Liberal Democrats Online: Getting online

Buying a computer

If you've never bought your own computer before, I suggest you go to a newsagent and buy yourself a computer magazine, such as Personal Computer World, or PC Direct. Many of them have 'Buyers Guides' or reviews of new computers which can help you decide what kind of computer you should buy for yourself.

They also carry ads for big mail-order computer companies such as Dell UK and Gateway UK. Both companies also sell via the internet. I bought one computer from Gateway in 1995 and its replacement from Dell this year, and have been very happy with both of them.

Getting an internet connection

Free internet providers

Some of the better known ones are:

• Freeserve (from Dixons)
• Tesco.net (from Tesco)
• BTClickFree (from British Telecom). You can also call them on 0800 800 001.

If you already have an internet setup, but want to move to a free service, BTClickFree is particularly good, because it doesn't mess around with your previous settings.

CIX

It's not too expensive: at the time of writing, it costs £6.25+VAT per month for CIX Conferencing, this includes 2½ hours internet usage. It's not the cheapest way to access the internet - the free services are cheaper - but it currently the only way to access the party's internal online discussions.

If you choose to join CIX, then email ldbrochure@cix.co.uk with your name and address and they will send you the CD-Rom you need to get onto CIX. They will also send you floppy disks if you ask for them.