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How to get on to the Internet (screen 3 of 5)
If you're a small or medium-sized organisation
For small organisations the best strategy is to buy an Internet account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP)(1) and run your website from the ISP's server(2). The ISP will connect you to the Internet.
You'll need a modem
Connecting a computer to a telephone line requires a modem(3). The modem acts as an interpreter between your computer and the telephone line. Computers today have internal modems, so you would only need to purchase an external modem if you are operating with an older computer.
RAMifications: you might need more RAM
RAM is random access memory - the memory used by your computer to run applications and the operating system.
Although you can probably get by with the computer you have even if it is an older one, it is important to note that Internet software programs are RAM hungry and can also take up a significant amount of hard disk space.
You should check how much memory is recommended for the Internet software you will be using, and upgrade the RAM if you need more memory.
It's also true to say that computers and software are developing at speed and you may need to factor a computer upgrade into your budget as well.
You will need a CD-ROM
Computer software is now delivered on CD-ROM, and your ISP will provide you with everything you need to connect to the Internet on a CD-ROM. If you are operating with an older computer which doesn't have a CD drive, you can buy an external CD-ROM drive. You could also investigate using CD-ROM as a storage/archiving facility for your computer files.
You might want a consultant to set you up
If taming hardware and software, or talking RAM and chip speeds, is not your idea of a good time, and there's no-one in your organisation who has computer expertise, it may be worth using a computer consultant to get you started and provide some training.
There's a cost if you get connected
It does cost money to get connected, but it is a cost which has the potential to provide revenue return in terms of increased business and greater visibility - and there's also the potential to improve productivity by taking advantage of online services such as Internet banking. Communication with suppliers, employees and customers can also be handled quickly and efficiently via email.
What if your organisation doesn't have a computer and isn't going to get one?
The amount you spend can be in the order of only hundreds of dollars if you use other people's computers. You may be able to use a friend's or visit a cybercafe to develop your website. Some government-funded organisations, like 
VICNET(4), provide support mechanisms for community organisations developing websites, and also provide some free hosting services.
If you or your organisation is eligible for that type of support, or is in a State or Territory which provides that sort of support, your organisation may be able to have a useful presence on the Internet without owning a computer. There will still be costs incurred in renting time and space on the other computers, and spending time learning how to develop a website.
You can find out more about developing your website in a later Guide(5).
If you are a large organisation
If you are a large organisation it is more likely you would buy more computer capacity, run your own server, and set everything up in-house. These costs can vary from thousands to tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
An option suitable for every size of organisation
The bottom line is that there is an option to suit every budget and every level of expertise. These options are discussed further in a later Guide(6).
Will the Internet affect me?
Almost certainly. With the rate of expansion of the Internet at the moment, this system of communication and provision of services will become a core part of people's lives. It will be as essential as the telephone is today.
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References
- Guide 6 screen 5 http://culture.gov.au/resources/guides/g6/s5.htm
- Guide 2 screen 3 http://culture.gov.au/resources/guides/g2/s3.htm
- Guide 6 screen 3 http://culture.gov.au/resources/guides/g6/s3.htm
- Article about VICNET http://culture.gov.au/articles/1998/03/vicnet.htm
- Guide 7 screen 1 http://culture.gov.au/resources/guides/g7/s1.htm
- Guide 4 screen 1 http://culture.gov.au/resources/guides/g4/s1.htm
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