An Internet Service Provider will usually offer several types of Internet Accounts, each having their own advantages and disadvantages. Before purchasing an Internet account, you should thoroughly understand the differences in each and decide which is best for your personal needs. Each type of Internet account is discussed below.
Shell Account
When using a Shell Account, you do not connect directly with the Internet. Instead, you use your modem to connect to your provdier's computer, which is directly connected to the Internet. Your provider's computer is also equipped with all of the necessary software to use the Internet.
You access a Shell account using software that supports terminal emulation. Your computer simply sends commands to the provider's computer. Your provider's computer then uses its own software to carry out these commands, sending the results back to your computer. You then see these results on your monitor. During the entire process, your computer acts as a "dumb" terminal. In other words, it simply displays the communication that occurs between your provider's computer and other Internet sites. And, when you download a file from a remote host, the file will first transfer to your provider's computer, then you download it to your PC.
Using a Shell Account, you can use virtually every feature of the Intenret that would be available to you with a SLIP or PPP account. In fact, your Internet travels will usually be faster using a Shell account. This comes at a price, however. With a Shell account, everything is text-based, including the World Wide Web. In other words, you won't see any graphics or hear any sound files using a Shell account. Another downside of a Shell account is that you will spend most of your time in a Unix shell. Although good ISP's will set up a menu for you to use, this shell can still be intimidating if you are used to the point-and-click environment of a graphic-based operating system.
SLIP or PPP Account
The SLIP/PPP Account is quickly becoming the most popular type of Internet account. With the increasing influence of the World Wide Web, users often feel that the ability to use the Internet in a graphic-based, point-and-click environment is essential to getting the most from the Internet. With a SLIP/PPP account, your PC becomes directly connected to the Internet. Some advantages of a SLIP/PPP account are as follows:
There are also some disadvantages to using a SLIP/PPP account. First, this type of account is usually slightly more expensive than a Shell account. In addition, much more software is required. You will need communications software capable of using TCP/IP protocol, as well as all of the programs required to actually use the Internet, like a web browser, an e-mail client, and so on.
What exactly is SLIP and PPP?
To communicate directly with other Internet computers, you must use a software program that enables your computer to communicate using TCP/IP protocol. Two versions of TCP/IP were created for use on telephone lines: SLIP (Serial Line Internet Protocol) and PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol). PPP offers more error correction, ensuring that files you get are complete, but it is a little slower than SLIP. In most cases, your ISP will only offer one of these services.
Dedicated Line
A dedicated line, or permanent Internet connection, is a direct, high-speed (56 Kbps to 45 Mbps), permanent connection to the Internet. A computer that has a dedicated line to the Internet is literally connected to the Internet 24 hours a day. This computer can be used by an unlimited number of users to access information on the Internet, or to host information to be accessed by others on the Internet, as well.
Is a dedicated line necessary for the single Internet user? Definitely not. A dedicated line is extremely expensive (usually $10,000 or more anually) and is probably not worth it to most people. This type of connection is usually purchased by large companies, organizations, or educational institutions who have a lot of people who need to access the Internet, perhaps simultanesouly.
E-Mail Account
An E-Mail Account is a type of Internet account that only allows users to send and receive E-Mail over the Internet. Obviously, this type of service is good for anybody who doesn't want to use any other features of the Internet, like the Web, UseNet, or FTP. This is usually the least expensive Internet account, and is often free. It should be noted that files can be attached to E-Mail documents, so this type of account would facilitate the transfer of programs, graphics, database files, or sound clips.
E-Mail for Free!
Before purchasing an E-Mail Account from an Internet Service Provider, be sure that you have searched for free E-Mail services. Your workplace might have E-Mail capabilities. In addition, libraries in some larger cities now have E-Mail Accounts open to the public. If you can't find a free E-Mail Account from any of these places, a fairly new commercial service called Juno might be worth looking into. You simply download their special software, dial a toll-free 800 number, and send and receive E-Mail! Juno profits off of advertisements that appear when you use their software. Juno's home page address is http://www.juno.com.
Web Page Account
A Web Page Account is most often purchased by small businesses who would like to advertise on the Internet, but do not want to pay for a dedicated line. This type of account usually offers a specified amount of space for web pages and various files, along with one E-Mail account. They also sometimes offer web authoring services for an additional charge. Before purchasing this type of account, be sure to inquire about their services. Do they allow CGI scripts? Are image maps allowed? How often can the web pages be updated? These are some examples of important questions that should be asked.