ISP
An ISP is a company that provides its customers with access to the Internet, either via analog Dial-Up, a Cable Modem, or DSL.

Usually for a monthly fee you will receive software to connect your computer to the ISP's to receive Internet access. Your computer will require a modem to do this, which dial-up users will have to purchase, and which is usually provided to DSL or Cable users as part of the ISP's service package (or for an additional equipment fee).

Once you have a username and password that is provided to you when you sign up with an ISP, you can dial up to their local access phone number and use the Internet. This is also known as "logging on" because you provided a username and password to access it. DSL and Cable users don't dial-up to the ISP - they are always connected/logged-in. Once you are logged in to an ISP, you can browse websites, send and receive E-mail, access Newsgroups, download/upload files, maintain a website, chat, etc.

Some better known national ISP's are:

The above ISP's provide local access numbers anywhere in the U.S. If you're travelling on vacation or business, you can use your account with a national ISP along with a local access number (local to wherever you are staying: a hotel, etc.) without paying long distance charges, which is a definite advantage over local ISP's that don't have nationwide access.

Some ISP's provide free Internet access in exchange for displaying some advertisements on your desktop. Some are:

Of course, America On-Line (AOL) is an option for Internet access, especially for novice users, but it doesn't offer you any special services that you can't find on the web/Internet. If you are an AOL user, please know that AOL is not the Internet, but rather a gateway to the Internet camoflaged by popup ads, embellished storefronts, and a clunky interface. Better ISPs are available to allow you to surf the web, chat, buy merchandise, download files, and exchange email, all of which are activities that comprise the actual Internet.

To locate an ISP that's right for you, visit: The List