How to Choose an Internet Provider Computers and the Internet have become an indispensable part of our lives over the past decade. Unfortunately, a computer without the Internet is like a man with two broken legs. He's alive, but he's not going to be able to get anywhere very fast. Luckily, there are many options for connecting to the Internet these days. The way to do this is to choose an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Let's review some of the things you should think about when deciding which ISP to choose. BROADBAND VS. DIALUP The most basic consideration is whether you want broadband Internet or dialup Internet. Basically, dialup Internet access is cheap and slow, while broadband is faster and more expensive. In the old days, dialup was the only option we had. With dialup, you connect to the Internet through your existing land line telephone wire. Dialup service is as little as $10 per month and is a great option if you just want to check email and browse your favorite Web sites from time to time. If you'd like to do other things on the Internet, like play games, watch videos or listen to music, a broadband connection is recommended. Further, many Web sites nowadays are designed with the assumption that users will have a fast Internet connection. If you are using dialup and you visit one of these sites, your Internet experience can be frustrating. Also, many people nowadays are eschewing land line telephones in favor of cellphones. If this applies to you, then broadband may be your only option. CABLE/DSL/SATELLITE Many people get confused when it comes to DSL vs. cable vs. satellite Internet. While there are a lot of opinions out there, the reality is that they are all quite similar in terms of user experience. DSL Internet is provided through your telephone landline, so a telephone number is often required. Cable Internet is served via the coaxial cable system that is usually used to bring you cable television. Satellite March 2011 Internet requires a satellite dish, and is usually provided by companies that sell satellite TV services. Which one you choose is largely an individual choice. Depending on the area in which you live, one or more of these option may not be available. People who live in rural areas may only have the choice of satellite service. CUSTOMER SUPPORT You might need some help setting up your Internet service. Sometimes there can be a glitch in your Internet service and it stops working. When these things happen, you want to make sure you have an Internet service provider that responds well to customer problems and difficulties. You don't want to have to wait on hold for hours while you try to talk to a representative. The best way to find out which companies have the best customer service is to do a little research. Talk to your neighbors to see if they are happy with the service they are getting. Read some reviews and customer reports of the companies you are thinking about choosing. PACKAGE DEALS Sometimes you can get a discount on your Internet service by buying it in a package with other services. For example, your cable company probably offers a discount if you buy both cable TV and cable Internet from them. Your phone company probably offers a discount if you buy both phone service and DSL Internet from them. The same is true of your satellite TV service. If you already use one of these services, this could influence who you choose to deliver your Internet as well. Keep an eye on local ads to see who is offering special deals and packages. High speed. High reliability. There's nothing like Bresnan OnLine. With download speeds up to 5x faster than DSL, it's the fastest connection available. High Speed Packages: Connect instantly and get speedy downloads of music, movies and games. Bresnan Online Speed Plus: Get up to 18 Mbps downloads and 1 Mbps uploads, that are up to 12x faster than DSL! WiFi@Home: Have more than one computer in the house? Get Bresnan Wifi@Home and stay connected to the web, not the wall. It allows you to connect multiple computers to one network without any wires. Everyone can get online quickly, easily and at the same time! Security Features: FREE CA Internet Security Suite Plus 2010 keeps you secure (A $69.99 value!). It helps prevent theft of personal data, stops viruses and spyware, blocks spam, hackers and more. Bresnan Safety Net: Bresnan recognizes that not all television programming and/or Internet sites are suitable for every member of your family. However, when provided with a safety net filled with facts, resources and Bresnan’s unique array of fun and informative events and initiatives, parents and children can enjoy a safer, more educational and fun digital world. Choosing an Internet service provider can seem like a confusing and daunting task. But by educating yourself on the basics and asking around, you'll find that it is no big deal, and soon you'll be surfing the information superhighway with the rest of us. www.havredailynews.com 40