| > | | | | good modems and adequate customer support. |
| Article about choosing an Internet Service Provider | | | | Different types of Internet service |
| and types of Internet service. | | | | Dial-up: connects to the ISP using a modem. This is |
| An ISP - Internet Service Provider - is a company | | | | the most basic, slowest and cheapest option. |
| that provides a gateway to the Internet for | | | | DSL: popular high speed internet service. It uses a |
| individuals and companies. In its simplest form, | | | | regular telephone line to connect to the Internet, |
| connecting to the Internet requires a telephone line | | | | however it is faster that dial-up and allows you to |
| to dial up an ISP using a computer and modem. The | | | | access the Internet and use the phone at the same |
| ISP then provides the route onto the Internet. | | | | time. |
| Choosing an Internet Service Provider requires a | | | | Cable: high speed Internet service that uses your TV |
| simple first step. Ask yourself: "What do I want to | | | | cable. |
| use the Internet for?" If you can answer this, you | | | | Satellite: It connects to the Internet using a satellite |
| can then start to work out your requirements. | | | | dish. It is more expensive than other options but |
| Answers to the question "What do I want to use | | | | allows people leaving in isolated areas to access the |
| the Internet for?" can include: | | | | Internet. |
| - How much will I use the Internet each month? | | | | Wireless: Connect to the Internet while you are |
| - What time of day will I use it? | | | | away from home. Allows people to travel with their |
| - Do I need web space? | | | | laptops and access the Internet from hot spots |
| - Is customer support important to me? | | | | worldwide. |
| - How many e-mail addresses will I need? | | | | T1: very high speed internet service special for |
| - Can the ISP support online payments? | | | | businesses. |
| - How much does it cost? | | | | The next step should be to start calling the Internet |
| Another question to ask is How long has the ISP | | | | Service Providers in your area or visiting their |
| been in business? This might not seem important | | | | websites for more information. A good way to find |
| but in this industry ISP’s come and go quite | | | | out about a particular ISP in your area is to ask |
| regularly. Running an ISP requires extensive computer | | | | people who use it or try it yourself. On the Internet |
| knowledge, experience and quality hardware, not to | | | | there are good ISP's directories that you may want |
| mention a reliable line into the Internet, plenty of | | | | to visit as well. |