One of the most basic hurdles for the would-be Internet user is "How do I get connected?" It is also a difficult question to answer because it is not merely a matter of filling out some forms at a utility company office. Unlike other services such as phone or cable TV, there is no single provider and no unified service offerings to choose from. Granted, there are service providers who make it relatively simple to connect to the Internet; each service is different, however, offering varying types of service and pricing structures. Trying to sort out the differences among these services can make the process of connecting more confusing, instead of simplifying it as intended. The first order of business, then, is to describe the types of services available in terms of how you connect to them. The next step is to determine your needs and match them to the corresponding connection category. In this way, it will become apparent which type of connection is best for you.