Not all computers on the Internet are created equally. Some of their connections are faster, making it possible for these systems to handle a large amount of traffic, and to provide a gateway to the Internet for computers with slower connections. An ISP has a very fast connection to the Internet and is constantly connected to it.

So, what is an ISP and what do they do? Basically, ISPs have big, fast computers that are equipped to store e-mail and Web pages, and even route Internet traffic from one place to another. These computers are called servers. Figure 4-1 shows a birds-eye view of a portion of the Internet. Notice that the ISP acts as a gateway to enable you to connect to the Internet. ISPs also serve as access points for other computers to connect to you -- either by routing e-mail to your computer, or by allowing other people to view your Web site.

Figure 4-1: A birds-eye view of a portion of the Internet.

ISPs come in many sizes: AOL is an ISP, and so are Road Runner, AT&T Yahoo!, Comcast, Earthlink, and many others. Each offers different services and charges different prices, but all will get you or your content onto the Internet.

Most ISPs also offer a service called Web hosting. When you sign up for Web hosting, you get access to the ISP's Web server, enabling you to transfer the Web pages you've designed (including all of your GIF, JPEG, and HTML files) to your ISP's faster machine. If you look again at Figure 4-1, you can see how it works. You're sitting at one of the computers at the top of the picture. You design your Web pages from the comfort of your own home. When your design is finished, you transfer your creation to the powerful hosting computer (server) at your ISP. It's from this location that anyone else with a connection to the Internet can browse your content. It's simple, really.

The first thing you have to do is find the ISP that's right for you. The following sections address questions you should consider

Which Services Does the ISP Offer?

Does the ISP offer the services you need today -- and in the future? Let's say you start with a simple informational Web site. Most ISPs can do this at low cost -- all it takes is a small amount of server space. But let's say that you're thinking about selling some stuff over the Internet during the next year. This is known as e-commerce. Be sure your ISP offers the features you need. For instance, some ISPs offer e-commerce packages that include a secure server, shopping carts, and credit card processing. Although you could certainly change ISPs as your needs grow, it's usually best to find and stick with one you like, and whose services can grow along with your needs.

Yahoo! Merchant Solutions offers several all-in-one e-commerce packages for individuals and businesses. If you're more of a do-it-yourselfer, explore the PayPal Merchant Services Web pages to get information about incorporating PayPal Buy Now buttons and other shopping cart tools into your Web site.

How Many Hops Away from a Backbone Is Your ISP?

Like you, most ISPs purchase their Internet connections from another company. The difference, of course, is that they purchase much, much faster Internet connections. If your ISP's Internet connection comes directly from one or more backbones, it's said to be one hop from the backbone. Having an ISP that's connected directly to an Internet backbone reduces the total number of hops that data needs to make to get to your computer, which increases the speed of your Internet connection and the speed at which your Web site will download for other people.

How Much Do You Want to Pay?

There are thousands of ISPs out there. They offer varying levels of service, features, and support for varying price ranges. Some ISP services are even free. Once you determine which services you need today, and which ones you might need in the future, visit several Web sites to learn about ISP pricing. Find out what the market says the service you need is worth, and you'll probably find some bargains, especially if you do your homework before you buy.

Which Level of Support Do You Need?

It is not be a good idea to sign up with an ISP based on price alone, especially if that ISP has a reputation for poor service. Spend time at the ISP's Web site. What kind of support does it offer? Is there an 800 number you can call if you run into problems? Is there a special e-mail address for support? Does the ISP promise a response within 4 hours, 8 hours, 1 day, or 2 days? Ask your friends or business associates which ISPs they've used, and how they felt about the support they received.

Which Extras Does the ISP Offer?

Some ISPs offer unlimited e-mail addresses. Some offer pre-built functionality to handle things such as auctions, chat, blogs, and message boards. Make a list of what you want and try to find an ISP that offers these options for little or no extra charge.

Do your homework. ISPs change their offerings, new ISPs appear, and pricing is constantly changing due to market demands, so spend a little extra time understanding what you want and what's available in your area before you make any decisions. Although it's easy to transfer a few simple Web pages and graphics files from one ISP to the next, transferring a larger site can be a hassle and might cost you money you don't need to waste. Next, get some tips for doing the required homework to find the right ISP.