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Choosing the Right ISP for You:

Selecting the appropriate connection type, Internet Service Provider (ISP), and connection equipment can be the most time-consuming and complex task of connecting NetWare clients and LANs to the internet or creating a wide-area intranet.

An Internet Service Provider is the link between your NetWare LAN and the internet. With only a dial-up number, account name and password to get on to the internet, it can provide a window to solutions.

It is important to research different ISPs, before making a final decision of who to go with. It is especially relevant if you are conducting business through the internet. As your company begins to use the internet or intranet services, you will find it becomes a critical part of your business. Your ISP is your company's link to the internet. It can be a determining factor in the efficiency and effectiveness of your connection.

Here are some factors when selecting an ISP :

How much do you plan to make use of the connection? An hour per month, an hour per day, or do you  need a continuous 9-5 connection?

How many people need access? Just you, a small group, or an entire organization?

How much are you willing to pay for the service?

For dial-up internet access, the one guiding principle that can not be over emphasized, is to select a flat rate ISP. Unless you are already experienced on the internet, understand exactly what to do, and know how to do it quickly, hourly or usage based services can add up quickly.

Choosing  the level of connectivity can be challenging for a first time user. There are many levels ranging from e-mail only on up to very fast dedicated line connections. Internet Service Providers feature dial-up time sharing accounts, but SLIP, PPP and dedicated line connections are included as well. When shopping around for an ISP, be sure to know which kind of connection suit you best. Even though there are many different levels of connectivity, they can be broken into 5 main categories:

• E-mail/news account

• Dial-up time sharing account

• Dial-up SLIP/PPP

• Dedicated SLIP/PPP and

• Dedicated Line

The following general suggestions can help in choosing the most appropriate level of connectivity:

• For individual, light , moderate, or heavy use:    Dial-up account

• For individual, very heavy use, high computer literacy:   SLIP or PPP connection

• For small group, light use:   Dial-up accounts for each individual

• For Small group, moderate to heavy use, with LAN:   SLIP or PPP, consider dedicated line.

• Large group with existing LAN or WAN:   Dedicated line

The bottom line is that if you understand how different ISPs work, your final decision will be easier. Please, keep in mind that not all connections types are available in all areas. Some connections types won't meet your bandwidth needs (especially if you plan in having an internet business). And finally, ISPs have a wide range of plans that can differ greatly in cost. Some connection types may be cost-prohibitive. Nowadays, there is not need for you to spend so much money to get a good internet access. If you do your research you may be able to save a lot of money rather than going with your emotions.

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