Choosing an Internet Service Providers (ISP) A SeniorNet Workshop SeniorNet is a service program of the Lutheran Service Society of Western Pennsylvania

What is an Internet Service Provider? An Internet Service Provider or ISP is simply company that provides you with access to the Internet usually for a fee. ISPs work the same way the phone company works. You buy or lease the phone; the phone company connects you to their network so you can make calls. You pay the phone company a fee for service. LSS uses Earthlink as its ISP.

When I sign-on with an ISP what services will I receive? The ISP will provide you with:  Access to the Internet  ISP Software  User name  Password  Access phone numbers  boxes or accounts

Once I have an ISP, how do I connect with the Internet? Your PC has a device called a modem (short for modulator-demodulator) that enables your computer to transmit data over telephone or cable lines. Your PC is also equipped with a software program called a browser that lets you locate and display web pages on your monitor. The two most popular browsers currently in use are Microsoft’s Internet Explorer and Netscape’s Navigator.

What types of connections are currently available? Dial-up DSL (digital subscriber line) Cable Wireless

What are the different features of each type of connection? Dial-up  Slowest  Cheapest  Safest  Firewall recommended but not required  For uninterrupted phone service consider a second line Internet “call waiting”

What are the different features of each type of connection? DSL – Digital Subscriber Line  Faster  Medium price range  Requires a firewall  Will not tie-up your primary phone line

What are the different features of each type of connection? Cable  Fastest  Most expensive  Requires a firewall  Will not tie-up your primary phone line

What are the different features of each type of connection? Wireless  Most convenient  Expensive  Not as fast a advertised  Requires a firewall  Will not tie-up your primary phone line

What is a firewall? A firewall is a system designed to prevent unauthorized access to your computer. Firewalls can be hardware or software or a combination of both. All messages entering or leaving your PC pass through the firewall. Messages that do not meet security criteria are blocked by the firewall. Firewalls and anti-virus software are the first line of defense for your PC. Firewalls and A-V software may or may not be offered by your ISP. However, you should have both lines of protection before connecting to the Internet.

How do I pay for the ISP? Payment plans & options are determined solely by the ISP. Payment plans  Monthly flat rate for unlimited use  Purchase blocks of time Payment options  Credit card  Pay in advance by check  Bank drafts  May be included with other services (for example, phone or cable bills)

What are some current prices* for ISPs? (*prices are for unlimited use) Touchtown  Dial-up = $15/month AOL  Dial-up = $24/month MSN  Dial-up = $22/month Yahoo  Dial-up = $20/month Verizon  DSL = $30/month Comcast  Cable = $43/month for current Comcast customers

What important factors should I consider before selecting an ISP? System requirements for the ISP’s software Availability & cost of technical support Pricing plans, payment methods & other options Terms of use & service For dial-up service, access to local (non-toll) phone numbers ISP’s spam policy ISP’s privacy policy

System requirements for the ISP’s software All ISP’s require you to install software to make the Internet connection. Your PC must meet the ISP’s specifications in order to run. For example, the latest version of AOL requires:  Pentium® class processor 166 MHz or higher  Windows® operating system of Windows 98 or higher  Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher  Between MB of free hard drive space and  An additional 81 MB if you need to install a new version of IE  128 MB of RAM  VGA, SVGA or better display  800x600 screen resolution, 1024x768 for optimal viewing  28.8 Kbps or faster modem or other means of Internet connection

Availability & cost of technical support Each ISP provides varying levels of help. Before you sign on with an ISP, be sure to ask:  Is real help available 24/7?”  Do I have to pay to talk to a real person?  If yes, how much?  Is the number for help, free or toll?

Pricing Plans, Payment Methods & Other Options Pricing Plans  Unlimited use  Buy blocks of connect time Payment Methods  Credit/debit card  Direct withdrawal from bank or saving account  Pay in advance by check Other Options  Find out if other options are available and how much they cost (ie, pop-up blockers, AV software)

Terms of use & service Take time to review the agreement you sign with your ISP. Some ISP will terminate your service without notice if you violate certain conditions. Note the length of the contract or agreement you sign. Some users sign-on for two or three years to get a lower per month rate then find they do not like the service. They’re stuck!

For dial-up service, access to local (non-toll) phone numbers For dial-up service, make sure the number(s) you select are non-toll (local) numbers. If you choose a toll number by mistake, you will be charge long distance rates for every minute you are online. The ISP is NOT responsible for verifying the number(s) you select are toll-free. It’s your responsibility. Use the phone book to verify local calls in your area.

ISP’s spam policy Spam is a computer term for junk . If unchecked it can jam your mailbox and make your Internet life miserable. Most ISP’s offer some sort of spam blocker. Ask your prospective ISP if they have a spam blocker and if it cost extra. In addition to blocking spam, you should never give out your e- mail address to persons, groups or organizations you don’t know. Be careful about using “free” Internet services like greeting cards, etc. The site owners can acquire you address and sell it to other advertisers. Be care when you pass on Internet jokes, stories, cartoons or photos, this also circulate your address.

ISP’s privacy policy Be sure your ISP has a privacy policy. Opt out of all offers for free newsletters and information from advertisers. Never give your password, social security number, checking account number or credit card number to anyone representing your ISP. Be sure to write down your user name, password, security question and security question answer as you go through the steps of opening an account with an ISP.

Does LSS/SeniorNet recommend an ISP? Yes, Touchtown ( Features  Local company (Oakmont, PA)  Dial-up service  Web-based so you can check your from any PC  Senior-friendly website graphics & text  No commercials or advertisements  Low cost  Flexible payment plans  Flexible plan options