CANADIAN MUSICIAN ONLINE - March/April 1997

Internet On The Road - March 1997

If you are a working musician or involved in the music industry, you probably spend a lot of your life travelling. If you have come to depend on the Internet for communication and information, being without it will make you feel naked. If you have a notebook, you can add an internal or external modem or a PCMCIA modem. Installing the same software as on your computer at home or office, will give you the same capabilities on the road. To avoid long distance charges, you will need to set up an account with a national provider such as Sympatico, iStar, Netcom or ACC Netmedia or an on-line service such as AOL or Compuserve. This will give you local dial-up access across Canada and in some cases in the USA or abroad. Some local providers offer 800 service but it is generally very expensive. Many of the palmtop computers are equipped to provide e-mail capabilities and the newer models running a version of Windows 95 will give you access to the Web. Satellite and wireless access to the Internet are available as well at a greater cost. If you're not carrying a computer, you can visit one of the Cybercafes located in most major cities around the world. For as little as $10.00 an hour you can rent an Internet-ready Mac or PC in comfortable surroundings with food and drink. Most computers are also equipped with other software such as word processing, spreadsheets and graphics and are connected to a laser printer. Since you are connected to the Cybercafe's mail server, you will need to change the mail server in the browser's mail preferences to your mail server back home to retrieve your own mail. Make sure you change it back to the way you found it when you are done. You can find a list of Cybercafes worldwide at http://www.easynet.co.uk/pages/cafe/ccafe.htm. Many of Kinko's Copies locations across Canada and the U.S.A. are offering Internet access and some hotels are offering the service as well. With a little advance preparation and some resourcefulness, you don't have to leave home without your connection to the Internet.

Soundcraft Online is the Internet source for a guide to Soundcraft and its sister companies in the Harman International Group. Featured are product information, user lists, press releases, distributor lists and product support. Visit at http://www.soundcraft.com.
Roland Canada has premiered its own website at http://www.rolandca.com. Information on their wide range of products, an online magazine, company information and links to other music-related sites are available at this well-designed site. Information is presented in both English and French.
Carver Professional amplifiers has introduced their website at http://www.carverpro.com. Featured are product information, press releases, a what's new section and technical support.
One the best surprises of the recent NAMM Show in January was the introduction of the Music 101 site. Mostly focused on guitar, the site offers on-line lessons, interactive help with chords and scales and sessions with world-class guitarists such as Christopher Parkening. Instruction on other instruments will follow in the next few months. Visit Music 101 at http://www.music101.com.
Toronto-based retailer Saved by Technology has moved its website to the Music & Audio Connection (http://maac.com/music) Browse their range of products, services and technical support in the Company Showcase or in The Music & Audio Mall.
For a great selection of hotels worldwide including description, photos, rates and contact information, visit The Hotel Guide at http://www.hotelguide.ch.
Norris-Whitney Communications operates The Music & Audio Connection, the international on-line resource for music- enthusiasts, musicians, music and audio professionals. Included are artist listings, free classified ads, products for sale, company showcases, music and audio resources, career information, music humour, discussion forums and file libraries. Drop by and visit at http://www.musicandaudio.com.