# ISP Survey **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [April 12, 2000, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isp-survey/15889 "2000-04-12T21:02:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Yankee\_Blue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/7ea924/32.png) [@Yankee\_Blue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yankee_Blue)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2000, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isp-survey/15889/1 "2000-04-12T21:02:00Z")
I have finally broken down and installed a computer in my home - it naturally follows that I must hook up to the internet so as to reach this board at any time day or night. So I put it to you all, I want to know what ISP you use and what you think of them. Also let me know which ISPs you think are camel snot, etc. I know we’ve touched on this before but I want definitive coverage here. Thanks. * * * All you need to start an asylum is an empty room and the right kind of people. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2000, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isp-survey/15889/2 "2000-04-12T21:10:00Z")
This one is free, with NO pop up ads. They start you at their search/news page, but you can even avoid that by creating a desktop icon to your regular start page, e.g., Yahoo, and it will bypass theirs when it loads. [http://www.worldspy.com/freeisp/isp.asp](http://www.worldspy.com/freeisp/isp.asp) * * * Helpin’ my baby toddle along ---
**Author:** ![techchick68](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ea5d25/32.png) [@techchick68](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/techchick68)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2000, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isp-survey/15889/3 "2000-04-12T23:30:00Z")
I use Earthlink…it’s okay, but I have it free. For a good list of ISPs (you might look to local access, some of them are pretty good) check out [http://www.thelist.com](http://www.thelist.com) Also, if you are on US West baby-bell territory, they have a $14,95 per month thing going now. My parents use it and seem satisfied. ---
**Author:** ![Catrandom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7bcc69/32.png) [@Catrandom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Catrandom)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2000, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isp-survey/15889/4 "2000-04-12T23:49:00Z")
I had an entertaining few days with Earthlink when they decided that they wanted me to use a different access number. Evidently the dialup number their tech had recommended for me was leased and cost them money whenever anyone used it. That was fine, but instead of, say, dropping me an e-mail to ask me to change, Earthlink simply disabled my password and let me spend three days arguing with tech support to find out what the $_&_&# happened to my account. But I admit that I seem to bring out the worst in businesses that I deal with (I could tell you _stories_…) YMMV. * * * ## Catrandom Go to a vet that’s also a taxidermist. Either way, you’ll get your cat back. _Sig courtesy of the amazing WallyM7_ ---
**Author:** ![OpalCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8edcca/32.png) [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2000, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isp-survey/15889/5 "2000-04-12T23:51:00Z")
We use cable service from roadrunner. We love it 🙂 * * * – I have over 2000 posts, dammit! Show some respect. [http://fathom.org/opalcat/showmerespect.jpg](http://fathom.org/opalcat/showmerespect.jpg) O p a l C a t [www.opalcat.com](http://www.opalcat.com) NEW UBB board, all are welcome: [http://fathom.org/cgi-bin/Ultimate.cgi?action=intro](http://fathom.org/cgi-bin/Ultimate.cgi?action=intro) ---
**Author:** ![MadPoet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8c91f0/32.png) [@MadPoet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MadPoet)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2000, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isp-survey/15889/6 "2000-04-12T23:58:00Z")
What are your requirements? AOL - Maximum ease, customer service sucks, high cost Worldspy - Buggy software, but it works, sometimes. (mind you, I only talk to people where it doesn’t work) Customer service is next to useless (small chance of getting me on weekends though… depends on how bad I need the money). Free. Earthlink/Mindspring - Based on when it was mindspring, Software works great, but can be problematic at times (rarely) Customer service is awesome (well, it was when I worked there), and the cost is about average for a pay ISP. If I had to pick a national ISP, I’d go here. Most places have local ISPs that can be better or worse… is very hit or miss, and if you find a good one, chances are it will be bought up within the month. * * * [http://www.madpoet.com](http://www.madpoet.com) I am human, and I need to be loved Just like anybody else does ---
**Author:** ![Satan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Satan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Satan)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2000, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isp-survey/15889/7 "2000-04-13T00:13:00Z")
I use Prodigy. I do not recomend it. How much does Roadrunner cost? I hear it’s in my area now, and I’ve been thinking about it… Details, anyone? 😕 * * * Yer pal, Satan [http://www.raleighmusic.com/board/Images/devil.gif](http://www.raleighmusic.com/board/Images/devil.gif) _TIME ELAPSED SINCE I QUIT SMOKING: Three days, 22 hours, 11 minutes and 4 seconds. 156 cigarettes not smoked, saving $19.62. Life saved: 13 hours, 0 minutes._ ---
**Author:** ![Michi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c37758/32.png) [@Michi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Michi)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2000, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isp-survey/15889/8 "2000-04-13T00:17:00Z")
AOL was nice, but too expensive. Switched to Juno, 10 a month. So far it is working fine. * * * You know you are a vet nurse when: it’s 4 AM and you are out of creamer for your coffee, so you use kitten milk replacer instead. ---
**Author:** ![techchick68](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ea5d25/32.png) [@techchick68](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/techchick68)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2000, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isp-survey/15889/9 "2000-04-13T00:24:00Z")
Little side note: It is of my opinion that you should try to avoid the software that ISPs force upon you. Look for an ISP that allows you to install Dial Up Networking and configure it manually. You will be far happier without all the “bells and whistles”. Ask their techs how to set it up. ---
**Author:** ![Sycorax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a4c791/32.png) [@Sycorax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sycorax)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2000, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isp-survey/15889/10 "2000-04-13T01:14:00Z")
I use Erols and have been very happy with it. I think they are only on the east coast. I paid $179 for a year. ---
**Author:** ![inertia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/d07c76/32.png) [@inertia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/inertia)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2000, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isp-survey/15889/11 "2000-04-13T01:41:00Z")
I have been using Mindspring for dial up service and it’s been swell. I travel a lot on business so it’s important to always have a local number. That was $20 for unlimited time/mo. Since work has installed a DSL line at home (400k) I’ve changed my Mindspring account to the minimum of $7.95 for 5 hours use and 5 MB web space. I’ve got my home PC as a web server now and all I need now is some e-mail server software and I’ll post about 500 new ID’s on TSDMB (did I say that out loud?) ---
**Author:** ![MissMonica7](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e36b37/32.png) [@MissMonica7](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MissMonica7)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2000, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isp-survey/15889/12 "2000-04-13T01:50:00Z")
I use a local ISP called Talarion. not sure if theyre in your area, go to [talarion.com](http://talarion.com) and check it out. i pay 12$ a month, no committments/start up fees/hidden costs. $12 for unlimited use seems pretty good to me… * * * “I am so smart, I am so smart, s-m-r-t, i mean s-m-a-r-t” ---
**Author:** ![OpalCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8edcca/32.png) [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2000, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isp-survey/15889/13 "2000-04-13T01:50:00Z")
I think we pay around $45/month. I downloaded an 18 meg file the other day in 1 minute, 35 seconds. * * * – I have over 2000 posts, dammit! Show some respect. [http://fathom.org/opalcat/showmerespect.jpg](http://fathom.org/opalcat/showmerespect.jpg) O p a l C a t [www.opalcat.com](http://www.opalcat.com) NEW UBB board, all are welcome: [http://fathom.org/cgi-bin/Ultimate.cgi?action=intro](http://fathom.org/cgi-bin/Ultimate.cgi?action=intro) ---
**Author:** ![lindsay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/3be4f8/32.png) [@lindsay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lindsay)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2000, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isp-survey/15889/14 "2000-04-13T02:46:00Z")
For a free ISP, AltaVista. For $8.95 [Libertybay.com](http://Libertybay.com), if you want to avoid seeing ads. * * * lindsay ---
**Author:** ![The\_LION](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8e7dd6/32.png) [@The\_LION](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_LION)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2000, 6:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isp-survey/15889/15 "2000-04-13T06:38:00Z")
I am going to second OpalCat and say go with RoadRunner cable modem service. I just signed up with them about 3weeks ago and so far the service has been good. The speeds I am getting are as good as or better than a T1 line. ( never less than 1.5Mbps, more often 2+Mbps ) Here in Houston Tx the price for a home connection if you already have cable TV is $39.95 a month and free installation. About the same price per month as a second phone line and ISP account. Before cable I used a local ISP called [WT.NET](http://WT.NET) that cost about $15.00 a month. The service was good but it was still dialup 56k or less. Once you experence broadband access, dialup just won’t cut it anymore. * * * ## Peace t lion ## “I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedoms of the people by gradual and silent encroachment of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.” – James Madison ---
**Author:** ![ralphredan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f4b2a3/32.png) [@ralphredan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralphredan)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2000, 6:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isp-survey/15889/16 "2000-04-13T06:43:00Z")
You can’t beat this one. It’s free and highspeed. \*\* [http://www.freexdsl.com./](http://www.freexdsl.com./) \*\* * * * It’s sunny today in the RSA. ---
**Author:** ![neutron\_star](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/51bf81/32.png) [@neutron\_star](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/neutron_star)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2000, 7:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isp-survey/15889/17 "2000-04-13T07:13:00Z")
I have unidirectional cable from Cox. Bastards tried to charge me $90/month, but I told them I wouldn’t pay more than $50. They were (and probably still are) struggling for customers, so they gave it to me for $50. As far as file transfers go, I never get more than 100 kb/s, usually more like 40 kb/s. **The LION** , I’ve _never_ heard of anyone lay claim to speeds even close to that fast with cable. You must live 2 doors down from the cable company and be the only one in the neighborhood with a cable internet hookup. ---
**Author:** ![The\_LION](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8e7dd6/32.png) [@The\_LION](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_LION)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2000, 7:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isp-survey/15889/18 "2000-04-13T07:40:00Z")
Neutron star My results from the TimeWarner/Roadrunner Houston speed test page( times how long it takes to download a 1.3 megabyte test image ) 5.6 seconds at the fastest = 2.2 Mbps 6.7 seconds at the slowist = 1.5 Mbps On a local usernet channel devoted to T.W./R.R the earlybirds(first to signup in Houston) are bitching that all the new users are keeping them from getting the 5-6Mbps that they got when they first signed up. BTW I am several miles from the cable co. office and have run into several other RoadRunner users in my zipcode on usernet and a UBB board that T.W/R.R. setup for local RoadRunner users. * * * ## Peace t lion ## “I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedoms of the people by gradual and silent encroachment of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.” – James Madison ---
**Author:** ![neutron\_star](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/51bf81/32.png) [@neutron\_star](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/neutron_star)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2000, 7:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isp-survey/15889/19 "2000-04-13T07:54:00Z")
> [@](#): > > My results from the TimeWarner/Roadrunner Houston speed test page( times how long it takes to download a 1.3 megabyte test image ) 5.6 seconds at the fastest = 2.2 Mbps 6.7 seconds at the slowist = 1.5 Mbps You sure that image isn’t cached? If I go test my speed [here](http://www.computingcentral.msn.com/topics/bandwidth/speedtest.asp), it tells me I have some incredible, mind-blowing speed … because I’ve already done the test before. Do those speeds hold up when downloading from ftp sites? How fast is your upstream? ---
**Author:** ![The\_LION](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8e7dd6/32.png) [@The\_LION](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_LION)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2000, 8:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isp-survey/15889/20 "2000-04-13T08:09:00Z")
> [@](#): > > Originally posted by neutron star: > \*\* You sure that image isn’t cached? If I go test my speed [here](http://www.computingcentral.msn.com/topics/bandwidth/speedtest.asp), it tells me I have some incredible, mind-blowing speed … because I’ve already done the test before. > > Do those speeds hold up when downloading from ftp sites? How fast is your upstream?\*\* ## That speed is after emptying my cache if I forget or try the test repeatedly I get reports of 3+Mbps Downstream From FTP sites I get anywhere from 40 to 160 Kbps( seems to be limited by net conditions and server connection ) Never clocked my upload times but local R.R. rep claims upload speed capped at 510 Kbps to prevent overload and line hogging.( local server rated at 50Mbps down,10Mbps up) I was able to upload a 4 meg file in under 2 minutes. ## Peace t lion ## “I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedoms of the people by gradual and silent encroachment of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.” – James Madison [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isp-survey/15889.md?page=2)