Getting started. This page is about getting started on the web with an ISP

Getting Started on the 'World Wide Web'

This web page is here to help you get started and confident with the use of computers and in particular the World wide Web.

Summary of things needed to get going on the Internet

PC or Mac computer with 64mb Ram minimum
A modem either external or internal (built into the computer) - 56Kb minimum speed
Telephone point and cable

A browser - either Internet Explorer (with Win95/8/2000/XP) or Netscape Navigator (get from Free CD's)

Getting an INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER (ISP)

Internet Service Providers are the companies who give you access to the Internet and to e-mail etc via a dial up connection. There are hundreds of these to pick. Here are a few hints.

Think about how often you are likely to use it per day - the cost structure can be varied to suit how often and when you use the Internet. - some companies will offer connection for as little as 1p a minute
Most ISP's offer additional services.
Does technical help cost?
What web space does it give for your own web site?
How many e-mail addresses?
What other features does its main page give you?
Is it likely to be reliable? If you havn't heard of them get a computer magazine to check up on their ratings.
Have a look on-line using somebody elses connection if possible before signing up. Phone them up to join. If you can get a free CD to get connected to them this makes it easier. eg Freeserve, Tesco, Tiscali, AOL
Do they only woirk with BT or any provider? Do they require you to change your telephone provider?

There are 3 sorts of ISP Service

Most ISP s offer a variety of connection packages. The big distinction is between 'dialup' services where you dial up a connection using a modem and ISDN and Broadband always on services.

(1) Flat Rate ISP Dialup Services

They all offer some degree of unmetered access via an 0800 free number and charge you a monthly fee for their services. Most companies offer a variety of deals

Unmetered off peak ie every evening and all weekend - suits reasonably light users eg Tiscali Light
Unmetered 24 hr providers - you will typically pay from £10 to £15 a month. eg AOL or Freserve anytime

Cable/Phone deals - you have to be a cable or phone customer. Ofen part of the deal. eg NTL NTLworld.com and Telewest Telewest.co.uk

Some of the unmetered providers limit the amount of time you can spend on line to one hour before cutting you off or limit the number of hours you can be online per week/month.. Some off peak providers are known to be often engaged when you try at peak times!

(2) Local Call Rate ISPs (often called 0845 ISPs0

These are by far the most common and there are several hundred to pick from!
Some are run by interest groups gamesworld.net
Some are run by sporting organisations Arsenal.co.uk
Some are run by financial firms NatWest.com
Some are from phone companies. BTInternet.com
Some are the local call services from ISP companies Freeola.net

Best to have a look if possible online at them before deciding

(3) ISDN/ADSL Digital/Broadband Providers

This will give you very fast access (ISDN - 64-128kbps or 512kbps upto 2MB for ADSL)
ISDN and ADSL are always on connections and were originally aimed aimed at businesses. Now however they are increasingly available in most areas of UK and are affordable.
You will pay £16 - £28 a month + the start up costs for a broadband modem and line splitter (microfilter).
As a result of a splitter the telephony signal is separated from the ADSL so you can look at the Internet and your phone line will not be in use.

Finding the packages you want

If you are a light user you can confidently use the local call rate services but these will cost you dear if you are going to be on line more than an hour each day. If you have a non BT line this will restrict your choice as many services now use BT 'surftime'. If you are a heavy user look for a flat rate provider.

Some Broadband Providers

Some Dialup Providers

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