General Interest Articles

This article by Steve Sconfienza, Ph.D., Research Associate, NYS Office for the Aging, answers some frequently asked questions about going online and accessing the Internet's World Wide Web and e-mail.

How can I get on-line?

You need to have a few simple things. First, you need to have a suitable computer with a modem. Second, you need to have an Internet service provider who will connect your computer/modem to the Internet. Third, you need some fairly simple software.

How much will it cost me?

Prices vary widely, depending only in part on the quality and extent of the services you would be getting. However, as a good rule of thumb, an Internet service provider (ISP) will provide an account that includes lengthy if not unlimited access time along with an e-mail account for about $15 to $25 per month.

Internet software is available free of charge, but may be cryptic about installation. Low-cost ($30-$60) internet programs with installation "wizards" that talk you through the process are also available.

What do I really need in a computer for online?

RAM - - Random Access Memory - - Where the computer "thinks": A minimum of 16 MB (Mega Bytes) is needed. In new machines today look for 32 to 64 MB or more. RAM is inexpensive and can increase the performance of your computer dramatically.

CPU - - Central Processor Unit - - Where the computer really "computes": The CPU will be, in a new PC machine, a Pentium II or Pentium Pro. The speed of these machines will run in the 200 to 300 MHz range with the fastest currently 450 MHz. However, this is really faster than is needed for most current Internet applications. Older machines with speeds in the 25 MHz speed range are still quite usable for going online.

Modem - - How the computer talks over the telephone: Modems of 56 Kbps (Kilo-bits per second) are now pretty much standard. Older modems with speeds as low as 14.4 Kbps are also usable.

Video Monitor: A good color monitor is needed. Opinions vary here. Some people demand no less than a 17" screen. Others say that a 14" or 15" is just as good (as much as a $300 difference between the two). Both sides generally agree that a dot-pitch of .28 or lower is the minimum acceptable resolution.

Other Components: If you are buying new, a hard drive of 3 or more GBytes, a CD-ROM drive, a floppy drive, and sound will be standard on entry level PCs which are priced in the $1,200 range including monitor.

Is there a best-buy in computers?

There are many ways of considering the value of computer equipment. Older equipment or equipment that is not quite "cutting edge" may be fully usable today but may not be usable two years from now. For example, the older 286 PCs, a revolutionary step in their time (circa 1986) were boat anchors by the early 1990s. Even the early generation of Pentiums with speeds of 150MHz are no longer sold in the marketplace, although they are still quite serviceable for running Microsoft Windows based software and Internet use.

In purchasing new, check computer magazines such as PC World for their reviews and best buy recommendations. Prices change rapidly and there now are top-of-the-line 450MHz Pentium II PC computer systems for tomorrow's Internet applications available in the $1,700 to $2,300 price range. Also have someone with Internet access check out http://www.pricewatch.com or similar service for price comparisons.

What about Gateway's "Your wear," which has been heavily advertised on TV?

This is an innovative way to have hardware grow with your needs. It is an interesting approach to allowing the user to manage obsolesence. It permits an almost lease-like arrangement with the vendor where components may continually be upgraded or exchanged.

On the other hand, it may not provide the best price on a computer system and may invite over-spending by users who do not to have such equipment upgrades.

What about used equipment?

There is a considerable amount of used equipment available. Much of it, though technologically obsolete, is fully usable for most current Internet applications. For example, a 486 computer (the model before the Pentium) with a good color monitor, 16 MB of RAM, and a 28.8 Kbps modem would work well for beginners if installed with older software.

What if I want the latest software and Internet features?

PC software available today was typically developed for PC computer systems popularly marketed in the last year or two. And software taking full advantage of the top-of-the-line PC Pentium II 450MHz computer is still in development.

In practice this simply means the age of the software and PC computer system need to match for acceptable performance.

If you want to use the latest software and Internet features, buy a new computer or a used one that is no more than one or two years old.

If you purchase an older computer, make sure it come with software of the same age or generation to ensure acceptable performance.

If you purchase a new top-of-the-line PC Pentium II 450MHz computer, it will provide acceptible performance with new software released over the next year or two, and outstanding performance with sofware available today.

What about Macs?

The choice of buying a PC compatible or a Mac is largely an individual one and question of comfort level. The above information generally applies to consumer decisions whether considering a PC or Mac. For specifics regarding Macs, talk to current users or Mac user groups.

What about WebTV?

Web TV is a service that uses a television in lieu of a computer. The equipment for start-up is on the order of a couple of hundred dollars which is a major advantage for consumers not interested in investing in or other uses of a personnal computer. There is a monthly charge comparible to the $15 to $25 rate of Internet service providers.

The advantage of WebTV is also its limitation. This equipment is an Internet access tool only, and not a personal computer. Also, as a specialized hardware and software package, it may limit the Internet features you have access too. Still, for its cost, it is an impressive step toward making the World Wide Web and Internet e-mail universially accessible.

What about Road Runner or DSL?

Road Runner is a high-speed alternative to traditional modem-telephone-line access to the Internet for home users. At a low cost ($40-$50 per month), it provides high speed access to the Internet which traditionally has only been available to businesses and government with expensive dedicated high-speed lines.

Road Runner is a service of Time Warner Inc., available in selective areas only, and requires a computer and Time Warner cable TV access. It costs about twice as much as modem-telephone-line access but about the same as telephone access plus a second telephone line.

DSL is a service of the local telephone company (Verizon locally) and is based on existing telephone lines. It is somewhat slower than Road Runner but is less expensive and vastly faster than simple dial-up connections.

For high-end home and small business/agency users of the Internet who are already paying for cable TV, DSL, Road Runner, or similar services soon to be offered by other providers (e.g., fiber optic, PBL) may well to go.

If you have questions or comments about this article, or questions for its author(s) and do not have a direct contact, please e-mail them to feedback@cacad.org