1 May, 2007

Random queries no. 106

One of a series of genuine search engine enquiries which successfully brought visitors to the Ministry.  Can I help?

how can i install an internet isp without a disc

At the simplest (i.e. dialup), one only needs a PC with a modem, the ISP's connection phone number, and a login/password. There is a slight catch-22 in that those details tend to be readily available from an ISP's website, but one needs to be already online in order to visit that site – hence the alleged need for installation discs. That's easily evaded by registering via a different computer, such as in a public library.

Once obtained, insert those parameters at the indicated points in the 'Control Panel->Network Settings' setup wizard, and connect. Simple as that.
I much prefer that to installing via an ISP's disc, as this technique uses existing Windows functionality and doesn't install anything. My mother's computer was plagued with a proprietory login interface for years, the sole purpose of which seemed to be to display the corporate logo.