A website review by Danny Wirken

Who hasn’t heard of the internet or an internet service provider for that matter? For the benefit of the technically challenged, the internet or simply the net is a global network of computers throughout the world which are mostly connected using telephone lines that allow millions of computer users to share and exchange information. Whether at home, at work or while traveling, a computer user has global access to the vast quantities of information available on the internet. One does not have to be a computer expert to use the internet. As they say, the world is yours to visit – just tell the computer software what to do and where to go. An internet service provider, on the other hand, is a company that provides access to the internet for a fee. The internet provider holds the key to the amazing world of the internet. One can’t enter cyberspace without the indispensable internet provider. The internet service providers transport the computer user across the information highway to the World Wide Web. Simply put, no internet provider would mean no entry to the net.

In today’s world, browsing through the internet has become a necessity for the millions of information-hungry people. Almost everybody explores the internet and is part of it. Surfing the internet can be simplicity itself as long as one has the right equipment and connection – the all-important internet service provider. Hunting for an internet provider can be quite a daunting task. What more, paying for an internet provider can be a hefty investment. One hears about unbelievable internet provider promos or offers but has qualms whether they are good or bad. Don’t fret! Just keep in mind some basics and finding an internet provider will just be a breeze.

First things first, there should be availability of internet service in the specified area. Is the internet service for the home or for business? Next to availability and necessity, cost is another big factor. Installation fees, extra charges, penalties, lock-in clauses, flat rate or metered account; all these are added expenses you may have to pay the internet provider. A highly-respected internet service provider with years of experience can be a viable choice. Conversely, some big internet providers tend to clog their lines causing inefficient service, so ask around. Reliable and knowledgeable customer care support is also critical. Is there 24/7 access to customer service? Lastly, in this fast-paced world, speed is of paramount importance. A casual surfer might tolerate slower download speed to save money, whereas, a heavy internet user might forego savings for faster speed. This is a matter of choice. Armed with this checklist, you are now ready to let your fingers do the walking – browse the different internet service provider websites.

First on the list is www.netzero.com. NetZero is a subsidiary of United Online. United Online is billed as the largest internet service provider conglomerate offering low cost internet service provider models. United Online is available in more than 6500 cities across the United States and in Canada. Backed by United Online, NetZero has become a force to reckon with in the internet service industry. Netzero started out as an internet provider that offers free internet service. NetZero now offers customers a choice of three low cost premium internet service packages – the NetZero Platinum, the NetZero HiSpeed 3G and the NetZero Discount ISP Service.

Upon first landing on the homepage for www.netzero.com, my first impression was of a supermarket flyer plastered with promo coupons. I was more or less turned off by the amount of text and offers. I felt like being thrown into a sea of information. On closer look, the company logo in red and blue is on the upper left hand corner. This logo is consistent all throughout the website. Immediately beside it is the company name and tagline. The tagline says “Sign up for NetZero Platinum, HISpeed 3G or Free Internet Access Today!”. This tagline says it all. On the onset, the homepage sets high expectation for the site visitors. Just below is the top navigation bar with the main links – My NetZero, Corporate, Refer-A-Friend, Help, Affiliates, Give NetZero, My Account and Join Now. This top navigation bar is not consistent on each page, once the user navigates from the home page. It resides at the bottom in the succeeding web pages. Clicking the main Link, MyNetZero will launch a web page very similar to a Yahoo homepage. One will be greeted with different categories with corresponding articles – Headline News, Money, Career, Life, Travel, Stock, Quotes and a search box powered by Yahoo. The eye-catching color scheme makes the web page lively and attractive. The Voice Services category is another website in itself with the logo NetZero Voice in the upper left corner. Just below is the main menu. There are more contents below the “fold” as I scroll down. A not so brief description of the internet service packages follow. The bottom navigation bar with the About NetZero and Site Map are in smaller fonts. I was bombarded with a plethora of text and information. This homepage reminded me of things thrown all together to fit a box.

Anyway, clicking the Learn More tab of the NetZero HiSpeed package, I was transported to a totally neat and sleek web page. In fact, I found this page easier to navigate and the information much organized. It was easy reading all along. The Product Information Guide is separated into five key areas – Compare, Product Features, FAQ, and System Requirements and How to Switch. From the information listed, I gathered that the NetZero HiSpeed package offered by the internet provider, NetZero delivers up to five times faster web surfing plus pop-up blockers. It can be downloaded in minutes. One can also switch between regular and HiSpeed mode. This package comes for only $14.95 – no credit card required and no annual commitment. Pretty cool, I must say. The web page of NetZero Internet Service is also patterned in the same layout. These sub pages are more consistent and organized – no clutter. Fortunately, the flows in the home page did not spill over to the sub pages.

Overall, this is a fairly good site except for the home page. It could use some organizational and design help to make it look better aesthetically. After all, the home page provides the potential customers first peek of the company and first impressions count.