Online service

A service that provides an online connection via modem for access to various services.  Online services fall into four main groups.

• Commercial services: Services such as America Online, CompuServe, and Prodigy charge a monthly membership fee for access to online forums, e-mail services, software libraries, and online conferences.
• Internet: The Internet is a worldwide network of computer systems containing a wealth of information that is easily accessible to most computer users today.  To gain access, all one needs is an account with an Internet Service Provider and an Internet browser.
• Specialist databases: Specific databases aimed at researchers can be accessed through online services such as Dow Jones News/Retrieval for business news, and Lexis and Nexis, the legal information and news archives.
• Local bulletin board: There are thousands of small, local bulletin board systems (BBS), often run from private homes, by local PC Users Groups, or by local schools.  Some BBS offer software libraries, e-mail, online conferences, and games, while others may be devoted to a specific subject.  Look for listings in local computer-related publications, or ask at your local PC Users Group.

Exploring the world of online services is a fascinating pastime that can eat up all your spare time; it can also quickly increase your phone bill.