Understanding ISPs
ISPs offer services like email and internet access. Compare factors
like security, services, and cost so that you find an ISP that
supports all of your needs.
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What is an ISP?
An ISP, or internet service provider, is a company that provides its
customers access to the internet and other web services. In addition
to maintaining a direct line to the internet, the company usually
maintains web servers. By supplying necessary software, a
password-protected user account, and a way to connect to the internet
(e.g., modem, phone number), ISPs offer their customers the capability
to browse the web and exchange email with other people. Some ISPs also
offer additional services.
ISPs can vary in sizesome are operated by one individual, while
others are large corporations. They may also vary in scopesome
only support users in a particular city, while others have regional or
national capabilities.
What services do ISPs provide?
Almost all ISPs offer email and web browsing capabilities. They also
offer varying degrees of user support, usually in the form of an email
address or customer support hotline. Most ISPs also offer web hosting
capabilities, allowing users to create and maintain personal web
pages; and some may even offer the service of developing the pages for
you. Many ISPs offer the option of high-speed access through DSL or
cable modems, and some still offer dial-up connections.
As part of normal operation, most ISPs perform backups of email and
web files. If the ability to recover email and web files is important
to you, check with your ISP to see if they back up the data; it might
not be advertised as a service. Additionally, some ISPs may implement
firewalls to block some incoming traffic, although you should consider
this a supplement to your own security precautions, not a replacement.
How do you choose an ISP?
There are thousands of ISPs, and it's often difficult to decide which
one best suits your needs. Some factors to consider include
- security - Do you feel that the ISP is concerned about
security? Does it use encryption and SSL (see Protecting Your
Privacy for more information) to protect any information you
submit (e.g., user name, password)?
- privacy - Does the ISP have a published privacy policy?
Are you comfortable with who has access to your information and how it
is being handled and used?
- services - Does your ISP offer the services you want? Do
they meet your requirements? Is there adequate support for the
services?
- cost - Are the ISP's costs affordable? Are they
reasonable for the number of services you receive, as well as the
level of those services? Are you sacrificing quality and security to
get the lowest price?
- reliability - Are the services your ISP provides
reliable, or are they frequently unavailable due to maintenance,
security problems, a high volume of users, or other reasons? If the
ISP knows that services will be unavailable for a particular reason,
does it adequately communicate that information?
- user support - Are there published methods for
contacting customer support? Do you receive prompt and friendly
service? Do their hours of availability accommodate your needs? Do the
consultants have the appropriate level of knowledge?
- speed - How fast is your ISP's connection? Is it
sufficient for accessing your email or navigating the internet?
- recommendations - Have you heard or seen positive
reviews about the ISP? Were they from trusted sources? Does the ISP
serve your geographic area? If you've uncovered negative points, are
they factors you are concerned about?
Author: Mindi McDowell
Copyright 2004 Carnegie Mellon University. Terms of use