M.I.C.A.
ISP stands for Internet Service Provider. This is your entry point to the online world referred to as the web, net or internet. Who you choose to provide the connection is a decision that you should make as an informed shopper.
Once you lockdown your machine for security, educate
yourself on the sneaky tactics employed by the bad guys and set
aside some time to surf, you have one major element to explore -
your ISP!
Broadband Cable ISP Providers (Best = 10/10)
- Knology 9/10 (tech king!)
- Cox 8/10
- Comcast 6/10
- RoadRunner 6.5/10
- Adelphia 3.5/10
Broadband Wireless ISP Providers (Best = 10/10)
- Verizon Wireless Internet Access 8/10
- Dial-up ISP Providers (Best = 10/10)
- MSN 8.5/10
- EarthLink 7/10
- Netscape 5.5/10
- NetZero/Juno 5/10
- AOL 1/10
- People PC 0/10 (loaded with malware)
DSL ISP Providers (Best = 10/10)
- EarthLink DSL 8/10
- Verizon DSL 8/10
- Bellsouth 8/10
- SBC Yahoo! DSL 7/10
- Qwest DSL 6.5/10
ISDN ISP Providers (Best = 10/10)
- Sprint 8/10
For "home users", the most popular options include dial-up, DSL
(typically ADSL), Broadband wireless access, Cable modem, and ISDN.
For customers who have more demanding requirements, such as
medium-to-large businesses, or other ISPs; SHDSL or ADSL, Ethernet,
Metro Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Frame Relay, ISDN ATM, satellite
internet access and SONET are more likely.
Some of the providers offer different levels of services and speed,
so ask them about this. If you plan on running a web site, servers
or heavy uses like publishing online, make sure you clear this with
them upfront...before signing! Surfers in 2007 are starting to see
ISP's cutting bandwidth and cancelling accounts for heavy usage.