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