Next,
you'll need to have Internet access, which is provided
by ISPs (Internet Service Providers).
If you already have an ISP, you may also already
have web space just waiting for you to fill. If that's the
case, go directly to 'Create
Your Site'.
Paid ISPs usually have
technical support by phone (often on a 24/7 basis). When
you start being a webmaster, this can be important. Most
ISPs charge between $10 - $20 (US) a month for their service.
Click here for
a global database of paid ISPs.
What? You don't have the
cash? Fortunately for you, there are now many free ISPs
(FISPs) to choose from, located all over the world. Most
FISPs display ads while you're surfing the Web or ask you
to fill out surveys as a way to pay for their service.
Some FISPs even provide you with free web
space and an email account, which saves you a step or two.
Keep in mind that FISPs still need to make enough money
to cover their costs. This means they may constantly pressure
you to upgrade your service, or have some other "catch".
Read everything thoroughly.
Click here
to find a FISP that meets your needs. The US and several
other countries have more than one page of FISPs to choose
from. Be sure to look through them all and definitely
read the reviews!
There's
yet another way to connect to the Internet for free.
Free-nets and community networks have been around for
almost as long as the Internet itself. Most aren't particularly
flashy and don't offer web space, but there are no ads
to view or surveys to fill out.
Best
of all, these resources are grassroots creations. They
help keep you in touch with your local community, which
can be important once you encounter the vastness of
the Web. Click here
for a global list.
An important note about free-nets: Their purpose
is to help people get online who wouldn't otherwise be able
to afford it. They depend on volunteers and donated hardware,
software and books. If a free-net has helped you, please
consider giving back in some way.
