E-mail and Web sites have become key research and communication tools in business. But with so many ways to connect to the Internet, how does a small business owner or home user know which method is best?

Most computers now come equipped with a modem. A modem is the most common tool for accessing the Internet. Since a modem is simply a piece of hardware, you must also have the software required for connecting to the Internet via a phone line. An Internet Service Provider, such as AOL or Earthlink, usually provides the software at no cost. ISPs do charge, however, for the privilege of dialing into their servers (large computers that directly connect to the Internet). ISP service typically costs around $20 per month. Since you connect your modem directly to your phone line, you typically (there are some exceptions) can't talk on the telephone and access the Internet at the same time. When you are online, callers will get a busy signal and faxes will not go through.

While this is one of the disadvantages of using a modem, there are ways around these problems. One is to get voicemail service through your phone company, rather than use an answering machine. That way callers are able to leave a message for you while you are on line. There are also Web sites that will take phone messages for you, or even receive faxes. If you have a cellular phone or second phone line, you can encourage people to call it when they are unable to get through.

Another disadvantage of the modem is that it is the slowest way to upload and download information over the Internet. Though paying only $20 a month may sound great, be sure you take into account your time. If you primarily use the Internet for business, it is possible you can actually save money by choosing one of the faster, yet more expensive, options.

One of the faster options is a cable modem. This is a modem that connects to the Internet through your existing cable television wires. Your local cable company then acts as your ISP, thereby charging you for access and/or usage. There is an installation fee, and you need to have cable available in your area. A cable modem connection will cost around $40 per month, and that's in addition to your regular cable bill.

Similar to a cable modem, a satellite connection allows you to connect through the same satellite that brings you satellite television. It is different from a cable modem in that you are not required to subscribe to the television service; you can sign up for the Internet service only. Satellite service providers do, however, typically offer discounted pricing when you subscribe to both their ISP and television services.

Currently, there are two types of satellite connections available. The less expensive type of connection uses your phone line to upload data and requests to the Internet, and the satellite to download information. This means that when you send an e-mail or request a site, it will be uploaded (relatively) slowly though the phone line. But when you receive an e-mail, download a file, or receive a site, it will download very quickly. While the advantage of this one-way satellite service is that it typically runs only $40 a month, the disadvantage is that its upload speed is slow and that, like a modem, it will tie up your phone line.

Bi-directional, or two-way, satellite is the other type of satellite connection currently offered. Both uploading and downloading data is via satellite, so it is much faster than one-way systems. And as a bonus, it does not tie up your phone line. Bi-directional service typically runs about $70 per month.

Whether one-way or bi-directional service, however, all satellite service currently has two other disadvantages. First, you are charged a hefty fee (anywhere from $200 to $800) for the equipment, plus installation fees. And second, even if you've got the cash and are ready to go, it is possible that the physical location of your home or business prevents you from receiving a clear satellite signal. Fortu-nately, as with all new technologies, costs are sure to come down over time, and technical problems most always will be resolved.

DSL, another Internet access option, does not require special equipment in most cases; it usually works on regular phone lines. But since it does not interfere with normal phone calls, you can therefore talk on the phone and work on line at the same. DSL requires an installation fee and a monthly fee that, depending on which companies are available in your area, can range from $30 to $100 a month. Again, availability is a key issue.

Another access option is Integrated Services Digital Network. ISDN is generally slower than DSL, cable modems, and satellites. To discover which is the fastest service in your area, contact your local companies.

It's important to note that technology is always evolving. ISDN may no longer be the great deal it once was. Like black and white TV, Atari, and 8-tracks, ISDN was a great idea in its time. ISDN requires a third-party ISP, just as you would need with a modem. ISDN also requires an installation fee and a monthly fee, just as with DSL, cable modems, and satellite. On top of all that, ISDN also requires a usage fee, usually by the hour. Your money may be better spent elsewhere.

If your small business or home requires more than one Internet user, it is possible to use a combination of the above options, or, in some cases, multiple users on one service. However, first check with the company that is supplying the service; some do not allow more than one user on their system at a time.

The more computers that are on your network, the more slowly your Internet connection speeds will be since, in effect, you are splitting the single connection among multiple users. To find out if a shared connection will be fast enough, simply take the connection speed and divide it by the number of users. If the result is higher than 56K, then it should be fastenough-for now.

So how do you decide which is the best access option for you? "It's just a matter of money and how much speed you want," says Joyce Kaye, the Computer Therapist. "In New Mexico, though, it's really about availability."

Not all services are available in every area. It depends on what part of the state, or even the city, you live in whether all service options are available. More than one company may be offering the same type of Internet service in one area, so it pays to shop around.

First, find the balance between your pocketbook and your need for speed. Then contact local companies to find out what they can provide at what charge. Ask about equipment costs, installation charges, access fees, usage fees, cancellation fees, de-installation charges, reinstatement fees, and late payment fees. Also ask about upgrade policies; if your equipment becomes outdated, are you entitled to a free upgrade? And what about service if your equipment breaks? And technical support if your software gets glitchy?

Ask co-workers and friends about their experiences and try their systems out. Check the Internet for buyer's reviews and comparisons. Call your local computer user groups and ask for members' advice.

Don't sign any contracts until you are confident you have found the service that best meets your needs. It may be better at first to pay a little more each month for month-to-month service, rather than get locked into a 12-month contract. Be sure to get everything in writing. A little research will help you make an informed decision that is right for you and your business.

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