Free Internet service providers may be found online but some have limited access and charge based upon a per minute connection fee. Free Internet service usually includes a limited number of hours of service per month and usage exceeding that is billed to the customer. This may work well for individuals who don't use more than a few hours per month but those extra charges could add up quickly. Some of these companies charge a setup fee and require a credit card for sign up. Plans may include an email account and limited customer support. Consider all charges and stipulations when signing a contract for free Internet service.
Some providers offer fast connection speeds, email, instant messaging, nationwide access numbers, and compatibility with most web browsers. It is possible to sign up for a free trial period and then upgrade to a premium plan for additional benefits. Most free Internet service providers have pop-up blockers, virus protection for email, additional storage space for email accounts, and online account management for upgraded service but a free plan may be limited on features. It would be smart to shop around and do some comparisons on different plans and providers before making a final decision and consider taking advantage of free trial periods. Pray and ask friends about the provider they use before signing up for a free plan. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him" (James 1:5).
Additional expenses could occur when using long distance access numbers. These charges will usually show up on one's phone bill through free Internet service. Make sure the access numbers used are local to avoid unnecessary charges. Many companies charge extra for customer support issues and contacting technical support. Check system requirements before signing up with free Internet service providers, by checking their site online for the information. There are minimum requirements needed to be able to properly connect to the Web and the recommended requirements will provide access at higher speeds. When browsing the Web it is easy to become frustrated when access is slow. There are a few things that the surfer can do to make access easier and faster, check into upgrading to make a difference in browsing capabilities. When using a dial up connection be sure and get a high speed modem preferably at least 56k.
Research and know what to expect when using free Internet service providers. Some have banner ads that pop up occasionally during use which could slow down browsing. Some providers will disconnect the user after 30 minutes of being idle thus causing the user to have to reconnect which also slows down browsing. For greater ease and flexibility with browsing choose off-peak hours to surf. If more people are trying to access the same web page it could slow down loading time and cause frustration. Free Internet service companies should be able to give some insight on off-peak hours and the best time to access the Web.
Another thing to check that can slow browsing is opening too many browser windows at once. For easy access to favorite web pages use the "Favorites" folder and save in the folder for easy access and faster surfing. Ask companies about bandwidth since a higher-bandwidth connection will carry more information at one time than a low band-width connection. Consider emptying the "cache" or deleting temporary Internet files from time to time as a full folder could slow down surfing performance and loading speeds. When browsing the Internet limit searches by being as specific as possible when using keywords, doing so will save time when trying to find information on the Web.
When downloading large files, such as music files, a slow connection could prove to be very frustrating. Large downloaded files often can take hours depending on the type of contents of information and the size of the file. When signing up for a plan, find out what the speed is for downloading and uploading files. Upload speed and download speed will usually vary depending on the connection. Downstream is used for downloading email and Web pages while upstream is used for sending files through email. Usually download speeds are faster than upload speeds through free Internet service providers.
Consider investing in computer Internet security by installing anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall protection, pop-up blocking, email junk mail filter, and parental controls. Free Internet service may not include these features but many providers offer these additional features with premium service that is based upon a monthly charge. Invest in anti-virus software that will detect any foreign invaders immediately and have the capability of cleaning the infected files or deleting them. Set up anti-virus software to check all attachments received through email before downloading. Invest in anti-spyware that will provide continuous protection from porn sites, adware and other threats. Parental controls are a good idea for families that have children who frequently use the family computer unattended.
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