Apple Mac OS 7.6 - Manual (Page 22)

Internet software
The Internet is a global network of interconnected computer networks. When
you connect to the Internet, you have access to a wide variety of services and
information. Some of the most widely used Internet services include
electronic mail (e-mail), which you use to send messages to other Internet
users, and the World Wide Web, which you use to browse text and pictures
from all over the world.
To connect to the Internet from home, you need a modem and an Internet
service provider. You pay the Internet provider to use the provider’s access to
the Internet, much as you pay the phone company for access to the telephone
network. If your office network is connected to the Internet, you can use
Apple Remote Access software to connect to the Internet from home without
a service provider. If you have Internet access, be sure to try out the Cyberdog
program included with Mac OS 7.6. Cyberdog provides a unified means of
using many Internet services. (For more information, see the “Cyberdog”
section, later in this chapter.)
An easy way of obtaining Internet access is to use the Apple Internet
Connection Kit. The Connection Kit includes software to help you set up your
computer to use the Internet, and to help you choose an Internet service
provider. It also includes application programs for using the most popular
Internet services, such as the World Wide Web, e-mail, and global
newsgroups.
You can also sign up with an online service, such as America Online.
Providers like America Online typically include Internet access, as well as
additional services, such as discussion forums for their members. America
Online software is included with Mac OS 7.6. (For more information, see the
“America Online” section later in this chapter.)
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