Although personal computers have reduced in price, there are other ways to access the Internet that could be cheaper. One of the alternatives is accessing the web through your TV. Of course, the best known service is called WebTV?.
A computer does allow you additional functionality (like word processing), but a lot of owners use their computer only for Internet access and nothing more. WebTV offers Internet access, instant messaging, banking, shopping and email plus some additional functionality to your TV that a computer canīt do. You wonīt be able to utilize Java or PDF or download information, but you will be able to enjoy interactive TV programming. There is a way of hooking up a printer so you can save valuable information on hard copy.
How does it work?
You have to connect the web receiver to your TV and telephone line, then follow the on-screen instructions. If you already use cable or satellite TV, it will still function. Web TV is not intended to replace your cable or satellite service, it is designed to enhance it.
Access to the WebTV network is available in most major cities as a local call and if it isnīt, you can use a local ISP (Internet Service Provider) who is affiliated with Web TV. If you have to use an ISP, there will be a discount on your monthly WebTV bill. Your TV web receiver has a keyboard so you can communicate in chat rooms, email or instant messaging. Just like any dial-up device, you can share the telephone line. On Web TV, if your phone rings and you have call-waiting, you can talk to the caller and then press the reconnect button to get back on the Internet.
What are the features?
There are *3 packages available, ranging from basic Internet surfing, picture-in-picture (watching TV while surfing), interactive TV (play trivia games), direct access from TV shows to related web sites, recording your favorite TV show without a VCR. To get the more advanced features, you have to purchase a WebTV Plus? receiver.
Although there are limitations to the WebTV service, you still can enjoy a lot of what the Internet has to offer. This may be good for people who already have a computer but want to have something else for other family members to use for accessing the Internet. It can be useful in houses or apartments where space is limited. It could be a beneficial to people who are scared of computers and need something easier to use.
The deciding factors are price and preference. The TV devices are cheaper than computers.
Copyright 2001 Maureen Fleury
(*This may vary in countries other than Canada and the United States.)
Maureen Fleury is a Senior Managing Editor at Suite101 and is the Contributing Editor for the topic Communication in Cyberspace Suite101
Another easy to understand book that shows you how to get
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you're looking for an excuse to spend more time online, this book
will give you plenty of opportunities. Learn effective search techniques,
utilizing bookmarks, etc.
Computerless Internet Access
