A guide aimed at demystifying the process of getting connected to the internet on the Island has been published by the Computer Society of Bermuda (CSB).

The guide offers advice on which service to choose for different categories of internet user — light e-mailers, regular web surfers and gamers — how much different internet services cost and their different speeds.

The Society, a non-profit organisation established to encourage computer literacy, said the guide was a response to what it saw as a change in the definition of a computer user.

"Without question, when you say computer you think internet," CSB director Donny Moniz said. "The Computer Society has acknowledged the change in what is defined as a computer user, recognising the lines have been blurred. Before it was someone who had a hard drive, monitor, keyboard and mouse. Now, anyone that uses devices to process data and information in any medium — desktop, smart phone, game console — can be called a computer user. As a result, we had to look beyond the device and place some attention on how users were able to access computer services that are now commonplace around the world."

The guide classifies a light e-mailer as someone who spends less than 15 minutes per day at the computer. For these people, the guide recommends a cellular wireless service, at $99 a month. Advantages of this type of service include that it is available anywhere on the Island, there is a choice of all-in-one modem router box or a laptop card.

A regular web surfer is classed as someone who likes watching video clips online, sending pictures and who might use an internet phone service and who might spend an hour a day on the computer. The guide recommends a cable modem service with any internet service provider (ISP), offering two megs of service, at $134.95 a month. A gamer is described as someone who subscribes to "live" services and spends an "inordinate amount of time on the web". It recommends a two-meg service from an ISP that does not charge overage fees or have volume caps.

In explaining its recommendations, the guide compares cable modem to DSL, arguing that cable has a lower monthly price, although switching costs are also a factor in making a choice.

It also explains the difference between cellular, fixed and mobile wireless and gives contact information for ISPs, classed by the technologies they offer.

Last years the CSB produced a report on Bermuda internet service delivery and value, called the '2 Meg Effect'. The guide is a follow-up to that report.

The guide aims to "help any computer user — regardless of computer expertise or income level — make choices that are most appropriate for them".

The guide is available to the public at: www.csb.bm.