Connecting to the Internet

What is an ISP?
ISP stands for Internet Service Provider. ISPs are companies providing Internet connections for a fee. The IP address they provide you may be static (stays the same each time you connect), or dynamic (changes each time you connect), depending on the service agreement.
There are many Internet Service Provider Directories on the World Wide Web. An example is The List™, which gives you the ability to locate an ISP searching by name, area code, and state/province.
You can also check with a computer store near your home and ask if they have a list of recommended local ISPs.
Each ISP tries to increase its commercial appeal by providing special member services, such a chat rooms, personal home page hosting, etc. Basic ISP provide very little extra services other than the basic connection. If you are shopping for an ISP and you are not a computer expert, take a critical look at the ISP's Technical Support service. Inquire if Technical Support is staffed 24 hours per day. If you are a MAC users, ask if it has MAC technical support experts on hand 24 hours per day. Ask if they have a free 800 number for Technical Support. Ask how long the typical wait is for service during non-busy and busy Internet use hours.
Using the CSLA Network as your ISP
Your University can be your ISP for free; however, you have to pay telephone connect charges for your modem. Typically, with an ISP, you get unlimited Internet connect hours for a basic monthly fee (in 1998 that fee averaged $19.98 per month). If you use the University as you ISP, there are no monthly charges; however, telephone message-unit connect charges can quickly add significant costs to your monthly telephone bill if you do not live within the local calling area (usually a 12 mile radius) of the CSLA campus.

The EagleLink Software developed and produced by ATS and distributed through ASI enables NIS account holders easy access to the campus modem pool and application and utility software to send and receive email, browse the web and access campus and internet databases.

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ListServ and ChatRoom

What is a ListServ?

A ListServ is an electronic mailing list. By subscribing to a ListServ, you will be in touch with others having similar interests. ListServ provides a forum for discussion.

The Internet provides thousands of discussion groups via e-mail by allowing users to place themselves on electronic mailing lists. These mailing lists are maintained by software such as LISTSERV or Majordomo. The software automatically distributes an e-mail message from one member of a list to all other members on that list.

When you subscribe to a list, your name and e-mail address is automatically added to the list. You will receive a standard letter of welcome (via e-mail) telling you about the list. From that time on, you will receive all mail (postings) sent to the list by its members. You may follow the discussions or join in on them. If you respond, you can send your response to all members of the list or to an individual on the list. You can signoff (unsubscribe) from a list at any time. You can also get a listing of all the members of a list and their e-mail addresses.

What is a ChatRoom?

See: http://www.otn.net/chatroom/help.html

Last updated (bc) 12/06/99