SECNet - South East Communication Network - General


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General - Frequently Asked Questions

Dial-Up F.A.Q. | Wireless F.A.Q.

What is meant by the term dial-up?
All computers are equiped with a modem. For desktops, the modem is internal. For laptops, the modem is external.

A modem is a device that connects to a phone jack and "dials up" a telephone number. In Internet terms, that telephone number is usually referred to as an access number - it enables you - the internet user - to connect to the Internet. Access numbers are what you use an internet service provider for as they supply all the access numbers.

If you listen closely to your computer, you will actually here the beeps of a access number getting dialed, just like a regular call.

What is dial-up networking?
Dial up Networking is only available for Window 98 users and above. Simply put, a dial up networking connection allows an internet user to connect to the Internet without and floppy start up disks or software from an ISP. All you need is an access number and a service and you can connect to the Internet instantly.

You can start Dial-Up Networking by clicking Start, pointing to Programs, pointing to Accessories, pointing to Communications, and then clicking Dial-Up Networking.

What is a Kilobit?
In data communications, a kilobit is a thousand bits. It's commonly used for measuring the amount of data that is transferred in a second between two telecommunication points. Kilobits per second is usually shortened to Kbps.

What does 56k mean?
56,000 bits per second.

Line dropouts and what to do about them
Line dropouts may result from various factors, including interference from electric fences and other devices such as mobile or cordless phones, or because of your modem and computer settings.

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