To send and receive e-mail, participate in newsgroups, and access Internet directory services, you need a physical connection between your computer and the Internet. There are several ways you can make this connection. For example, you can use a modem and a telephone line, or you can use a local network. Once you know how you'll connect to the Internet, you can install the software you need and set up your connection.
You can quickly set up a connection by using the Internet Setup Assistant included with Mac OS version 8.0 and later. For help with the Internet Setup Assistant, see Mac OS Help.
If you’re connecting to the Internet by using a modem, the Internet Setup Assistant can also help you choose an Internet service provider (ISP) or an online service. An Internet service provider is a company that provides Internet connections. An online service, a subcategory of ISPs, provides Internet connections as well as other services.
If you're connecting to the Internet through a local network, you might need to connect through a proxy server. A proxy server is typically used in corporate computing environments in which the local network is isolated from the Internet by a firewall. In this case, you must obtain the proxy server settings from your network administrator. After you have established a physical connection to the Internet, you must then specify the settings for your proxy server in your Internet programs.
Specifying proxy server settings
For help on an option, click Show Balloons on the Help menu, and then point to the option.