How to Install an Internet Modem

An Internet modem allows the user, quite simply, to connect to the Internet. The two types of Internet modems are internal 56K dial-up modems or cable/DSL external modems. Installation of each modem allows the user to connect through an Internet service provider that is providing the Internet access. In order to access the Internet, a computer must have a modem installed or connected and an account established with an Internet service provider.

Things You'll Need

• Philips head screwdriver.
• Modem (dial up, cable, or DSL)
• Network card (for cable or DSL modems)

Instructions

Installing a Cable or DSL Modem

1. Get a cable or DSL modem from the Internet service provider that is providing the Internet service. Most Internet service providers will provide an external modem to users for a small monthly rental fee or upfront fee. The modem will also come with the needed Ethernet cables and connection cables.

2. Turn off the computer and connect the Ethernet cable from the modem's Ethernet port to the computer's network card. If your computer does not have a network card, go to Section 3 for network card installation instructions.

3. Connect the outside line connection to the modem. For DSL modems this will be a phone line that is connected to a wall jack installed by the DSL provider. For cable modems this will be a cable line that connects from the modem to a cable jack installed by the cable company in the wall.

4. Plug in the modem's power supply. If you are using a wireless router (for WiFi Internet access), connect that router to an available Ethernet out port on the modem. Turn on the modem and any routers and then turn on the computer.

5. Install any drivers that came with the modem or from the service provider. You may need to restart the computer after the installation. Test the modem setup by ensuring all lights on the modem are lit or blinking. Double click on your browser icon on your desktop (such as Internet Explorer) to launch the Internet.

Installing a Dial-Up Modem

1. Purchase a dial-up modem online or a computer supply store. Dial-up modems allow users to connect through an existing telephone line to service providers such as NetZero and Juno.

2. Turn off the computer and disconnect the power supply and any connections such as the monitor and printer.

3. Remove the case screws located on the back of the computer casing using the Philips head screwdriver. Carefully lift the casing off the top of the computer. Some computers may have casing that slides off.

4. Discharge static electricity by touching your hands to a non-powered metal surface. Locate an available PCI slot inside the computer. PCI slots are long narrow slots, usually white in color with gold lines in them located on the computer's motherboard.

5. Remove the metal cover behind the available PCI slot, that allows access to the slot from the rear of the computer. Slide the dial-up modem card into the slot, making sure the edge with the gold lines goes into the PCI card slot. You may have to apply pressure to get the card to fit in place tightly. If there are slot clips on each side of the PCI slot, push them into place after the card is in place.

6. Replace the computer casing and screws. Plug the computer back in as well as any components connected to the computer. Turn on the computer and insert the driver's disc that came with the dial-up modem. Install the needed drivers and restart the computer if needed.

Install the Network Card

1. Purchase an Ethernet network card from a computer or electronics store. You can also purchase an Ethernet network card online. This card is needed if you are using a cable modem, DSL modem, or connecting to a office or home network.

2. Repeat the steps listed in Section 2 for installing a dial up modem. The network card will fit into a standard PCI slot just as the dial-up modem card will.

3. Install any drivers that came with the card. Many computers come with network card drivers pre-installed, so your computer may automatically install the drivers. Connect the network card to the external DSL or cable modem with the modem's included Ethernet cable.

Tips & Warnings

• Discharge static electricity multiple times while handling the network or dial-up modem cards, as well as while touching the inside of the computer.

References

• How to Install a Modem