
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, March 7, 1995                   TAG: 9503070075
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: RAY REED
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

BOTTOM LINE ON SURFING THE INTERNET

Q: I hear a lot about computer networks, their versatility and wide use. But I never hear any mention of what it costs to get on one of these networks that can connect me to other computer users throughout the world.

C.S., Roanoke

A: Getting on a network that gives access to the Internet is fairly reasonable: about $2 per hour for Prodigy or America Online. For heavy users, other services are cheaper.

That's not what you really need to know, though; in a follow-up conversation, you inquired about the cost of starting from scratch and buying the computer hardware and software.

You could start low-end, with a used IBM 386 or a clone, with four megabytes of RAM. Look at stores carrying used equipment, such as Trade America or Computer Exchange.

You'll also need a monitor and a high-speed modem, into which you plug your telephone line.

A likely price: $500 for the used computer and monitor, plus $75 for a new 14,400-baud modem. (Old modems are too slow for the Internet.)

That's the hardware, and you're out $600. It's an average price for used stuff; you may be able to find something for less, but be sure it has 4mb of RAM.

A similar Macintosh setup may cost $100 more.

You'll probably want a word-processing program. Older versions of software - some with a spreadsheet - may be available for $100 or less. The store can load it and tell you how to call up the Internet.

For the computer novice, the easy part has been accomplished.

Next comes the hurdle that money can't cross: the learning curve. A bit of native intelligence, ambition and work are necessary, but most people can get help from a friend who has already plugged his or her head into a wire or two.

If you get past this point and enjoy what you're doing with computers, you'll want more power and options.

A new hardware and software setup, say a 486 or Pentium running at 66 megahertz or better, may set you back about $2,000. Power Macs may be a few hundred dollars higher.

If you're spending 12 hours or more per month on the Internet, another on-line service is cheaper. InfiNet, a service of this newspaper and Landmark Communications, charges a monthly rate that may be as little as 50 cents an hour if your usage approaches 50 hours.

One other expense: Used printers start at about $85; a new ink-jet basic, about $200.

A local bulletin board that gives access to the Internet for e-mail purposes only is Mountain Air at 427-0226. It costs $35 per year.|

Got a question about something that might affect other people, too? Something you've come across and wondered about? Give us a call at 981-3118. Maybe we can find the answer.

by CNB