seek advice on cheap computer & internet to access CFS group

[Roger Burns]

From the moderator:

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

[C. Krusen Heller]

Hi Roger,
A town of less than 100, 000 will still have a computer repair shop. I
would suggest they go there and find something or someone locally that would
be willing to help out a handicapped person. CFS isn't the unknown
disrespected illness that it used to be - someone will help.

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.

[Marnia He Sapa]

First, I suggest hitting the library for a few copies of magazines
devoted to pc's or apple. Lots of ads, lots of names, lots of example
deals. Also, borrow a copy of Consumer Digest with the computer
ratings. Sometimes cheaper to begin with isn't in the longer run.
Especially the latter will have some simple descriptions of what the
components are and how they work together and whether one needs them if
one isn't creating fx for films. The new little box minis are
fascinating, and quite reasonabley priced for those of us who don't need
all the bells and whistles.

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: