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Question: How do I get connected to the Internet?

Answer: You need to contact a local Internet Service Provider (ISP). An ISP usually offers an e-mail account and host web pages along with their access to the internet.

There are probably several choices for your area - check your yellow pages, ask your local phone company, ask your long distance carrier, check with your friends that are connected - see what is available and consider the options. I can't say which would be best for your situation - so explore the options and see what is available. Some things to consider would be

  • price
  • accessibility - access to e-mail fro outside local ISP area
  • options - e-mail, web space, other services
  • performance - speed of connection
  • reliability - percentage of connecting on the first try (no busy signal)
  • satisfaction of customers

Usually you will have several options for standard modem service over a phone line. Check your yellow pages for different ISP's that may be listed. Also check with your local telephone company and your long distance provider.

If you're lucky enough to be located in a state of the art town (at least the cable company has to be on the ball) you might be able to get a cable modem connection.

and there is always the standbys...     (make sure it's not a long distance call)
AOL - America On Line - coming to your mailbox daily.
MSN - MicroSoft Network - coming to your mailbox weekly.

Question: Which should I get standard phone modem or cable modem?

    Answer: It really depends on your usage and circumstances and of course the price of the two services. The cable modem also won't tie up your phone line. Talk to someone in your community that is connected to the internet - ask them which ISP they use and how they like it. Find someone that has a cable modem (if available in your area) and ask them about the pros and cons.
Question: I signed up and still can't get the darn thing to work. What do I do now?

    Answer: Well for a plane ticket (round trip-probably) lodging and per diem - I'm sure you could persuade me to fix it - however - it'd probably be cheaper to ask someone local.

    Your ISP should have detailed instructions - read them - read them - read them. Many larger ISP's even have someone come to your house and get you connected as part of a setup fee (good option for many people). AND your ISP should have a tech-support number if you get in a bind.

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