You just bought a new computer. You want to avoid the bad guys. You want to be invisible to the outside Internet world...except when you want something.
In a home environment, most people connect to the Internet via either cable or DSL. Satellite services, DISH and DIRECTV, offer Internet in combination with regional phone service as DSL.
Remote areas as in Wyoming, Montana and other beautiful areas of the USA actually can access the Internet via satellite. It's slower and quite expensive. Some cities, like Minneapolis, MN, offer Wi-Fi access for a price. The price is high, the results are less than dial-up.
Most tablet computers have Wi-Fi built-in. For a monthly fee, if your tablet is capable, you can get to the Internet cell phone. But that's no surprise.
Each of the providers charges by data transfer. I carry a mobile hotspot from Net Zero. There's CLEAR from Sprint and virtually every other cellphone provider.
Generally, you do not have to be a customer of ATT, Verizon, et al to get their device and service. Well...maybe it is better. Ask.
Protect yourself using two simple ways: (Routers allow more than one device to access the Internet on your connection.)
CABLE TO INTERNET: If you don't have a ROUTER, get one and connect it to your MODEM. Then connect your computer. Wireless (Wi-Fi) needs another Encryption level. Wired, you are golden!
TELEPHONE TO INTERNET: This is called DSL (Digital Service Line). The DSL 'modem' that you buy from a retailer or the modem that you rent from your phone company does two things. It is a "MODEM" to convert your audio to digital AND it is a ROUTER that can support more than one device.
MOBILE: Personally, I have a NetZero hotspot. It's good for my iPod. I pay ATT for access to Internet on my iPad.
