new to electronic communication needs basic assistance

Invalid command: only I'm new here, too. I just want to know if there is a way to use the internet if you have a modem on a personal computer without the high long distance charges. I am new to the internet and this whole concept of electronic communication, nd just discovered it at the library. I have a computer at home with a modem but don't know how to use it except to send a fax. Can anyone help me? web conference Main Menu