The most common choice for Internet access is by modem. SDSU has offered free modem access until very recently, but their modem access is still competitively priced. There are dozens of other “Internet Service Providers” in San Diego, and while they are more expensive (by about $5 a month) they offer some advantages you might be interested in.

Some service providers will provide you with a static Internet Provider address for a small additional cost.

Additionally, SDSU administration has shown a willingness to read student and faculty e-mail when they see fit, so if you are concerned about your privacy, you may consider another provider.

If you have trouble understanding computers, you may wish to use a service like America Online.

Shop around for an ISP to pick the best one. The only hardware you need is a modem.

If you have money to burn, you may want to consider one of the latest high speed modem options. Integrated Services Digital Network is the most common of the high-speed solutions, although it is also the second slowest (next to modems). ISDN has 128kbps, and costs $400 for the hardware and set up (not including monthly charges for Internet access). It does have the advantages of being faster and releasing your phone line for telephone calls. Contact Pacific Bell for more information on the ISDN line, and check out the San Diego ISPs (end of article) for service pricing.

The latest and most awaited technology is the Cable Modem offered by Cox Cable. Evidence suggests that they will soon offer 2 megabits per second to your house, at a reasonable price. They also promise to set up all the equipment for you, and provide service for it as well. However, Cox Cable has never tried the Internet market, and users may have to deal with their growing pains. The cable modem was due to be released this winter.

If you own a mini-dish for your television, you may be interested in DirecPC. This service provides Internet access (one way) through your mini satellite dish. They can offer speeds of up to 400 kbps, three times faster than ISDN, but you need a modem to work in tandem with the system. The hardware costs $700 (including the dish), with $50 installation fee and $40 a month (not including your modem’s ISP charges).

Finally, if you live in the residence halls on campus, ask your parents for a network card for the holidays. As part of your housing fee, you have paid for a connection to SDSU’s local area network, at 10 megabits per second.

All you need is a network card and custom cable for a combined cost of about $50. Call 3-comp for more information.

DirecPC: http://www.direcPC.com

ISDN: http://www.pacbell.com/ideas-offers/offers/offer-homepack.html

CableModem:http://www.cox.com/modemfaq.html

San Diego Internet Service Providers:

http://www.yahoo.com/Regional/U_S__States/California/Cities/San_Diego/Intern

et_Services/Internet_Access_Providers/

If you are interested in finding out more about remote access service at SDSU, check out the TNS home page at http://tns.sdsu.edu/remote/ If you have any questions, send e-mail to tech@testbed.sdsu.edu.