R E V I E W S  O F  T H E  B E S T  S I T E S  F O R  F U N,  P R O F I T   A N D  P E R S O N A L  G R O W T H.
Internet Life mind computers

Nationwide Internet Service Providers

  BY RICHARD BUTNER   

Most of us can get by with a dial-up connection to a local Internet service provider (ISP), but occasional or frequent travelers who need to stay connected should check out providers with nationwide access. If you're looking for a provider in your area, check out a listing called Providers Of Commercial Internet Access (http://www2.celestin.com/pocia/index.html): It's current, downloadable, and searchable by area code. Although many of the smaller local providers offer access through 1-800 numbers, the following ISPs are designed to lure you with promises of high-speed nationwide access.




Performance Systems International contends that it is the nation's largest provider of Internet services (perhaps its marketing people should get together with Netcom's and figure this one out). Certainly from all the PR notices on this page about PSI's expansion all over the U.S. and the world, you'd think the claim was true. A unique highlight is a 700K QuickTime movie called "How Do You Choose?," a quick-cut montage of images designed to lure you to PSINet. You'll also find links to information about the proprietary Pipeline Internet access software and the network status of all of PSINet's servers.


Netcom, too, claims to be the nation's largest full-service Internet access provider. It offers useful information for both new users of Netcom and potential converts: access numbers, FAQ files about NetCruiser (Netcom's proprietary Internet access software), press releases, company information, and links to to search tools.




The Institute of Global Communications implements several networks devoted to progressive issues: PeaceNet, EcoNet, ConflictNet, LaborNet, and WomensNet. These interconnected networks are all connected to the Internet, as well. IGC offers all the usual services (WWW, ftp, telnet, Usenet, gopher) in addition to the news and conferences germane to the IGC's networks. Reasonable rates plus surcharges for 1-800, SprintNet, or X.25 access may make this the provider for you, especially if you're interested in progressive issues like human rights, environmental protection, and nonviolent conflict resolution.

OS/2 users will be interested in the IBM Internet Connection, which supports IBM's Internet Connection software. You'll find good, easy-to-use information, right down to suggested modem initialization strings for a very long list of modems and access numbers for sites around the world. The image map at the top of the page, though, is a glaring example of indecipherable graphics. We understand that the soccer ball means "sports," but that's about it. The listed links are a basic set on the usual topics, but they're a good place to get started.

UUNET is usually thought of as a giant provider to businesses and smaller ISPs. Its AlterDial service, designed for the occasional business user, is available for a flat monthly rate via a 1-800 number.


Information Access Technologies (HoloNet) provides local Internet access to individuals, companies, and also BBSs in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. This page is clean and functional, if not incredibly graphical: It's basically a list of links to information on access numbers, billing, press releases, and terms of service. The instructions on how to sign up are methodical and well-written.

NovaLink wants to be the friendliest place in cyberspace. It certainly is the most colorful: Its cool use of HTML 3.0 means you'll probably need to get Netscape to enjoy the Novalink Web pages. The service offers 14.4-Kbps access around the world and 28.8-Kbps access via a 1-800 number.

For once, a site that's fast but still has snappy, attractive graphics. Portal Information Network is based in the San Francisco Bay area but can be accessed through the CompuServe Packet Network (which covers Canada, Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico) or through SprintNet.

Concentric Research Corporation describes itself as a leading provider of private networks, and it offers some unusual services in addition to the usual Internet access. BBS Direct, for instance, connects you to a variety of bulletin board systems, without the long-distance charges. CRC also has its own information service, which includes Internet access.

SuperNet provides very thorough information about its service, which is based in Colorado and offers 1-800 access nationwide. 1.5

Offering shell and SLIP access through 1-800 numbers and frame relay, Internet Express doesn't distinguish itself particularly in terms of service. The main page, however, paints Internet Express as a cyberspace city, and the information there might well woo potential inhabitants. Organized by internal links to places like the Ballpark, Airport, Mall, and Courthouse, Internet Express presents an easy-to-use hierarchical structure to the same old list of links. Still, once you work your way down through the pages, the content is thin. At the Live Theater, for example, the only link we saw was to the Les Miserables home page.

Like UUNET, CERFnet is mainly a big Internet provider for resellers, but its Dial n'CERF USA service provides shell or SLIP access for individuals at only 14.4 Kbps via 1-800 numbers. The setup fee is high, though access charges vary with usage. You can sign up on-line via telnet.

Global Connect offers the usual Internet services plus Web page design and publishing services, but the modem lines still operate at 14.4 Kbps. When you click "how do I join?" you're prompted to send snail-mail or e-mail (no mailto: URL!) to get an information pack. Why can't the information be right there on the Web page?

Based in western New York, Moran Communications provides access throughout the U.S. for $2.95 an hour. It doesn't provide "obsolete" shell or SLIP accounts, though, only PPP. Since we get useful work done with our UNIX shell, this was a turn-off.

BACKHOME


| TABLE OF CONTENTS | REVIEWS: FUN | PROFIT | PERSONAL GROWTH |


Copyright (c) 1995 Ziff-Davis Publishing Company. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Ziff-Davis Publishing Company is prohibited. Internet Life and the Internet Life logo are trademarks of Ziff-Davis Publishing Company.

web-doyenne@zdnet.com


QUICK CLICK!
Performance Systems International

Netcom

The Institute of Global Communications

IBM Internet Connection

UUNET

Information Access Technologies (HoloNet)

NovaLink

Portal Information Network

Concentric Research Corporation

SuperNet

Internet Express

CERFnet

Global Connect

Moran Communications

Turn Left

Political Science Resources on the Web

Green Parties of North America

We The People

The John Birch Society

League of Conservation Voters

Fidel For President

The House Democratic Leadership

The House Republican Conference