Connecting Using ISP and How To Choose An ISP

An ISP, or Internet Service Provider, is a company that provides you with a point of access to the Internet. When you connect to your ISP, your computer (or your own network) becomes an extension of the Internet itself whilst you remain connected.

Dial-up:

If you only want to use the internet every now and then, do not mind waiting a few minutes to connect and disconnect each time you want to use the internet, and do not need wireless access, then dial-up may be right for you. Dial-up can also be a good option for those who are traveling and want to occasionally check email or browse some web pages. Keep in mind that you need access to a land-line telephone service in order to use Dial-up.

Broadband:

Taking the time to find yourself a good broadband Internet service is key if you are looking for something reliable at a reasonable rate. A cheap broadband Internet service however, may not always mean a good one. Narrow down your search on a number of well-established, reputable companies that provide broadband Internet services.

Once you've got signed up for your broadband Internet service, you will find the world at your fingertips, literally. This is because your broadband Internet connection will give you almost limitless access to a wealth of information and cheap online products and services.

What you will need to understand is that the speed of your broadband Internet service will depend greatly on the type of package your sign up for. Certain packages may appear cheaper but on hindsight, they might limit your Internet access (in terms of connection speed). An even less expensive alternative to a broadband Internet service is a dial-up service, which will also give you access to the Internet.

With the large variety of Internet service providers, it may sometimes be difficult to make a decision on the perfect one for you. As mentioned above, you should narrow down your choices to include only those reputable companies. Take special note of these, as sometimes they will also offer special promotional packages that will give you a good deal on your Internet service.

Having a clear idea of what you require will make it inherently easier to find your ideal broadband Internet service. If you're required to spend a great deal of online time, you may find that having a high speed connection is a priority. Remember that this requirement will also require a greater budget commitment than an Internet connection with a slower speed.

Once you've chosen your choice broadband Internet service, you will most likely be required to sign a contract with them. Make sure you read these with care as you may have to make a long or short-term commitment to the service provider you sign up with because if you decide mid-contract to switch providers, you may end up paying a hefty penalty fee.

Mobile:

You can also connect to the Internet via certain mobile phones or satellite phones. Some mobile phones let you browse web sites and read email directly with your phone using WAP. WAP (wireless application protocol) is a protocol that allows mobile phones and some PDAs to access parts of the Internet.

Some mobile phones allow you to use them as a modem to connect to your ISP. This can be via a regular mobile phone connection or the much faster GPRS technology. GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) is a wireless communication service based on GSM communication. It delivers effective data rates up to 50 Kbps and continuous connection to the data services for mobile phone and computer users, as well as telematics applications. The higher data rates allow users to send multimedia messages, and interact with multimedia Web sites and similar applications using mobile handheld devices as well as notebook computers.