Number 221 - October 2001
Prepaid Internet Access
by Linda Barchmen Quad Cities Computer Society August 2001
    My husband and I have an old computer in Boone, IA. Boone is just Northwest of Des Moines but we were not able to locate any free Internet services that had a local number in that area. After checking the local ISP's and finding out they were at least $20 a month we weren't sure how to go about having Internet access. That monthly fee was too expensive for an old computer that we basically wanted to use for email and minor Internet use.

    Then I read about a company called Slingshot that sells a CD with prepaid Internet access. It is $10 for the initial setup program and that includes 600 minutes of access if you have a local access number or 200 minutes if you need to use the toll-free number.

    Installation is simple, put the CD in and a wizard guides you through the process. We needed the Win 95 CD because we didn't have dial-up networking on the computer. It automatically searched for a local number and when it couldn't find one set it up for the toll-free number. As new as this is, it had to update some files but even using a 28k connection it took less than 2 minutes
    The nice thing is there are no banners or ads on the screen. They have an excellent website that covers FAQ's, installation, email, and how to buy more minutes. Customer support is available online or through an 800 number. The website is www.slingshot.com.

    You buy the CD once and it is available at Staple's. When you run out of time you go back to Staple's and buy a prepaid card or go to the website to buy time using a credit card.

    If you travel and need Internet access this might be the answer.

TOGGLE Editor's Note:
    This sounds like a good idea for those of you who are retired and on the road. This might include snowbirds who head for the southern states during the winter months. Many, of course, simply exchange one "permanent" residence for another for six months--so contract with a local ISP for Internet access. However, this article may be just the ticket for those of you with itchy feet who are constantly on the move. By planning ahead, you can check out availability of Staples stores where you are going to ensure availability of renewal cards--or, alternatively, stock up before you leave.
  Number 221 - October 2001