Are you online yet? Here's why you should get online - and how.

Communicating via electronic mail is becoming more and more commonplace. You can conduct business, share information and reach out to other people--all on E-mail. You've got to have an E-mail "home" to know what's going on in cyberspace. So whether you've been battling technophobia or just plain out of touch, get over it, and get online!

Online services are derivatives of the Internet, the prototype for the so-called information superhighway. The Internet began in 1969 as the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET). It was financed by the Defense Department and designed to allow scientists and researchers to share information more easily. During the 1980s, the National Science Foundation replaced ARPANET with a modernized, high-speed worldwide network of thousands of computers. The network was renamed the Internet, and a new medium for acquiring and exchanging information was born.

Several online services make it inexpensive and easy to access the Internet. To get online, you'll need a personal computer with adequate memory (more than 4MB of RAM), a telephone and a modem (a communications interface that exchanges electronic data over telephone lines). You"ll also need a major credit card or bank account to settle your electronic debt.

Make sure you choose a good modem; smooth Internet travel is impossible without one. Major brands such as Hayes, U.S. Robotics and Supra cost from $89 to $125. It should run at either 9,600 or 14,400 bits per second (most online services don't support 28,800 bps yet). You may also need easy-to-use communications software, such as Smartcom for Windows (Hayes, $79). Some services provide software free when you join.

There are several commercial online services to choose from (see chart). Most offer starter kits (sometimes at no cost), and charge from $8.89 to $29.95 a month for a connection. Experienced computer hacks can obtain a direct connection to the Internet through an independent Internet access provider for about $25 per month.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The top three services are America Online, Prodigy and CompuServe. Delphi, NETCOM and GEnie are players in the market, but their use of complex commands for some functions make them more suited to experienced Internet users. All of the services automatically provide you with easy access to the Internet and an E-mail address to receive messages. They generally offer free time to access the Internet--but check this carefully. Some services are more generous than others.

Each online service has strengths and weaknesses, so do your homework before you subscribe. You should inquire about additional charges for sending and receiving E-mail, for accessing the Internet or other online services and for printing reports or articles . You want to join the service that best suits your interests.

Being online can enhance your life. You can access the world's fore-most libraries, obtain the latest stock quotes, check weather reports and access job listings. You can also access reports and articles to help you conduct research or to keep you abreast of your profession. Most important, perhaps, are the electronic message bulletin boards, or "forums," which allow you to participate in live discussion groups (see Powerplay, this issue). You could say it's electronic networking.

Be careful to monitor the amount of time you spend on online special features. The additional costs can add up quickly. Also, be selective about giving out your password. Anyone who has it can access your online service--running up charges you are liable for. For Internet novices, it's important to use the caution of a new driver and make your trips on the information superhighway safe, secure and satisfying!