CRABBING ON THE INTERNET

Maryland will become the first state next month to offer all its residents free access to the Internet -- a $2 million public enterprise that dwarfs scattered, community-based efforts in cities like Cleveland, Ohio, and Washington. For just the cost of the phone call, Marylanders will be able to connect via modem with a government-run "gopher" site. (AOL offers access to the Internet through a similar gopher system.) THREATENED ON THE INTERNET: A college student pleaded guilty Thursday to sending an electronic- mail message to President Clinton that said, "One of these days, I'm going to come to Washington and blow your little head off." Matthew M. Thomas, 19, admitted he used his former roommate's name and Social Security number last year to send electronic messages to the White House. Thomas faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.