- BEYOND THE PC -

"Getting on-line" means establishing service with an "Internet Service Provider (ISP)" and setting up your access to web sites, your E-Mail, and supplemental features like "Video Conferencing".  To do this, you first have to have the proper `hardware' installed in your PC (either a modem for dial-up access or a `network interface card' for DSL or cable modem access).  

A modem connects you to the internet at a speed of about 56 Kilobits-per-second (see Modems) or less depending on the type of modem you have and the speed of your local telephone service, and Cable and DSL at a speed of about 280 KBps (roughly 4.5 times as fast).  The faster speeds mean your web pages load much quicker and your downloads take less time (including E-Mail).  The typical cost of a modem connection to an internet provider is $20/month - and a DSL or cable provider is $40/month.  The one downside to a cable modem connection is that you are sharing `bandwidth' with your neighbors and your service can slow down a lot during hi-usage periods.

Since you are already "on-line" (or you wouldn't be looking at this web site right now) this section is dedicated to educating you on your options and all the things available to you outside of your present service.