of converting digital signals from a computer to analog signals (like in telephone) and demodulation is the process of converting analog signals to digital signals. Modems provide the primary link between an ISP and your computer.

Modems of different speeds are available in the market. Cable modems and ADSL modems are used where faster access is required. The speed of a modem is measured in kilobits per second or kbps or megabits per second or mbps.

There are two types of modems:

Internal modem                                                  External modem

Internal Modem

The internal modem remains inside the computer and is in the form of a card. Most computers these days come with such built-in modems. But internal modems are cheaper and slower than the external modems. Since it is a part of the circuit board, it remains fixed and is not portable.

External Modem

An external modem is a small, box-shaped device that is connected to the computer from outside. It is a peripheral and is connected to the computer using some wires. External modems are slightly more expensive than internal modems but are definitely faster. Like any other device, it is portable and can be connected to different computers.

Telephone/Cable Line

The main communication medium between the client and the server machines is the telephone line. The normal telephone or cable connection can be used to connect to the Internet. But today, the high speed Broadband lines or ISDN lines are very popular. Wi-Fi, satellite and 3G technologies on cell phones are gaining popularity with urban users.

Internet Service Provider (ISP)

An Internet Service Provider or ISP is a company or business that provides access to the Internet and related services. Internet service providers provide the Internet connection to you. They are generally companies or organisations that employ powerful computers called servers for Internet connections. Servers are special computers connected to the Internet through satellite or other communication channels. The companies that have such servers provide Internet connections to different users. They also provide the required software, user name and passwords. Generally you have to pay a monthly or yearly charge for Internet services provided by the ISPS.

The major ISPS in India are: Airtel Broadband, BSNL, Reliance and MTNL.

Internet Access Software

Internet access software is necessary to setup and control the connection of your computer to the Internet. They have two main components

• Dialer software

• TCP/IP network software

Dialer Software: The Dialer software directs the modem to dial a telephone number or a connection number, and to get your computer identified at the ISP's computer. For this you will be given a username and a password by the ISP for authentication. Authentication means that the ISP will check whether you are a valid user registered with them or not. This means that every time you want to connect to the Internet, you will have to dial the ISP and provide the username and password.

TCPIP Software: The Internet uses the Internet Protocol Suite. TCP/IP network soft allows programs on your computer to communicate over the Internet after the connection has been established. The Internet access software may be different for different ISP Microsoft Windows has a built in Internet access software for both dial-up networking and broadband services.

Internet Application Software (Browser)

Browsers are special software that allow you to access and surf through different websites and web pages on the Internet These are also known as internet browsing software or web browsers or simply browsers They facilitate you to access and interact with all the information on the World Wide Web (WWW). There are many web browsers available according to the operating systems and the type of content to be browsed. Some popular web browsers are:

1. Microsoft Internet Explorer

2. Google Chrome

3. Mozilla Firefox

4. Apple Safari