A type of internet connection that uses telephone lines and requires dialing a number to connect to an Internet Service Provider. It was the dominant form of internet access in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Compound of 'dial' from Greek 'hemera' (day) through the concept of a sundial's numbered face, and 'up' indicating connection or activation. The term emerged in the 1990s as telephone-based internet access became widespread.
The distinctive sound of dialup connection - those screeches and static - was actually modems negotiating their communication protocol, like two robots having a very loud conversation. Many people today have never experienced the patience required to download a single song over 20 minutes.
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