Joyce Kimball and her family have never had a home computer. They carried too hefty a price tag and she wasn't sure she wanted her four children playing on a computer instead of playing outside. But she was curious about the Internet and was beginning to think her kids should have one for school work.

Today, they still don't have a PC, but they're on the Net every day searching out information on their favorite singers, hockey greats and the Titanic.

Mrs. Kimball is one of 15 customers in the Woodstock area participating in a three-month trial of NBTel's network computer service. A network computer is a device that enables people to access the Internet, communicate using e-mail and make use of basic computer applications -- all on their television or using a regular computer monitor.

The unit resembles a small VCR and plugs directly into any television with S-video or RCA inputs, or through a VCR via coaxial cable. It connects directly to a computer monitor.

The network computer is simple and affordable, two key features which will enable more New Brunswickers to enter the computing age and access the Internet.

``The network computer is ideal for people who don't know a lot about computers, don't require advanced features and don't want to invest in a personal computer just to access the Internet and basic computer functions,'' said Gary Lund, NBTel's general manager of future services. ``It's very easy to operate; users simply plug it in and go -- they don't have to worry about software configuration or hard-drive maintenance.''

Unlike a personal computer that is loaded with operating software like Windows, Word or Excel, the network computer gets its ``smarts'' by downloading software on NBTel's network every time they turn it on. Also, all software backups, upgrades and maintenance are done centrally from NBTel's network server. NBTel even manages concerns like viruses.

NBTel network and Internet access is activated with a personal smart card. This card looks like a credit card and provides personalized access to the network by identifying the user and providing security through a personal identification number (PIN).

Once a user inserts the card, the computer automatically places a call to NBTel's computer server for the required operating software. Because the smart card holds personal account information, it can be used in any network computer in the province.

``We will be adding functionality throughout the trial, including basic computing features like e-mail, Web-site bookmarking capabilities, the ability to play RealAudio and a word-processing package,'' said Mr. Lund. ``By the time we launch it to the marketplace this summer, the service will offer all these features on a Pentium-speed network computer with a 33.6 modem.''

Consumers will be able to purchase both the network computer and smart card through an NBTel dealer at a cost of about $500. NBTel will charge a small monthly fee for access to the network, including a yet-to-be-defined amount of space on its network for storing files. ``One of the things this trial will help us determine is how much space customers will require,'' said Mr. Lund.

Source: Canada NewsWire