Software

Software is also needed to make a connection to the Internet. Standards, or protocols, have been developed in order to improve speed and reliability of data transfer over the Internet.

• TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) system software needs to be running on the computer.
• The function of the TCP part of the package is to break data up into manageable chunks or packets that bear the address they are being sent to.
• The IP part of the package routes the packets from machine to machine, and the TCP part then puts data back together in the correct order so that it can be used.

These functions are very important because of the way the Internet works. If you are sending a message from the United Kingdom to the United States, for example, the first packet of data may be sent via France and Sweden, while the second packet could travel via a satellite link to Australia and on.

The route does not matter as TCP/IP will make sure that the packets arrive in the correct place and are reassembled in the correct order, even if the first packet arrives last.

Do not forget to include software and hardware if you are asked to describe how to connect to the Internet.

The protocol requires that every computer linked to the TCP/IP network should have a unique IP (Internet Protocol) address. The address can be just numeric, composed of four numbers, each between 0 and 255, separated by dots. An example would be: 195.107.24.242.

If you wish to allow other users on the web to access your computer you must have a fixed IP address.

These numbers are given out by Internet Service Providers to ensure that the same number is not given out twice. Its unique number means that any computer on the Internet can be recognised, no matter where it is located. An IP number can have a name attached to it to give the address more meaning.

A further piece of software is needed wherever the connection to the Internet is made through a modem and ISP. The software will enable the modem to dialup the telephone number to reach the service provider, and will allow TCP/IP to operate on the computer.