An Internet Service Provider, referred to as an ISP, is an organization that provides Internet access accounts to individuals and businesses. It may be a commercial on-line service, a shell provider, or your school or workplace. ISP's offer a complete range of connectivity. All Internet access accounts give you e-mail, and most offer much more. Note, however, that not all Internet access accounts give you access to the Web. Some service providers are national. In addition, hundreds of smaller providers who offer local or regional access exist in small or large cities, and more are going into business every month. To find a local provider, check the business pages for advertisers of local access providers, or ask the public library's research librarian. You can also look in the yellow pages under 'on-line providers.' You can find national providers by visiting http://thelist.com on the World Wide Web. It offers an extensive list of ISP's. Internet related magazines are also a great source to locate providers who advertise throughout the publication.
c2004 Bluestreak Media. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
