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To get online, you need an Internet service provider (ISP). You have two general choices: dialup service, which is cheap but slow; and broadband service, which is more expensive and much faster. Depending on how often you will use the Internet should determine which of these you choose. For occasional use only, an inexpensive dial-up account would suffice. If you will use the Internet regularly and for playing online games or downloading music and video files a faster broadband connection such as DSL or cable would be best.
For dial-up you will need a modem, while broadband uses a network interface card (also known as an Ethernet connection). Nowadays all new computers have both of these.
To choose which ISP to use, ask people you know which they use and if they're happy with them. Dial up users should make sure the ISP uses local access numbers in your area to avoid long-distance phone charges.
Check out package deals currently on offer. Also cable companies may discount Internet access if you buy cable TV services, and phone companies sometimes offer DSL telephone packages.
Talk Talk currently is offering free broadband for life.
If you live in a rural area, consider broadband access from a fixed wireless ISP, using an antennae on your roof to send and receive Internet traffic via radio waves.
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