Benefits of Internet Access

Though the Internet has been around for many years, some people still do not use Internet service very often. If you are asking your self if you should get home Internet service, consider these benefits of Internet access.

Communication

You can communicate with friends, family members and businesses through email. Email is obviously much quicker than actually writing a letter and sending it through the mail. You can instantly send letters, notes, photos, videos and audio through email.

Research

If you are furthering your education, researching for work or just curious about new ideas and information, you will find an endless supply of information on nearly every subject on the Internet.

Networking

You can join message boards, social networks and business groups where you can interact online with people who have your same interests from around the world.

Online Shopping

One of the big conveniences of using the Internet is online shopping. You no longer have to go to the store to shop. From groceries to cars, you can shop in the comfort of your own home without the pressure or influence of salesmen. You can research completely before you make major purchases and make small purchases almost instantly.

Much More

You can use the Internet for a multitude of other things from promoting your own business to playing online games. If you currently do not have Internet access at home, you can try it out at a very low cost and decide if it's worth your while.

Choosing Dial-Up Internet Service

Dial-up Internet service is the most affordable choice of any type of Internet service. This option may be ideal for families on a budget, seniors and others who do not use the Internet very often.Because it's cheaper than other Internet services, dial-up is also not as functional. The speed is considerably slower than cable, DSL or satellite Internet service. The major lag is in how long dial up takes to connect to the Internet. Depending on your connection, it could take anywhere from 20 seconds to several minutes.

Also, because dial-up uses a telephone line, you may need to have a separate line for your Internet service. In the past, if you used your normal phone line and were on the Internet, you would be disconnected if a telephone call came in.In recent years, many dial-up Internet service providers have offered features that allow you to stay on the Internet and be alerted when someone is trying to call you.Another problem with dial-up is that the connection can be dropped while you are browsing the Internet.

This can become very frustrating if you are doing research or are in the middle of a project.

Making a Decision Between Cable and DSL

How do I choose between cable and DSL?

If you move into a new neighborhood or are upgrading from dial-up, you may find yourself choosing between cable and DSL Internet service. In many areas, cable and DSL are relatively the same speed and same price. In order to make a decision between cable and DSL, there are several things you should consider.

What's Available

First and foremost, find out what the cable and DSL options are in your neighborhood. Oftentimes if you are too far from the company office, you will not even be able to get DSL. If you have the option of both cable and DSL, you will need to continue your research.

Ask Your Neighbors

The best source of information is people in your neighborhood who already are using the service. Find out if they are happy with the customer service, speed and cost of their Internet service.

Compare Prices

The decision may just come down to which service will be cheaper. Call each company and ask about their monthly rates. Be sure to inquire about any promotional deals and Internet packages that may lower the cost. Don't forget about possible installation charges. Mention on the phone that you are trying to decide between different ISPs. That may prompt the company to give you a discount if you sign up with them.

Contract Terms

Many providers will want you to sign a one-year contract, while others will let you use their service on a month-to-month basis. Also, ask about the cancellation process and any fees involved. Read the contract very carefully before agreeing to terms.

Choosing an Internet Service Provider

When comparing Internet service providers, you should consider a variety of factors about each potential ISP. Decide which of the following factors are the most important to you before making your final decision.

Monthly Cost

Set a budget on how much you want to spend on your Internet service. Cost can range from a few dollars a month for the cheapest dial up service to hundreds of dollars for the top-of-the-line Internet service connection.

Internet Speed

For some people who work from home or otherwise spend a lot of time on the Internet, speed is very important. For others who use the Internet rarely, speed may not be an issue. Dial-up is the slowest type of Internet service, while cable and DSL are much faster.

24-Hour Support

The Internet service provider should have a 24-hour customer service line with technical support. If they don't, strongly consider another provider. Some companies only offer live support during business hours.

Customer Service Response

Call the customer service line before you sign up for the service to ask some basic questions. How long did you wait on hold? How do the representatives treat you during the call?

Billing Options

Find out if you can pay your bill with automatic monthly deductions from your checking account or credit/debit card. Can you pay and review your bill online? Do they charge extra if you want a paper copy of your bill?

Email Addresses

Many providers give their customers a free email address. How many email addresses do you get per account? Do they offer free virus protection or spam blockers?

Four Basic Types of Internet Service

Finding our which Internet service providers are available in your area and comparing these options is often the best way to decide which ISP is right for you. Here is some basic information about each of the major types of Internet service to get you started.

Dial-up

Dial-up Internet service uses a telephone line. Though dial-up is inexpensive, it's also much slower than the other options and you have to wait while it connects.

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)

DSL is an instaneous connection. It creates a data delivery system through your existing phone line to give you access to the Internet. You will need to have a modem installed, but major providers offer free installation packages.

Cable

Like DSL, cable Internet service is always on. You will need to have a cable modem installed from a cable TV provider in your area. You can oftentimes get package deals with other cable services. Many times you can get free installation.

Satellite

Satellite Internet service is a good option if you live in a rural area or other location without DSL or cable options. It uses satellite stations in space to connect to the Internet. You must have a receiver installed; installation can be several hundred dollars.