Finding The Best Option For Connecting To The 'Net By now you may be well versed in Internet terminology and eager to join the hordes of users with electronic mail (E-mail), real-time chat, and up-to-the minute news. But you can't just plug your computer into a phone line and cruise the Internet. And you can't simply call the phone company to have it throw a switch to turn on your service.
You must first locate an organization set up to provide access to the Internet—an Internet service provider (ISP). Companies have sprung up around the globe that let average computer users log into their link to the Internet—for a small fee, of course. Some companies are large, national providers. Some companies work locally. And a few companies call themselves online services and provide users with access to the Internet and content available only to their members.
How do you choose the right provider for you? Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of ISPs and online services, along with information on a few of the bigger providers. We also point out the prices you can expect to pay, where to access a list of providers, and what features to look for.
Getting Online With America Online.
The vastness of the Internet can seem intimidating to Internet newcomers. They want something that makes the Internet seem friendlier—more like an online community.
One way they get this is through an online service such as America Online (AOL) (800/827-6364 or 703/448-8700). This online service arranges the Internet, plus its proprietary content, in an easy-to-use interface that takes some of the intimidation out of going online. The service places popular sites, bulletin boards, and online features in categories, or "Channels," as AOL calls them. I....
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