There are various tests, you should do before you sign up.

After all, once you do, you will probably commit your company or yourself to various expenses and time considerations.

Software

1. Check out the software. Was it user-friendly? Did it install easily? Did it require a lot of technical knowledge, that you don't have?

If it takes you longer than an hour or so, to get the software installed, or if you need to have a long conversation over the phone, you might seriously try another ISP now! There's lots of them out there!

Connection

2. Check out the connection to the Internet. Was it a local call? How many attempts did you take to get connected?

It is also a good idea to check out the connection at various times of the day. For instance, can you connect early in the morning, when you get to the office, so that you can download any incoming E-Mail?

E-Mail

3. If you are using the Internet at home in the evening, check out the access. Some ISPs are atrocious, as they have sold to too many home users.

4. Check out the E-Mail, by sending a message to a friend and asking them to return one. Did you find writing the message easy? Is the E-Mail address, supplied by the ISP suitable and easy to remember?

You don't want something like Fred.Smith@Wonderful.Internet.Connections.de.Bruxelles.com, but something short like James@daisy.co.uk.

Support

5. If you have a problem, try the telephone support. How long did it take? Was support helpful? Were they rude? Did they think you a moron?

6. If you don't have a problem, still phone.