What is an ISP?
ISP - Internet service provider is much the same as a telephone company. They provide you the line to make contact to the internet.
The most simple way to get online is to install the disc that usually comes with the ISP you choose. For example: If you sign up with Utility Warehouse for their cheap broadband, they will supply you a disc to install the software and set up all the connection settings for you. The disc will normally explain to you where to plug in wires and what they look like, and at what stage to plug them in. Most pc's have their own modem inside them.
Most ISP's provide broadband - a faster way of getting online than the old dial up system where your machine would dial a number and go through the telephone line.
You will normally pay a fixed monthly fee these days, and have fairly unlimited access.
Some people start off with one provider, then move over when they find a new one.
Tips:
- Set up your own free independent email with someone like gmail or hotmail
- this will save you having to change email addresses later.
- Set your home page on internet explorer (tools, internet options) to something you like or google or msn to avoid marketing and junk
Good / bad things to watch out for:
- Some providers charge a setup fee
- Some have free trial period
- Some charge for different times of the day
- Some limit the amount of free email addresses you can have
- Some give you a little bit of web space
