Internet Beat
by Susan Wehe

Part 1
Frequently Asked Questions About Direct Access Internet Service Providers

Do the Internet providers provide Netscape?

Some Internet providers do include Netscape as their browser. This means that they have an agreement with Netscape in order to distribute their software. Anyone with the proper connection to the Internet can download and try Netscape free of charge simply by going to the Netscape home page and clicking on the download button. http://home.netscape.com/

Do I have to pay every time I get in the Internet?

I'm not aware of any Internet Provider that charges per connection. However, some providers do charge per minute/hour after an initial period of time. I usually recommend finding a provider that charges a flat rate monthly fee. Keep in mind that exploration takes time and feeling your bank balance drain away while you wait for a large page to download isn't very conducive to an open mind.

What other providers other than Connect International provide Internet access to local numbers (without long distance charges)?

These are providers that I found through search services that specify the San Antonio area. This list doesn't include what I would title national providers which C-net kindly lists and then gives the reader a breakdown on services and features. http://www.cnet.com/Content/Reviews/Compare/ISP/national.html This is as complete a list as I am able to provide.

Advanced Internet Services, Inc. (210) 599-0799
Ashton Communications Corporation (210) 668-6000
CompuVision Internet Services (New Braunfels) (210) 608-0808
Connect International, Inc. (210) 341-2599
CRL Network Services (415) 837-5300
Cymitar Network Systems (210) 930-1902
DCCI Internet Services (210) 731-6611
DomiNet (210) 520-8000
FlashNet Communications 1-800-FLASH-20
Global Internet (800) 682-5550
Hill-Country.Net (210) 354-1677
I-Link, Inc. (512) 388-2393
Internet Direct, Inc. (210) 930-3359
LDS iAmerica (800) 789-6062
LiveNet, Inc. (804) 499-9328
Net Asset (888) 638-2773
NETCOM (800) 353-6600
Netscorp (210) 791-6387
Onramp Access (210) 212-8166
Phoenix DataNet (800) 296-2066
PowerNet (214) 488-8295
PSINet (800) 827-7482
San Antonio Express-News (210) 250-2001
SESQUINET (713) 527-6038
Signet Partners Internet (512) 306-0700
South Texas Internet Connections (210) 828-4910
Texas Networking (210) 272-8111
The Eden Matrix (210) 525-9900
The WELL (415) 332-9200
TheOnRamp Group (800) 603-2721
TimeNet Internet Connection Service (210) 440-7426
TumbleWeed Internet Hub (512) 927-1244
USA.NET (800) 592-1240
Vnet Internet Access (800) 377-3282
World Net (210) 226-6666

For local numbers, some of these companies I listed provide access through 800 numbers, for a fee. I couldn't research that many companies, so I feel that the person looking into signing up would have to question the individual firms as to what they provide and at what cost. Keep in mind that there are constantly changing fees and optional billing for use of 800 numbers I feel that there is no way I could do justice to a price quote list. I did not list the national firms like ATT or MCI and I'm sure they have a lot of different options.


Susan Wehe
Swehe@ix.netcom.com
http://www.netcom/~swehe/family.html

Susan Wehe is a member of the Seguin Internet Club, and a regular contributor to the Internet Beat column. The second part of " Frequently asked questions" will be published October 6.


Next week: Vickie De La Rosa

To contribute to the Internet Beat column, contact Gloria Rivera, 303-4764, riverag@connecti.com. All the past articles published in this column are available in the web page of the Seguin Internet Club at http://lonestar.texas.net/~weersjt/club/home.html. The purpose of this column is to contriibute to the Internet literacy of the community. The purpose of the Seguin Internet Club is to facilitate communication and mutual support between Internet enthusiasts in the Seguin area. There are no dues involved. Anyone can be a member regardless of Internet provider or Internet proficiency.

To join or to offer ideas for the club, contact Jerry Weers, Gloria Rivera or Alton Hierholzer, 303-0818, 303-4764, 303-9260; weersjt@texas.net, riverag@connecti.com, altonh@connecti.com.