Is Your Internet Service Provider Giving You What You Need?

CYBER CITY- Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) is your link to the internet. Any inadequacies inherent in their system will prevent you from accessing the internet at your (and its) fullest capacity. And...although all ISP's perform similar functions, they are not all created equal.
We have noticed that many internet users are not familiar with how their ISP performs against others. (We have even met people who think it is normal to get busy signals 50% of the time when they try to sign-on!) Most people just become accustomed, and comfortable, with the source they are using because it is too confusing to go elsewhere.
We will attempt to change that today. Below is a list of criteria to use when selecting a new dial-up service and/or evaluating your ISP's performance.

Don't be short changed on your Internet Access! ELN Supports	Speed: Does your ISP allow you to download data at the fastest speed your modem can handle? (Ex: Does it allow your 28.8 modem to run at 28.8) [Hint: They Should!] Cost: Does your ISP charge more than $20 per month? [Hint: They Should Not!] Access: Does your ISP experience excessive amounts of down time, or do you get busy signals when you dial in? [Hint: They should be so infrequent, that you are surprised!] Tech Support: Can you get 24 hour/7 day help? ...From live, experienced technicians on a toll-free number? [You're catching on!] Personal Space: Does your ISP include a location in cyber space for you to host personal pages, at no additional charge? [Hint: They Should!] These are all important issues to consider, especially as we all begin to use the internet more. A poor ISP can drastically inhibit your internet experience. Evaluate your service, and if you need to, make a move.
Research Results: StarDream Enterprises has evaluated the service of local and national ISP's and has found that one lived up to all of the factors listed above. Earthlink Network stood out above all competitors, and we have found that they perform the best when it came to meeting our needs. If you are considering upgrading your ISP or want to start out with the right service, consider EarthLink's statistics: Speed: Routinely maxed-out our 33.3 and 28.8 modems. Cost: $19.95/month, unlimited access + $20 one time Set-up charge*. Access: Local dial-up numbers have proved to be reliable. Tech Support: 24 hrs/7days, toll-free, staffed by real people (not computers) Personal Space: 6 Megabytes of web space for personal/business use. Special Offer for those concerned about their ISP's: *In conjunction with this article, we are able to waive the set-up charge if you sign up for Earthlink through StarDream magazine. Send an E-mail to: voyager@stardream.com and use the subject "sign-up info" if you are considering switching
If you need more in-depth information go here - Internet Dial-up Access