The NSF encouraged and subsidized colleges and universities around the country to form regional networks for linking with this backbone. An upgraded version of this system is now called the Internet. The Internet includes thousands of computers located around the world. In the last few years, software developers have created tools to browse and download network information as if it existed on your own computer. Getting connected to the Internet has also become easier.
Access requires a computer and modem.
For those associated with a university, library, or employer offering Internet services, the connection may be free. For others, national or local access providers can sell to you a connection for a monthly rate. Electronic Access to Illinois State Government Citizens can reach Illinois state government through a system called Access Illinois. Access Illinois emphasizes the commercial interests of the business community which controls this system. This guide does not describe those features, but users should keep in mind their availability and the Access Illinois emphasis on commerce.