The Internet is a global network of computer networks. Your computer must be connected to a computer on one of these networks in order to access Internet resources. The two basic ways of connecting are by using a shell or user account on a host computer that is directly connected to the Internet or by establishing a direct connection from your computer to the Internet.
Direct connections can be temporary or permanent.
The costs, requirements, and capabilities of each option differ and may affect your choice of connection method. The extent of access to resources is dependent on what the Internet Service Provider offers. Accounts are available for a monthly fee through public-access Internet providers or may be available at no charge for the employees, members, and students of some companies, organizations, or universities. These services often have a user-friendly graphical interface and charge a monthly membership fee that includes a certain amount of connection time. Online Access .