Your Internet Consultant - The FAQs of Life Online

Chapter 2: How Do I Get Connected to the Internet?

• How Do I Get Connected to the Internet?
  • 2.1. What is an "Internet dial tone?"
  • 2.2. What kinds of connections are available?
  • 2.3. What is command-line access?
  • 2.4. What is IP access?
  • 2.5. How can my organization get dedicated Internet access?
  • 2.6. What about commercial online services?
  • 2.7. What commercial online services offer Internet access?
    • Delphi
    • BIX
    • WELL
    • America Online
  • 2.8. Can I use the Internet through a bulletin board system?
  • 2.9. Wait a minute! What about free access?
  • 2.10. Where can I get Internet access in my area?
  • 2.11. What is the PDIAL list?
  • 2.12. What is NIXPUB?
  • 2.13. What's a free-net?
  • 2.14. Cool! Is there a free-net near me?
  • 2.15. What Internet tools should I look for?
  • 2.16. Woe is me! There isn't a service provider in my area. What should I do?
    • Call Out of the Area
    • Use a Packet-Switching Network
    • Use an 800 Number
  • 2.17. What should I look for in a service provider?
    • Speed
    • Interface
    • Storage Space
    • Software
    • Access Restrictions
    • Reliability and Performance
    • Security
    • Technical Support

This chapter covers some of the most frequently asked of the frequently asked questions about the Internet--the ones about how to get connected. There are so many choices to make and ways to connect, newcomers can be overwhelmed. Don't worry. Splay out, laden with your beverage of choice, and consider the possibilities.

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