If you (or someone you know) have been wishing you could take advantage of the tremendous range of information and resources available on the Internet, but just can't justify the cost for the hardware and access fees, you might want to look into the following alternative Internet access options:

One alternative form of Internet access is "Web TV". If you tend toward being "computer phobic", or the cost of a complete Personal Computer system is beyond your budget, or you just don't want your PC tied up by the "web surfers" in your family, then Web TV may be an attractive option for you. For as little as $100 in hardware costs, and no more technical skill than knowing how to plug in your telephone or connect your VCR, you can have Web TV up and running through your home television.

The basic Web TV system consists of a set-top box and a hand held remote control. The systems are made by either Sony or Phillips Magnavox and sold through many major discount chains such as Wal-Mart, Best Buys, and others. The box connects to your phone line and to your television set (or through your VCR). When you turn on the system, it automatically dials in and connects you to Web TV's internet access server. The service is available for $19.95 a month (unlimited access). Up to 6 different users can be set up with unique log-ins and e-mail addresses. "Filtering" can be applied to children's log-ins to restrict access to potentially objectionable web sites. The system will work with the "call waiting" option on your phone line to notify you of an incoming call and allow you to "pause" your web browsing session to take the call if you choose, then pick up your browsing session right where you left off.

The hand held wireless remote is used to "navigate" the display similar to the way you would use a computer "mouse" to point-and-click your way through various selections, links, etc. To enter text (i.e. to write e-mail, enter URL's into the browser, etc.) the remote is used to select the letters from a "pop-up, virtual keyboard" that appears on-screen. This can be a bit cumbersome, but workable. If your budget allows, you can add some useful accessories such as a keyboard (about $50) and a printer interface and printer (around $200).

Any necessary "software" updates are taken care of at Web TV's server. The home user does not have to be concerned with such issues as obtaining and installing software upgrades, guarding against computer viruses, etc., since there are no floppy disk drives in the Web TV box. The downside to this is that there is no way to "download" application programs (shareware, etc.) from the internet for use on your PC. Of course, if you don't use the internet for this purpose, or don't have a PC anyway, this is a non-issue. For more information, and to see if there is a local access number in your area, visit the Web TV web site at http://webtv.net/home/sitemap.html

Do you already have a PC, but the cost of Internet access is still a problem for you? If you or someone you know is on a tight budget, wants only basic "no-frills" internet access, and can endure a continuous stream of "targeted" advertisements, then you might want to check out http://www.netzero.com/ . This is a "free" internet access provider modeled after the "free" e-mail providers (such as Juno and others) who pay for the service they provide to you from revenues collected from the advertisers who utilize their service. All you need is a modem enabled computer with Windows 95 (or above) and your own web browser (i.e. Internet Explorer or Netscape). The service is not yet available in all parts of the country. Visit their web site for details.

A revolutionary idea is being implemented by an upstart company having the objective "to provide the power of personal computing to those who might not otherwise be able to have access to computers and the Internet". The theory behind the idea is that consumers that are exposed to highly "targeted" advertisements (that match their specific interests) will purchase enough products over the course of time to more than offset the cost of the advertising, which in this case involves providing the consumer with a free PC and Internet access over which the company will stream their advertisements.

To apply for the program, each prospective customer must fill out a detailed questionnaire requesting demographic data (i.e. age, household income, family status, etc.) as well as information about personal tastes and interests. For the pilot program 10,000 customers will be selected from among those applicants with the highest match to the variables of interest to the initial advertisers. If the pilot program is successful, the company hopes to continue expanding the program to make Free-PCs available as widely as possible.

Approved applicants will receive a new Compaq Presario Internet PC with 333 MHz processor, 32 MB of RAM, 4 GB hard drive, 33.6 modem, CD-ROM and floppy drives, Windows 98 and 15 inch monitor. Also included is free Internet access with local dial-up along with free e-mail. The PC comes pre-configured to display the advertisements around the "border" of the display.

For more information about this program, visit the Free-PC website at http://www.free-pc.com/ .

Notice of Disclaimer: The above information has been provided for its potential interest, but is not to be considered an endorsement of the companies or services listed. I am not able to expend the resources necessary to thoroughly investigate the integrity of all of the potential resources listed on this web site. The motto "caveat emptor" (let the buyer beware) applies. Exercise caution and discernment when responding to any offer over the Internet, and carefully consider the level of "risk" you are comfortable with before providing any personal information to an unknown party through a medium that is less than "private". If you encounter any bad experiences in dealing with a listing on this web site, please let us know. (Of course, we would also be interested in your positive experiences). Generally speaking, offers (or schemes) that sound too good to be true, probably are. A useful resource for checking out questionable "deals" is the Internet ScamBusters website at http://www.scambusters.com/ .

Having offered the above cautions, I will say that I have seen a demo and spoken with 2 satisfied users of Web TV. I have also spoken with 2 satisfied users of NetZero. Free-PC.com was positively spotlighted on National Public Radio on 2/8/99, but other than that all of my information comes from their web site.

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