Help! Looking for internet provider!

red

Hi, this is almost certainly the dumbest question anyone has asked on this site, but unfortunately, I have suddenly become aware of my complete lack of knowledge in the field of internet connection. I rarely use the internet (probably a few hours a week) and only ever do at my boyfriend's house. so, i cannot change his phone provider (or at least would like to avoid doing so unless really important). anyway, at the moment, (and i swear this is the first time ever) i am basically using the internet that my neighbours are paying for as i have just made a connection that way. i actually do not know who is paying for it so could not approach them to make a contribution and think it would be easier just to set up a new connection. the thing is, i really do not know what all the options are: broadband, wireless, routers given away free, modems, etc. I was looking at the aol offer which gives a modem away but i do not know if that is any good anyway. does anyone have any ideas or hints or suggestions?

murphy61

Not an easy question to answer! First of all, I suggest broadband as opposed to dial up. I use Tiscali at work - excellent service, no probs, and BT at home, same story. I had a brief and unpleasant encounter with talktalk so would advise you to stay away from them. My mate has AOL which works but is a bit annoying due to pop up windows and things which he (and I) can't seem to get rid of. Wireless is great if you use a laptop, but if you're using a desktop pc and it's near the main phone socket you don't need it. If you are only using 1 computer you don't need a router, just a modem but an ADSL router/modem combined would give you that option. Most isp's give you a free one anyway, so whatever you get should work. I'd go for BT, but no doubt there will be people on here who will laugh at that. Their customer support does get a bad press but I've never had a problem myself. Hope this helps