PETE'S HOME PAGE ARTICLE #9, ISP's & More

INTERNET COLUMN #9

by Peter DeWolf


America Online, Prodigy, Compuserve, Internet, World Wide Web, Internet Servers,
Freenet, and so many new and wonderful services out there. Which one is for me, and
what is the difference? In an earlier column I touched briefly on the primary differences
between these different terms and companies, but it is time to take a little closer look.

The first three are individual companies whom, among others, offer a range of on-line
services. A new computer often comes equipped these days with programs for one or
more of these companies, and sometimes a trial membership. You simply load the
program, hook up the telephone connection, and log on. The provider will ask for some
personal information, a credit card number, and your introductory offer code number, and
you are in business. These companies provide you with a number of services, depending
on the level of service you choose, and of course which company you select. Be aware
that the price structure is generally in US dollars, so that 20.00 membership can easily
work out to 35.00 on your credit card, by the time you add taxes, and the exchange rate.

Many of these providers can and do give you some Internet Access, sometimes as a basic
service, sometimes as a premium add-on, or a combination. Do not however confuse them
with full Internet Access, as many of the speciality programs for the Internet will not work
while you are going through their "buffer". You will be restricted to using their programs.
In addition, their rates are generally 2 to 4 times higher than a direct hook-up to the
Internet. So, why would I use one of these services? Well, it is easy, convenient, and on-
line support is available. A number of services may be exclusive to the company,
Compuserve for example, has an excellent, easy to use, hotel reservation system. The
hotel even sends you a confirmation number via e-mail. Using the Internet, would be
much more a hit or miss proposition. America Online gives you an 800 number,
accessible from virtually anywhere in the US or Canada, and access numbers in other
points around the globe. From your laptop, you can check-in from a distant office, hotel
room, or even cellular phone, and access your account, picking up your e-mail, and
checking your airline flight times and a lot more.

All of these companies provide you with full e-mail capability, even to people outside of
that particular company. For example, someone on America Online can send me e-mail,
by using my "whisper@igs.net" address. I in turn, can respond, by using their account
number and adding @aol at the end. These companies provide a great service for those
just beginning, and for more experienced users who need convenient access from points
away from home.

Freenets are similar to the commercial services, except they are supposed to be non-profit,
and a community-based resource. A small membership fee normally provides you with
full access, though it may be time restricted, ie: 2 hours a day, and don't expect the fancy
graphics, and cool little icons. These are normally pretty barebones providers, but there is
a sense of community, and exclusive areas for members. Getting in during peak hours can
be a problem, as many people take advantage of the low cost to use these systems to
access the Internet. Again, generally speaking, they act as a buffer, and most Internet
speciality programs will not work on a freenet.

ISP's or Internet Service Providers (Servers), are currently the primary way for full
Internet Access, for which the World-wide Web is simply another name. These generally
local or regional companies have a direct link into the Web, and in turn rent you time on
their system. The costs are normally about 25 dollars for 50 hours, though each has its
own pricing plans, and it pays to shop around. On this type of system, you are simply
renting time, and navigating, programs, and all the rest is up to you. What you do on the
Net is your business. Most will provide you with the basic programs to get around, but
there is no buffer, or anything else. You are out there in cyberspace, and it is up to you to
find your way around. This is the real Internet, and as I have pointed out many times in
this column, it is pretty easy to get around, and with a little practice you will be doing it
like a pro. 

What do I need in software? Well, by popular request, here is my list of "have to haves",
and "sure nice to haves".

HAVE TO HAVE:
TCP  the telephone login program, and data interface
NETSCAPE  the primary navigation program
EUDORA or PEGASUS  e-mail program
FTP  a file transfer protocol program

NICE TO HAVE
WINVIN  a newsgroup reader
WINTALK a direct user to user keyboard program (only to full access users)
MIRC CHAT a live keyboard chat system
IPHONE  a live digital voice chat system (only to full access users with 16 or 32 bit
sound blasters)
EWAN TELNET  a program that allows access to freenet and bulletin board systems you
are a member of, direct from the Internet.

There are more programs available, but that will get you a good start, and keep you busy
for quite a while. Let me know your personal favourites, so I can pass them along. Your
e-mail, letters, and comments are always appreciated at "whisper@igs.net".

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