manuals. G. Online Information     There is a wealth of information and opportunity for small businesses online. All you need is a computer, a modem, an Internet service provider (ISP) and your telephone line. Once you have access to the Web, youll be able to find information on virtually any aspect of running a small business-from raising start-up money to minimizing the tax bill for a profitable business, and everything in between. There are many sites dedicated to small business issues, often with a particular focus such as marketing or management. Its safe to say that no matter what your area of interest, youll be able to find information to suit your needs.     1. Getting Online     Setting up an account with an ISP is a lot like getting telephone or cable TV service. You typically pay a monthly fee (and sometimes a one-time set-up fee) for access to the Internet. Youll usually get an email address with your account, and information on how to send and receive email. Most ISPs provide you with the software necessary to browse the Web-usually Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer-as well as other programs that are used for different Internet applications. Youll set up your software for your computer to dial in to the number provided by the ISP, and once the call goes through, youll be connected. The monthly cost for unlimited hours of access generally runs about $30 or so. Most ISPs also offer cheaper limited access accounts, such as 10 or 20 hours per month, but you will be charged if you exceed those limits of usage.         Most ISPs offer services in a local region, such as in a particular area code. Some ISPs, such as Prodigy, Mindspring or Earthlink, are available nationwide. If you plan to travel a lot, you might consider using a national service that offers an 800 dial-in number or different local numbers for each area code in the country. Look in the yellow pages under headings such as "Internet Service Providers" or "Computer Online Services" for a listing of ISPs available in your area. Or, if you can access the Web at a public library or through a friend, you should be able to find lots of information on ISPs online. A search of Yahoo! (a top search engine) of the term "Internet service provider" will provide links to many sources of information. Youll find Yahoo! online at www.yahoo.com.     2. Where to Find Small Business Information     Navigating the Web for specific information is best learned by experience, but I can provide a few pointers on places to start. Detailed information on browsing the Web can (and does) take up one or more volumes of its own. For more information, see "Resources for Web Research," below.           Resources for Web Research     Books describing the Web and techniques for navigating it can be very helpful, but have the tendency to become outdated alarmingly fast. Below is a list of a few valuable guidebooks, but be sure to check your local bookstore or Amazon.com (www.amazon.com) for updated titles.     The Internet for Dummies, by John R. Levine, Carol Baroudi and Margaret Levine Young (5th ed., IDG Books Worldwide). Gives a good overview of connecting to and using the Internet, including information on picking an ISP, configuring your software for optimum performance and building a basic Web page.