The next two companies pro vide similar services and allow you to become directly connected to the Internet These companies support SLIP and PPP connections. DIRECT ACCESS PROVIDER -- FYI NETWORK Services provided - EmaiL and World Wide Web access. A family account may be purchased to provide more individual mail boxes. Netscape software may also be purchased already configured for your account at a lower cost than in a computer store. Advantages - Purchased software is ready to go and easy to install, relatively low cost, connect time is displayed while online, helpful personnel return calls promptly, growing company eager to obtain your business. Disadvantages - Small company, technical support by phone may not be timely, limited services, limited local access numbers. Recommendation - This company provides a good service intermediate to AOL and Nauticom. For the person who wants to get a reliable Internet connection without all the extras, this is a good choice. COMMERCIAL INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER -- AMERICA ONLINE (AOL) Services Provided - Email, Internet gateway for World Wide Web, Chat Rooms, various other interesting areas. Advantages - Very easy to set up, easy to use, Low in cost if you are a minimal user, Local access numbers, Access can be controlled according to parental choices. Disadvantages - Extremely slow, high speed lines are difficult to get because of traffic, easy to incur extra charges, only one web browser available, access to Internet and World Wide Web restricted, technical support frustrating at best. Recommendation - For the Internet and online beginner, this is a good choice, especially if you want to try things out to see if you like them. Also, if you have children and want to control their access, this is easily done. Service is easily discontinued.