How can I gain access to the global E-mail community?
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    PC and MODEM. There are several ways an individual with a PC
    and a modem can  connect to the global E-mail community.
    Here are some services for individuals to "plug-in" to the MATRIX
    (The MATRIX is another name for the global E-mail community).
 
    Each of these services has a E-mail 'gateway' to the Internet.
    From the Internet, your E-mail can be routed to a multitude of
    networks around the world.
 
    Note: the following currently reflects North American
    solutions.  A few of the listed services offer connectivity out
    side of North America.  MCImail, Attmail, and PSILink are three
    I know currently offer International options. As information is
    gained from other areas, it will be included.
 
        ATTmail:  Provides commercial E-mail service.  $3 per month
        administrative fee. $.55  - $.95 per OUTGOING message.
        Inbound messages are free.  There is no  charge for the
        time you are connected to the ATTmail network. 1-800 dial-in
        service around North   America and International access.
        Call 1-800-367-7225 for more  information.
 
        COMPUSERVE:  A on-line computer information service.  Has a
        gateway E-mail service to the Internet.  Charges for connect
        time.  Has international dial-up connections in Switzerland,
        United Kingdom, Venezuela, and Germany.  Call 1-800-848-
        8990 for more information.
 
        FIDONET:  FIDONET is a world-wide PC-based "store and
        forward" E-mail network. All one needs is a modem, BBS
        Software and a phone line. A dedicated phone line will make
        you a "node" so that others can call you and deliver mail.
        A non-dedicated phone line will make you a "point" so that
        you can poll your link or other FidoNet nodes for your
        mail. The BBS Software is free for non-commercial use.
        Contact your nearest FidoNet BBS or Tim Pozar at
        (415) 695-7727 . The cost of the feed is usually that of a
        local call.
 
        GENIE: A on-line computer information and E-mail service.
        They have an E-mail gateway to the Internet.  Call 1-800-638-
        9636 for more information.
 
        MCImail:  Provides commercial E-mail service. $35 a year
        and $.45 - $2.00 per OUTGOING message. There is no charge
        for the time you are connected to the MCImail network.
        Inbound messages  are free. 1-800 dial-in service around North
        America and International access. Call 1-800-444-MAIL for
        more information.
 
        PSILink: Provides commercial E-mail, USENET News, and
        FTP Services. A free client software package is included. $19
        one-time connect fee. $29 a month for a PSI BASIC 2400 baud
        connection.  UNLIMITED in- and out-bound mail traffic.  There is
        no  charge for the time you are connected to the PSILink
        network.  Provides International support for many
        countries. Call 1-800-82-PSI-82 for more information.
 
        TIGER MAIL:  E-mail and USENET news service provided by
        JvNCnet. $19 a month with a $36 one time fee.  Has a 1-800
        number to connect, but charges $10 an hour for connect time.
        Call 1-800-35-TIGER for more information.
 
        UUNET: Provides E-mail and USENET News services.  low volume
        dial-up connections available through Compuserve's dial up
        network. Annual cost $300 and charges for connect time
        ($25.00 an hour).  Call 1-800-4UUNET4 for more information.