Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of services we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Internet Service Provider.

Ratings

Feature Set

We rated the Internet Service Providers (ISPs) based on what each plan offered, including virus and spyware protection, firewalls, parental controls, email accounts, webpage space and more.

Service Area

We looked at the size of the region (within the Untied States) that an Internet Provider serves—the larger the region, the better the score.

Connection Speed

Internet providers offer various bandwidths, or data transfer space—the greater the bandwidth, the greater the speed of your connection.

Customer Service/Support

The ISP should have adequate customer service, including a FAQs page, phone support, email address and live chat and should respond to customer questions quickly.

Service Connections

Dial-Up ISP

An Internet connection achieved through a modem and telephone lines. This type of connection is not high-speed, and the customer cannot use the telephone and the Internet at the same time unless two separate phone lines are used.

Dial-Up with Accelerator ISP

Some ISPs have a program that improves dial-up connection speeds through proprietary text, image compression, content caching and other network optimizations.

DSL ISP

(Digital Subscriber Line) Some Internet providers have the technology to provide high-speed Internet connections to homes and small businesses over ordinary copper telephone lines. This allows customers to use their telephone and Internet at same time. Downloads are up to 50 times faster than with dial-up, but vary due to the number of people connected and far your home or business is the phone company.

Cable ISP

The ISP offers cable television and a high-speed Internet connection transmitted over a coax cable directly to the receiver. Downloads are up to 50 times faster than with dial-up, but vary due to the number of people connected.

Wireless

Some ISPs provide a connection that allows flexibility by eliminating wires to your PC. While this service still requires a cable or DSL phone line to your home, with the right hardware you can take your computer anywhere (even outside) as long as you're within 150 feet from the central outlet.

Features

Free Trial Period

Some Internet providers offer an initial trial period, for example, 30 days free so you can see if their ISP will meet your expectations before purchasing.

Parental Controls

The ISP offers options that allow parents to limit what a child can see and do on the Internet. These options can be set to block video game violence, pornography and profanity.

Webfilter

The Internet provider has software (also known as an Internet nanny) that filters web content by keywords and blocks specific URLs. This software can be set up by parents to protect children from pornography and other harmful web content.

Firewall

The ISP uses a program to filter incoming data from outside networks (mainly the Internet) to block harmful materials like viruses and spyware-a must-have for anyone using the Internet.

Virus Protection

The Internet provider uses a computer program that safeguards your computer from viruses. Viruses are computer programs capable of spreading by duplicating itself-they are generally harmful to your computer. Most computer viruses have a destructive payload that is activated under certain conditions.

Spam Protection

Some Internet providers have a computer program that protects your email from spam. Spam is unsolicited email used for marketing and is considered a nuisance by most consumers. This type of program saves time by deleting spam for you.

Spyware Protection

The ISP uses a program that safeguards your computer from spyware. Spyware is a term used for a program that surreptitiously monitors your actions. While sometimes sinister, most often spyware is used by companies to gather data about consumers.

Popup Blocker

The ISP uses a program that blocks popup ads from appearing on your computer screen while you are on the Internet. Popup ads interrupt what you are doing; many consider popups annoying.

eMail Accounts (number)

Quality Internet providers offer new customers several email accounts at no additional cost.

eMail Space Available (MB)

The amount of mailbox space (in megabytes) that the ISP provides for each email account—more space will allow you to store more mail.

Accelerator

Some Internet providers increase dial-up connection speeds through proprietary text and image compression, content caching and other network optimizations.

Instant Messaging

ISPs offer electronic communication lines for typed communication between two or more users who are online simultaneously. This is the fastest form of typed communication on the computer.

Webpage Space (MB)

The Internet Provider offers web space to store files online or build webpages to share with family and friends.

Web Creation Tool

The Internet Provider offers programs that help you create your own webpage.

Internet Call Waiting

Some dial-up ISPs offer a feature that alerts you to incoming phone calls while on the Internet; the user has the option of answering or sending the call to an answering service.

Remote Dial-Up

The ISP offers a service to access your Internet account from any phone outlet using your laptop—this allows you to connect to the Internet instantly and hassle-free when you're away from home.

Share Internet over Network

A link designed to allow the flow of information to and from each computer and printer in a group. This allows two or more computers to work on the same task simultaneously and use the same printer.

Business Plans Available

The ISP has service plans available to meet businesses needs, from small to large networks.

Web Hosting Available

A few ISPs allow their customers to upload websites on in-house web servers. The Internet provider maintains this web server so sites can be accessed quickly and continuously, 24/7.

Listen to Voicemail by eMail

Some ISPs have a feature that allows you to listen to voicemail over your computer when received as an email attachment.

Music

Internet providers have music and other online activities available to customers.

Games

Internet providers have games and other online activities available to customers.

Service Availabilty Checker

Some ISP websites offer a search feature that allows you to enter your phone number or address to verify that their service is available in your area.

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