SYNERGY-NET on http://metro.turnpike.net/~pflaump
RE: NOW LISTEN: Internet Connections
It is happening fast. Everyone is a little confused. Here is my
understanding of what is going on the internet at the moment. If
you really want Internet service the way to go is an unlimited
account for $20.00 with a local dial up at 14.4 or 28.8. SPRY
does it and so do many of the 2000 local providers.
(http://thelist.com) There is a vast array of prices many of them
way out of line. There are $9.00 fees for limited service and a
hour charge, sometimes quite high, $2.00 an hour. (GNN, MCI are
still too expensive) ATT will offer 5 free hours for current long
distance users and the $20.00 unlimited.
YOU WANT a direct TCP/IP - PPP, Windows 95, NT 3.5 Internet
connection uses a WINDSOCK in Windows 95 that works on all
applications, it is the standard. ( FTP, Chat, Newsgroups, Mail,
Browsers, (up to 4 or more at a time so you don't have to sit
there), CuSeeMe, Phone, Real Radio, ) The junk that comes with
most on line providers doesn't work. You need Windows 95 rather
that 3.11 with Trumpet or other Winsocks that give you grief
(except for the limited uses of the on line service). You need to
connect directly with Windows 95 dial up, maybe needs a script or
terminal pop-up after dialing, for user and password.
You do NOT want ANY of the on-line services as a provider. You
want a direct connection. I can connect to Compuserve and
MicroSoft Network from the TCP/IP connection, AoL will not be far
behind, rather than dial up the on-line service, I dial a general
provider and connect within the WEB to any service free or paid.
The idea is you want to have a phone service that lets you call
anywhere. You don't want one that requires you to call only the
home office and try to connect to other services from there. The
door ways to services will be from the net not the other way
around, from a specific service.
The providers use a variety of "server software" some of which is
out of date. Netscape and NT (UNIX) servers work, many local
providers have problems with busy phones, down time or poor
connections to the Internet. (They need a high quality line out
to the world). The on-line services can never match a direct
connection. If you have experience with them you know what I
mean. The phone companies have a clear advantage in quality of
service. When you pick up the phone and dial a number it almost
always works. Try that in Moscow, St Thomas or Mexico or on AoL
web browser.
MicroSoft, America on line, Compuserve are in a scramble and
reorganizing fast. (I forgot Prodigy because they are out of it,
as of now.) MS said in December it was NOT going to have separate
Internet units, now it just announced a complete reorganization
of it's basic service delivery systems and a deal with America-
on-Line. Web browsers are getting very powerful and integrate
mail, Newsgroups, sound, and action - The on-line services have
no hope of keeping up. SEE the Newbie page, Point PCN service,
for a really active pages.
The interface between MS Office and the web is anything but
smooth, mostly it doesn't work at all. They are working on it.
Windows 95 upgrade and Word 7 Internet assistant will work this
year so you can browse, edit and use Internet services in a
complete package. I don't know if Word Perfect, Novell can catch
up. The game is so fast that once behind, it's almost impossible
to get on the learning curve. Even MS is having a fit.
The powerful idea is a universal file manager and search engine,
so can be on the C:/ drive, on the LAN, or on a web site, on
another computer, or from a on-line service, ( stock information,
libraries, regulations, government services, directories, yellow
pages, contacts of all kinds- Standards and Poors, corporate
reports ) and all used by MS Office, with graphics, slide shows
and auto-visual presentations, phone, chat, really powerful
stuff. MS has it working internally and with a few big users but
not as a consumer product.
Why MSN haven't made a communications deal with ATT, Sprint, MCI
or other telephone company is beyond me. They have the NT server
- Windows 95 interface based on the same operating system. That's
the core of the idea and where the mega-bucks are to be made. But
as we said, it's all going very fast indeed.
You, or anyone anywhere, can provide firms or individuals with
accounting, banking and tax, travel, sales, mailing, advertising,
printing, graphics, form processing, educational and training,
program up grades, and all kinds of services not invented yet
with a smooth interface to MS Office. The person hits the travel
icon and there you are ready to book their trip, or fix their
accounts, or process their paper work - from direct access to
their files, and you maybe in India or Chicago.
The entertainment services play games, the advertisers sell
products, the stores provide direct sales ( no middle people )
but the mega-bucks are in interactive ( virtual office ) systems.
Netscape and Sun Microsystems have their own agenda.
SYNERGY-NET on http://metro.turnpike.net/~pflaump
** Peter E. Pflaum Ph.D. , Headmaster GLOBAL_VILLAGE_SCHOOLHOUSE
225 Robinson Road, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169-2176 (904) 428-9609
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SYNERGY-NET on http://emporium.turnpike.net/~pflaump or
http://metro.turnpike.net/~pflaum [log in to unmask]
** Peter E. Pflaum Ph.D. , Headmaster GLOBAL_VILLAGE_SCHOOLHOUSE
225 Robinson Road, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169-2176 (904) 428-9609
[log in to unmask]
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