Setting up internet access for remote workers: a memo

Internet Setup in the Home

We have recently offered some of our employees the opportunity to telecommute. The tremendous convenience of telecommuting depends on an understanding how to properly set up your personal (home) computers with the Internet. This memorandum offers a simplified step-by-step guide that you can refer to when setting your Internet connection.

I understand some of you are using Microsoft Windows-based computers, while others are using Apple Mac. Furthermore, some of you use cable or DSL with a hardwire (Ethernet) cable, and others use a wireless router. Some of you may not yet have Internet service in your place of residence. Therefore, I have adapted the steps for a number of different situations. If you do not already have an ISP and have yet to purchase a Establish a Contract with an Internet Service Provider (ISP)

If you already have an ISP and Internet service, such as through your television cable provider or your telephone provider, then you may proceed to the next step. Otherwise, find out which providers are offering service in your area. If possible, inquire with your neighbors as to which provider offers the best rates and the highest speeds of service. Call the company and set up an appointment. They will send a technician, who will provide you with the basic hardware necessary to set up Internet in your home.

Connect Your Computer to the Internet

Your computer will connect to the Internet using either a wire (Ethernet cord/cable) or wirelessly. Many computers offer you the opportunity to use either method. If you have multiple computers in your home, then you may wish to purchase a wireless router, which allows the Internet service to be shared by a number of different devices in the household just as you can have multiple telephones or televisions. If you are unsure of whether your computer connects to the Internet wirelessly, please contact me for additional assistance.

If you are using an Ethernet cable, plug the cable directly into the appropriate port in your computer. The cable should connect your computer with the modem provided to you by the ISP. If you are connecting wirelessly, then there should be an Ethernet cable connecting the ISP's modem with your wireless router.

Establish an Internet Connection

Once you have plugged in an Ethernet cord either to your computer or to a wireless router, turn on your computer. If your computer is less than five years old and you use an Ethernet cable, connecting to the Internet should be instant. Simply open your Web browser. For Windows computers, this may be Internet Explorer. For Mac users, this may be Safari. If your computer is less than five years old and you are using a wireless connection, a dialog box should pop up with instructions on how to proceed. Otherwise, you can enter your Control Panel and click Network -- Internet Connection. If you are still confused, your computer should have a built-in tutorial for guidance. It is impossible for me to provide detailed instructions for every computer operating system on the market.