dial-up

The most basic type of Internet account. users access the Internet by connecting with a computer and a modem to an ISP (Internet Service Provider). This type of account usually has a Unix or other command line interface and is relatively easy to set up. Fortunately, most ISPs have a helpful tech support group who will walk you through the initial set-up process on the telephone. (Some young netizens question why it is called a "dial" up. Apparently, they've never heard of a rotary phone!) Once you get a computer with a modem, dial-up used to be your first step to getting online, now it's usually through your cable.