Where internet access used to be a luxury, it has now become a necessity. People need the internet for various reasons, whether they are a student, a business person, a parent, or just the average Joe. When was the last time you picked up a phone book? There is no need for them when you can hop online and look up a number more easily and faster than the phone book could ever be. When was the last time you got directions over the phone? There is no need when you can take the address and plug it into a mapping application that is far more accurate. Overall, the internet is a useful tool for anyone, and access is important.
There are several different ways you can get internet access. You can connect your computer to a direct connection via a modem, or you can connect wirelessly to a modem or router. If you visit public places like the library, restaurants, or even the Laundromat, you will be able to connect your laptop wirelessly to the internet absolutely free. However, if you want to connect to the internet at home, you will probably have to seek out an internet service provider.
There are many different types of internet service providers. You can go with satellite, cable, DSL, or dial up. Some providers offer more than one type of internet connection. You will have to do some research to see what is available in your area and from what companies. Not all options are available in all areas, and some companies hold a monopoly on some neighborhoods for things such as cable.
The only way to be sure what is offered in your neighborhood and by whom is to visit internet service providers online and use their location tool to determine if service is available in your area. Most of them will have this type of tool located clearly on the home page of the site. This will tell you if that company offers services in your area and if so what services are provided.
As you gather information about providers, you should make sure you are comparing them fairly. Check out what the bandwidth would be for your service, as well as the monthly price and any start up costs such as installation fees or equipment. This way you can easily compare the different choices and get the best deal for your money.
Once you make the decision as to who your internet service provider will be, you can set up the service.
This can usually be done online or you can do it by phone. The equipment is generally shipped to you, and it can take as long as a couple of weeks for your service to start. You should also make sure that the equipment being sent to you meets your needs. If you have more than one computer, you will want to be certain that you have a wireless modem; otherwise you will have to get a wireless router to connect to the internet wirelessly. However, once connected there is no more equipment to buy and all you need to do is make sure that you pay your bill every month on time.
