Introduction to the Internet and Internet Service Providers (ISP)

Are you ready to view a list of recommended ISP's? Compare what they sell and their prices in relationship to your needs. Shop around! Generally, their basic service should provide you with:

Dial up access - A local phone number you will use to call their computer (Server), it allows you to enter the World Wide Web or go to the area where your e-mail is stored.

Browser Software - Their services include a browser, like Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer. This software allows you to receive your e-mail and browse Web sites. You may have one of these software packages already installed on your computer, or your ISP will mail you one that you can install as part of what you are paying for. Insist that they help you configure that software, so that it will dial your access number for you and have the correct address for your e-mail.

An E-mail address - You will be assigned a special address to receive electronic mail or e-mail at. It is stored on your ISP's Server. You usually pay one fee for Internet access and e-mail. You can purchase extra boxes for other users should you need them. Remember that you are paying for one access, so only one person at a time can get access to their e-mail or the Internet at a time.

Personal Web Page - Some ISP's will offer you space for a web site. They may offer to Host your site for free, offering you what looks like a small amount of space 1-5 MB. Actually that is a good amount of space for almost 50 pages of information, but should you need more, you can pay to upgrade to more space if you need it. Many ISP's offer some free authoring software that you download from their site, so you can create and maintain your new site. Business sites are usually created and maintained by Web Masters or Web Designers.