The cost of registration for the shell account is Rs 500 and the fees are Rs 5000 for 500 hours, per year -- which ever is earlier. This gives you a basic character mode interface through which you can browse the Internet and use all services that VSNL allows access to. It is functional, but takes longer to learn. Also you can't see the graphics or hear audio online, but can download both.

For TCP/IP Account, charges are Rs 500 for registration and depending upon the Table one selects, charges are as mentioned in the box. For additional requirement, which ever is earlier for every slab of 20 hours the charge is Rs 30 per hour. This kind of account gives a graphical interface. It is `All-mouse-clickable' and easy to learn. In terms of hardware one needs a personal computer, modem (a nifty device that enables date from one computer travel to another over the phone lines), a phone line, a 386 with 1 MB RAM is OK for shell access but for TCP/IP account 4 to 8 MB RAM is recommended for running Netscape and the like. The modem used should be an error correcting 14.4 kbps, even though the actual connects will most often be slower.

You also need software. For a shell account something like Telix or Procomm and for TCP/IP account a copy of Netscape and Trumpet Winsock is needed.

Use Netscape on TCP/IP account and Lynx on shell account and just start visiting web Sites. Just get to Lycos and search for `newbie' or download FAQ'S (Frequently Asked Questions.) So which account should you opt for? If your requirement is basic E-mail do not even consider TCP/IP account. The E-mail facilities of VSNL are pretty good even at shell account levels, and definitely beats taking an account with a commercial E-Mail vendor like Sprint, Xee, Eartmail or Axcess, that charges on a per message basis and does not have very reliable international E-mail services or at least very slow International E-mail delivery as compared to VSNL's.

Besides you don't have to pay for incoming mail. The shell account is a great and less expensive introduction. If you are familiar with Internet, and have the need to go beyond the functionality, then consider TCP.

If you buy a low price-low quality modem you are likely to have a difficult time online with VSNL.

Surat has already received the node and this service will be operational any time now providing joy and excitement of using Internet facility from Surat itself.

So now that you are all fired up to get online we would now return with the how to win friends and influence people -- the internet way.