THE COMMISSIONERS’ INTERNET RESOURCES WORKSHOP
   
Version 2.0 - February 1996
Prepared by:  Michael F. Bowman

Part 2:  	BEGINNING BASICS -- EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO 	KNOW ABOUT E-MAIL:  USING INFORMATION
	TECHNOLOGIES TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATIONS

Section 1:  How to Get Your Folks Started
Getting Access to E-Mail & The Internet

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 	PART 2 - Beginning Basics -- Everything You Wanted to Know 					About E-Mail:  Using Information Technologies to 
				Improve Communications
		1. 	How to Get Your Folks Started - Getting Access to E-				Mail & the Internet
	
			E-mail - A Short Introduction

		 	Nettiquette

		 	Abbreviations You’ll See
			Using Community Freenets		

			Internet Access in the Washington, D.C. Area and in Your Local Area

			National Commercial On-Line Services

Return to Commissioners' Internet Resources Workshop Introduction page.

THE COMMISSIONER’S INTERNET RESOURCES 
WORKSHOP PART 2

Section 1 -- How to Get Your Folks Started - Getting Access to E-Mail & the Internet

           
E-MAIL - A SHORT INTRODUCTION
Let’s start with the basics.  To get  started you will need to have a computer with a modem installed.  If you do not already have a modem I would recommend that you go to the extra expense of  buying a modem that moves data at 28,800 baud.  Take your time, read the descriptions on the packages and compare prices.  If you want to be able to do faxes from your computer, make sure that the modem can handle this too.  Some modems will also be able to handle caller ID and other features.  Pick the one that you think will best meet your needs.

Now that you have a modem, you are going to have to hook it up to a service that will give you access to the internet.  You can purchase a communications software package such as Procom Plus for Windows 2.1 (Approx. $100) and avoid the monthly charges of online and direct service providers by using a local freenet such as  CAPACCESS (Washington Area Only).  Otherwise you may want to consider a  direct provider. With a very small investment ranging from $20 to $200 you  can buy a software package to hook up to one of these providers that will let you do e-mail, search FTP sites,  use a gopher or explore the internet with World Wide Web browser for a  monthly connection fee. 

For example if you buy the basic NETCOM package for  $30 you will get basic e-mail, gopher, and a WWW browser that you can use to directly surf the net at a cost of $20 a month. Other packages offer  equally attractive opportunites. However, my main concern is that you be  able to link with other Scouters in the area by E-mail. The rest can come later at your own pace.
Some of you have computer access to E-mail at work. Whether you can use it for Scouting depends on your employer. Because many employers frown on the  use of their time for outside pursuits and the Federal Government's Ethics  Regulations prohibit its employees from using Government property for  non-official purposes, my focus is on home oriented E-mail.
To get your feet wet you may want to opt for the simple approach of trying out one of the commercial online service's free trial offers and use their E-mail post office to try a few things out. However, once you begin to develop a large quantity of daily E-mail, you will begin to notice that these services can become expensive. At that point I would suggest that you consider either a freenet  or one of the local internet services available in your area.
To move away from the online services, you will need to install communications software on your home computer. There are several on the market, but the main thing is to make sure that it can emulate a terminal and the more emulations the better. Procom Plus for Windows 2.1 features 35 different terminal emulations making it very easy to connect to almost any  E-mail system, bulletin board or listserver. It also has the advantage of  allowing you to alphabetize your address and  to chat when you are exchanging data with another Scouter. Find one that's  right for your needs and you're ready to begin.
This chapter contains information on both local services and commercial online services to help you get started.

           
NETTIQUETTE
Once you begin to use E-mail you will learn that netiquette is important.  Messages in all CAPITAL LETTERS are regarded as shouting and generally frowned upon. The sparing use of all capitals for emphasizing a particular word in an appropriate context may be appropriate to express a strong feeling, but you need to be careful not to offend others unknowingly. 
Likewise you will find that flaming (personally attacking an individual rather than an idea) is not acceptable in most forums and lists. Rude conduct is neither necessary or acceptable.  Remember to live the Scout law online.  Be courteous and kind.

           
ABBREVIATIONS YOU’LL  SEE

You probably will also find some strange abbreviations in E-mail messages.  To help you decypher them, here is a partial listing of common abbreviations:
	ACM	Assistant Cubmaster	
	AOL	Arrow of Light
	AOM	Award of Merit
	ASM	Assistant Scoutmaster
	BOR	Board of Review
	BP	Baden-Powell
	BTW 	By The Way	CC	Committee Chairperson
	CM	Cubmaster
	COH	Court of Honor
	COR	Chartered Organization Representative
	DC	District Chairman
	DD	District Director
	DE	District Executive
	DL	Den Leader
	FWIW 	For What It's Worth	<g> 	Grin	HTH 	Hope This Helps
	IBACS 	In Brotherhood and Cheerful Service	IMHO 	In My Humble Opinion	IMHBCO 	In My Humble But Considered Opinion
	JLT	Junior Leader Training
	MC	Member of Committee
	NOAC	National Order of the Arrow Conference
	OA	Order of the Arrow
	PITA	Pain in the rear-end
	PL/APL	Patrol Leader/Assistant Patrol Leader
	PLC	Patrol Leader Council	RTFM 	Read The Fine Manual	ROFL 	Rolling On the Floor Laughing
	SA	Assistant Scoutmaster
	SDE	Senior District Executive
	SE	Scout Executive (Sometimes mistakenly referred to as CE for 
		Council Executive)	
	SM	Scoutmaster	
	SPL	Senior Patrol Leader	TIA 	Thanks In Advance	TTFN 	Ta Ta For Now
	WB	Wood Badge
	WDL	Webelos Den Leader
	WLOT	Webelos Leader Outdoor Training	YiS 	Yours in Scouting

Favorite Sign Offs May Include:

“WWW” - which means Order of the Arrow not World Wide Web.
“I used to be an Eagle” - which means the signer went to Wood Badge, not that he quit being an Eagle Scout.  You may see other animal names like Beaver, Fox, Owl, Antelope, Bear, Buffalo, Bobwhite, Raven, Lobo, etc.  These are from Wood Badge too.  Some will also include Wood Badge Course numbers; e.g. NE-CS-41, NE V1-16, EC-424.

EMOT-CONS

You may also run across hieroglyphic-like punctuation marks that look like :-) . These are not slips of the fingers on the keyboard, nor are they electronic noise, but they are smiley faces. If you turn your head to the left, you see that the colon makes up the eyes; the nose is a hyphen; and the mouth is a parenthesis. Substituting a semicolon for the colon ;-), gives you a winking smiley face. There are many other variations on the smiley face, but most of the others are not used very often.

           
USING COMMUNITY FREENETS
The following edited information was extracted from Michael R. Lewis’ website, which provides extensive information about freenets.  If you want to find out more information about one of the freenets listed, please visit a friend that has a Web browser installed and visit his page at 

http://metronet.lib.mi.us/MIKEL/fn/index.html 
or try a similar page at
 http://herald.usask.ca/~scottp/free.html

where you can find out more about each of the providers.  This list is provided as a service to you.  However, we make no warranty or endorsement of any of these freenets.  We have not tested them and cannot comment on the quality of any of these services.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The common FreePort software (created at Case Western Reserve University in   Cleveland) utilizes keystrokes which are different than those used by Lynx  and Gopher. Most Free-Nets have help information at the bottom of each  screen, so you are never more than a keystroke or two away from more in-depth help regarding navigation of a Free-Net menu system. Many Freenets are devising their own menu system around programs like Lynx, in anticipation of all users eventual access via the WWW.
Sites listed below are organized by Postal Abbreviations in the US and Canada by a  common provincial abbreviation. Others are prefaced with the country of origination. Those that make a simple connect are labeled (DIR) to indicate that it is going to a Gopher menu. Those send out pages written specifically for the WWW are labeled (HTTP).
Sites that are denoted with "(TEL)" (for telnet) are connected differently than most Gopher menu items. These sites will usually require the user to "Login" in order to access their system. Most systems have information above the login prompt, telling new users how to login for the first time.  However, some do not.
Passwords do not appear on the screen as you type them. If you aren't successful trying to access one of these sites, it may display the message that the "login is incorrect". More often than not, the cause of this is misspelling the designated password or entering it with the "CAPS LOCK" on.  Both login names and passwords are case-sensitive and should be typed exactly as they are displayed (without quotation marks).
If you reach a site and are unable to login for one reason or another, Control-D at a "Login:" prompt will usually allow you to escape the system back to the your web browser's menu display.
Another part of the entry routine to many of these systems is the establishment of a matching terminal emulation. More often than not, the default is vt100. More often than not, this will be the choice of most people accessing these systems. If your terminal uses another emulation, you are well aware of it before coming to this menu and will know the appropriate choice to enter in place of the default.
All of the sites that are accessed by telnet have time limits to how long you can remain logged-in to their systems. The limits seem to range between 15 - 60 minutes.
Some of the Free-Nets allow new users or visitors to become registered users of their systems. The benefits to this are access to E-mail and some of their higher level, interactive-type features like reading and writing to local newsgroups and USENET. Some have "Talk" functions that allows users to talk to each other via a split-screen format. Still others have Multi-User Chat that users can use to chat with individuals or numbers of people at that specific Free-Net. The next level up from Multi-User Chat is Internet Relay Chat (IRC) which connects users of one system to other systems on every continent on the planet.  
Finally, the term "Free-Net" has become a misnomer in some cases. Some systems have run into hard times and require donations. Some systems are obviously gathering funds to make paying jobs for their "volunteer" staffs.  This has manifested itself as imposed annual fees. These fees, so far, are minimal compared to what most commercial providers charge. Even though some systems have found it necessary to charge for their higher level services 
most are still absolutely FREE! Those systems that do charge their registered users, still allow visitors to access and explore many of the things they have to offer - for FREE!
Beyond the interactive Free-Nets are the sites that are local storehouses for information on localities. We call them "Community Info Servers". These reside at a variety of institutions or organizations. Some are provided by local libraries and government bodies; some by not-for-profit groups whose intention is to promote and provide access to information about their locality.
Another source for information about communities comes from commercial and not-for-profit "Internet Gateway" providers. Along with selling accounts for E-mail and many of the services duplicated on Free-Nets (plus a variety of special connects, services and access), they frequently include information about their locality as part of their Internet accessible menus. Some of those are included in this menu.
	(HTTP) 	[AL] 	Mobile Area Free-Net
	(TEL) 	[AL] 	Mobile Area Free-Net login: visitor
	(TEL) 	[AZ] 	Arizona Telecommunications Community (AzTeC) login: guest				password: visitor
	(HTTP) 	[AZ] 	City of Phoenix
	(HTTP) 	[AZ] 	City of Tucson
	(DIR) 	[AZ] 	Tucson - Metropolitan Electronic Comm. Net. /GOPHER
	(HTTP) 	[CA] City of San Carlos
	(TEL) 	[CA] California Online Resources for Education (CORE) login: ctp
	(HTTP) 	[CA] 	Davis Community Network
	(HTTP) 	[CA] 	Davis Community Network
	(TEL) 	[CA] 	Los Angeles Free-Net login: guest
	(HTTP) 	[CA] 	City of Palo Alto, California
	(HTTP) 	[CA] 	City of San Diego
 	(HTTP) 	[CA] 	City of San Carlos Home Page (California)
	(DIR) 	[CA] 	SLONET (San Luis Obispo County /GOPHER
	(TEL) 	[CA] 	Silicon Valley Public Access Link (PAL) login: guest
	(HTTP) 	[CA] 	Silicon Valley Public Access Link (PAL)
	(DIR) 	[CO] 	Aspen Colorado /GOPHER
	(FILE) 	[CO] 	Boulder Community Network FYI /GOPHER
	(HTTP) 	[CO] 	Boulder Community Network
	(HTTP) 	[CO] 	Boulder Community Net
	(TEL) 	[CO] 	Denver Freenet login: guest
	(HTTP) 	[CO] 	FortNet - Fort Collins Community Network
	(HTTP) 	[CO] 	Southwest Colorado Access Network (SCAN) (Durango)
	(TEL) 	[CO] 	NYX (at U of Denver) (nyx.cs.du.edu) login: new
	(TEL) 	[CO] 	NYX (at U of Denver) (nyx10.cs.du.edu)
	(TEL) 	[CO] 	NYX (at U of Denver) (nox.cs.du.edu)
	(DIR) 	[CO] 	Pikes Peak Guide (Events & Info)-CNS, Inc. /GOPHER
	(DIR) 	[CT] 	Vacation Guide to Connecticut (via U of Conn.) /GOPHER
	(TEL) 	[DC] 	CapAccess: National Capital Area Public Access Network     				login: guest password: visitor
	(TEL) 	[FL] 	Alachua Freenet login: visitor
	(HTTP) 	[FL] 	Alachua Freenet
	(HTTP) 	[FL] 	Alachua Freenet
	(HTTP) 	[FL] 	Naples Free-Net
	(TEL) 	[FL] 	Naples Free-Net login: guest password: guest
	(HTTP) 	[FL] 	Sarasota Online
	(TEL) 	[FL] 	SEFLIN Free-Net (Broward County) login: visitor
	(TEL) 	[FL] 	Suncoast Free-Net (Tampa Bay) login: visitor
	(TEL) 	[FL] 	Tallahassee Free-Net (2) login: visitor password: (RETURN)
	(TEL) 	[FL] 	Tallahassee Free-Net (3) login: visitor password: (RETURN)
	(HTTP) 	[FL] 	Tallahassee Free-Net
	(DIR) 	[GA] 	404Free-Net (Atlanta) /GOPHER 
	(DIR) 	[HI] 	Hawaii FYI
	(HTTP) 	[HI] 	Hawaii Home Page (Honolulu)
	(TEL) 	[IL] 	Heartland Free-Net (Peoria/Bloomington/Normal) login: bbguest
	(TEL) 	[IL] 	Prairienet (East Central IL) login: visitor
	(HTTP) 	[IL] 	Prairienet (East Central IL)
	(HTTP) 	[IN] 	Michiana Free-Net
	(HTTP) 	[IA] 	CedarNet (Cedar Falls/Waterloo)
	(HTTP) 	[LA] 	Greater New Orleans Free-Net
	(DIR) 	[MA] 	City & Visitor Info - via MIT (Boston/Cambridge) /GOPHER
	(HTTP) 	[MA] 	Cambridge Civic Network
	(HTTP) 	[MA] 	City of Cambridge, Mass
	(DIR) 	[MA] 	UMASSK12 (Amherst) /GOPHER
	(TEL) 	[MD] 	Chesapeake Free-Net
	(HTTP) 	[MD] 	Chesapeake Free-Net
	(DIR) 	[MD] 	Chesapeake Free-Net
	(DIR) 	[MD] 	Sailor - Maryland's Info. Network /GOPHER
	(TEL) 	[MI] 	Education Central (at Central Michigan Univ.) login: visitor
	(TEL) 	[MI] 	Genesee Free-Net login: guest
	(HTTP) 	[MI] 	Genesee Free-Net
	(TEL) 	[MI] 	Grand Rapids Free-Net login: visitor
	(HTTP) 	[MI] 	Grand Rapids Free-Net
	(TEL) 	[MI] 	Greater Detroit Freenet login: visitor
	(HTTP) 	[MI] 	Greater Detroit Freenet
	(TEL) 	[MI] 	Grex (Cyberspace Communications, Inc.) login: help
	(HTTP) 	[MI] 	Huron Valley Community Network (Ann Arbor)
	(HTTP) 	[MI] 	Huron Valley Free-Net (Old Address)
	(TEL) 	[MI] 	M-Net (Arbornet) login: newuser
	(TEL)	[MI] 	Macatawa Area Free-Net
	(HTTP) 	[MI] 	Macatawa Area Free-Net
	(TEL) 	[MI] 	Traverse City FreePort login: visitor
	(TEL) 	[MN] 	Twin Cities Free-Net (Minneapolis/St. Paul) login: guest
	(HTTP) 	[MN] 	Twin Cities Free-Net (Minneapolis/St. Paul)
	(DIR ) 	[MN] 	Twin Cities Free-Net
	(TEL) 	[MO] 	Columbia Online Information Network (COIN) login: guest
	(TEL) 	[MO] 	Ozark Regional Info. On-line Network (Springfield) login: guest
	(HTTP) 	[MO] 	Ozarks Regional Information Online Network (ORION) 
				(Springfield)
	(TEL) 	[MO]	Rural Area Information Network (RAIN) (Pilot Grove) login:   
				visitor
	(TEL) 	[MT] 	Big Sky Telegraph BBS login: bbs
	(HTTP) 	[NC] 	Charlotte's Web
	(DIR) 	[NC] 	Community Idea-Net (U of NC) /GOPHER
	(HTTP) 	[NC] 	SunSITE USA (Chapel Hill)
	(TEL) 	[NC] 	SunSITE USA (Chapel Hill) login: swais
	(TEL) 	[NC] 	LaUNChpad - Triangle Freenet (Chapel Hill) login: launch or bbs
	(TEL) 	[ND] 	SENDIT (K-12 Educational Telecom Network) login: bbs
				password: sendit2me
	(HTTP) 	[NE] 	Omaha Free-Net
	(DIR) 	[NM] 	La Plaza de Taos /GOPHER (from the WELL)
	(DIR) 	[NM] 	La Plaza de Taos /GOPHER
	(HTTP) 	[NM] 	La Plaza de Taos
	(DIR) 	[NV] 	Sierra-Net (Lake Tahoe) /GOPHER
	(TEL) 	[NY] 	Buffalo Free-Net login: freeport
	(HTTP) 	[NY] 	Buffalo Free-Net
	(HTTP) 	[NY] 	IthacaNet (Ithaca)
	(DIR) 	[NY] 	Panix Public Access Unix (NYC) /GOPHER
	(DIR) 	[NY] 	The Pipeline /GOPHER
	(HTTP) 	[NY] 	Rochester Free-Net
	(DIR) 	[OH] 	Akron Regional Free-Net /GOPHER
	(TEL) 	[OH] 	Cleveland Free-Net (Freenet-in-A) select: 2. A visitor
	(TEL) 	[OH] 	Cleveland Free-Net (Freenet-in-B) select: 2. A visitor
	(TEL) 	[OH] 	Cleveland Free-Net (Freenet-in-C) select: 2. A visitor
	(TEL) 	[OH] 	Dayton Area Free-Net login: visitor
	(DIR) 	[OH] 	Greater Columbus Freenet /GOPHER
	(TEL) 	[OH] 	Lorain County Free-Net login: guest
	(TEL) 	[OH] 	Medina County Freenet login: fnguest
	(TEL) 	[OH] 	Project Discovery login: visitor
	(TEL) 	[OH] 	SEORF (Athens) login: guest
	(TEL) 	[OH] 	Talawanda Learning Community Network login: visitor
	(TEL) 	[OH] 	TriState OnLine (Cincinnati) login: visitor
	(TEL) 	[OH] 	Youngstown Free-Net login: visitor
	(DIR) 	[OH] 	Youngstown Free-Net
	(DIR) 	[OK] 	Stillwater Information /GOPHER
	(DIR) 	[OR] 	Corvallis Metronet /GOPHER
	(TEL) 	[OR] 	Eugene Free-Net Newusers - login: guest password: (RETURN)
	(TEL) 	[OR] 	Eugene Free-Net login: guest password: (RETURN)
	(HTTP)	[OR] 	Eugene Free-Net
	(DIR) 	[OR] 	Oregon Online /GOPHER
	(HTTP) 	[PA] 	Chester County InterLink
	(TEL) 	[PA] 	LibertyNet Electronic City (Philadelphia) login: liberty
	(HTTP) 	[PA] 	Libertynet (Philadelphia)
	(DIR) 	[PA] 	Telerama Public Access Internet (Pittsburgh) /GOPHER
	(HTTP) 	[PA] 	Three Rivers Free-Net
	(TEL) 	[RI] 	Ocean State Freenet (Providence) select: 2) A visitor
	(TEL) 	[SC] 	Midnet login: visitor
	(HTTP) 	[SD]	State of South Dakota
	(HTTP) 	[TN] 	Jackson Area Free-Net
	(DIR) 	[TX] 	Austin Public Net /GOPHER
	(HTTP) 	[TX] 	City of Austin
	(DIR) 	[TX] 	MAIN (Metropolitan Austin Interactive Network) /GOPHER
	(HTTP) 	[TX] 	Houston Internet Connection
	(HTTP) 	[TX] 	Texas Metronet
	(DIR) 	[TX] 	North Texas Freenet /GOPHER
	(TEL) 	[TX] 	Rio Grande Free-Net (El Paso) login: visitor
	(DIR) 	[TX] 	Texas Information Highway /GOPHER
	(DIR) 	[TX] 	Texas Metronet /GOPHER
	(HTTP) 	[TX] 	Texas Metronet
	(DIR) 	[VA] 	Blacksburg Electronic Village /GOPHER
	(HTTP) 	[VA] 	Blacksburg Electronic Village
	(TEL)	[VA] 	CVaNet - Central Virginia's Free-Net login: guest password:visitor
	(HTTP) 	[VA] 	CVaNet - Central Virginia's Free-Net (Richmond)
	(TEL) 	[VA] 	South Eastern Virginia Regional Free-Net (SEVAnet) login:  guest
	(HTTP) 	[VA] 	South Eastern Virginia Regional Free-Net (SEVAnet)
	(HTTP) 	[VA] 	City of Staunton
	(TEL) 	[VA] 	Virginia's Public Education Network (PEN) login: guest password: 					guest
	(DIR) 	[UT] 	Salt Lake City /GOPHER
	(TEL) 	[WA] 	Seattle Community Network login: visitor

	(HTTP) 	[WI] 	Chippewa Valley Free Net (Eau Claire)
	(DIR) 	[WI] 	City Of Milwaukee Information /GOPHER
	(TEL) 	[WI] 	Milwaukee Omnifest login: visitor
	(DIR) 	[WI] 	State of Wisconsin Information - Badger /GOPHER
	(DIR) 	[WV] 	MountainGopher /GOPHER 

INTERNET ACCESS IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C AREA
AND IN YOUR LOCAL AREA

This Workshop was developed for Scouters in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area.  If you are developing a similar course based on this Web page, you may wish to substitute the names of local internet providers and details concerning the services they offer.   If you would like to find a listing of local Internet providers go to http://www.commerce.net:80/directories/products/isp and use the search engine there.  You will get a listing of these providers.  Following the listing of  Washington, D.C. providers, I’ve added a listing of known Internet providers from across the United States.  This list may not be complete, but may help you recognize a provider in your area.
There are several commercial and non-commercial organizations that can provide you with access to the Internet in the Washington, D.C. Area. I make no representations or endorsements for any of the Internet services listed below. The listing is provided for informational purposes only. Much of this information was derived from a CAPACCESS.ORG FAQ file. 
Capcom Library Network (capcom.net):  Also supports area code 410. Has various long-distance plans when you contact them. Offers menu, archie, ftp, gopher, email, telnet, wais, whois, users manual, and full day system training. Charges are $35 to start up plus $150 per year, or $24 if you pay by month, for the first account from an institution. For each additional user, $35 startup, $90/year, $15/month, but member rates are lower. These prices include 20 hours per month. For information, email capcom@capcom.net. Voice phone is 202-331-5771 and fax is 202-797-7719.
CAPACCESS (capaccess.org) CAPACCESS is short for National Capital Area Public Access Network a subsidiary of WETA Broadcasting. It is an interactive public access network providing information and education for the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. area. Most importantly it provides users with an E-mail post office address for Internet mail. A one-time start-fee of $30 is required.  Aside from donations, CAPACCESS is free. To try out CAPACCESS dial 202-765-1523 and logon <guest>, password <visitor>. Modems: up to 14,400 baud; 8-n-1; VT100 Terminal Emulation.  (You can call the voice number at 1-703-824-7300)   After getting through the entry screens you will get the main menu. Choose #1. In the next menu pick community. Try it out and see if you like it. Up to 500 kb of storage space per user. Currently CAPACCESS has over 13,000 subscribers. If you are interested, call CAPACCESS at 202-986-2065 and ask for a membership application. Once you've been registered you will recieve an user ID and a password by U.S. Mail.
Capital Area Internet Service/CAIS (cais.com) (support@cais.com):  The service offers telnet, rlogin, FTP, archie, gopher, WWW, talk, IRC, finger, whois, ping, traceroute, Berkely UNIX Csh access, Zmodem, Xmodem and Kermit, 5 MB storage space per user, state-of-the-art modems, and NO hourly connect fee or setup charge.
Capital PC User Group (cpcug.org):  Full Internet, provided by a special deal with Digital Express (elsewhere on this list) to members only. The deal offers a fee of $15.50, or $186, if you pre-pay the whole year.
ClarkNet (clark.net):  Full Internet service. Reasonable prices and access policies. Telnet to clark.net or call one of modem lines and login as 'guest' and password <CR> to register for an account online or get more info. Send email to all-info@clark.net for automatic reply or to info@clark.net for inquiry; call 800/735-2258 ext 410/730-9764 for info. Provides shell, menu, ftp, telnet, irc, gopher, hytelnet, www, WAIS, SLIP/PPP, ftp space, feeds (UUCP & uMDSS), dns, Clarinet. Fees are $23/month or $66/3 months or $126/6 months or $228/year. Their SLIP/PPP price is $33/month. For more information, ftp to ftp.clark.net, and get /pub/clarknet/fullinfo.txt. Their modem lines are:
1. Columbia area, covers half Balt. and half Metro DC. (410) 730-9786
2. Ellicott City area, covers full Balt. area. (410) 995-0271
3. Laurel area, covers Metro DC except VA. (301) 596-1626
4. Ashton area, covers full Montgomery County area. (301) 854-0446
5. Northern Virginia. (301) 621-5216
Express Access (digex.net):  Full Internet service. Reasonable prices and access policies. I liked the explicit privacy policy on digex. Telnet to access.digex.net or call one of modem lines and login as 'new' with password <CR> for account info. Send email to info@digex.net or call 301/220-2020 for details. They provide shell, ftp, telnet, irc, gopher, hytelnet, www, Clarinet, SLIP/PPP, archie, mailing lists, autoresponders, and anonymous FTP archives. Charges are $25 per month or $250 per year. In addition, Digital Express offers a service where you can telnet to it, without prime/nonprime rate changes, for about $8.95 per month plus a $10 setup charge (no dialup). You should telnet to universe.digex.net and login as new to get this type of account. Side note: digex services are offered in New York City and in Northern and Southern New Jersey. Their modem lines are: 
1. Washington, DC metro area -- Data:301-220-0258 -- Support:301-220-2020
2. Baltimore, MD metro area -- Data:410-605-2700 -- Support:410-813-2724
3. Gaithersburg/Damascus, MD -- Data:301-854-6225 -- Support:800-969-9090
4. Annapolis, MD -- Data:410-451-0390 -- Support:410-813-2724
5. Harford County, MD -- Data:410-877-9588 -- Support:800-969-9090
6. Woodbridge/Manassas, VA -- Data:703-281-7997 -- Support:800-969-9090
7. Frederick/Mt. Airy, MD -- Data:301-414-0091 -- Support:800-969-9090
8. Waldorf/Indian Head, MD -- Data:301-341-1625 -- Support:800-969-9090
FredNet (fred.net):  This system, which requires its users to be at least 18 years of age, offers the following services: Usenet, Email, Telnet, FTP, UNIX Talk, Archie, Gopher, UNIX Shell and a customer support number. Its prices are $23/month or $66/quarter plus a $10 startup fee. One can waive the startup fee and pay for a 1/2 year or year at $126 or $228 respectively. Modems are up to 14,400 and the dialup number is 301-698-5006. For more information, email info@fred.net, or call voice to 301-698-2386. To get an account, dial the data number and login as "guest".
Merit Network, Inc. MichNet (merit.edu):  Get phone numbers from them or by telnetting to hermes.merit.edu, typing "help" at the "Which host?" prompt and giving them information. MichNet offers telnet, SLIP, PPP, and outbound SprintNet, Autonet and Ann Arbor dialout. Fees are $35 per month plus a $40 signup fee. A discount to $10 a month is provided for K-12 and libraries in Michigan. Information email address is info@merit.edu. Voice is 313-764-9430, and you can FTP more information at nic.merit.edu.
Netcom (netcom.com):  Full Internet service. Reasonable prices and access policies. Telnet to netcom.netcom.com or call 703/255-5951 and login as 'guest' (not asked for password) for general info or online account registration. Call 408/554-8649 for details (note that Netcom is California-based but has local dialins in several major cities, including the DC area). They offer shell, ftp, telnet, irc, WAIS, gopher, SLIP/PPP, ftp space, feeds and DNS.  $19.50 per month plus a $20.00 signup fee. Email info@netcom.com for information.
Performance Systems - PSI (psi.com):  This unusual service offers telnet without any other type of service. It assumes that you have an account somewhere on the Internet, and by doing this, it is able to support more users and charge less. It charges $9 a month, but the $9 is applicable towards some usage charges. Usage charges: $1.25 per hour non-prime (8AM-8PM M-F are prime, all else is non-prime) and $2.75 per hour prime. The top speed of this system's modems are 2400, unless you want to pay more for faster access.

US Net (us.net):  Email info@us.net for information. This company offers two service plans:  Business Connection and Personal Connection. For Personal Connection users, they offer SLIP, PPP and CSLIP, 2400-14.4 baud, SMTP, POP2, POP3, and IMAP mail support, a personal IP address, unlimited non-prime time access, FTP archives, USENET and discounts on many books and products. Business Connection users get the same package, but get a dedicated line and other "goodies" that are appropriate for businesses with access to the Internet.  The personal connection goes for anywhere from $6.95 to $24.95 for prime-time access and unlimited non-prime access, and about $20 in one-time charges. The business connection is $295 a month for a dedicated V.32 bis dialup all the way up to a T1 "Business Connection" for almost $4,000 a month. This plan does not include any other "surcharges".  
World Data Network
dial in number is: (703) 620-8900
URL: htttp://www.wdn.com

Offers: 1 Month free access to both its BBS and the Internet

Rates: 0.35 cents a minute, purchased in blocks at $49.00 ea. First package cost is $130.00 which includes full slip/ppp, email, ftp, telnet, etc. and 360 hours or days, whichever comes first. All 150+ nodes use 33.3k baud modems on a T1 line. There are several ISDN connections, always available.  For a total package cost of $225.00 per year, you can get the 360 hrs/days mentioned above with the features, plus a sub domain off their site with an initial size of 2Mb. You can create your own subdirectories off that sub-domain, ftp upload/download, etc. Each additional 1Mb needed is charged at a rate of $1.00 extra per month.  BTW, WDN maintains the largest shareware library in this area. No restrictions on the amount of data/programs downloaded per day. They also have several lines to call in, so that users from upper Montgomery County, or other outlying parts, can place a local call.

        Users in the Atlanta and Chattanooga area can try Mindspring.

Mindspring:
1430 West Peachtree St. NW
STE 400
Atlanta, GA 30309
404-815-0082 or 800-719-4332
http://www.mindspring.com
$15 per month - 15 free hours.
$35 per month - unlimited hours
$35 connection fee
Discounts offered to Georgia Tech Alumni
Service is free for schools.

Getting A List of Other Internet Providers:  If you have e-mail access to the Internet, you can obtain a copy of the Public Dialup Internet Access List (the most comprehensive list of Internet access providers for individuals and small organizations) by sending an e-mail message containing the command "Send PDIAL" to info-deli-server@netcom.com. You can also try:  Internet Access Providers http://www.loc.gov/global/internet/access-providers.html, Internet Access Providers Meta-List http://www.herbison.com/herbison/iap_meta_list.html, or Internet
Service Providers Organized by Area Code http://www.cybertoday.com/cybertoday/ISPs/Products.html

Known Local Internet Providers in the United States (January 12, 1996)

	@Web2000,Inc.
	@denver.net
	@sig.net
	A2I Communications
	AIS American Information Systems
	ALPcom
	ALTO CORPORATION
	AMERICAN AGENCY
	ANS CO RE Systems, Inc.
	ATM
	AXIS.NET, Inc
	AccessCom
	AddressNET
	Advanced Business Solutions
	Advanced Standards, Inc
	Advertisement Network Services (ANS), Inc.
	Aesir Computing, Inc
	Agency of Information Systems and Telecommunications Ltd
	Aimnet Corporation
	All World Network, Inc.
	Alpha.net, Inc.
	AlterNet/UUNET Technologies, Inc.
	America.Net
	American Digital Network
	Argotech Business Systems
	Art Of InterNet GmbH
	Atlantic Connect Inc.
	Atlantic Internet Technologies

	BBN BARRNET, Inc.
	BBN Planet
	Baraga Telephone Company
	Bay Area Internet Solutions
	Benchmark Communications Systems
	BerkshireNet
	Biddeford Internet Corp
	Big Easy Computing
	Bitstream Underground
	Blue Sky, Inc
	Bos Internet Services
	Branch Internet Services Inc.
	BusinessOn Corporation, Inc.

	C.S.P. - Centro SuperCalcolo del Piemonte
	CCI Networks
	CCO.NET
	CDS Internet
	CDX Systems, Inc.
	CERFnet
	CICNet, Inc.
	CIMtegration Limited
	CTS Network Services
	CYBERStream Inc.
	Call America Business Communications
	Calyx Internet Access
	Carroll-Net
	Cedarnet
	Channel Islands Internet
	CitiCom Online Communication Services
	CityScope Net
	Citynet Corp
	Cleveland Business Systems Co.
	ClubNET, Inc.
	Coastal Web Online
	Cogent Software, Inc.
	Colorado Internet Cooperative Assn
	Colorado SuperNet, Inc.
	Community ConneXion
	CompUtopia
	CompuServe Network Services
	Constant Telecommunications
	Cruzio
	Cyber Access Internet Communications, Inc.
	Cyber Help, Inc.
	CyberHouse Corporation
	CyberLink Internet Services
	CyberNet Communications
	CyberNet NorthWest
	Cyberg8t Internet Services
	CygNet InterNet Services
	Cynergy

	DCANet
	DIRECT MARKETING MANAGERS
	Dana Point Communications-BeachNet
	Data Plus
	DataServe Information Services
	Datasync Internet
	Dave's World
	Dave's World, Inc.
	Delta Internet Services
	Design OnLine Australia Pty. Ltd
	Digital Express Group Inc.
	Digital Forest
	Direct Net @ccess
	Discnet Corporation

	E-Z.Net
	E-Znet Incorporated
	ELITE.NET
	EMI Communications Corporation
	EUnet Cyprus / CyLink Information Services Ltd.
	EZLink, Inc.
	EarthLink Network Inc.
	East Kentucky Internet
	Easynet
	EdNA
	EgeNET
	ElectriCiti, Inc.
	Electric Pages
	EmeraldNet
	Empire Net, Inc.
	Empire.Net
	EriNet
	Execulink Internet Service Corporation
	Exodus Communications, Inc.

	FFort Wayne Internet
	Filnet
	FishNet Internet Services
	Flint Online
	Future Net, Inc.

	GSI Net, Inc.
	Galaxy Network Services
	Garden Networks
	Gateway to Internet Services
	Gateway to Internet Services
	Global Datalink Inc.
	Global Enterprise Services
	Global Online
	Global Web Limited
	Gorge Networks Inc.
	GulfNet Technologies

	HA Telecom Corporation
	HEXonX Inc.
	HOPE Associates, Inc.
	HeleNet Systems
	HellasNet s.a Global Distribution Systems
	Hevanet Communications
	HiLINE Internet Services, Inc.
	Hollingsworth Information Services Inc
	Hudsonet Company

	I-2000, Inc
	I.Net Technologies, Inc.
	ICNet
	IMS INTERCOM
	IQ Internet Services
	IQuest Network Services
	ITINET
	Indra's Net, Inc.
	InfiNet, L.C.
	Info ABC
	InfoStructure
	Infoboard Telematics
	Infocom Technologies, Inc.
	Information Access Technologies, Inc.
	Information Access Technologies/HoloNet
	Institute for Global Communications
	Intelecom Data Systems
	Intelitech Walrus
	Intelligence Network Online, Inc.
	Intellitech Walrus
	Inter*Com Information Services
	InterActive Networx GmbH
	InterNex
	InterPRO Provider Services, Inc.
	InterServe Communications
	InterStar Network Service
	Internet Access of Ventura County
	Internet CSRA
	Internet Communications
	Internet Communications
	Internet Connect Services
	Internet Doorway, Inc.
	Internet Express
	Internet Interface Systems P/L
	Internet Oklahoma
	Internet Online Services
	Internet Providers Of Florida
	Internet Resourcxe Center
	Internet Services Of the Black Hills, Inc.
	Internet Solutions Inc.
	Internet Technologies
	Internet Tidal Wave
	Internet-Connect, Inc.
	Interpath
	Intuitive Information, Inc.

	JTM MultiMedia, Inc.

	KTNET(Korea Trade Network)
	Keyway Internet Access

	LOS INDIOS FORWARDING CO.,INC
	Lancaster Internet
	Lanka Internet Services, Ltd
	LavaNet, Inc.
	LightSpeed Data Links, Inc.
	LinkNet Internet Services
	Lloyd Internetworking
	LogosNet/ Pipex International

	MCD*Net - Mindemoya Computing
	METATEK
	MFT Internet Access Provider
	MHVNet
	MISHA, Inc.
	MV Communications Inc.
	MYSERNet, Inc
	Macau Internet Gateway Services
	Magibox Incorporated
	Maritime Internet Services Inc
	MediaCity World Inc
	MediaGlobe Inc.
	MegaLinx Communications
	Mercantile Communications Pvt Ltd
	Merlin Integrated Media Pty Limited
	Metricom, Inc.
	MidWest Communications, Inc.
	Midcoast Internet Solutions
	MindSpring Enterprises, Inc.
	Mindport Internet Services, Inc.
	Montana Internet Cooperative
 
	NeoSoft, Inc.
	Net People
	Net66
	NetGate Communications
	NetSurf Technologies
	NetVoyage
	NetWork Data Link, Inc.
	Netcom Online Communication Services, Inc.
	Netpoint
	Netrex, Inc
	Network Intensive
	Network Solutions Inc.
	New Age Consulting Service
	New Mexico Internet Access, Inc.
	Nornet
	North American Internet Service
	North Coast Internet
	North Communications
	NorthEast Georgia Internet Access, Inc.
	Northern Indiana Internet Access, Inc.
	Northwest Nexus, Inc.
	Novagate Communications Corp.

	OKNET
	OnRamp, Ltd.
	Online Information Xchange (OIX)
	Open Business Systems, Inc.
	Openix - Open Internet Exchange
	Oslonett AS
	Oslonett AS

	PCW Internet Service
	PICTAC
	PacWan
	Penncom Internet Company
	Phoenix Consulting, L.L.C.
	Pilot Network Services, Inc.
	Pinnacle Computer Services
	Pinnacle Computer Services
	Pioneer Global Telecommunications, Inc.
	Pioneer Internet
	Planet Access Networks
	Potomac Internet
	Preferred Internet
	Prescott Community Freenet Association
	Prophet Systems
	Protocol Communications Inc.
 
	Q
	Q-Networks, Inc
	QuasiWest Ltd
	Quest Computer Service

	RADNET (PT.Rahajasa Media Internet)
	RASER jsc
	RTD Systems & Networking
	RadixNet
	Rational Data Systems
	Rational Data Systems
	Renaissance Internet Services
	Roaring Fork Internet Users Group
	Roble Systems

	SERVICOM
	SPACELAB.NET
	Sacramento Exchange BBS
	Scruz-Net
	Second Foundation Internet Services
	Securitas Internet Systems
	Sentex Communications
	ServiceTech, Inc.
	Services Internet ABACOM
	SigNet Information Systems cc
	Silicon Beach Communications
	Sistemia S.r.l. - New Service S.r.l.
	Sky Web Inc.
	Skylink Networks, Inc.
	SmartNet Internet Services, LLC
	Snow Hill Internet Services
	SoftAware
	Solutions Internet Technilogic
	Sonoma Interconnect
	SooNet Corporation
	South Coast Computing Services, Inc.
	South Valley Internet
	South Valley Internet
	Spacelab
	Spectra.net
	SpeedGate Communications Inc.
	Spin / Enter s.a.s.
	St. Lawrence Internet Connection
	Stargate Industries, Inc.
	Stargate Industries, Inc.
	Sun Valley SoftWare, Ltd.
	Sutter Yuba Internet Exchange
	Sutter Yuba Internet Exchange (SYIX)
	Synapse, L.L.C.
	Synaptic Communications Inc.
	Syracuse Internet

	T & H ENTERPRISES ,INC.
	TST On Ramp
	TelTeam Communications, Inc.
	TensorNet Co.
	TensorNet Co.
	TensorNet Co.
	TerraTel AB
	Texel International, Inc.
	The Cyberspace Station
	The Destek Group, Inc.
	The Dorsai Embassy
	The EmiNet Domain
	The FOURnet Information Network
	The Hub Internet Services
	The Internet Connection
	The Internet Connection, Inc
	The Magnetic Page
	The Portage
	The Portal System
	The Xensei Corporation
	The Xensei Corporation
	Third Coast Technology Group, Inc.
	ThoughtPort Authority
	Tri-Rivers Internet
	Triangle Internet Company
	TruCom Internet Services

	U S WEST !NTERPRISE Networking Services
	U.S. Internet of Jackson, Inc.
	U.S.i.S
	UniPress Software, W3 Services
	Universal Telecomm Corporation
	Utah Wired

	VFR, Inc.
	ValleyNet Communications
	ValueNet Inc.
	ViaNet Communications
	ViaNet Communications
	Vianet
	Video On Line
	Virtual Interactive Center
	Vision Network Limited

	WSNetwork Communications
	Web Professionals, Inc.
	WebIMAGE
	WebMasters, Inc.
	WestNet Internet Services
	Wilmington Internet Service Enterprises
	Wink Communications Group, Inc.
	Wolfe Internet Access
	WonderWidgets, Inc.
	World Connection Services
	World Connection Services
	World Web Internet Services Provider Inc.
	World Web Limited
	WorldWide Access
	Worldwide Access

	Xpress Internet Services (XIS)

	ZAMNET Communication Systems Ltd
	ZAXOR Software
	Zen Internet Ltd.

           
NATIONAL COMMERCIAL ONLINE SERVICES

As indicated earlier, you may wish to start out by trying an online service 
and then move to a local Freenet, such as CAPACCESS. However, if the Freenet becomes to bothersome (can't log on the system due to high number of competing users, system reliability, etc.), you may wish to consider staying with or subscribing to one of these commercial internet gateways that also offer a host of other user services with very little need for technical knowhow. All of these services can be reached by your modem, provided you have communications or user software.  Some of these services provide or sell their own service specific software that will allow you to avoid the need to immediately buy communications software. Many of these services also offer free trial periods of from five to ten hours with their installation software. You will also find that when you buy some modems and/or communications software sets that you will get installation disks with free time as part of the deal.  

The following Internet Providers are available nationally and unless otherwise noted all connect at 28,800 baud.   If you would like to read more about these Internet Services check out PC Magazine, “New Paths to the Net” October 10, 1995.
AlterDial:  AlterDial offers a full range of Internet services, except Gopher.  The monthly use fee for 25 hours is $30.00 plus $2.00 for each additional hour of use.  They charge $25.00 to set up an account.

For additional information contact:

Uunet Technologies, Inc.
3060 Williams Drive
Fairfax, VA 22031-4648
1-800-448-6384 or 703-206-5601
E-mail:  info@uu.net
WWW:  http://www.uu.net

AMERICA ONLINE (AOL):  America Online offers an e-mail service (2400 - 28,800 baud) and an internet gateway with World Wide Web access supporting HTML 2.0.  AOL also offers WAIS, Gopher, FTP access, and Usenet newsgroups like rec.scouting.   Once you subscribe, you can access AOL through local numbers avoiding long distance charges. This service provides its own software - communications software is not necessary.
For about $10.00 a month you can subscribe to 5 hours of America Online's basic services. The initial software can be obtained for about $10.00 at software stores or free with many modems. If you look around, you can probably come up with a free copy. If, all else fails I can get you a free copy (be aware that I have an interest here - I get ten free hours, if you sign up using the software I've got for you). You can get software for DOS, Windows, or MacIntosh. To use the Windows version you must have at least a 386 machine with Windows 3.1 installed. 

For additional information contact:

America Online, Inc.
8619 Westwood Center Drive
Viena, VA 22182
1-800-827-6364 or 1-703-448-0760
E-mail:  info@aol.com
WWW:   http://www.aol.com

AT&T Interchange Online Network:  This service runs on TCP/IP and has WWW, FTP, Gopher and Usenet access.  For additional information contact:

AT&T Interchange Online Network
25 First Street
Cambridge, MA 02141
1-617-252-5000
WWW:  http://www.ichange.com

COMPUSERVE:  . CompuServe offers an internet gateway with access to the World Wide Web. FTP, telenet, and UsenetThis service provides its own software - communications software is not necessary.  

CompuServe Membership Rates
1.  Membership Plans.

      (a) Standard Plan -- For a monthly membership fee of $9.95, your CompuServe membership entitles you to, among other benefits, five (5) free hours on the service. (Currently, ten (10) hours are free during your first month of service.) This includes use of Forums, mail and Internet access (as available). After your first five hours in a particular month (ten hours your first month), additional hours that month are billed at the rate of $2.95/hour (regardless of connect speed). (See below for further details.)

      (b) Super Value Plan -- For an additional $15 a month, (total 24.95) our Super Value Plan adds 15 free hours (for a total of 20 hours each month) and each additional hour is just $1.95 (regardless of connect speed). 

      (c) Premium ($) Services -- Some services carry additional surcharges. These will be identified for you, however, before you enter these areas, usually as "Premium" services and/or with a "$" sign. If you access premium services while you are using your free hours, the applicable surcharge will apply even though there is not a charge for the connect time during this period. 

      (d) Information on Billing Facts -- For specific information on when fees are charged and applicable billing cycles, please see "Billing Facts" by enterring GO BILLING or GO RATES. 

4.  Other Charges -- Any transaction charges, communications surcharges or other costs incurred or that otherwise apply in connection with your access to or use of the service are your responsibility. 

5.  CONNECT-TIME CALCULATION -- Connect-time is billed in one minute increments, with a minimum of one minute per session. Partial minutes are rounded each log-in session to the next full minute for billing purposes. 

6.  "Member Services" -- Areas on the service identified as "member services" are free of connect-time charges and will not count towards your free hours (unless stated otherwise in the Service Agreement Terms). (Note, if you use the 800 number or another network to connect to CompuServe any separate charges applicable for those methods will still apply while using these free products.) Although subject to change, currently the areas free of connect-time charges include: 

Ask Customer Service (GO FEEDBACK)
Member Assistance (GO MEMBER)
Rates and Pricing Information (GO RATES)
Billing Information (GO BILLING)
Access Numbers (GO PHONES)
Member Directory (GO DIRECTORY)
Mail Center (GO MAILCENTER)
CompuServe Store (GO ORDER)
New Member Welcome Center (GO WELCOME)
What's New (GO NEW)
Mail Assistance (GO MAILHELP)
Financial Services Help Area (GO FINHELP)
The WinCIM General Support Forum (GO WCIMGE)
The WinCIM Technical Support Forum (GO WCIMTE)
The DOSCIM Support Forum (GO DCIMSUP)
The CS Navigator Support Forum (CO CSNAVSUP)
The NetLauncher Support Forum (GO NLSUPPORT)
The MacCIM Support Forum (GO MCIMSUP)
The MacNAV Support Forum (GO MNAVSUP)
The CompuServeCD Support Forum (GO CCDSUP)
The CIM for OS/2 Support Forum (GO OCIMSUP)
The CompuServe Help Forum (GO HELPFORUM, GO CISHILFE)
The New Member Forum (GO NEWMEMBER)
The Practice Forum (GO PRACTICE)
The CS General Applications Forum (GO CSAPPS)
CompuServe Help Database (GO CSHELP)
Corporate Account Administrator's Workstation (GO ADMINI)

7.  Additional Free Services -- Certain additional services available online are also considered free areas and will not count toward your free hours each month (unless stated otherwise in the Service Agreement Terms). Although also subject to change, currently these areas include:

Account/Billing Administration
Special Events/Contests
Find Services
Support Directory
Directory of Mall Stores
The Electronic Mall
Online Surveys (GO SURVEY)
Missing Childrens Forum (GO MISSING)
Forum Upload Credit
CompuServe Visa
CompuServe Upgrade Area
MHS Upgrade
CompuServe Software
    About CompuServe's Family of Software
    CompuServe Information Manager Software
    CompuServe Navigator
    CompuServe Netlauncher for Windows
    CompuServe Mail for Microsoft Exchange
    CompuServe Mail Driver
    CompuServe MS Mail Driver
    CompuServe Mail for Powertalk
    CompuServe CD Online
    CompuServe for GEOS
    CompuServe Scripts/Modem Database
    CompuServe FCCopy Utility
    CompuServe Support Files
    Professional Connection/PC3
Corporate Account Administrator's Forum
German Support Forum
France Support Forum

8.  INTERNET ACCESS -- Your CompuServe membership allows you to access the Internet, as available. Internet services normally available to you include: 

Direct Internet Access (Dial PPP)
File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
Remote Login (Telnet)
USENET Newsreader ASCII
USENET Newsreader CIM
World Wide Web with NetLauncher or CIM version 2.01 or higher

For additional information on the listed services, GO INTERNET.

9.  MAIL -- CompuServe Mail is billed for connect time, but not during free hours. This includes reading mail and viewing classified ads. Surcharged features, such as fax, telex and CongressGrams, carry additional charges. For a complete list of mail services and rates, including hardcopy deliveries through the postal service, GO MAILRATES. (Note: NO surcharge for receiving internet email!)

For more information contact:
CompuServe, Inc.New Order Department
5000 Arlington Centre Blvd.P.O. Box 20212Columbus, OH 432201-800-848-8199
E-mail:  70006.101@compuserve.com
WWW:  http://www.compuserve.com

DELPHI:  Delphi offers full Internet access.     Delphi costs $20 a month for 20 hours of free access, additional time is $1.80 per hour.  There is also a $9 per hour surcharge from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.  local time on weekdays.  If you want to use the internet gateway, it costs an additional $3/month.If you have more than 10MB cross the gateway in a month, they start charging you $1/100kb.  Delphi lets you use their direct dial numbers free anytime, but they are only in Kansas City, MO or Boston, MA. Delphi has 9600bps access via direct dial to Bostom, MA, but if you use a 9600bps access (sprintnet/bttymnet), you will get better throughput than 2400bps (slow link somewhere in between). This service provides its own software - communications software is not necessary.
For additional information contact:

Delphi Internet Services Corp.
620 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 100111-505-323-1000
E-mail:  askdelphi@delphi.com
WWW:  http://www.delphi.com

GENIE:   Genie offers a wide range of  Internet Services including the World Wide Web.  They charge $8.95 a month for 4 hours of use.  Be aware that Genie has an abundance of surcharges for anything beyond this basic use and PC Magazine found that Genie was more expensive than any other online service.

For more information contact:

GE Information Services, Inc.
401 N. Washington Street
Rockville, MD 20850
1-800-638-9636 or 1-301-251-6421
E-mail:  feedback@genie.com
WWW:  http://www.genie.com

IBM INTERNET CONNECTION SERVICE:  IBM offers complete internet access for $29.95 a month for 30 hours of use plus $2.00 for each additional hour of use.  The set up fee is $19.95. 

For additional information contact:

IBM Internet Conection Service
3405 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
P.O. Box 3021
Tampa, FL 33630
1-800-455-5056
E-mail:  notify@ibm.net
WWW:  http://www.ibm.com/-globalnetwork

InternetMCI:  MCI sells its own Desktop Express package to allow ease of access. MCI offers full internet access including WWW.   They do not include telenet services. Unfortunately and unlike other online services, the user will have to supply most of the software, which means you will have to have a TCP/IP stack on your computer.  There is a monthly fee of $9.95 a month for 5 hours of access with $2.50 for each additional hour or $19.95 for 20 hours of access.  They also charge $18.95 to set up your account.

For additional information contact:
MCI Telecommunications, Inc.
3 Ravina Drive
Altanta, GA 20346
1-800-353-3545
E-mail:  Moreinfo@networkmci.com
WWW:  http://www.internetmci.com

INTERRAMP:  Interramp offers a full range of Internet services for $29.00 a month for 29 hours of prime time plus $1.50 for each additional hour.  Set up costs range from $9.00 to $50.00.  Interramp was a PC Magazine Editor’s Choice for best provider.

For more information contact:

Performance Systems International, Inc.
510 Huntmar Park Drive
Herndon, VA 22070
1-800-774-0852 or 1-800-450-4200
E-mail:  interramp-info@psi.net
WWW:  http://www.psi.net

MICROSOFT NETWORK:  The Microsoft Network was designed for Windows 95 interface and offers full Internet Access.  Pricing varies by subscriber plan; e.g.,  $4.95 a month for three hours plus $2.50 for each additional hour of use, $19.95 a month for 20 hours plus $2 for each additional hour of use, and $49.95 per year for 3 hours monthly plus $2.50 for each additional hour of use.

For additional information contact:

Microsoft Corp.
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052
1-206-882-8080
E-mail:  info@msn.com
WWW:  http://www.msn.com

MNS:  MNS offers a full range of Internet Services and unlimited connect time for $20.00 with a one time connect fee of $20.00.  If you buy one year of connect time in advance it is $15.00 per month.  

For more information contact:

WWW:  htp://mnsinc.com

NETCOM:  NetCom offers a full range of Internet Services for a basic montly fee of $19.95 for 40 hours of prime time use and unlimited non-prime time use plus $2.00 for each additional hour of prime time.  The set up fee is $25.00.

For more information contact:

NetCom On-Line Communications Services, Inc.
3031 Tisch Way
San Jose, CA 95128
1-800-353-6500
E-mail:  info@netcom.com
WWW:  http://www.netcom.com

PIPELINE:  Pipeline offers the most complete and fullest range of Internet Services for $19.95 a month with unlimited use.  There is no set up fee.  Pipeline was a PC Magazine Editor’s Choice for best provider.

For more information contact:

Performance Systems International, Inc.
510 Huntmar Park Drive
Herndon, VA 22070
703-904-4100
E-mail:  info@psi.com
WWW: http://www.psi.net\-inter.net

PRODIGY:  Prodigy was one of the first online services to offer E-mail and now offers its services with DOS and Windows versions.  Prodigy now has full Internet access. Prodigy can be accessed using local numbers with modems from 2400 to 14,400 baud. Prodigy now offers 30 hours a month for $30.00.  In addition to a monthly charge, Prodigy used to charge for each piece of mail sent or recieved from the internet.  You should check to see whether this is still true before subscribing.  Some people swear by Prodigy and like its structure, but I found it to be very expensive and clunky to use. Prodigy seemed to have extra charges for just about everything I wanted. AOL and Compuserve offer free access to extensive software libraries. On Prodigy you need to subscribe to Ziffnet at a hefty monthly fee to get access to anything really interesting in the way of software. This service provides its own software - communications software is not necessary.  

For additional information contact:

Prodigy Service Co. 
445 Hamilton Ave.
White Plains, NY 10601
1-914-448-8000
E-mail:  freetrial@prodigy.com
WWW:  http://www.prodigy.com

HELPFUL HINT

If you have the call-waiting feature enabled on your telephone, please remember to configure your online or communications software to dial “1170,” before dialing the service provider.  This will disable the feature for the duration of your call.  

The Commissioners' Information Resources Workshop by Michael F. Bowman, is presented by R. Gary Hendra -- The MacScouter -- WDL, Pack 92, Milpitas, California