2torial #0912:
Learn2 Choose an Internet Service Provider (continued)

Decide between an ISP and an online service

First, let's be clear about the difference between an ISP and an online service. The fact is, an online service is an ISP. A lot of confusion might have been avoided if online services would have called themselves something like value-added ISPs instead.

An ISP, as we mentioned earlier, gives you access to the Internet. An online service offers other bonuses in addition to Internet access. Most of these bonuses amount to customized web browser and email software that make it easier to navigate the web. The CD distributed by an online service pretty much sets up and configures all of this software on your computer.

Online services are great for new users. When you dial into them, the web browser gives you access to your email, search capabilities, shopping, and more. Some also provide forums where you can discuss topics in real-time with other users. If you decide at a later date that you want to use different software than the service provides, no problem. Since the mechanics of modem communication are the same whether the service calls itself an ISP or an online service, you can use whatever software you like for access.

Online services have a few "cons," however. First, because of their popularity, it's common for the system to slow dramatically when a lot of people are online at the same time. In fact, at peak access times, you may have difficulty getting connected because the system can only handle a certain number of users at once. Second, the customized browser software takes up more storage space on your computer and is generally slower than non-customized software.

A generic ISP typically gives you access to the Internet without all of the customized software. When you sign up, you're given a user name and a password, just like with an online service. The difference is you're pretty much on your own in picking and installing your email and web browsing software. However, while these services don't call themselves "online services," they often have services that are above and beyond standard Internet access. For example, they often give you a substantial amount of room to set up a website (more than the online services give you).