How to Choose an ISP: Ease of Use and Installation

Choosing an ISP can be a difficult task. In this regard, you likely will want to hook up with an ISP that is easy to use and equally easy to install. This article has been prepared to provide you some guidance when it comes to the subject of ease of use and installation when it comes to an ISP.

Difficulty of Installation and Use

Use and installation of your internet access equipment can be easy or hard, depending on the type of equipment and connection you choose. Your choice will depend on your current expertise, what you want to learn, and the time you have to put into it. It also might depend on the level of frustration you can handle.

Hardware Setup Issues

The hardware setup sounds simple—a computer, a modem (whether it’s cable, DSL or telehone), and cables. You just plug it all in, find an ISP, open your browser and go, right?

Well, not so fast. Is the modem internal or external? If internal, you will need to make sure you have the right drivers for the modem. Check and make sure you have the proper software installed for these or you won’t be able to get past the modem to access the internet. It the modem is external you will need to run a network cable to the modem. Check to see if it’s parallel or USB and have the proper cable available.

Choosing Your ISP

Once you have your equipment ready, you can choose your ISP. Once you have determined how long you need your service for per month, what kind of connection you will have, what services you need and want, and the price is right, you can sign up with confidence and log on, right?

Again, not so fast. If you have a dial up account, you will likely need software. Make sure it will work with everything you have (Mac users especially need to make sure they can use the software before they agree to a contract). If you are planning to travel and will use dial up service, discuss software ahead of time with the service provider you will use if it’s not your normal ISP. Also make sure you know how much you will pay per minute for this service.

As far as broadband services, you should not have to install anything from the ISP unless it’s a firewall you will need or anti-spam/anti-virus software. They may also provide you with email and voicemail software, and possibly even instant message software, but you should not be required to use it if you have other software you prefer. The biggest software advantage you can have is on their end—the ISP should be your first line of defense against viruses, spam, and hackers.