Internet Service Providers

Now that you have your computer, you will want to connect to the Internet and explore cyberspace.  Here is some information that will help you understand this process.

Connecting to the Internet means having an account with an Internet Service Provider or ISP.  There are many providers who offer different ways of connecting to the Internet and they also offer different prices.

You will hear terms such as broadband and dial-up and may be wondering whether you have stepped into the land of cyber language.  Well, let me put those fears to rest.

Broadband is an Internet  connection that offers high data transmission rates.  DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), ISDN, cable and satellite connections fall into this category.

Dial-up  refers to a connection where the individual actually has to dial a telephone number to gain access to the ISP’s network.  Depending on where you live, you will have to consider the following services:

Dial-up the most common and still one of the cheapest ways to connect. 

When you use your telephone line for Internet access, you will not be able to receive calls or make calls while the line is engaged.  In addition to this, the connection speeds available are slow.

With cable, ISDN, DSL and satellite, you do not have this problem.

Many companies offer dial-up service between $9.95 and $21.95 for a 56k connection.  In some cases, there is a special package that includes an enhanced dial-up service that will make your connection faster.

ISDN—this stands for Integrated Services Digital Network and involves your telephone company installing special cables for service to be available. This connection is faster than dial-up and costs more.

DSL or Digital Subscriber Line-This service also uses your telephone line. Faster than both dial-up and ISDN. If you need this service, you will have to get in touch with your telephone provider to see whether it is available in your area.

Prices start at $25 and go up depending on the service package you are interested in.

Cable —If your cable company is also an ISP, they will be the one to provide you with access to the Internet. Cable is usually a very fast and reliable connection but speeds will vary depending on how many people are connected at the same time to the Internet.

Some packages for cable service begin at $39. I would recommend that you check with your cable company to see what types of packages they offer and what what their prices are.

Satellite — Uses wireless technology to connect to the Internet and the cost can be expensive. You will need to have a satellite dish installed to have service available. Prices can go as high as $150 depending on the package selection.

So which service do you choose. It all depends on what you want to do on the Internet. If you just want to check email and send a few messages, then maybe the dial-up service is for you.

If however you will be downloading music files, sharing digital pictures and other types of files, you definitely want to get broadband service.