Internet Connection:

Your home PC handles information in a digital format. One’s and Zero’s, bit’s and Byte’s. Within most PC’s a device called a modem is either installed (internal) or connected (external). A modem (short for modulator- demodulator) translates digital signals into analog signals. Analog signals are visually represented using a "sine wave".

Note: Explanation continues after graphic below.

This translation is necessary because digital signals cannot travel over analog phone lines. As you have heard and probably guessed your modem first dials the local telephone number of your "Internet Service Provider". Then a "handshake" or connection is established between the modem of your PC and that of your ISP. The static heard is the transmission of data such as your name, location and type of access.

It is possible to assign different dial-up connections or users different levels of permission. For example an executive of the ISP would certainly be able to access certain buisness documents located on the ISP’s computer network. Where the average user would view the ISP computer network as being transparent only aware of the connection to the Internet.