FAQs

Below are some of the most often asked question by Online Connection visitors. If you have a question that is not listed, you can send me an e-mail and I'll try to answer it.

I'm having trouble with "Service X." Can you help me?

I am not affiliated with any of the services mentioned at Online Connection, and I do not provide technical support for any service or software. You can find telephone numbers to contact a specific service on its profile page.

Is there a service with a local number in "City X?"

You can find a local ISP with a number in your city by going to The List. To find a local number for one of the national ISPs link to their list of numbers from the Connection section on the National ISPs - Features page.

What is the difference between an online service and an ISP?

Online services provide and organize the content found on their service. They also include access to most of the Internet. ISPs usually provide only access to the Internet. Often ISPs do not offer any content or organization with the access.

What online service or national ISP do you recommend?

I am reluctant to recommend any service because I have only used a few of them and the features of these services change rapidly. My advice is to use the different services until you find one that meets your individual needs well.

Can I reproduce information found at Online Connection?

Please e-mail me regarding all requests for reproduction. In general, electronic reproduction is discouraged; links are preferred since the information will always be current at the web site. Printed reproduction for non-profit, informational purposes is encouraged. In all cases the URL for Online Connection and the author's name, Jay Barker, should be present.

Why isn't "Service X" included in your comparisons?

Online Connection aims to compare only the largest services available in the United States. Services with less than 100,000 customers are not compared. You can find links to more national ISPs on the Other ISPs page.