Final answer:
To connect your computer to the Internet using a cable, you use an Ethernet cable to link your computer to a modem or router. Wireless connections involve a WiFi router which uses microwaves in the 2.4 GHz to 5.0 GHz range to exchange binary data wirelessly.
Step-by-step explanation:
To connect your computer to the Internet, you can use an Ethernet cable to connect your computer to your modem or router. Modems, which became more prevalent in the 1990s, enable internet connectivity through telephone lines or cable services. When a modem is not sufficient or wireless connectivity is desired, a wireless WiFi router can be used. These routers use microwaves in the 2.4 GHz to 5.0 GHz range to wirelessly exchange data with devices, such as cell phones and computers, facilitating internet access without the need for physical cables.
WiFi technology adheres to specific standards that ensure devices from different manufacturers can communicate with one another. The data exchanged between these devices and the internet consists of binary sequences, with each zero or one representing a single bit of information. Whether using wired Ethernet or wireless technology, both methods allow for the transfer of this essential binary data across the internet.