Internet Service Providers

In order to connect to the Internet, you need not only a physical connection to the Internet, but also a service provider. A service provider owns a group of computers (servers) which are connected to the Internet through very high speed connections. In addition to a connection to the Internet, service providers often offer additional benefits like e-mail accounts and server space so you can create your own Web site.

• Commercial Internet Service Provider (ISP)—Commercial ISP's are private companies which usually charge a monthly fee in return for full access to the Internet. Commercial ISPs vary widely in the support and services they offer.
• Online Service Provider—These providers charge a slightly higher fee than the typical ISP, but in addition to full access to the Internet, online service providers offer a variety of custom content and services only for their customers. The most well-known online service provider is America Online (AOL).
• Education Provider— Because the Internet was first developed as an educational tool for research, almost all colleges and universities today offer Internet accounts to students and faculty through campus networks and computer labs. It is becoming more common for primary and secondary education schools to offer students access as well.