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More Articles
Sept. 1998 - "Now is the Time"
Oct. 1998 - "What is the Internet?"
Nov. 1998 - "It's an email World"
Jan. 1999 - "Little Help from a ..."
Jan. 1999 - "Is the Internet Safe?"
Mar. 1999 - "Desktop Clutter"
Apr. 1999 - "Searching the Net"
May 1999 - "What's in Domain Name?"
June 1999 - "Inernet Chaperones"
July 1999 - "Mind Your Online Manners"
Aug 1999 - " Chasing the Porsche"
Sept. 1999 - "Buying Hardware"
Oct. 1999 - "Buying Software" |
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(This article was originally published in The Tahoe Daily Tribune)
So you want to get on the Internet, or rather, you feel you must.
You are not sure about this new adventure, though, and have heard
varying reports. You've heard about it from friends, read about
it in newspapers and magazines, seen coverage on television. Family
members who don't live nearby want you to get "connected" so they
can communicate by email. Whatever the reason, you are ready to
get aboard the Superhighway and you're first question is, what
do I need to get started? That may be quickly followed by, will
my present computer work?
Defining the hardware and software needed should clarify the answer
to both questions. Although there exists alternates to a computer
for Internet access (such as WebTV), we will deal with computers
as the tool of choice. We will also discuss what is customarily
necessary, but is not meant to insinuate that other systems will
not work given the time and experience of a techie-type person.
Four main ingredients are necessary to access the Internet:
1) A computer of relative power and features
2) Modem, whether internal or external, connected to a normal
phone outlet
3) Software -- Browser and Email programs
4) An ISP -- Internet Service Provider
Essentially, software programs instruct the hardware (like a modem
or monitor) what and how to accomplish a task.
The computer
The computer should be a 486sx (IBM compatible) or a Macintosh
LCIII.
The processor should run at 33 MHZ (megahertz), but sometimes
25MHZ can be made to work. Be aware that the lower the megahertz,
the slower the computer processes information.
Within the IBM platform, either Windows 3.1, Windows 95 or Windows
98 is required. Windows 95 and 98 are highly recommended.
The Macintosh OS (Operating System) should be at least 7.5, though
some earlier systems can be made to work.
Whatever the computer, it should be equipped with 16 MB of RAM
(Random Access Memory) and at least 20 MB (megabytes) of available
hard disk space. The more RAM and hard disk space, the better
your computer will function.
You can find how your Macintosh system is equipped by pulling
down the Apple Menu to "About this Computer" while in the Finder.
Most Windows machines show the RAM, hard drive space and processor
speed during startup.
Modem
The modem needs to be a speed of 14.4 or more, though higher speeds
of 28.8, 33.6 and 56 are preferable. By the same token, a computer
with a slow processor (75 MHZ and less) will not gain much benefit
from higher speed modems. In that case, save your money and get
the 28.8 or 33.6 modem.
A suggestion: If you are looking for a 56k modem, there are 2
technologies that separated and have now been brought together
in a new standard. Flex and X2 were competing technologies, brought
together by the v90. The v90 was developed because the X2 was
very unstable both in getting connected and staying connected.
When shopping for a 56k, be sure that the v90 upgrade is available
and that your ISP (Internet Service Provider) can accommodate
the new technology.
Software
You need a Browser to view the Internet. The most popular software
is Netscape, followed by Internet Explorer.
Windows 95 and Windows 98 come with the Internet Explorer and
a variation of an email program. Most newer Macintosh computers
come with both Netscape and Internet Explorer, but if not, they
are very affordable at under $50. You can also download them,
oftentimes at no cost, from the Internet.
A separate email program is packaged along with Internet Explorer
(either Internet Mail or Outlook Express), whereas Netscape has
an email program built in, which simplifies the internet experience.
ISP
An Internet Service Provider is a company that allows your computer
to talk to theirs, which in turn is a gateway into the Internet.
Many are available. There are two important questions you must
ask a potential ISP: Is the number your computer dials to reach
the Internet a local call, and what, if any, technical support
do they offer should you have difficulty getting started. A good
ISP should be concerned about your ability to get connected just
as a good telephone company is concerned about the quality of
the lines coming into an area.
Internet. The word conjures fear and intimidation to many would-be
"netters." Although difficult to navigate in its early days (1995),
the world wide web is now a friendly and hospitable place even
for the wary novice.
Help is everywhere, both on the Internet (www.learnthenet.com)
and in a dozen good books, including an entire library of Dummies'
books published by IDG. The Dummies series (look for their canary
yellow cover and black lettering) are conversational and fun,
unlike the manual that came with your computer. That is, unless
you bought your computer system at a garage sale, in which case
you need the Dummies book more than most.
The Dummies books will help smooth the Superhighway potholes you
will encounter on this new adventure.
Rick Langford is founder of Tahoe Mall, The Tahoe Net and Cache-World
Email
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