The Internet Connection wizard offers three Setup options that you can choose from to connect your computer to the Internet. For more information, click a link below.

Automatic
Manual
Current
Glossary

If you encounter problems while setting up an Internet connection, see Troubleshooting.

Note
The Internet Connection wizard is not only distributed by Microsoft Corporation, but by various Internet service providers and other corporations. If you have received the Starter Kit from another company, see their documentation for additional information on using the Internet Connection wizard.

Automatic setup

Choose this option if you want to connect to the Internet, but haven't signed up for an account with an Internet service provider (ISP). The Internet Connection wizard will perform the following tasks to prepare you to use the Internet.

Set up your computer to connect to the Internet

To set up an Internet connection on your computer, the Internet Connection wizard does the following:

• Guides you though setting up your modem.
• Guides you though setting up the dialing options.
• Sets up the TCP/IP protocol. This is the protocol that computers use to communicate on the Internet.
• Sets up the PPP protocol so that you can create an Internet account.

Note If you are using a telephone system within a company, make sure you provide the number you need to dial first to access an outside line. For example, you might need to dial 9 to access a phone line outside your company.

Sign up for an Internet account

The Internet Connection wizard runs Internet Explorer and connects you to the Internet Referral Service so that you can choose a provider.

To create an Internet account:

1. If you are presented with a list of Internet service providers, choose the provider with which you want to create an account.
2. Complete the sign-up process for the provider.

Note The sign-up process will vary, depending on the provider you use. The sign-up pages for your provider should include instructions that guide you through the sign-up process. Make sure you follow these instructions carefully. If you encounter a problem while signing up, contact your Internet service provider.

Set up your Internet software

Note If you encounter a problem while setting up the Internet software, contact your Internet service provider.

Manual setup

Choose this option either if you want to connect to the Internet by using a local area network, or if you already have an account with an Internet service provider (ISP) and need to set up your computer to use that account. If you want to use a local area network to connect to the Internet, you need to obtain the address of the Internet gateway computer (or proxy server) on your network from your network administrator. If you already have an account with a service provider, you need to obtain the following information from your provider to complete the manual setup:

• The name of your service provider
• User name
• Password
• The phone number you dial to connect to the Internet
• Domain Name System (DNS) server address
• IP address and subnet mask, if any
• Authentication procedure (whether or not your provider requires a terminal window to log on)

Note With the manual setup option, the wizard can take you through the steps to set up your computer to connect to the Internet, but you will need to install the Internet software required by your service provider yourself. For more information, contact your Internet service provider.

Current setup

Choose this option if:

• Your computer is already set up to connect to the Internet.
• You already have an account with an Internet service provider.
• The Internet software required by your service provider is set up on your computer.
• You don't want to change your Internet settings.

Glossary

Internet software

After you are connected to the Internet and have an Internet account, you might need special software to use the features available on the Internet. Examples of Internet software are:

• A browser for viewing the World Wide Web
• A newsreader for reading and posting news on newsgroups or bulletin boards
• Chat software for participating in online conversations
• An e-mail program for sending and receiving electronic mail

Internet Service Provider

An Internet service provider maintains a server that is directly connected to the Internet. To connect your computer to the Internet, you use a modem to dial in to this server. In exchange for this service, a provider charges you for the time you spend using the Internet.

Internet

The Internet is a collection of computer networks that connects millions of computers around the world, including the one on your desktop. It is also a vast source of information that is constantly changing and expanding. Since its creation in the 1970s, it has grown exponentially and is now used by millions of people, from those in commercial and educational institutions to individual consumers. Once you're connected to the Internet, you can access a wealth of information, including pages on the World Wide Web, newsgroups (BBS), news and weather information, software, and games.

Internet Referral Service

The Internet Referral Service maintains a list of Internet service providers and describes the services and fees they offer. You can use this service to find out details about different service providers and then sign up with the one you want. The Internet Referral Service is constantly expanding, adding new service providers to its list worldwide.

Internet gateway

An Internet gateway computer acts as a bridge between your local area network and the Internet. On a local area network, you can gain access to the Internet by connecting to this computer.