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| First off... If you are still on a dial-up... GET OFF NOW! A basic high speed service can be acquired fairly inexpensively. You will win back the cost for your high speed in time given back to you for other activities. Even the most basic high speed interface will be many times faster that a dial-up AND reliability will cease to be a question. So the question then becomes what do I buy? I like services that have low program overhead and minimum system interference. This lets out AOL, MSN and most other ~USER FRIENDLY~ service providers. The problem with most of these service types is that they presume the user to be an idiot... and by doing so they become intrusive and overbearing. AOL and MSN for example will invade your system with "helpful" services that take control of your Modem, Ethernet, Wireless and any other active or suspected way to get connected... You might think... well this is good. No it is not If you are a "hands on"/Power user... this type of ISP intervention is always in the way of a pure internet experience. The best choices for an ISP if you are a "hands on" user are companies that Offer downloadable support offerings but DO NOT require that you run their shell or Browser... Cable and Basic DSL services (NOT BUNDLED with AOL or MSN or Net ZERO type interfaces) are your best avenue for a clean high speed interface. | When you purchase a new computer, it is ALREADY INTERNET READY. In most cases you have Virus protection, a Firewall and even sometimes Spy and Pest detection software (some may be introductory). Unfortunately there is also a full set of links that will get you "hooked up" with those ISPs that have paid to be put in your face. If you follow the yellow brick road... you will indeed find yourself in the land of OZ or maybe even tumbling down Alice s Rabbit Hole. Yes it is easy to just Click and let it happen... Often in a new set-up this seems to be easy and painless. The problem is that you do not know what is happening. At that moment you usurp your own authority and turn control over to the vendor. If you ever want to sacrifice your good working otherwise healthy PC to the uncaring Computer Gods... just let AOL get hosed and call for support... I have seen many times where AOL, MSN and Net ZERO Support technicians FIX their problem... and leave the client with a whole new set of issues. Again, having someone that knows your intent and keep you in mind while getting you connected is a very good idea. |