INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS

Connecting You To The World Wide Web


Internet Service Providers, or ISP's, provide our portal to the Internet. They are the companies through which Internet service is made possible. In order for you to connect to the Internet, you will need to sign up with an ISP. In this article we will cover basic information about ISP's, what they provide for you, what it costs, and some of the major ISP's. Most ISP's can provide you with at least a basic dial up connection, but many of them will also provide cable or dsl as connection types. If you are looking for an Internet Service Provider, either as a first-time user or are looking to change from your current ISP or connection type (i.e. dial up to dsl or cable), you should find basic information here to help you decide on the ISP that meets your needs and your budget. If your funds are limited, we will list ISP's with lower rates. If speed is your interest, we'll list those too. There are many choices available to most Internet users. Read on!


What Services ISP's Can Provide

The minimum services provided by ISP's include access to the Internet and email addresses. Depending on your ISP and the plan you choose with them, you may have unlimited access, or may be limited to a certain amount each month. In the early days of the Internet, it was often very expensive to have unlimited Internet access, compared to plans which limited your online time. Today, most ISP's have done away with their limited accounts and only provide unlimited access. The number of email addresses you are provided with also depends on the ISP. Some will only allow you to have one email address, so if your household consists of more than just you, there are sources for free email accounts, which are covered in a separate article. Many ISP's offer two or more email addresses for your use. You'll need to read the details provided by your ISP of choice to see how many email addresses you may have.

Other services provided by most ISP's include space for your own web site. You may be limited to a certain amount of bandwidth and server space, but if you only want a web site for your personal use, this should be enough. Again, check the details with the ISP you decide to go with to see what those limits are. You can get additional web space elsewhere, which is also covered in a separate article.

You'll also be considering the type of connection offered by ISP's. Your basic choices include dial up, cable, dsl, and satellite. Some ISP's will handle at least two of these connection types. Your choices are limited as to what is available in your area, your online requirements, and your budget. See the next paragraphs for more information on connection types.

Connection Types

  • Dial up connections:
    Are usually the cheapest, although the slowest, connection type. Some areas may not have the fast types available to them. If you are on a tight budget, this is probably the plan for you. One of many drawbacks to dial up connections is that it ties up your telephone line. You cannot make or receive telephone calls while you are on the Internet. In the early days of the Internet, this was all that was available. If you live in a remote area, this may be your only choice. The other main disadvantage is that the connection speed is much slower compared to the other types.
  • DSL
    DSL is sometimes more expensive than cable, so it pays to shop around for a good deal. Advantages of DSL is that it doesn't tie up your phone lines and your connection speed is much better than with dial up. You will need a DSL modem, available from most ISP's. Some will provide one free as part of your dsl plan.
  • Cable
    Another option for high speed access and for not tying up your telephone lines, cable Internet is often available only through the same company which provides your cable service for television viewing. There are other options, which will be reviewed below. You'll also need a special modem, available through your cable Internet provider.
  • Satellite
    Satellite Internet service is the most expensive option, we've seen prices starting at about $50 a month, which is considerably higher than cable or dsl. Satellite Internet is fast, and is often available in locations where dsl or cable isn't available yet.

Some Sources for Internet Providers

Here are our picks for Internet providers, separated into connection type. We tried to select the top choices based on pricing and service. These are by no means all of the available ISP's. There may be some very good ones located in your area, but with the information we provide, you should be able to locate one just right for you.

Dial Up
Our top picks for dial up Internet Services include Juno, PeoplePC, NetZero,and AT&T Yahoo. Prices range from $9.95 per month (Juno & NetZero), to $15.95 for AT&T Yahoo. In addition to connection to the Internet, you can get some extras, too. All provide you with at least one email account, and in the case of AT&T Yahoo, up to 10 email addresses. Most of them have options to upgrade for a little more money, for more services. NetZero also offers a free plan, with a limit of 10 hours monthly for Internet access. Ten hours is a drop in the bucket for online time anymore, but if you need a backup for cable or for travel, this is an excellent choice.

DSL
Top picks for DSL ISP's include Verizon, AT&T Yahoo DSL, Qwest, and Earthlink. Prices range from $14,99 per month for Verizon or AT&T Yahoo, up to $36.99 per month for the fastest speed plan offered by Qwest. Additional features include email accounts, web space, spam filters, pop-up blockers, and virus filters. Of course you can expect speeds much faster than with dial up accounts.

Cable
Top picks for Cable connections include Comcast Cable, Adelphia, CoxCable, and RoadRunner. Most of these were offering promotional discount packages starting as low as $19.95 for the first 6 months at the time this article was written. Prices will be higher for cable, but well worth it if you value your online time and speed and the fact that you are not tying up your telephone line. Other perks include free email accounts, web space, and of course faster downloads.

Satellite
We only noted two satellite ISP's: Hughes Satellite Internet and WildBlue. WildBlue's monthly costs start at $50 per month, while Hughes Satellite Internet's price currently starts at $60 per month. Features include high speec access, email accounts and may include a free satellite modem. Also available in most areas where cable or dsl is not.

Additionally, there may be some fine ISP's in your local area which you should check out as well. We hope we have given you enough information to help you in your decision. As always, we cannot cover everything in one article.


Nowadays there are so many broadband providers and so many packages are available to choose from. With the each coming day wireless internet has become more reliable, faster and cheaper. Introduction of VoIP has proved a path breaking invention in the world of communication. Fast loading of website also depends on web design and most importantly the uptime of your hosting server.

Resource Index

Audio-Video-and-Cameras:
Plasma TV, LCD TV, MP3 Players, TIVO, Satellite TV, Dgitial Cameras, Digital Camcorders, Bose iPod Speakers, Multimedia Projectors, GPS, Blu-ray Disc

Computer and Accessories:
Choosing a Laptop Computer, Computer Memory Upgrade, Copying a Hard Drive, Dual Monitors, Networking Computers, Microsoft Office, PDA's, Cheap Ink/Toner, Color Laser Printers, Multifunction Printers, Scanners, USB Flash Drives, Wireless Printers, Dell computers, Wireless Routers, Wireless G Routers, Wireless N Routers, Laptop Carrying Cases

Computer and Video Games:
Age of Empires III, Battlefield 2

Entertainment:
Online Gambling, Poker, Routlette, Blackjack, Craps and other Online Games, Online Casinos, Movies, Online DVD Rentals, Home Theater Systems , Home Theater Components, HDTV, HDTV Buying Tips, HD Radio, Portable DVD Players, Magazine Subscriptions

Fun-Hobbies:
Tropical Fish, Aquariums, Scrapbooking, Rubber Stamping, Geneology, Geocaching, Soap Making, Candle Making

Legal:
Criminal Defense Attorneys, Tax Attorneys, Lemon Law Protection, Structured Settlements, Investment Fraud, Bankruptcy Attorneys, Personal Injury Attorneys, Family Law

CellPhones-and-Communication
Cell Phones, Cell Phone Carriers, Prepaid Cell Phone Plans, Cell Phone Ringtones, Headsets, VOIP, Cheap Long Distance, iPhone, Blackberry, Bluetooth Technology, SmartPhones

Jobs-Schooling
Online College Degrees, Business Degrees, Home Schooling, Drivers Education, Job Resumes, Online Job Search
Internet:
Cybercrime Prosecution, IE Security, Affordable Web Hosting, Web Hosting, Domain Name Registration, Search Engines, Web Site Design, Internet Mailing Lists, Blogging, Internet Serive Providers, Free Email, Clip Art

Finance and Insurance:
Auto Insurance, Car Insurance Quotes, RV Insurance, General Insurance, Travel Insurance, Business Insurance, Basic Guide to Consolidating Student Loans, Cash Advance Loans, Federal Student Loan Consolidation, Debt Consolidation, Debt Management, Credit Card Debt Consolidation, Free Credit Reports, Home Mortgages, Home Equity Loans, Mortgage Refinancing, Mortgage Rates, Mortgage Companies, Second Mortgages, Mortgage Brokers, Health Insurance, Insurance Quotes, Term life Insurance, Mortgage note buyer, Renter's Insurance, Household Budgeting

Home:
Home improvement, Outdoor Lighting, Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Countertops, Espresso Makers, Food Processors, Coffee Makers, Coffee Grinders, Slow Cookers, Popcorn makers, Blenders, Cutting Boards, Refrigerators, Freezers, Washers & Dryers, Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen & Bathroom Faucets, Bathtubs, House Windows, Closet Organizers, Window Treatments, Hardwood Floors, Carpeting, Home Security, Water Heaters, Water Filters, Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Bamboo Flooring, Portable Air Conditioners, Dehumidifiers, Siding, House Cleaning Services, Home Organization, Vacuum Cleaners, Cannister Vacuum Cleaners, Handcheld Vacuum Cleaners, Upright Vacuum Cleaners, Stick Vacuum Cleaners, Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaners, Furnaces, Fireplace Inserts, Electric Space Heaters, Pellet Stoves, Wood Stoves, Heat Pumps, Buying a used car



Business-Office-Supplies:
Discount Office Supplies, Home Office, Office Furniture, Copiers, Home Business, Business Cards, Business Brochures, Mailing List Companies, Affiliates, Franchises, Business Telephone Systems, Employment Agencies, Call Centers, Fax Machines
Health and Wellness:
Fioricet for Migraine Relief, Online Pharmacies, Phentermine for dieting, Tramadol for Chronic Pain Relief, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Lawyers, Acne Treatment, Contact Lenses, Drug Rehabilitation, Cerebral Palsy, Hair Loss, Hair Loss Products, Human Growth Hormones , Diet Pills, Treadmills, Fragrances, Reducing Cholesterol, Diabetes, Obesity, Arthritis, High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Acid reflux, Cialis, Understanding Depression, Unraveling Diet Plans, Erectile dysfunction, Lipitor, Sleep Loss, Viagra, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Living With Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder

Gifts:
Gift Ideas, Corporate Gifts, Gift Cards, Wristwatches, Replica Watches, Sunglasses, Wholesale Jewelry, Jewelry Boxes, Wedding Gifts, Food Gifts, Books, Music, Flowers, Gift Baskets, Candles & Candleholders, Chocolate & Candy

Sports:
Health Clubs, Home Gyms, Treadmills, Golf, Golf Vacations, Golf Schools, Golf Clubs, Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Basketball

Travel:
Railroad Train Travel, Greyhound Bus Travel, Moving Guide, Rental Cars, Luxury Cruises, Maui Vacation, Spain Travel, Panama Cruise, Mexico Travel, Europe Travel, Disneyland Vacation, Disney World Vacation, Airline Tickets, Las Vegas Vacations, Las Vegas Sights, Las Vegas Entertainment, Las Vegas Dining, Lake Tahoe, Reno Vacations, Grand Canyon Vacation, Alaska Vacation, San Juan Island Vacation, Seattle Vacation, San Francisco Vacation, San Diego Vacation, SeaWorld Vacation, Yellowstone Park Vacation, Los Angeles Vacation, Bed & Breakfasts, Las Cruces New Mexico Vacation, Texas Hill Country Vacation, Columbia River Gorge Vacation, Albuquerque Vacation, New Mexico Vacation, Utah Vacation, Denver Vacation, Carlsbad Caverns, Branson, Missouri, Arizona Vacations, Jackson Wyoming, Skiing Wyoming, Skiing Oregon, Skiing Utah, Skiing Colorado, Skiing California, Skiing Washington State, Skiing Idaho

Yard-and-Garden:
Lawn Care, Patio Furniture, Hot Tubs & Spas, Gazebos, Fences, Decks, Barbeque Grills, Greenhouses, Patios, Sprinkler Systems, Landscape Design, Backyard Ponds, Bird Baths, Hedge Trimmers, String Trimmers, Wheelbarrows and Gardencarts, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Care Tools, Lawn Edgers, Leaf Blowers, Now Blowers, Rakes