These services are supported by users. Users pay an access fee to
use the
service. You can pay either a one-time access fee, a fee per minute/hour
you are online, or some require you to pay a monthly access fee. Anyhow,
the charge usually includes an instruction manual, as well as some
online
credit.
Sometimes the cost for connect time will vary depending on the speed
of the
modem you are using. For example, you will be charged less for a 1200
baud
modem than you would for a 9600-baud modem. They might also charge
more
or less depending on the time you are calling. You might be required
to
pay a fee for special access to some of the files, doors, or conferences.
However it is worked, the charges are most easily billed to your credit
card.
Choosing A Service
When you are choosing an online service, you will need to do a little
research. You should make a note of the things you are looking for
in an
online information service. When you have decided what you are looking
for, you will need to "shop" around and look at several of the services
and
find one that best fits your needs.
Many online services offer starter kits for new users. The starter
kits
offer a variety of things to you. It will include registration information,
tutorials, users guide and several other useful items available.
If you can't decide on a service, then just sign up for one that sounds
interesting to you. Try it for a few weeks/months and see if it is
what
you want. If it isn't, then quit that one and try another one. It
won't
take long until you find the one that suits you best. If a service
only
charges you when you log on to it, then it won't hurt you to use it
when
you want to, and don't if you don't want to use it.
Keeping Costs Down
You probably have noticed that the major disadvantage of online services
is
the cost. You can run up quite a bill if you aren't careful. Rates
very
from $2.50 per hour all the way up to as much as a hundred dollars
or more
if you are accessing a special database. The best way to keep the
cost down
is to limit access time, and don't waste time while online.
You will want to look over the user's manual for a few hours before
you use
the OIS (Online Information Service). This will give you an understanding
of the system and how it works, and will save you some money by saving
time online. You should find out if you can skip the menu screens
so you
don't waste time searching for things.
You can also save on costs by taking advantage of the OIS's billing
information. You might be able to access the OIS cheaper after 11
pm, or
on weekends. You might find it cheaper to operate at a slower modem
speed.
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