Internet Service Providers

Internet service providers, or ISPs, do exactly that, they provide internet service for homes, businesses and, organizations with just over 81 million subscribers in the US alone. While they don't provide hardware they do supply software, a user name and password. Your computer connects you to the internet via a dial up modem, cables, satellite or phone lines (DSL). Most providers also offer virus blockers, spam controls and will host a website for you as well as giving you an email account or accounts. Hopefully the ISP is always on so you can collect email even when your computer isn't running. There are numerous providers out there who are competing for your hard earned dollars. Most of them offer monthly and yearly rates with some of them as low as $5 per month and some as high as $40.