Please keep in mind that, though this page exists for informative purposes, we can't usually help with troubleshooting problems with connecting to ISP's because we have no way of knowing anything about their services or their specific settings required for connecting.
 

Among things to consider when choosing an Internet Service Provider are

• Will you be traveling with your computer from time to time?

(An ISP with local access numbers in areas all over the U.S. would be a good choice for you.)
 
• Will you be spending lots of time on the internet or only a few hours a month?

(Some ISP's have reduced rates for users who don't spend very much time connected to the internet. Generally though, we seem to spend more time than we thought we would, so paying a little more for unlimited access is usually ends up being the smarter move.)
 
• Do you require several e-mail accounts with your ISP and/or do you need lots of disk space for web pages?

(Each Internet Service Provider will offer slightly different advantages in their services, above basic dial-in access to the internet. You'll have to compare to see which one is right for you.)
 
• MUST you have 'mission critical' dependability with your Internet Service Provider?

If so, you might inquire about backup procedures, bandwidth, and redundancy of your considered ISP.

National ISP's - These ISP's have dial-up phone numbers in many areas all over the United States.
This is convenient if you travel with you computer from time to time.
 

Regional ISP's - These are usually smaller companies who have phone numbers in a smaller area - perhaps a densely populated area and several surrounding counties.

Both national and regional ISP's usually cost about $15-$20 per month for unlimited internet access.
They will generally send you a software package in the mail to install on your computer to begin connecting to the internet.
This software package will usually be popular software items such as a web browser, an FTP client, and a news reader, and the software will most likely be already customized by the ISP.

If the ISP sends you a list with all their customized internet settings in the paper instructions on how to get started in setting up your dial-in access, and you already have preferences on the software packages you like using, then installing the ISP-provided software may not be an absolute necessity. Generally though, ISP software does do a good job of setting up your dial-in computer so that you're ready to connect to the internet.
 

Free ISP's - These companies don't charge you anything for access to the internet.
Instead, they're "ad-supported", meaning that advertisements usually run inside a small window on your screen the entire time you're dialed into the internet. The ISP hopes that you'll occasionally see an add that interests you, click on it to see more info, and maybe buy the advertised product. This way the advertiser benefits by making a sale, the ISP gets a small part of it for relaying the add to you, and you get free internet access.

Keep in mind though that with Free ISP's, you can't get rid of the add window. It will take up a small amount of space on your screen and you'll have to click on an add occasionally to keep your internet connection from hanging up on you. The ISP will also ask you personal questions about your habits, likes, etc., in an effort to customize the adds that you'll see. You also may not have access to any support from anyone on the phone should you have problems with your internet connection.
 
 

Articles

What to Ask when looking for an Internet Service Provider
- Good list of questions to ask your potential ISP.

Can you trust ISP finders?
- Understand WHY you should ask these questions of a potential ISP before deciding to open an account.

Review of the top 4 Free Internet Service Providers
- Many of the dozens of Free ISP's out there are actually partners of larger Internet Service Providers.
 

ISP Finder Sites

THE LIST - The Definitive ISP Buyer's Guide

ISP Finder

CNET - Ultimate Web Directory
 

The Best Place - FREE Internet Service Providers