I have been in the internet/computer field for about 10 years now and have worked with many ISP's in that time frame. Obviously some have there personal favorites for there own reason, so this is my opinion, but I hope you at least take the time to see why I came up with the conclusions I did.
Broadband ISP's:
Cable vs DSL. = I have used both and without a doubt in this area, the Cable connections are much faster and much better in many ways. While DSL may appear cheaper, it actually is about even with Cable. By the time you add in the extra phone line for running DSL the costs could actually be more. If you are like me, I only use VoIP phones or cell phones. I have no use for a standard land line anymore. A waste of money to me. Also I get no telemarketers this way. If you can at all afford it and it is available there is no other way to the internet for me than cable. Well that is unless you are rich and can afford a T1 or DS3!
Dial Up ISP's:
BAD: (My basic feeling is that if an ISP makes you download their software and use their browser and email clients, chances are the ISP is junk.)
1. AOL - probably the most overpriced and worst ISP out there, IMO. Not only are there rates extremely high, many PC magazines and editors have all agreed AOL has the highest SPAM and Spyware ratios. Most of there software is written by companies that also write Spyware and SPAM programs. Unnecessary programs and an overload on the computer system itself are the key bad areas of AOL.
2. Netzero/Juno - Same parent company for both. Again, terrible programing and software that is heavy in bugs and spyware. Cheaper in price is good. Overall I have seen their software do some nasty things to Windows OS and even be repsonsible for computer crashes.
3. SBC/Yahoo - Seem to better in regards to the actual programming part, and allow you to use other browsers, email clients. However, a little steep in pricing and also have seen numerous customers with consistent drop offs and busy signals.
4. Again any ISP which requires you to download software seems to be one I would stay away from. There is a local ISP in Chicago called MC.net and they are on my list as well. SPAM mail and spyware galore running through their servers.
GOOD =
1. Copper.net = Very low prices and good customer support. Very few disconnects in the research I have done with their current customers.
2. Earthlink & PeoplePC = I have heard good and bad. One thing I like is their software while recommended to download by them is not necessary. I have set up several connections manually using Earthlink & People PC. Good SPAM controls as well. People PC is cheap as well.
3. ATT / Sprint / MCI = all use the same technology for dial up and seem to be decent for speeds and consistency.
Finally all the people out there paying extra for so called "Hi-speed" internet through dial up are wastinig their money. All that is the ISP's are caching websites on their servers and if you happen to visit a site that is cahced on their end it will bring it up faster. Best way to check your internet connection speeds is to go to bandwidthplace.com and run a free speed test. The little connection you see in your task bar is not a true reflection of what you are getting. Most will say you connect near 56K. I have yet to see most ISP's anywhere near that. Most AOL connections are lucky to be at 33K.
Broadband ISP's:
Cable vs DSL. = I have used both and without a doubt in this area, the Cable connections are much faster and much better in many ways. While DSL may appear cheaper, it actually is about even with Cable. By the time you add in the extra phone line for running DSL the costs could actually be more. If you are like me, I only use VoIP phones or cell phones. I have no use for a standard land line anymore. A waste of money to me. Also I get no telemarketers this way. If you can at all afford it and it is available there is no other way to the internet for me than cable. Well that is unless you are rich and can afford a T1 or DS3!
Dial Up ISP's:
BAD: (My basic feeling is that if an ISP makes you download their software and use their browser and email clients, chances are the ISP is junk.)
1. AOL - probably the most overpriced and worst ISP out there, IMO. Not only are there rates extremely high, many PC magazines and editors have all agreed AOL has the highest SPAM and Spyware ratios. Most of there software is written by companies that also write Spyware and SPAM programs. Unnecessary programs and an overload on the computer system itself are the key bad areas of AOL.
2. Netzero/Juno - Same parent company for both. Again, terrible programing and software that is heavy in bugs and spyware. Cheaper in price is good. Overall I have seen their software do some nasty things to Windows OS and even be repsonsible for computer crashes.
3. SBC/Yahoo - Seem to better in regards to the actual programming part, and allow you to use other browsers, email clients. However, a little steep in pricing and also have seen numerous customers with consistent drop offs and busy signals.
4. Again any ISP which requires you to download software seems to be one I would stay away from. There is a local ISP in Chicago called MC.net and they are on my list as well. SPAM mail and spyware galore running through their servers.
GOOD =
1. Copper.net = Very low prices and good customer support. Very few disconnects in the research I have done with their current customers.
2. Earthlink & PeoplePC = I have heard good and bad. One thing I like is their software while recommended to download by them is not necessary. I have set up several connections manually using Earthlink & People PC. Good SPAM controls as well. People PC is cheap as well.
3. ATT / Sprint / MCI = all use the same technology for dial up and seem to be decent for speeds and consistency.
Finally all the people out there paying extra for so called "Hi-speed" internet through dial up are wastinig their money. All that is the ISP's are caching websites on their servers and if you happen to visit a site that is cahced on their end it will bring it up faster. Best way to check your internet connection speeds is to go to bandwidthplace.com and run a free speed test. The little connection you see in your task bar is not a true reflection of what you are getting. Most will say you connect near 56K. I have yet to see most ISP's anywhere near that. Most AOL connections are lucky to be at 33K.
