#3D/XP
There are several kinds of internet access accounts. The graphical interface is
called a "SLIP" or "PPP" account. With these kinds of connections your computer
becomes it's own separate node on the internet. The other approach is to have
what is known as a shell account. The way this works is you connect to a host
computer (usually a UNIX server with a high speed data line) and that computer
is the node on the 'net. Your computer is basically a terminal connected to
this "Shell" computer. With a "SLIP / PPP" connection, when you get files from
, for instance, an FTP site, they go directly into your computer. Also you can
usually multi-task, ie while you're waiting for an FTP transfer to finish, you
could be having a "TELNET" conversation with someone. With a "SHELL" account,
when you get files via FTP, they go to the host computer, you can then download
them later.
There are pros and cons to each method. With a SLIP/PPP account you have a GUI
and can use graphical tools like MOSAIC, the down side of a SLIP/PPP connection
is that the speed is limited by the speed of your modem. Also cost can be a
factor (with my service provider, a SHELL account is $17.95 per month with
unlimited usage, a SLIP/PPP account is $29.95 per month plus $1.00 per hour
after 25 hours of use). A SHELL account is accessed in terminal emulation mode
(no graphical interface) and you can't multi-task, but file transfers to the
host are done via their high speed data line (you'll be amazed at how fast it
goes) and as I said cost can be a factor. I recommend that you contact your
local internet service providers and get the details from them.
Hope this helps (I did all this from memory, so if anyone notices any errors,
please let me know, thanks)
Bye
-David