How to Choose an ISP
Once you've had a taste of the Internet and all it has to offer, you will want to stay connected. To make an online connection you need an Internet Service Provider (ISP). This is the company that provides your hook-up to the Internet. Whether you are choosing your first ISP or searching for a better or cheaper one, finding the right service provider can be a challenge.
First you will want to decide what type of Internet service you want to use. There are basically two types. A dial-up connection that uses your current telephone line to connect to the Internet has many drawbacks. It is the slowest type of service. It ties up your telephone line unless you install an extra line or a device to notify you when a call comes in while you are online. It can take several minutes to make a connection. The only advantage of dial-up service is the cost. It is the cheapest way to get on the Internet. So dial-up service may be an option if cost is an important factor or if you only plan to use the Internet on an occasional basis.
For those of you who want to go online regularly and don't mind spending more, broadband Internet access is the way to go. It is fast, doesn't tie up your telephone line, and is "always on" so you don't have to wait for the telephone to dial and connect. When your computer is on, the Internet is instantly available to you. There are three popular types of broadband connections: DSL, cable, and satellite. To learn more about each of these read my Moving to Broadband article.
For more general information about the different types of Internet connections, read How to Differentiate Between Internet Connections.
Once you have decided which type of connection you want, it is time to start your search for an ISP. An Internet Service Provider can be a company like Earthlink or America Online. These are dedicated ISPs that are only in the Internet business. It can also be a telephone company like Sprint, or a cable company like Time Warner. Dedicated ISPs and telephone companies can provide both dial-up and broadband service while cable providers generally only provide broadband cable connections. First check with your own cable service provider and telephone company. Call or visit their Web sites to compare prices and service. Then check out any dedicated Internet Service Providers. You can often locate local service providers through ads in your local newspaper. You can find national service providers by searching the Internet and/or computer-related magazines and material.
While price is important, don't choose an ISP based solely on the amount that it charges or you may be disappointed when you cannot get online or get help. In choosing an ISP you should not underestimate the importance of the quality of service and the availability of good support. Often the only way to evaluate these services is to get the opinion of and learn from the experiences of others. So talk to your friends, relatives, and neighbors. See if they are happy with their ISP.
Web sites like Broadband Reports at www.broadbandreports.com will help you figure out what services are available in your area and also have message boards where people tell about their experiences, often praising or condemning their broadband services. Reading these individual reviews is an eye-opening experience that you will want to have before you decide which service you want to use.
When investigating Internet Service Providers you will want to find out what actually comes with your account. Most provide the software you need and will help you set up your computer so that you can make the Internet connection for the first time. Many have toll-free numbers and unlimited technical support. Two things that can vary are the number of e-mail accounts the service provides and the amount of Web storage space that comes with your account. If you are getting a dial-up connection, you will need a modem in your computer (most of today's computers have them pre-installed). To use a broadband connection you will need an external cable or DSL modem. This is usually provided and owned by the ISP and is provided as part of the service, but sometimes there is an additional charge for equipment. So be sure to ask about the equipment. Except for an inexpensive telephone cord, there is no installation cost for a dial-up connection. You simply hook your computer up to your telephone line. Installation for broadband connections is more complicated and must be provided by the ISP. Installation costs can also vary; another thing to check out.
If you travel, be sure that the Internet service you are considering provides dial-up access that you can use without long distance charges, just in case you want to check your e-mail while you are away. When comparing broadband service, be sure to check the amount of upload and download bandwidth that each service provides. Also, be aware that sometimes you can get very similar services by two different companies. For instance, if you are in an area serviced by Time Warner cable, the Earthlink Internet service will use the Time Warner backbone for your service. So the physical service will actually be identical. However, the Earthlink cable and the Time Warner Road Runner, the Time Warner cable Internet service, may offer different prices, different installation charges, and different incentives, so you will want to compare them.
The contract that you agree to is also important. Are you signing up for a certain period of time? Can the service be terminated without penalty? Remember, when deciding which company to use for your Internet service, customer service, availability, quality, and responsiveness is very important. There is certainly a lot to investigate when choosing an ISP, but a thorough scrutiny of the ISP and the services they offer will help you make an informed decision that will make you smile for months to come.
source:http://www.aarp.org
First you will want to decide what type of Internet service you want to use. There are basically two types. A dial-up connection that uses your current telephone line to connect to the Internet has many drawbacks. It is the slowest type of service. It ties up your telephone line unless you install an extra line or a device to notify you when a call comes in while you are online. It can take several minutes to make a connection. The only advantage of dial-up service is the cost. It is the cheapest way to get on the Internet. So dial-up service may be an option if cost is an important factor or if you only plan to use the Internet on an occasional basis.
For those of you who want to go online regularly and don't mind spending more, broadband Internet access is the way to go. It is fast, doesn't tie up your telephone line, and is "always on" so you don't have to wait for the telephone to dial and connect. When your computer is on, the Internet is instantly available to you. There are three popular types of broadband connections: DSL, cable, and satellite. To learn more about each of these read my Moving to Broadband article.
For more general information about the different types of Internet connections, read How to Differentiate Between Internet Connections.
Once you have decided which type of connection you want, it is time to start your search for an ISP. An Internet Service Provider can be a company like Earthlink or America Online. These are dedicated ISPs that are only in the Internet business. It can also be a telephone company like Sprint, or a cable company like Time Warner. Dedicated ISPs and telephone companies can provide both dial-up and broadband service while cable providers generally only provide broadband cable connections. First check with your own cable service provider and telephone company. Call or visit their Web sites to compare prices and service. Then check out any dedicated Internet Service Providers. You can often locate local service providers through ads in your local newspaper. You can find national service providers by searching the Internet and/or computer-related magazines and material.
While price is important, don't choose an ISP based solely on the amount that it charges or you may be disappointed when you cannot get online or get help. In choosing an ISP you should not underestimate the importance of the quality of service and the availability of good support. Often the only way to evaluate these services is to get the opinion of and learn from the experiences of others. So talk to your friends, relatives, and neighbors. See if they are happy with their ISP.
Web sites like Broadband Reports at www.broadbandreports.com will help you figure out what services are available in your area and also have message boards where people tell about their experiences, often praising or condemning their broadband services. Reading these individual reviews is an eye-opening experience that you will want to have before you decide which service you want to use.
When investigating Internet Service Providers you will want to find out what actually comes with your account. Most provide the software you need and will help you set up your computer so that you can make the Internet connection for the first time. Many have toll-free numbers and unlimited technical support. Two things that can vary are the number of e-mail accounts the service provides and the amount of Web storage space that comes with your account. If you are getting a dial-up connection, you will need a modem in your computer (most of today's computers have them pre-installed). To use a broadband connection you will need an external cable or DSL modem. This is usually provided and owned by the ISP and is provided as part of the service, but sometimes there is an additional charge for equipment. So be sure to ask about the equipment. Except for an inexpensive telephone cord, there is no installation cost for a dial-up connection. You simply hook your computer up to your telephone line. Installation for broadband connections is more complicated and must be provided by the ISP. Installation costs can also vary; another thing to check out.
If you travel, be sure that the Internet service you are considering provides dial-up access that you can use without long distance charges, just in case you want to check your e-mail while you are away. When comparing broadband service, be sure to check the amount of upload and download bandwidth that each service provides. Also, be aware that sometimes you can get very similar services by two different companies. For instance, if you are in an area serviced by Time Warner cable, the Earthlink Internet service will use the Time Warner backbone for your service. So the physical service will actually be identical. However, the Earthlink cable and the Time Warner Road Runner, the Time Warner cable Internet service, may offer different prices, different installation charges, and different incentives, so you will want to compare them.
The contract that you agree to is also important. Are you signing up for a certain period of time? Can the service be terminated without penalty? Remember, when deciding which company to use for your Internet service, customer service, availability, quality, and responsiveness is very important. There is certainly a lot to investigate when choosing an ISP, but a thorough scrutiny of the ISP and the services they offer will help you make an informed decision that will make you smile for months to come.
source:http://www.aarp.org
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