JOIN THE WORLD--IT'S E--A--S--Y
Surfing the 'Net
JOIN THE WORLD--IT'S E--A--S--Y
by
Vickie Vandaveer
(from the July, 1994 TIP)
BENEFITS
Information: SIOP news; weather reports--every major city in he world;
hourly updated Associated Press releases; access to on-line libraries;
stock quotes; airline schedules and reservations; incoming and outgoing
faxes; consumer, business, scientific legal, medical reference databases
(examples: Commerce Business Daily, the Census Bureau Service, Books in
Print, Government publications, Dissertation Abstracts, Legal Research
Center); forums where people with similar interests dialogue and exchange
information; computers and software support; and much more.
Time Savings: Without making a trip to the library or paying someone to
make a trip you can access a library on-line, request information,
retrieve articles or abstracts--or request that they be sent to you.
Communication: Send and receive messages to and from anywhere in the
world at a fraction of the cost of telephone charges. (Cyn D. Fisher and
Ben Shaw in Australia would love to hear from you.)
Education: The service to which I subscribe has member forums,
established to facilitate communication among people with similar
interests (Marketing, Entrepreneur/Small Business, Travel, Sports, etc.).
Well, if you're not sold yet, I have one more "bene" for you . . .
ELECTRONlC MALL!: Alone worth the monthly service charge of
$8.95, I have shopped the electronic mall and purchased athletic shoes,
perfume, and pantyhose at much reduced prices.
IT'S EASY, HERE'S HOW:
ASSUMPTION: That you have a computer and know how to turn it on. [If you
do not, don't let that stop you. You'll need one for the 21st century--and
by now they are EASY to use.]
There are several computer information services, such as Compuserve (the
one I use), Prodigy, and America On Line. Our university-based colleagues
are on the Internet, and we can access the Internet's e-mail from one of
these services. The Internet is the largest global network, used primarily
by universities, other research institions, and government agencies. You
can subscribe directly to the Internet, but the cost is
higher--approximately $30/month as opposed to $8.95 for Compuserve, which
itself is a very large world-wide network. Please understand that I am NOT
a technically sophisticated user. But that's why I'm writing this memo to
you. You don't have to be. It's easy, and there is plenty of good help
both on-line and by phone when you want to explore new capabilities once
you on line.
Note: If you are in a corporation and have something akin to "Profs," ask
for Information Systems representative to show you how to access the
Internet. Otherwise, purchase one of the software packages described above.
OK, follow these steps:
1. Take your computer to a computer store that services computers and have
a "fax modem" installed [cost is less than $200].
If you travel a lot, you may want the fax modem in your laptop. That' s
where I have mine.
When you get your computer back, you'll notice two telephone jacks in it,
and you will have been given a long telephone-type wire with plugs at
either end. Use it to connect your computer to your telephone jack--or you
can connect it through your fax machine if your fax machine has a
dedicated phone line. In the latter case, run the new phone wire from your
computer jack into the telephone jack on your wall. Run the other wire
(the one that currently connects your fax machine to the wall jack) from
the "telephone line" jack in your fax machine to the other jack in your
computer.
2. From a computer software store, buy the software (i.e., Prodigy,
America on Line, or Compuserve, etc.). Be sure to get the appropriate
version for your computer--Windows or DOS or Mac. The clerk will
help you. [Cost = $20 to $25]
3. Follow the instructions that are included with your software. For
Compuserve (Windows), it's this easy:
a. Turn on your computer.
b. Make sure you are running Windows, Insert Disk #1. Choose Run from the
Program Manager's File Menu, and type A:SETUP. Then follow the
instructions on your computer screen. The instructions will tell you when
to insert Disk #2.
THAT'S IT! Now all you need to do is access CompuServe and join:
c. (If you have Windows) Double click the WinCIM icon in the CompuServe
Program Group window.
d. Chose Copy the Signup Files during installation, an~ select Yes when
you are asked whether you want to sign up now. Then just follow the
instructions that appear on your computer screen.
You'll be given a temporary User ID and password and will receive your
permanent ones in the (U.S.) mail.
Included in your software package is a "Quick Start Guide" booklet that
will give you step-by-step instructions for sending and receiving
messages. There is a Member Directory on line.
The cost is $8.95 per month after the first month, which is free. For the
monthly charge you can access any of the CompuServe's basic services
[member e-mail, news, reference library, financial information, travel,
member support services, e-mall, games]. For an additional hourly line
charge, you can access extended services (such as the Internet), and for a
line charge plus a surcharge there are "premium" services such as support
forums. The charges for accessing the Internet's e-mail system are minimal.
I look forward to seeing you in "Cyberspace," and I want to be able to
tell the Executive Committee that PRACTITIONERS ARE ON-LINE and ready for
communication.
My CompuServe address: 74123,1354
Internet address:74123.1354@COMPUSERVE.COM
(Click on my e-mail address to send me e-mail)
Let me know when you're on line.
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