Check your speed

Download or receive speed is the rate that information is transferred from the Internet to your computer. Examples of receiving or downloading are reading a Web page, downloading a program, or receiving e-mail.  Upload or send speed is the rate that information is transferred from your computer to the Internet. Examples of sending or uploading are sending e-mail or sending files.  If your service is synchronous, you have the same download and upload speed.  If your service is asynchronous, it just means that your download and upload speeds are different.  Most users need more download speed because you receive more information than you send.  Nearly all ISPs limit the speed at which you can send e-mail or upload files to servers to a greater extent than they restrict download speeds.

To test your connection speed, go to a test speed website.  Your ISP probably has a test page or you can use one like www.testspeed.net.  Often sites will offer scanning or performance services that they want you to buy.  And be careful, there are Internet sites that are frauds, scams and hoaxes. Legitimate speed tests don’t require you to download or install anything.

Network congestion can overload your ISP and the Web site you're trying to visit.  So if the Internet seems slow, check your speed to be sure you are getting the download and upload speeds guaranteed by your service.

Static IP address

Every computer on the Internet has a unique number assigned to it, the “IP address.” The IP address can be “static,” meaning it never changes, or “dynamic,” meaning it can change from time to time. A static IP address is only necessary if you are providing services to people outside your office. If you host your own Web server in-house, offer remote access to users over VPN, or have a mail server, then you might need static IP addresses. But if you don’t have any of these things, you probably don’t need a static IP address, and you may be paying for it unnecessarily.

eMail accounts

If you have an eMail service or use a hosted eMail account you don’t need these services from your ISP.

Web hosting

Your ISP may offer you Web hosting as an add-on service at a great price.

Use a firewall/router

Organizations of all sizes want secure network connectivity to their business data and applications. The need to connect with partners, customers, and remote/mobile employees anytime and anywhere has expanded network connectivity requirements beyond traditional wired local area networks (LANs) to include dial-up remote access, VPNs, and wireless networks.

Know your contract and terms of service

Many ISP providers require you to sign up for a minimum period.  Your minimum period depends upon the type of service. In general, the longer the contract period the lower the monthly price, but remember it is difficult to break these types of contracts without stiff penalties.

Be sure you understand and comply with your terms of service.  One problem with being outside the terms of service is that the ISP can refuse or limit support.