CHAPTER 1

Five Easy Steps to Getting on the Internet

Congratulations! You're just minutes away from browsing the Internet and World Wide Web, sending e­mail around the globe, participating in newsgroups, and much more. The Microsoft Internet Explorer Starter Kit has everything you need to connect to the Internet, including a choice of Internet service providers!


Contents


Step 1: What You'll Need

The Internet is a world-wide communications network. To join this network, you need:


Step 2: Installing Microsoft Internet Explorer

It's as easy as inserting a disk and clicking an icon!

Note  If you are installing from floppy disks, setup instructions are included on the disk labels. Then just follow the instructions on your screen.

After you've installed Internet Explorer and restarted your computer, the Internet Explorer Starter Kit compact disc gives you the option to set up an Internet account, install the Internet Extras, such as Internet Mail and News, and more.


Step 3: Browsing the Internet Explorer Starter Kit CD

The Internet Explorer Starter Kit compact disc holds a wealth of information, including interactive demonstrations, Internet Extras, options to connect to an Internet service provider, a direct path to the Web, and an online version of this book.

Note   If you are installing from floppy disks, most of the Internet Extras are available from the Microsoft Web site at www.microsoft.com/ie/


Step 4: Setting Up Your Computer to Connect to the Internet

After you install Internet Explorer, the Internet Explorer Starter Kit software automatically starts. You can then click Connect to the Web Now! to start setting up your computer for the Internet. If you don't have an Internet service provider, the Internet Connection Wizard helps you choose one and can even help set up your account.


To set up your computer to connect to the Internet

Note  The Internet Connection Wizard is not yet available for Windows NT 4.0. For Internet configuration information for Windows NT 4.0, see the "Connecting to Internet" topic in Windows NT 4.0 online Help.


Step 5: Getting Started on the Internet

After you run the Internet Connection Wizard, you're ready to start browsing the Web! Just double-click the Internet icon on your desktop or, if Internet Explorer is already running, click any of the hyperlinks (graphics or underlined text that cause your mouse pointer to change into a hand) on the page.

For more information, see the next chapter, "Exploring the Web with Internet Explorer".


Troubleshooting

If you encounter problems making an Internet connection, first check all the connections between your computer, modem, and telephone line. Make sure all three elements have power. If problems persist, see Appendix A, "Troubleshooting," or the Microsoft support telephone numbers in A Beginner's Guide to Microsoft Internet Explorer. You can also view the Readme.txt online document in the folder where you installed Internet Explorer or look up "troubleshooting" in the Internet Explorer Help Index.


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