Capital Region Information Service of New York
E-mail: support@knick.net

About the Web

CRISNY has adopted the Internet's World Wide Web as the system for delivering information since it has become the standard for networked information delivery. Its main features are the use of graphics to enhance the appearance of text and "links" that make it easy to move from any location on a Web page to any other Web page no matter where in the world it is located. The Web can be accessed by using one of many available and easy to use Web browsers or via character-based software for people whose computers cannot handle graphics.

Once posted, information can be viewed by anyone with access to the Internet -- a CRISNY account is not required. Because the Web has become the standard for networked information, tools for preparing material for the Web are becoming increasingly available and easy to use. We hope you will find that, with very little training, your staff can readily create their own Web pages. Unless services of the CRISNY staff are required, there is no additional charge for Web pages.

If help is needed or if agencies wish to provide services that require programming, such as making information searchable, using databases or providing for interactivity, CRISNY can recommend paid consultants who will charge appropriate fees. However, a key part of the challenge of the Web is to learn how to use its many powerful resources on your own. Additionally, there are many sources for mentors within your community, including higher education institutions.

The World Wide Web offers access to an incredible amount of information of all kinds along with exciting opportunities to communicate with people anywhere -- across the street and around the world. In many ways, the Web is like a huge library of resources, and, just as with any new library experience, instruction, guidance, and monitoring are necessary. Governments and agencies will need to develop and implement strategies to ensure responsible use of the Web. The Web, used correctly, presents a superb opportunity to involve all members of the community in a new and profoundly exciting learning experience.

CRISNY can provide this free service to the community because it has established a "mixed resource" financing plan to raise the revenues necessary to pay its expenses. The "mix" includes modest fees for individual subscribers, market-competitive fees for commercial users, and fees for other related revenue-generating products and services.

Help build this great new community resource by establishing a dynamic presence on CRISNY today.

We'll look forward to seeing you on the Web!

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