Choosing an Internet Service Provider
Many computer users are keen to improve their internet access speed yet are unsure as to how to choose a broadband internet service provider (ISP). This is entirely understandable given the wealth of packages and monthly costs available and the heavyweight marketing campaigns of the major players. So, is DSL or cable better? Which ISP is best? Does area make a difference? It takes quite a bit of research to find an ISP that meets both your needs and your budget.

Tips for Choosing an ISP
1. The most important criteria to apply to a potential ISP is whether or not it offers service in your geographical area. Many people assume that because a broadband provider is a 'major player' they must have coverage in all areas. Not so. Most ISPs' websites will include a coverage map or allow you to search by post code or dialling code. There are also a number of broadband service resellers who can perform the checks for you. Some of them will allow you to compare several ISPs in your area in detail.

2. The price of your ISP is very important. Clearly you need a provider within your budget. To do that, you need to compare ISPs based on how you plan to use the internet:-
  • A. If you enjoy online games played in real time or if you want to download videos, music, games, and software, the connection speed is very important. The faster, the better! But remember that speed comes at a price.
  • B. If you have more than one computer at home, you are likely to want a home network, possibly with several email accounts. But, remember that email accounts can be obtained at no cost from sources such as Yahoo and Google so this shouldn't be the main determinant.
  • C. For a family with children and teenagers, parental controls are a must. Most major ISPs offer some help in this area but again remember there are third party software applications and services if your ISP cannot provide these.
  • D. Also, compare the entertainment packs offered by each ISP - many will include access to various forms of online entertainment including perhaps gaming, free downloads and so-on.
  • E. Be sure that the ISP you choose provides free virus protection, pop-up blockers, and anti-spam programs.
3. High speed, broadband internet access may make your computer more vulnerable to hackers. You will need a good firewall program or the inclusion of a broadband modem / router with a built-in hardware firewall.

4. Read the conditions for ISP service carefully. How long is the contract? Is there a money-back guarantee? If you cancel the contract before the minimum contract period, you may have to continue to pay or be liable for some form of additional payment. Does the service include customer service and technical support 24 hours a day, every day? There is nothing worse than trying to send an urgent email at 11pm only to discover your connection is 'down' and no-one is available to help.

5. Check with your friends and colleagues to find out if they have any ISPs they can recommend. Similarly look for the experiences of others using online comparison sites, forums and blogs (although do bear in mind that one case of 'sour grapes' shouldn't be the deciding factor -- many people will ONLY write when they have received poor service and for every one of these there may be hundreds of highly satisfied users). Also check with your neighbours to find out the speed of the connections they use. (See 6 and 7 below.)

6. Check to find out the distance from the ISP service centre to your home if you are considering DSL. This may significantly affect actual connection speed.

7. Check to find out how many people will share the bandwidth in your neighbourhood if you are considering cable access. This again affects actual speed.

Conclusion
Consider your personal needs, family needs, and thus your planned overall usage in the context of the features and requirements of the service plans on offer. The ISP�s reputation also matters, at least as much as the cost. Above all, look for personal experiences. Although there are many disgruntled and somewhat vocal users for almost any kind of service or product you care to think of, if you notice some level of consistency (for example several different users complaining about support), there may well be some cause for concern. Although broadband coverage is now fairly mature in the UK, there are still many outlying areas beyond the reach of the current cable or ADSL infrastructure. In these cases, it may be worth considering either a mobile / cellular connection or, if the budget allows, a satellite system (these are becoming ever more affordable).
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