You can access the Internet with almost any computer that has a modem and a telephone line. The most important choice that you have to make when starting out on the Internet is where to get your access. The prices and options vary widely depending on who you sign up with. The advantage of FreeNets is that they don't cost anything and that they often provide a number of locally specific resources not found elsewhere on the Internet. The disadvantage is that they are often hard to get through to due to busy signals.
Most universities provide some kind of Internet access for free or cheap to their students.
Often, undergraduate students will only have access to e-mail while graduate students and faculty have the same level of Internet access that you can buy from a commercial service. There are hundreds of companies that provide access to the Internet for a fee. Most of these companies provide complete access to the Internet, including the ability to view graphics, use a mouse and choose which programs you want to use to. Web Networks is a non-profit ISP that caters specifically to the needs of community groups and social change organizations. It offers the same services and cost about the same as commercial Internet providers, but also includes a number of on-line tools and resources to meet the needs of people working for social change.