please help.... i am a new comer to the pc land!!! i have just been given a dell pentim 4 pc with only windowsxp and office installed... i was told that i need to get a modem to be able to access the internet... i havent got a clue which one to get and what to do with it.. i am assuming that i need an external modem??  i would like to  be able to go for dial up connection if this helps?? please help me as i am not clued up thankyouIf you went for broardband most isp supply you with  an ADSL modem...in with the deal....is cheaper to go broardband than dial up.....if you wish to for dialup...currrys/dabs/etc sell 56k modems....which plug in the port in your pc case......Well friend....yes there are two types of modems. One is external and other is Internal. The internal Modem connects to the board through PCI slot (normally white in color on the motherboard) and external modem through USB port. External is powerfull, handles more data and has better performance than Internal modem. You can use these modems only if you plan to connect to the internet through Dial Up Connection. If you want to use Broadband or DSL than you must buy Router.
I think this include all the information you need. More information will be provided if required.\
Ok do take care of you and others and be happy.
:-)
DeW
Dr Wahab:If you want to use Broadband or DSL than you must buy *Router*.
 

To correct your statement......only if you wish to *network your pc* m_2Welcome Scruff, if you were given a Dell, most likely you are already set for internet. Look at the back of you computer to see if there are any input jacks that look exactly like where a phone line can plug in. If that is the case, then simply plug in a line and Voila!!! Be sure to sign up for service though, simply borrow an AOL cd from a buddy (many computer magazines on the newstands also include an AOL installation  cd with 3000 hours or so or even a couple of free months service so you want to go buy a magazine and read the contents of the enclosed cd. IF you do not have a installed modem already (no phone jack INPUTS on rear of pc) simply go out to a computer store and buy the least expensive 56k PCI modem.
        The installation process is extremely simple, simply unplug the power supply from computer, open the case, be sure to TOUCH THE POWER SUPPLY (looks like a big metal block inside case where the power cord connects) to ground yourself (to ELIMINATE static discharge from YOU to pc components) and at the bottom look to some long slots, normally light in colour and there will be 4 or so of the them one over the other, simply plug in the modem there (the metal tab on the modem faces to the rear) you may have to remove a metal tab attached to the rear pc plate but it will be obvious. Then close the case, reconnect the power and there you go. The pc will recognize the modem and ASK you for the installation cd. Cheers!P.S> only reason i stated AOL here is for the free service, as once you are ONLINE, you can download the software from ANY provider you want. You can always remove AOL later. Cheers!