ISPs are one way to get onto the Internet (others are Free-Nets, online commercial services)
An ISP is a company that provides the hardware, and usually the software, you need to get from your computer to the Internet.

ISPs maintain two very important things:

1. high-speed transmission lines that connect them to the Internet
2. Internet server that enables your client software to connect to other servers

Factors to consider in ISP selection

Cost (flat fees or hourly rates)

Features (full access to the Internet, free home page)

Software (connection, email, newsgroups, web browser etc.)

Customer support (24 hrs becomes common)

Speed (meters)

Accessibility (local or toll-free phone number; watch for busy signals)

National or international presence (points of presence-POPs)

Heiko Haubitz
Last updated on February 3, 1998.