A computer without an internet connection is an overpriced typewriter, who wants that? The internet is seemingly everywhere these days -- from the corner coffee shop to an airplane at 30,000 -- but despite the ubiquity of internet access around us, most of us still have a home connection through some sort of internet service provider or ISP.

ISPs connect your home to the larger web, but not every connection is the same and not every ISP is worth the roughly $50 a month you'll likely pay for high speed home internet access.

To take the mystery out of ISPs we've put together this guide to help you figure out the best option in your area.

== Decide what you need ==

Just looking to check your e-mail and read some news? Well, though it may sound archaic, a good old-fashioned dial-up connection might be the best choice. Dial-up is cheap, though don't expect blazing speeds or at least be prepared to wait a few days for that movie to download.

If you're looking to play online games, share photos, download music and movies or other high-bandwidth activities, DSL or cable is the way to go.

== Ask around ==

Chances are your neighbors have some opinions on ISPs in your area. Ask them which company they use and whether or not they like it. Be sure to find out if they've had problems and how good the ISP was at solving their problems.

And remember, just because you had a horrible experience with a company at your last residence doesn't mean they're universally horrible. Many nationwide providers have radically different quality of service in different part of the country.

Once you've taken an informal survey of your neighborhood, take your search online. Head to the library or use the wifi at your local coffee shop to see what people are saying about your potential ISP.

Also be sure to check with sites like [http://www.speedtest.net/ Speed Test] to see how your ISP's speed compares to others your area.

== Bundle with other services ==

Chances are, if you're looking for high speed internet access in the United States, you're going to be looking at either DSL through the phone company or cable through the cable company. 

In either case most ISPs offer bundles that package internet service with other services. For example, you can get a better deal on both cable internet and cable TV if you order both together. If you're going to get both anyway, be sure to ask your ISP about bundling to save yourself some money.

Similar bundles exist with DSL providers, some of which even offer television bundles.

== Future Outlook ==

The future of home-based internet connections lies with your cell phone provider. Once 4g and then 5g networks catch up to the speeds offered by cable and DSL providers, we'll cut the home internet connection just like we've cut the telephone land line in favor of the cell phone. 

Artwork: uh, not much for this one, I like http://www.flickr.com/photos/dmuth/2256186646/ perhaps cropped a bit.