There are still ways to connect to the Internet even if you are unable to get ADSL in your area. If you have a phone line then all is not lost!

The simplest way is to use a modem to make your connection. A modem, an amalgamation of the words 'MODulator' and 'DEModulator', takes signals from the computer and turns them in to a sound that can be carried by a normal telephone line. You can hear the noise if you lift the handset that’s connected to the same line as the modem. However if the line quality is poor, that is when you call someone and you can hear crackly noises then the modem will too. Modems will try to make best use of the line but if there are noises that get in the way then the connection speed will get lower. The lower the connection speed, the better the modem can cope with the line noise.

Modems normally come in three types, internal, external, and PC Card (PCMCIA)

Internal modems are of a type called ‘interface card’ that is they fit inside your desktop or tower PC. This is a bit tidier as there are fewer cables around; power and communication with the PC come from inside the computer. They cost around €10 to €12.

External modems connect to the computer with a data cable. They have lights on the front to indicate what is happening, for example weather it is connected to the internet. I must admit my preference is for an external modem so I can see what is happening and I can turn it off if there are any problems! Typical prices range around €15 - €40.

PC Card Modems are designed for Laptop computers. They fit in small slots, normally to the side and are about the size of a credit card, maybe a bit longer. Some how all the functions of a modem are squeezed in to something no more than a few millimeters thick! Shop around for prices, I have seen on www.kelkoo.fr prices starting from €20

Now if all that is not enough in the way of choices, there are different ways of paying for your connection.

One popular choice for people who only collect email or browse the internet once in a while is ‘sans engagement’ or sometimes called ‘sans abonnement’. Basicly this means that your connection time is charged to your phone bill (with out engagement or contract).

A typical charge for a ‘free’ connection to the internet is around €.020 a minute. There are many different offers such as a one off monthly fee in return for a set amount of hours. However go over those hours and it starts to becomes expensive, so try to choose the offer that is best for you. Most providers such as Wanadoo (www.wanadoo.fr) allow you to change your arrangement online.

Another option which is getting harder to find is the unlimited connection offers. ADSL users get this anyway but for modem users the choice of provider is getting more difficult. Tiscali (www.tiscali.fr) is offering unlimited connection time for €30 a month. This means you can be connected 24 hours a day 7 days a week, It may be usefull to get a second telephone line otherwise no one is going to be able to telephone you!

If you are yet to get online then you may be limited to using providers you can find the setup software for. In the supermarkets such as Le Clerk they often have in the computer sections CD’s from various internet service providers such as Wanadoo (www.wanadoo.fr), Tiscali (www.tiscali.fr) and AOL (www.aol.fr) These software CD’s will allow you to setup your computer and choose the right connection offer for you.

If you are already online then you can visit other sites and see what their offers are, such as www.free.fr

Good Luck and happy surfing!