Getting Access to the Internet
How does one get access to the Internet? Well -- if you don't have a computer and a modem, get one. Your computer can act as a terminal, and you can use an ordinary telephone line to connect to an Internet-linked machine. These slower and simpler adjuncts to the Internet can provide you with the netnews discussion groups and your own e-mail address. These are services worth having -- though if you only have mail and news, you're not actually "on the Internet" proper.

If you're on a campus, your university may have direct "dedicated access" to high-speed Internet TCP/IP lines. Apply for an Internet account on a dedicated campus machine, and you may be able to get those long-distance computing and file-transfer functions. Many cities supply "freenet" community access. Businesses increasingly have Internet access, and are willing to sell it to subscribers. The standard fee is about $40 a month -- about the same as TV cable service.

As the Nineties proceed, finding a link to the Internet will become much cheaper and easier. Its ease of use will also improve, which is good news, for the savage UNIX interface of TCP/IP leaves plenty of room for advancements in user-friendliness. Learning the Internet now, or at least learning about it, is wise. By the turn of the century, "network literacy," like "computer literacy" before it, will be forcing itself into the very texture of your life.


Educational


  • University Users
    If you are associated with a university as a faculty member, staff member, or student, you may already be connected to the Internet. To request a connection, you should contact your computing center. Internet access specifics will vary from institution to institution.

  • K-12 Access
    A growing number of K-12 schools are online. At last count there were over 700 elmentary schools actively publishing information on the Internet.

  • FIRN
    The Florida Information Resource Network (FIRN) is an extensive network which electronically links all of Florida's public education entities to computing resources. These resources serve public education. FIRN's primary mission is to provide electronic pathways and procedures enabling user access to computing services for Florida's public educational community.

    Businesses


  • Government Users
    If you work for a government agency, it's likely that your company is already connected to the Internet. Begin by asking your supervisor (or a skilled computer user) if your office has an Internet connection. He or she may not know, but will probably know who to talk to, in order to get information about getting connected.

  • Regular Business Users
    Many large businesses, especially those involved partially or solely in the computer industry, have a well-established Internet access and presence. Here you may find a person, or even an entire department devoted to helping people with Internet connections. If your office uses any type of network, then seek the computer specialist or systems administrator and he or she may be avaliable to assist you.

    Other:


  • Home and Individual Users

    Unlike university and work users, individual, home, and small business users rarely need a full-time connection, and are well served with adial-up connection. With dial-up connection you can connect to the Internet using a modem. Usually large companies and schools offer free connection to their users. Individual users have to pay a fee to a provider.

  • Commercial Providers
    America OnLine
    Compuserve
    E-World
    Genie
    Imagination
    Microsoft Network
    Prodigy

          

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