Internet Requirements

Internet | Hardware | Software | Virus Protection

What do you need to have?

Internet Access

To participate in Web-based courses, you must have access to the Internet through an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Every registered student is assigned a free account on UCF's Pegasus Server. This account provides you with Internet access, an e-mail account, and space for a personal home page on the World Wide Web. You can also consider obtaining your own private ISP account or cable connection. UCF is not in any position to introduce any ISPs to you. However, you may want to visit Yahoo Directory of ISPs.

Internet Access Options

Dial-up Modems use traditional phone lines to provide Internet access. You must gain access through an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The connection speed depends on the quality of the phone lines and the speed of the modem. The fastest modems are 56K modems. For dial-up service you will need a modem and phone service.

DSL and Cable provide high-bandwidth (approximately 25 times faster than a 56k Dial-up Modem), and an always-on connection to the Internet. Both DSL and Cable provide Internet connections.

A Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) provides Internet access via special phone lines. The ISP is usually a telephone company. The connection speed depends on the type of DSL service you have (in order from slowest to fastest: IDSL, ADSL, SDSL). For DSL service you will need a DSL modem connected to an Ethernet network interface card (NIC) in your computer.

Cable Internet access is provided via cable television wiring. The ISP is usually a cable television company. Connection speeds may be faster than DSL but your cable line is shared with others and the speed could vary depending on the number of users. For Cable service, you will need a Cable modem connected to an Ethernet network interface card (NIC) in your computer.