In order to get online you will need to have an account with an internet service provider (ISP). There are hundreds of ISPs, so you should shop around to find the one that is best for you.  You should ask your friends and relatives with internet access which ISP they use and whether they would recommend it.

You will need to decide whether you want dial-up or broadband access. Dial-up access means that you have to dial your ISP’s number and set up a connection each time you go online. Broadband uses a box attached to your telephone line that is always connected to the internet. When you switch on your computer, it is automatically connected to the internet.  Dial-up is cheaper, but much slower than broadband. With broadband you can still make and receive phone calls while you are using the internet as well, whereas with dial-up you cannot. 

Dial-up is fine if all you want to do online is send and receive emails, although, even then, it can seem very slow if you want to attach photos or other documents. If you want to use the internet for most other purposes, broadband is best, and it is essential for downloading videos, listening to radio, or using a webcam.

ISPs offer a whole range of different service packages.  Generally, the more you pay, the more facilities you get. Make sure that the package you buy is right for your needs.  Discount packages usually restrict the amount of data you can send or receive in a month. This is fine if all you want is email and limited internet use, but no good if you want to download videos.

If you are doing a computer course, ask the tutor to recommend an ISP. You will see many different advertisements for ISPs on the TV and in newspapers and magazines. Don’t sign up with the first one you see. Shop around and choose the one which best suits your needs.

Before you sign up with an ISP you should ask:

• Is there a connection charge?
• Is 24-hour support provided?
• Is the equipment you need to connect your computer to the telephone supplied free? If not, how much does it cost?
• Is there a download limit?
• What is the bandwidth?

Some telephone companies provide cheap broadband as part of their package; if you choose one of these, check that you can keep your existing telephone number.

If you are considering signing up with an ISP, you might also try calling their technical support number during the hours that you think you will be likely to be using the computer. Do you get through quickly, or do you have to hold on for a long time?