What Are the Requirements for Connecting to the Internet?
The basic requirements for connecting to the Internet are a computer device, a working Internet line and the right modem for that Internet line. In addition, software programs such as Internet browsers, email clients, Usenet clients and other special applications are needed in order to access the Internet.
A computer device is any one of the following: a PC, a Macintosh or Linux computer, a tablet PC and a smartphone. However, there are many other electronic devices that can also be used to access the Internet. Notable examples are well-configured game consoles such as the Sony PlayStation and workstations like WebTV, Citrix and Sparc.
Examples of a working Internet line include a fiber-optic connection, a DSL line, a cable connection, a Wi-Fi connection, a 3G or 4G cellular connection, a dial-up line and satellite Internet. In addition, for computers that are part of a network, an Internet connection can come via an Internet gateway, through which other computers in the network connect to the Internet.
The third essential component of an Internet connection is the modem or router. It must correspond to the Internet line installed in order to work. Lastly, software programs such as Internet browsers and email clients are optional; however, they are essential for the majority of Internet applications.
