I've been using CompuServe off and on for years. Their new pricing scheme for basic
services makes it more affordable than ever at $7.95/mo. To get the good stuff, like
direct support from Microsoft, other vendors, etc, there are additional charges,
like $6/hr connect time @ 300 baud, $12/hr @ 2400, and they have 9600 available in the
$24/hr range. The charges are billed directly (for another surcharge) or to Visa or MC.
They have a CompuServe Information Manager (CIM) available to put a gui on CIS (Compu-
Serve Information Service). It allows batch up/down load of email. Other good programs
are TAPCIS, available on CIS, that allows fully batch oriented transactions with CIS,
and makes using 9600baud cost effective. There are other programs you can use too,
or just a dumb terminal will work. If you will s-mail me your address, I'll have CIS
mail you a membership request folder to give you an effective 'free' use of basic services for a month or so. Or just call their 800 number (I don't have it with me) and get an ID.
I've liked having national weather reports and radar displays available whenever I want to see them. I saved the graphics GIF files of huricane Andrew at several time intervals over it's life so my son (Andrew) will have something interesting to see later...