Getting Connected to the Internet Everything you need from picking a great Internet provider to getting a computer.

Finding an Internet Provider - The place to visit is Broadbandreports.com  - Here you can  learn all about the providers in your local area.

1. Practicallynetworked.com - A great site for helping you build/configure your own home network, and share a modem connection to the Internet. He also talks about security issues.
2. homenethelp - another comprehensive site that walks you through all aspects of home networking. 

Wireless is a popular choice.  Be sure to learn everything you can about wireless before you implement it.  People and businesses are actually out prowling for your wireless network; see wigle.net and  netstumbler (example screen shots).

Network Address  translation (NAT) is the translation of an IP number from one network segment into an IP Number that is used within another network segment.   These translations occur for each packet of traffic as it flows across the NAT device. NAT is often used where a private network touches a public network, such as: the ISP towards your house; or within your own Network (Your modem  towards your Internal LAN)  There are certain IP numbers allocated for use on Private networks. (reference: RFC’s 1918, 1631) . Additional details about NAT are located here: HowStuffworks  and  homenethelp

A simple NAT Diagram:

To see your computer’s actual IP Address:     
   - Windows XP:  DOS Prompt -> ipconfig /all
       (the DOS Prompt is under : start --> programs (--> accessories) --> Command Prompt)

Once you are connected, try testing your connection using one of these speed test pages:   DSLReports, Speedometer from Mcafee,

Note for my Alumni: Your referrals are always appreciated