A.
Online services are managed by a host system that maintains a base of information available to satellite users. Users of so-called "dumb" terminals (i. e., those without processing capability)simply access the information base via programs stored on the system. Personal computer (PC) users typically access the host through a modem (调制解调器). A PC software program serves as an interface (接口)between the server and a PC, allowing the user to operate through the online system and select different databases using a keyboard or a mouse.
B.
National and regional online systems usually have local telephone numbers that PC modems can call to access either a local information base or an indirect long-distance connection, thus reducing long-distance telephone fees. Some online systems allow users ’to copy large volumes of information onto a local memory storage device, which also reduces the time the user is connected to the online system.
C.
Besides offering a great number of different information based, ranging from full-text journal li- braries to reports of missing children, online services allow users to, for example, reserve airline tick- ets, buy stocks, purchase goods, and communicate with other users. In exchange for the service, users usually pay a monthly membership fee. They may also pay to connect to various databases on the service or to download information.