I wish to help someone who currently has no computer, is not online
and apparently wishes to join CFS-L. I don't have a current knowledge
of computer brands and prices, nor of the cheapest ways to access the
Internet. Can anyone advise on this? I'll summarize any advice I
get and send it to them by postal mail.
They've sent me a handwritten letter via postal mail addressed to
Computer Networks c/o Roger Burns, CFS-L. It says: "To Whomever It
Concerns, I am looking for information pertaining to where people
with a limited budget could purchase a computer & the best prices for
being online ex yahoo.com etc. Thank you for any and all info you can
give me. Sincerely, ... " The letter was sent from the southeastern
U.S., a town of less than 100,000.
What are good ways of getting a cheap computer? Remember, they're
not online so they can't go to buy.com or anything. Also I assume
they are not savvy enough to construct a computer from parts.
And: what are the cheapest ways to access the Internet?
Thanks for any help.
- Roger, Moderator
Threadjack - I have tried and been succusful at changing my Email
address even with the CFS-L, but for some reason I keep getting an
occasional Email from CFS-L Chat. Please either change my address to
kru...@adelphia.net or send some instructions about how to do it myself.
Kru Heller
Powhatan, Va.
If this town has a junior college or state university, the bookstore of
same will have some deals. Otherwise, Dell and Gateway have 800
numbers, they also have good deals on (generally) solid products.
Gateway: 800-369-1409, ask for a catalog. Gateway Remanufactured:
800-846-3614. Dell: 800-624-9897. Also, check the local yellow pages
for local single proprietor computer shops. Sometimes these folks have
good trade-ins, or can put something very basic together. Especially
if this town has a college bookstore, or any sort of walk-in computer
center (even the library), definitely go test drive whatever is
available, just to get a feel.
ISP: first, check out the local ones. I live in a town of 2,000, in a
county of 8,000 and though I have dial-up, it is to a local number. I
pay less than $15 a month for unlimited access. No need for AOL or any
of those other middlemen sort of organizations so far as I can see. The
yellow pages, ask the librarian who they use, ask the local college
bookstore clerks. Ask not only who they use, but why they like that
ISP. Then call and ask about hook-up fees and if they send someone to
actually install the numbers or if they talk you through it over the
phone, or if they expect you to know how. Obviously, don't use the last
option. Ask for monthly fees, and if they have different plans. One
local ISP now does DSL, phone, long distance, the works, very reasonably
for people who need all the services. Also, very important, ask if they
have plans for low income clients. Some, like some phone service
providers, do.
Best luck, Marnia
Roger Burns wrote:
>>From the moderator: