Finding Answers to Technical Questions

http://www.usaid.gov/leland/manual/manenglish/images/3.gif
Many organizations delay using the Internet because they are unfamiliar with the equipment needed, confused about the terminology used, concerned about the cost, or unsure about how complicated it is to set up the connection. In fact, with a computer and a telephone line you are well on the way to accessing the Internet.

However, you will still need to obtain some equipment and software and acquire an Internet connection through an Internet Service Provider (ISP). In this section you will learn the basics of getting connected and what to expect when selecting and working with an ISP.

Overview: Finding Answers to Your Technical Questions

The intent of this section is not to turn you into an Internet logistics expert, but to provide the basics so that you can understand and ask questions of the people who will be providing you with Internet access. Here is how to start:

1. Inventory your current equipment and phone system. After reading in the next few pages about the equipment needed for an Internet connection, fill out the worksheets to estimate your organization's costs to connect to the Internet, and compare these costs to some of your current communication costs.

2. Interview one or more ISPs to learn the levels of service offered and the costs involved. In addition, interview some of their customers to assess their satisfaction with the service they are receiving.

3. Make arrangements to acquire your Internet connection. Keep in mind that you can build a flexible system so that you start small and expand if warranted. For example, you can begin by connecting only one computer in the office to the Internet.



The appendices include references and a list of Internet-related terms for more technical information.

So What Do You Need?

Now that you have read about and seen some of the wonderful things you can do with the Internet, you are wondering how to connect to it. Below is a summary of what you will need to connect an individual computer to the Internet.

Computer

You will need a computer, but it can be one used for other office functions, such as word processing or database management. If you are purchasing a new computer, buy one with as much hard disk capacity and RAM (random access memory) as you can afford. A more powerful computer will help you to do many Internet functions faster.

Modem

A modem converts the digital signals of a computer to audible analog signals that can be transmitted on an ordinary telephone line. A modem can be either external to your computer (connecting to the computer with a cable) or internal (a small card with circuitry and computer chips installed inside your computer). Modems can transmit at different speeds. To connect to the Internet, you should have a modem that can transmit at a speed of at least 14,000 bits per second, but faster is far preferable. (Modems with speeds of 28.8, 33.6, and even 56 thousand bits per second are becoming standard.)

As part of your decision about what kind of modem to purchase, you need to consider:

any local rules or regulations about what kind of modem you can use;
the modem speeds that your local ISP can support; and
the transmission speeds (bandwidths) that your telephone company can support.
If your office runs on a local area network, or LAN, and you want to connect the entire LAN to the Internet, you will need more than a simple modem as described here. If you are interested in a LAN Internet connection, you will probably need to contact a local ISP, telephone company, computer consulting company, or another organization that has gone through the process to see what local services are available to support this more complex connection.

Uninterruptible Power Supply

An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) provides your computer with some degree of protection from electrical failures. A UPS will usually smooth the flow of power to your computer or system, preventing damage from power surges, and it will store a limited amount of electricity. When the power goes down, most UPSs give a warning sound so you know that you have a few minutes to shut down your equipment properly to avoid any damage or loss of data. It is also a good idea to have a device called a surge protector, which protects your computer from power surges and lightning strikes.

Internet Software

The computer needs special software to log o to the Internet, send and receive e-mail, and access text and graphics files. Your software decisions will be based in part on local capacity for connecting to the Internet. Rather than list the many software packages available, we recommend that you talk to your ISP to find out which software is most compatible with its capacity. In many cases, an ISP provides basic Internet software at no or minimal cost.

Internet Service Provider

What is an Internet Service Provider, or ISP? How do you find a good one?

An ISP is a company that provides the connection between your computer and the vast Internet network. In some places, only one ISP operates; elsewhere, many companies offer Internet access. You will have to choose one, just as you select where you purchase other products and services. Get recommendations from other organizations about reliable, knowledgeable ISPs that provide service to your geographical area.

Here are some considerations in making your choice:

Service costs

What is the first-time connection fee?
What are the recurrent costs?
Does the ISP offer different pricing plans, based on how may hours you spend online?
Does the ISP give away or sell Internet software? If there is a cost, how much?
Telephone charges

Is there a charge per local call? If so, are you charged by the length of the call?
What are the monthly charges?
Do different fee structures exist (flat fee, fee per minute or hour, etc.) and can you change to a different system of payment if it is more cost-effective later on?
Training, maintenance, and support

Does the ISP offer training? What types? How much does it cost?
How long will it usually take to fix service problems, and how much will it costs?



post by santan...29th...july......