The Discordant Opposition Journal Issue 9 - File 2
Free Internet Accounts and Whatnot
By: Skwert E-Mail: skwert@cyberspace.org
Getting a free e-mail account may satisfy most people, but if you want full access to the Internet, you may still need to sign up for an Internet account through an online service (Aol). Or through an Internet provider (Earthlink or something).
CYBERCAFES
The latest trend among coffee houses and other public places where artists, students, and other bohemian types gather are cybercafes, which provide free Internet access. All you have to do is visit a cybercafe, order a cup of coffee or sandwich, and you can spend 30 minutes to an hour using the cybercafe's computers and Internet account. Although you won't be able to receive any email using a cybercafe, you can send e-mail as well as browse the "World Wide Web."
To find a list of cybercafes in your area, visit coffee houses near universities or "artsy" parts of town or follow these steps:
- Visit your favorite search engine (such as Yahoo!)
- Tell the search engine to look for the string "cybercafe."
BBS's
Before the popularity of the Internet, the ancient way people communicated with one another through the phone lines was through a bulletin board system (BBS). Essentially, a BBS is nothing more than a separate computer that someone connects to a telephone line, allowing people from all over the world to call and chat, play games, or upload/download software.
Despite their fading popularity, BBS's still exist, and many offer Internet accounts for free or for a nominal monthly charge (such as $5 a month). The disadvantage of using a BBS is that you may have to pay toll charges to call the BBS.
To find a list of BBSs in your neighbourhood, ask members of a computer user group (they often run their own BBS), check to see if any local computer magazines print a list of BBS's, or ask someone at your favorite computer store. Because BBS's aren't as well known as the Internet, don't be surprised if nobody knows what the hell you're talking about when you ask about a BBS. Be persistent, be patient, and eventually you'll be able to find someone who knows about a BBS in your area.
FREENETS
But rather than pay for a separate Internet account, just get a free Internet account instead. These free Internet services, dubbed freenets, give you full Internet access at no cost to you. The main problem is that freenets aren't available everywhere and, when they are available, they tend to be crowded and busy most of the time. Still, for the price (Free), it's worth looking into a freenet.
To find a freenet, visit your favorite search engine again (like Yahoo!, or Excite) and search for the string, "freenet." If you don't have access to the Internet, contact your local computer user group and ask members if they know of a freenet in your area. (Many public libraries are connected to the Internet through a freenet, so ask your local city librarian and hope that he or she will know what you're talking about.)
