ISP advice
Why do I need an ISP?You will need to subscribe to an ISP to get internet access from your home or for your business, although you can get access to the internet from internet cafes and certain libraries.
Do I need narrowband or broadband?
Narrowband and broadband are the two types of internet connection which are most often used by UK internet users. A normal telephone line is used with narrowband to connect to the internet, whereas broadband uses a special connection with greater bandwidth.
Access to information on the internet is made much faster, which means that more complicated content can be retrieved from the internet with greater clarity and quality than the content that is available using a narrowband connection.
What services should I look for?
Although ISP prices and facilities differ, they mainly offer some standard basic services such as internet access 24 hours a day, email, storage space for your own website and basic software programmes for browsing the internet.
Some ISPs are referred to as online information providers, and provide extra services such as access to databases of business information.
What is Email?
Email is very unlike traditional mail as it can be received by the intended recipient in a matter of seconds. An email address enables you to send electronic letters to people you know who also have an email address.
What is the [World Wide] Web?
Information can be retrieved over the internet on the [World Wide] Web. Documents which are created in a computer language (most often HTML) are linked by URLs to other documents. The best way to learn about the Web is to try it for yourself!
What are newsgroups?
One of the most useful and richest parts of the internet are the newsgroups. They are organised around a particular topic and are virtual, worldwide bulletin boards. People with a common interest are brought together by using the newsgroup facility, and your ISP can give you information about gaining access to newsgroups.
What are chat rooms?
One of the most popular places on the internet for meeting people is in internet chat rooms. Internet users can enter chat rooms or “virtual spaces” using special software, where they can communicate in real time. If you would like more information about gaining access to chat rooms, ask your ISP.
What is a search engine?
A search engine is a good place to start if you are looking for something on the internet. A search engine facility is very often carried by the home pages of ISPs, or internet browsers may display a facility.
How do I build a website?
If you would like to build a website you can either hire a company to do this for you, or if you would like to have a go yourself there are many books available to buy on the subject.
