Easy Computer Basics, Windows 7 Edition

After you sign up for Internet service, you need to configure your computer to work with your ISP. All you have to do is connect your PC's modem to your telephone line (or your computer to the broadband modem) and use Windows XP's New Connection Wizard.

Click the Start button and then select Connect to, Show All Connections.

Select Create a New Connection from the Network Tasks panel.

CAUTION Launching the Wizard If the Show All Connections option doesn't appear on your Start menu, open My Computer and select Network Places, View Network Connections.

When the New Connection Wizard appears, click Next.

When the Network Connection Type screen appears, select Connect to the Internet.

Click Next.

TIP Connecting to an Existing Network If you've already set up a home network with its own Internet connection, select Set Up a Home or Small Office Network from the Network Connections window and follow the instructions from there.

Select Set Up My Connection Manually.

Click Next.

Select which type of connection you have dial-up, broadband with username and password, or always-on broadband.

Click Next.

TIP Choosing a New Provider If you haven't yet signed up for Internet service, select Choose from a List of Internet Service Providers and follow the instructions from there. You can subscribe to Microsoft's own MSN service or select from a list of other available ISPs.

If prompted, enter the name of your Internet service provider.

Click Next.

If you have a dial-up ISP, enter the provider's dial-up phone number.

Click Next.

TIP Broadband Connections If you selected the always-on broadband connection option, you won't be prompted for any information about your ISP, username, or password. Go directly to step 18, instead.

If prompted, enter the username provided by your ISP.

Enter the password provided by your ISP.

Reenter the password.

Click Next.

Click the Finish button.