Ramsey County

Making $ense of Dollars and Cents

March 16, 2009

Your Path to the Internet

          With thousands of companies offering an opportunity to connect you to the Internet, choosing the right service provider can be a difficult task.  Some internet service providers are well known nationally – AOL, MSN, Earthlink and others.  Some providers are well known locally – your local telephone or cable TV company for example.  Some providers are just one person operating a small business out of their home.  To add to the confusion, all of the providers offer different packages of services.

          If you have limited Internet experience, you may wish to start with one of the well-known providers or your local company where you know you have quick access to assistance.  Many of the larger providers offer software on a computer disk that helps you create your account.  The software may contain such features as a browser, instant messaging, parental controls and pop-up blockers that enable you to begin using the Internet without installing any additional software.  Some providers will have technical support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Of course, all of this convenience usually results in higher monthly user fees.

          Whatever you level of Internet expertise, you may want to consider the following factors when selecting a provider:

          - Speed.  Broadband access is becoming the baseline of today’s Internet access.   Is the provider able to consistently provide broadband access?

          - Availability. If you travel, is the provider able to provide service at your location?  Is there a help desk and what are its hours of operation?

          - E-mail.   How many e-mail accounts does the service provide?  Is there a storage limit on your mailbox?  Is there a limit on the number of days the provider will hold your e-mail if you are unable to check your mailbox?

          - Website Space.  If you wish to create your own personal website, does your provider offer web space and software to create your page.

          - Special Features. What services are provided in terms of spam blocking, virus protection, instant messaging and chat rooms?

          - Cost. Is the fee offered an introductory fee that moves upward after the first two or three months?  Are there additional costs for equipment or setup fees?  Is there a fee for extra email accounts?

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Go to Ramsey County Extension Service Home Page

524 4th Ave NE #5, 2nd Floor Ramsey County Courthouse
Devils Lake  ND  58301
701-662-7027
email - NDSU.Ramsey.Extension@ndsu.edu