Apart from the initial registration fee, there is usually a monthly charge from the service provider. There is also the cost of the telephone calls that the modem makes for the computer to gain access to messages and files on the Internet. Alternatives to dial-up access are ISDN and other faster, but more expensive, options. To show graphics, play sound and play video clips, you may need additional software or equipment. The service provider should be able to tell you what else you will need, and will often supply you with specific software when you take out your subscription.
Some useful software is available free on the Internet itself.
Using the Internet Getting started can be daunting if you are totally new to the Internet. Fortunately there are a number of search tools to overcome such problems. Search tools are remotely accessible programs which help users to find relevant information. Some search engines like AltaVista and HotBot consist of databases of information that can be searched by using keywords or phrases, while others, like Yahoo, provide human-moderated inventories with entries indexed by category. Acceptable Internet use Many organisations will want to develop a policy on their staff's use of the Internet.