Internet is
the communication enabler today. Without Internet your PC is isolated. you
cant do searching for information on the Internet. You cant send and
e-mail and you cant use instant messenger to connect to friends and
relatives, and soon you cant even phone because Internet telephony is
getting more and more popular.What enables
Internet on your PC:
You know about the Internet. You know it enables you to connect,
communicate, etc.. but how? What happens in the background? what are the
components of this great enabler?
Modem:
Modem is not doubt heard by all but what is the significance of modem?
what does it do? A modem the word is constructed from modulator and
demodulator. It is a device that modulates an analog carrier signal
(sound), to encode digital information, and that also demodulates such a
carrier signal to decode the transmitted information. Modems primary use
is to communicate over telephone lines and for example Internet access.
ADSL modems are also a kind of modem, the main
difference being that they are not limited to the "voiceband" audio
frequencies carried over the telephone line.
These modems are high speed modems which can give you higher bandwidth to
for a connection. High bandwidth enables you to do much more on the
Internet like downloading files, viewing video etc..
Then what?
We are talking about enabling communication on your PC as part of
explaining PC fundamentals. This is to make you understand the basics of
going to the world - outside your PC, ending the isolation. Internet is
only an example of network connectivity. You can establish other kinds of
communications using the modem too.
Next thing to know is about TCPIP. There are several
communication protocols in the networking arena. TCPIP however is the most
common and TCPIP is the fundamental enabler of the Internet. Internet
outside your PC communicates over TCPIP. For you to get connected to that
network you must have TCPIP too. TYCIP is to be understood as a
communication protocol and protocol is a set of predefined rules.
How do you get TCPIP?
TCPIP is lying dormant in your operating
system. Once you attempt to connect to other TCPIP networks (Internet
for example) it gets activated and begins its work.
Now what you need is an entry point into the Internet.
How do you get that? You need to sign up with an Internet service provider
(ISP). ISP gives you an account to connect to their servers and through
those servers to connect to the Internet. We will not go into the
further complexities of networking. Underrated that modem or your
broadband connection helped by the TCPIP component provided by your OS
lets you link up to the Internet. You essentially dial a number enter user
name and password and get hooked up.
Best Links on the
Internet.
