Getting On The Internet
An Internet Service Provider (ISP) is a type of company that
provides access to the Internet. Every community has at least one company
that provides this service. The monthly fees range $10-20 per month and
higher. They will give you a local phone number that your computer will
use to dial into their service. That way, you should not have any telephone
charges. The service provided is access to the Internet through a POP
(point of presence). This access point is where you “get on”.
Some ISPs connect through a cable line similar to your television, and
do not require a telephone. The connection may be faster, yet more expensive.
At the time service is arranged with an ISP, you will be asked to make
up an account name and password. An account name is also called a “logon
ID.” No one else can use your account without your password. A
company should also provide a way for you to get help in setting up your
computer and connection to the ISP's "POP". Often email service
is provided with Internet service and the ISP can help you set that up
too.
Public Access Computers
Almost every library in Maine has at least one computer with
internet access. To use these computers you don’t need to have
your own account name and password. You do need to have your own email
account in order to send or receive emails from other computers.
What is Email?
Email is short for “electronic mail.” An email address
looks like this: janedoe@cybertours.com. The first part of this email
address is the person’s name, Jane Doe. The @ sign directs the
computer to go to the Internet location after it. In this case, the company
where Jane has her account is called Cybertours.com. Email allows a user
of one computer system to send a message to a user of another computer
system. Some sources say that there are more email messages sent these
days than letters through the post office. People find that it is quick
and cheap (free if you already have internet access). It has become a
way for parents and family members to keep in touch with college students
and for people to write to friends or family in other countries. Many
businesses and agencies can be contacted by email. Their email addresses
are usually posted on their web sites.
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