I've had a PC for some 10 years and have acquired a basic knowledge but use a local computer specialist for more technical things like setting up wi-fi to replace a cable modem.

An equally elderly computerless friend has decided that in order to live a full life he must enter the world of computers and has asked me for help. He has a good grasp of the specification features and will buy a suitable desktop one from the local PC World so that in the event of a problem he can return it easily.

My help is to be with setting it up and before doing so I would appreciate some advice as I've totally forgotten what I did 10 years ago.

How is the initial connection to the internet established? Is it necessary to first register with an ISP and if so how do you do it without the internet?

I've looked at the Microsoft instructions and got lost following the maze of links. Is there a website that lists the basic setting up procedure more clearly?