What is the cheapest way to access the internet?

With your own equipment

[Jane_Doe]

For someone who doesn't do much with computers except check email and maybe check the weather, what would be the cheapest, most basic piece of equipment to buy? (Other than a full desk top because this person doesn't have a lot of space.)

[Dabrowski]

Do you mean you don't have a computer at all?

If you live in the UK, lots of people will give you broadband for free, Sky, Orange, Carphone Warehouse for example.

If you don't have a computer, you can go to AOL, for 20 quid per month they'll give you broadband, wireless router so you can access it, and a free laptop too. Must have a BT line.

Although I would advise switching to a free provider as soon as the minimum contract is up.

[topr8]

well you can collect emails from a cellphone.

but i imagine the cheapest laptop you can find would be what i would recommend to my friend if i was you.

[encyclo]

Cheapest long-term is not necessarily the cheapest short-term. If they have no space, look for a cheap new or refurbished laptop, otherwise a slim-lime desktop with a flat-screen monitor. Make sure the OS is still supported - this means Windows XP or Linux (if you have any experience with that).

Then use a simple "pay-as-you-go" dial-up plan - avoid anything which requires a monthly contract, and avoid AOL or anything else where you have to install specific software to make things work. Make sure you set up their email elsewhere than with their ISP, so there's no tie-in - Gmail will do just fine.

[Dabrowski]

What encyclo says about the email is spot on. That way if/when you change provider you don't have to email everyone you ever knew with your new address.

But if you live in the UK, please see my last post, there is no need for anyone here to pay for a broadband connection.

[RandomDot]

Buy a computer most people would categorize as an "antiquity" with the capability of a network card. You can get them very, very, very cheap.

Then find the cheapest, low-cost internet provider in your area, which is based on usage of the line as in 1$/gb or whatever is available. Sign up - but read the terms and notice fees and such first though. (calculator is a good investment)

Or, if any of your neighbors have a wireless network, invite them for coffee and discuss the option of you getting access to their network, and make a not-for-profit-but-for-coffee deal with them in whatever devious way you can think of...

Sincerely, and have fun

[Jane_Doe]

Okay, thanks for all the good suggestions.