Web server type - The fancy modem thing is powered on. (These
The fancy modem thing is powered on. (These contraptions oftenhave their own power supplies.) External modem:If you have an external modem (one that s indepen- dent of your computer case), you need to verify that: A cable is securely connected from the modem to the proper porton the computer. The modem is powered on. (External modems have their ownpower supply.) One end of a telephone cable is plugged into the wall jack, and theopposite end is plugged into the modem. Internal modem:If you have an internal modem, you need to verify that: The modem is nota software modem. See the sidebar Beware ofdevices posing as modems if you re not sure what a softwaremodem is or whether you have one. One end of a telephone cable is plugged into the wall jack, and theopposite end is plugged into the phone plug on the back of yourcomputer. Wireless cards:If you have a wireless card, you also have to have a wireless routerto collect and direct your wireless traffic between com- puters and/or bridgeto let your wireless card talk to your Ethernet net- work. How far and through what (walls, floors, and so on) a wirelessrouter or bridge can be from the card depends on the technology you reusing. Some handy primers on wireless hardware and setup include How WiFi Works: http://computer.howstuffworks.com/ wireless-network.htm Creating a Wireless Network: www.wi-fi.org/OpenSection/ design.asp?TID=2Okay, now you can climb back into your chair. Selecting an Internet Service Provider (ISP) Because of the meteoric rise in the popularity of Linux, many ISPs are trainingtheir support staff in the ways of Linux. If you already have a dial-up service, give one of them a call to let them know of your Linux pursuits. Chances are, that person already has information pertinent to Linux subscribers and canprovide you with that information. If you re shopping for a new ISP, this sec- tion offers some practical selection advice. 153Chapter 8: Connecting to the Internet13_