[Page 1: Before you call]  [Page 2: How do you choose an ISP?][Page 3: What is a standard account?]

What is a standard Internet account?

There isn't really one standard ISP package. The average cost of dial-up internet service is $20/month. In this region there are some service providers who are a bit cheaper, $16/month, and also those services that are free. The following features are fairly common:

Dial-up Connection

  • Smaller ISPs give you step-by-step instructions for configuring the standard TCP/IP and/or PPP software that comes installed on your computer.
  • Larger ISPs give you their own customized software that you must install.
  • Most accounts are for "unlimited use" per month. Watch out for plans that charge by the hour (especially when you are just learning).
  • If you have an older computer, which cannot handle a graphical (PPP) connection to the Internet, then you should look for a type of account known as a Unix shell account. While they are hard to use, it is possible for older computers to get a limited Internet connection this way. Sasquatch offers this type of account.

E-mail

  • At least one e-mail address yourname@yourisp.com.
  • Extra e-mail boxes are sometimes free, sometimes for a small charge. Cruzio, for example offers for free up to five additional mailboxes, but the catch is that the extra mailboxes are not addresses @cruzio.com, but are addresses @baymoon.com, @calcentral.com, @ebold.com, @icogitate.com, @scshop.com, @rattlebrain.com, or @skyhighway.com.
  • A handy feature, which not all ISPs offer is the ability to send/receive e-mail from the WWW so that when you are on vacation you can still keep in touch via e-mail.
  • The ability to set up vacation e-mail which replies to any message sent to you while you are on vacation letting the sender know when you will return.
  • Instructions for setting up any e-mail program you choose. Some common e-mail programs are Eudora, Netscape, Outlook, and Outlook Express.

Web Publishing

  • The ability to publish your own web pages. Sometimes this "free" web space is specifically stated to be for personal use only. Sometimes small businesses use this "free" space as well.
  • The industry standard seems to be between 3MB and 10MB of space.

Technical Support

  • Small and Medium sized ISPs generally have reduced technical support and storefront hours. If you hit a technical glitch with your Internet account, it is good to know that your schedule and your ISP's schedule are compatible.
  • Most ISPs offer three day (or shorter) turn around on e-mailed inquiries to technical support.
  • Many customers get frustrated at being left on hold when calling the technical support number for an Internet Service Provider. It is recommended you call the technical support number for an ISP *before* getting an account to test this.