getting connected to the internet, ARRRGH!!!!!!!

I've been trying to set up an internet connection nearly all day, now I'm fed up.
I almost get to the end where every thing seems o.k. but it all gets stuck on "initializing modem". I left it for half an hour, but it just stayed there, so I had to cancel.
Please, please can one of you kind folks out there give me some guidance.
B.T.W. please be gentle with me, I am an elderly gentleman and a bit forgetful

Thanking you all in anticipation
an old, crotchety man :oops: