Cc: 
Subject: Re: Internet access question

Julie  wrote:
> 
> Well, I'm new to this alias but I have a question that I
> hope to get some advice on...
> 
> I have compuserve currently at home on my power pc but I
> want to have Netscape as my browser so I am planning on
> purchasing Netscape. Do I still need the online services like
> compuserve in order to get to the internet_

No. You need to find a good, reliable Internet Service Provider (ISP for 
short) in your area. You can probably get an internet access account 
with unlimited connect time for less than $30 a month (which is 
CONSIDERABLY less than Compuserve, if you browse a lot). Getting 
Netscape is a MUST. Browsing the web without Netscape is like using a 
paper cups and string to talk on the telephone. You will be shocked at 
what you have been missing all this time. You can download Netscape 
betas FREE from their homesite http://home.netscape.com if you're not 
ready to purchase yet. They upgrade their program aprox. every 4 weeks, 
so you could easily just keep downloading upgrades and never have to pay 
for a copy of Netscape. This isn't against the law, by the way - 
Netscape does it on purpose. If you have Windows95, it is extremely 
simple to connect to your ISP. If you do not yet have 95, you will need 
to download an TCP/IP stack (a dialup program - Netscape does not dial 
for you, it is only the browsing software). Your ISP will most likely 
provide you with one - and browsing software also. If your provider only 
provides browsing software OTHER than Netscape, find a provider that is 
Netscape friendly. As I said, Netscape is the ONLY one to use. 
> 
> I am also working on developing a web page and turning my
> computer into a server. Do I need an online service provider
> to access my page on my mac still_

I admire your enthusiasm, but I would hold off on this particular 
project for a bit (the server part, not the webpage part). This is a 
HIGHLY technical area (server software is also *pretty expensive* - 
though you can download beta's of that, also). You are talking about 
installing modems, expensive phone lines, and configuring all kinds of 
memory in order to handle opening your computer up to web browsing. 
Let's cross this bridge later. When you're ready to start on that web 
page - let us know, but get yourself hooked up first.
>
> I don't have alot of hands on experience with the Internet
> but I really want to get into it. Any advice is appreciated
> along with suggestions on the most cost effective online
> provider would be great.

ISPs are plentiful in most urban areas. Try to find one with a minimum 
of a "T1" line (this means they have a BIG phone line wich will handle 
MANY users at a time). If they have a "T3" (this is the biggest) - by 
all means go for it. If they have only an "ISDN", keep looking (you can 
get an ISDN to your HOME for a very small sum, which tells you it's not 
that great when you consider it needs to handle MANY simultaneous 
calls.) 

In review, here are the things you are going to be looking for with 
respect to web browsing:

#1. Netscape 2.0 - or higher.
#2. An Internet Service Provider with a big phone line and reasonable 
rates (this should include a mailbox, by the way), who will provide you 
with Netscape software and a TCP/IP stack if you do not have Windows95.

If you DO have Win95 and cannot figure out how to configure it (ISP 
should help you with this also), let us know and I will send 
instructions. You might want to inquire about storage space for your web 
page when you speak to ISPs. Some charge extra for storage on their 
servers. When you're ready to start on that, you will need to get 
instructions from them as to where on their server you should store 
your pages, and if they provide ftp software which you will need to 
send the pages to the server. If they do not, you can get some on the 
net with no problem.

Happy browsing and good luck!

Kris

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