Performance power from online services; here's how to ride the information superhighway and...

"It is 6 a.m. and a darn cold day at Prudhoe Bay," says Anil Mathur, commercial manager at Prudhoe Bay for BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc. "I go to my office, turn on my computer and immediately find about 20 electronic mail messages from managers of other business units of the company. I get messages

"Thank God for electronic communication," Mathur adds, "where I can send files over the network, all with a simple click of the mouse. It makes my work a lot more efficient. I don't know how other companies can do without it."

As the information superhighway becomes a reality, many businesses like BP are configuring their computer systems to create their own communications networks. Others are connecting to the Internet or joining existing online services such as CompuServe or Prodigy to maximize the efficiency of their operations and become more cost effective.

To get the most mileage out of your travel on the information highway, here's a preview of the major online computer services available. Think of them as "truck stops," full of different kinds of detailed information that can speed you further toward your goal.

INSIDE THE INTERNET

The Internet is a computer information network that allows computers all over the world to communicate by using a standard protocol. Founded in 1970 as a U.S. Department of Defense research project called ARPANET (Advanced Research Project Agency Network), the Internet was used to link together computers from universities and the military for research and information exchange purposes.

Because the Internet merely links computers from many different sites, it has no central body (or "brain") to manage or control its functions. And because few restrictions exist on accessing its information, the Internet system is a rich source of detail on almost any topic you can imagine, from genetic engineering to how to comb your mustache.

As a matter of fact, finding a subject not in the Internet is difficult. On the other hand, the fact that there is no central authority managing the Internet makes the system somewhat disorganized, inconsistent and hard to use. However, Internet providers, i.e., companies that offer Internet access for a fee, are taking care of the difficulties of using the system by offering graphic menus with simple icons. All the user has to do is point and click with the mouse to access the desired information from the Internet.

The tools that the Internet provides -- the ability to send electronic mail all over the world, to connect to other sites, to transfer files, to use bulletin boards, to copy, transfer and receive software, to talk online, to perform searches on specific topics, etc. -- have triggered substantial growth in the number of companies joining the information superhighway in order to improve their business productivity.

On June 1, a new company called Internet Alaska Inc. began providing commercial Internet services in Alaska. Company president Lance Ahern says, "Alaska businesses need this service now to remain competitive. Internet Alaska will offer full Internet service at the best price."

Internet Alaska offers 24 dial-up lines and will increase the number of available lines as demand rises. It allows users to maximize the use of these lines by high-speed modems only (9,600 bauds per second and above). Also, upon request, Internet Alaska provides direct connections for even higher-speed modems.

Internet Alaska Inc. provides full Internet services for a flat fee of $45 a month. For more information, call (907) 562-4638 or fax (907) 562-1677.

The Internet's main advantage is its access to unlimited information all over the world. This vast pool of information, however, can be a disadvantage for new online users. To access or retrieve data from the Internet, it helps to have some knowledge of computer networking. Also, the lack of a central authority for the Internet makes its structure more disorganized. But don't let these disadvantages stop you from exploring the Internet. Worldwide Internet providers are working feverishly to make this online giant more user-friendly. After all, it's here to stay.

CHECKING OUT COMPUSERVE

The main difference between the Internet and other online services like CompuServe and Prodigy is that these latter services are run by privately owned companies, each with its own protocol, bulletin boards and software. More logically organized than the Internet, these private online services are more customer-oriented, more restrictive and, as expected, more expensive. Though offering limited access to the Internet, the private online providers promise delivery of more Internet connections in the future, for an additional fee.

Owned by H&R Block, CompuServe is the biggest online service in the United States and possibly the world. It offers a wide array of services, from electronic mail to travel reservations and information databases. You can join CompuServe by purchasing a start-up membership kit for $39.95, which includes software, documentation, a monthly magazine and one free month of basic services.

Additional basic service on CompuServe costs $8.95 a month. For this price, you receive 60 free electronic mail messages per month and access to library references, shopping, financial information, news, sports, weather, travel, games and membership support.

Not included in the basic price are detailed services like online forums, information databases, extended mail services like telex mail or fax and extended financial information. To use these services, you must pay as you go. Fees are based on the time you spend online, the speed of your modem and the time of day you access the information. For more information, call CompuServe at (800) 848-8199.

On the plus side, CompuServe offers excellent customer service and well-organized information. Its in-depth forums allow users to get inexpensive consultations with lawyers, doctors, CPAs, mechanics, etc. Its handy electronic mail service enables users to send messages to other online services, such as those run by AT&T or MCI.

CompuServe's basic disadvantage lies in its limited basic service. Paying $8.95, you still can't use CompuServe's library databases, extended financial services or online forums -- or get full access to the Internet. And, if you're paying as you go to take advantage of these additional services, you can spend a lot of money to fully utilize CompuServe.

PLAYING WITH PRODIGY

Owned by IBM and Sears, Prodigy is the second-largest online service that would permit customers to explore the system with minimal computer knowledge. All menu categories are color coded, making it easy to see the entire service at a glance. Users of Windows can rely on pull-down menus to take advantage of such features as "Cut and Paste" and open several applications at once.

At $14.95 a month, Prodigy's basic service includes the latest financial information, sports, education services, news and weather, travel facilities, computer shopping and communications. Prodigy provides information at 9,600 baud per second (bps) for no additional charge, and its electronic mail service links users to the Internet. Only 30 free mail messages are allowed per month, with additional messages priced at 25 cents each. For more information, contact Prodigy at (800) 776-3449.

The main strengths of Prodigy are its ease of use and plain-English command structure. Unlike CompuServe, Prodigy does not charge for its software. And, unlike CompuServe, the basic monthly fee gives you unlimited access to most of the service's information, including exploring new databases.

Prodigy's main disadvantage is the limited number of electronic-mail messages that you can send -- a big drawback, considering that electronic mail is the most-used function of online services. Also, Prodigy does not offer CompuServe's wide array of specialized bulletin boards, and it doesn't yet provide full access to the Internet.

THE ONLINE EQUIPMENT YOU NEED

Generally, all the equipment you need to take advantage of today's online computer services is a computer, modem, phone line and communications software.

Your computer can be any IBM or IBM-compatible model that uses DOS, Windows or OS 2, or any Macintosh. Try to obtain a system with an 80386 processor or higher, with a minimum of eight megabytes of RAM (expandable to 32, if possible) and a hard drive of more than 80 megabytes.

Modems, available in internal or external models, allow your computer to communicate with other computers using communications software. Internal modems are placed inside your computer and take up less desk space. External modems connect to the back of a computer and are portable. With today's ever-changing technology, you're better off buying a fast modem, running at 14,400 bps, which retails for $100 to $500.

As for communications software, you have the option of using inexpensive shareware programs (where you pay a small fee to the author) or purchasing commercial software packages for around $50 to $100. TELIX, made by Exis Inc., is an outstanding communications software program that is powerful, easy to use and relatively inexpensive at $39. Furthermore, you can examine it for free for 45 days. For more information, call Exis Inc. at (416) 289-4641.

Online services may offer you communications software as part of their introductory subscription prices. If you get such software, keep it and install it. Even if you opt for purchasing a package like TELIX, the free software comes in handy and takes up little room on your computer disk.

THE BEST SERVICE FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Before you purchase an online computer service, ask yourself if it can really boost the productivity of your company. Which service would you use most -- electronic mail, instant access to informational databases, or both?

If electronic mail is your first priority, then you're best off signing up with an Internet service company, such as Internet Alaska, which provides a monthly flat fee and unlimited access (even though Internet's information resources are not well organized).

If you want well-organized information and bulletin board access first, check out CompuServe. Remember, though, that "pay as you go" for using detailed services can cost a lot of money every month.

Finally, if you want a service for personal rather than business use and you're not a heavy electronic-mail user, then Prodigy may be the online service that fits your needs and pocketbook.

Your investment in an online service may pay off in the future because an increasing number of Alaska companies are using these services to improve their business performances. GCI, for example, is currently investigating the possibility of providing Internet services for its Alaska customers. Craig Nobb, a network specialist for BlockBuster Video, minimizes downtime of his company's computers by getting direct online help from other BlockBuster stores in the Lower 48.

The information superhighway is more than a dirt road with no destination. With online services, you'll discover that this thoroughfare is a lightning-fast Autobahn leading to unlimited possibilities.

GETTING INTO THE NET

Here are a variety of other online services besides CompuServe and Prodigy that may suit your needs and your budget. Remember that these services are constantly being revised, so, for the most recent information, call the numbers listed below.

America Online: Features electronic mail, Usenet news groups and electronic mailing lists, and plans to offer Gopher and WAIS search programs. Charges $9.95 per month for five hours of use and $3.50 per hour after that. (800) 227-6364.

BIX (Byte Information Exchange): Provides electronic mail, file transfer protocol (FTP), telnet and Gopher. Charges a $13 monthly fee, connect charges vary. (800) 695-4775.

Delphi: Features electronic mail, special interest groups and telnet. Offers full access to the Internet and special customer forums. Delphi has two payment plans: $10 for four hours per month, with each additional hour $4; or with a $19 initial fee, you can have 20 hours per month, with additional hours at $1.80. (800) 695-4005.

Dow Jones News/Retrieval: Offers 60 databases, interactive service. Charges $29.95 per month per month for eight hours, between hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Business rates available. (800) 522-3567.

GEnie: Offers electronic mail, large and broad-based selection of business, scientific and literary research services. Charges $8.95 per month for four hours. Additional hours cost $9.50 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. weekdays and $3 other times. (800) 638-9636.

I/Plus Direct: Database service with over 600,000 reports. Refundable initial fee of $99. No monthly fee, $1.65 per minute connect charge. Charges to print reports vary from $5.75 per page to $18 per page. (800) 662-7878.

National Videotex Network: Offers electronic mail, telnet and Gopher. Charges $8.95 for four evening and weekend hours, and $2.50 per hour nights and weekend after that. Premium services are extra. (800) 336-9096.

NewsNet: Carries over 700 business newsletters. No electronic mail, strictly direct-dial services. Charges $15 per month or $120 per year with per-minute connect charge depending on baud speed. (800) 345-1301.

In addition to commercial online services, Alaska residents can access SLED (Statewide Library Electronic Doorway) at local libraries. Students, faculty and staff at the University of Alaska Anchorage can also jump into the Internet for free. However, use is restricted to academic and university research only. Call UAA Computing and Technology Services, (907) 786-1880.