Introduction to the Internet Computer Science 1604
Commercial networks have been around almost as long as the Internet. I got on the Compuserve network for the first time back in the early eighties using a Commodore C-64 (aarrrgggghhhhhh ;). There is no such thing as the "good old days of computing".
- Common Features
- Easy to navigate GUIs
- Slow modem access (14.4K Baud ... 56K Baud)
- Monthly/Hourly Rates ($5-$20 Monthly; $5-$15 Hourly)
- Provides proprietary information or services unavailable on the Internet
- More secure for monetary transactions
- Limited TCP/IP (FTP) connections
- America On-Line (AOL)
- Prodigy
- Joint venture between IBM & Sears
- Low fees (initially at least) offset by commercial advertising
- Organized as an electronic mall
- Initial problems due to unlimited email (low fixed monthly charge) & Censoring of discussion groups
- Expansion into television based interactive services planned
- Delphi
- Probably offers best commercial/internet access
- Telnet Internet access (telnet delphi.com)
- Five hour free trial: 800-695-4002 username: JOINDELPHI password: PRZD
- Genie
- Division of General Electric Company, 1985
- Free first Month of service
- Call (voice) 800-638-9636 to receive free logon software
- Expanding Internet service
Further Exploration 
