Schell, M. (1997). How to get connected to the internet. S. Hamilton, MA: Center for Youth Studies.

OVERVIEW

The Internet has become a place where myriad types of information are available to anyone with a connection. This article discusses some of the connections that are available, and provides tips for how to get "hooked up."

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

In most cases, all that is needed to use these connections is a modem and a MacIntosh, IBM, or IBM-compatible personal computer (PC)—386 or higher—running Windows 3.1 or Windows 95. In order to run Windows 95, 16 megabytes (MB)of Random Access Memory (RAM) are recommended. With Windows 3.1, 8 MB of RAM are acceptable. These systems provide users local phone numbers to access their services. If you use the Internet frequently, consider purchasing a separate phone line for your modem. If you choose to share your modem with your main telephone line, verify that the call waiting mechanism is disabled, as an incoming call will disconnect the computer from the modem.

GETTING CONNECTED

In the computer world, technology is changing so rapidly that there are always new options available to users for Internet connections. The three predominant types of connections (described below) have been available for several years and seem to be the most common.

FRONT-END SERVICES

There are many services available that will offer you access to the Internet (allowing you to "surf" the web and get e-mail), and will also provide you information they have gathered for your perusal. They are often called "front-end services" because they display an initial screen which is not on the Internet, but is on the computer that you call on your modem.

Listed below are some of the popular front-end service providers. These providers offer easy-to-use software which automatically enrolls users for a monthly membership (there are several membership options from which to choose); users must provide a credit card number to the service provider.

Most of these services offer a free startup kit. This kit usually includes the software required to connect to the service and a 30-day trial membership with limited or unlimited amounts of connect time. There are kits for IBM or IBM-compatible PCs and MacIntosh computers.

America Online: 1-800-827-6364
CompuServe: 1-800-336-6823
Microsoft Network: 1-800-FREEMSN (1-800-373-3676)
Prodigy: 1-800-PRODIGY (1-800-776-3449)

ADVANTAGES

These services are designed for users who do not necessarily know a lot about computers or communications software. They make it very easy to sign on, and their using their services is simple and powerful. Often, a user starts with one of these services and eventually moves to a more direct Internet Service Provider (ISP).

 

DISADVANTAGES

There are a few disadvantages of these services. Sometimes, they are difficult to connect with because so many users dial in at the same time. Most of the popular services have fixed this problem by adding more lines and computers but it has caused past problems. Also, the user is limited by what the front-end service offers; since these systems are typically very large, new technology may be slow. The final drawback is that the Internet connection is somewhat limited. In most cases, these services provide their own software for Internet browsing and e-mail. Sometimes these packages do not provide all the standard features: for example, in some cases, users cannot read files attached to one’s e-mail.

 

INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS (ISPs)

Another way to access to the Internet is provided by ISPs, Internet service providers. These services provide users an account and a local phone number. This phone number allows users to dial into their computer which is connected directly to the Internet. The ISPs usually have a fairly extensive homepage which links to some commonly sought information, but they do not have extensive "front-end" offerings that services like CompuServe have.

 

ADVANTAGES

An ISP is usually best for people who have some computer experience, need a lot of specific information, and want to utilize all of the functions of e-mail. There are several search engines on the Internet—and with some luck and skill using keywords—users can find just about any topic imaginable. These services do provide some software for downloading, but one can use any communications and Internet software to access their system. If working with Windows 95, one can use the pre-installed Internet software to access the ISP. These services also tend to competitively keep up with technology.

 

DISADVANTAGESSome users will find it difficult to start their Internet browsing and e-mail usage through an ISP. Also, there is less "stuff" just sitting on the homepage of these ISPs, so it is helpful to have a specific purpose on the Internet when using this type of service provider.

 

When signing up with an Internet Service Provider, users are instructed on how to get started. The best way to find ISPs is to ask around or use one of the larger popular ones advertised on TV. Most local phone companies are getting into the ISP business.

 

DIRECT CONNECTION

The last main type of Internet service is a direct connection. Many educational institutions have Internet access directly through their computer network. Many libraries, corporations, and other companies also have direct connections. If a user has an account in a school or at work with a network that is connected to the Internet, then one has access to "surf" and use e-mail through that connection.

 

ADVANTAGES

This is the best alternative for several reasons. First, users have fast access to other web sites and fast downloading capabilities. Next, users are not charged hourly for connection time since the system is always connected—unless the system is available to the public for an individual charge. Usually, if one has a computer and account, one also has the software to run the browser and e-mail system whenever desired.

 

DISADVANTAGES

This alternative is not the typical choice, unless a user has access through some large community. An individual is unlikely to spend the money to set up one’s own computer this way, and there are some significant technical issues as well.

IMPLICATIONS

 

So you might ask, "How would I, as a local youth worker, use the Internet?" There are many types of information that youth workers will find valuable on the Internet.

• Contact information about other youth organizations.

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• Resources for youth work and services.
• Information about the youth culture and adolescent issues.

 

The Internet is a resource that can be valuable to all types of people. It is just a matter of signing on and finding the "good stuff."

Mariann Schell cCYS