There are many other communications software packages out there. Find one with the functions you think you might use. Most of the people at the OLRC use one of the Procomm products. They make several versions and it is a good solid package. We are not recommending it over any others, but we do have a great deal of familiarity with these packages.
Software packages range in price from twenty to several hundred dollars.
Once you have the modem installed and configured, the software running and the phone line connected, you are ready to dial the host computer, which is the computer thorough which you'll access the Internet. If you are using your regular phone line and have call waiting, you should disable it, as the incoming call could disrupt your modem connection. The instructions for this are in your phone book. The access provider should have a local phone number, so there should be no charge for the time you are connected. Your access provider should have sent you instructions on how to connect and what to do the first time you get on line.