Local Internet Services

The Ripon Public Library offers free Internet access to Library card holders who have signed an Internet Use Agreement Form and agree to use the Internet in accordance with our Internet Use Policy. Access to the Internet is provided via a T1 connection through the Oshkosh Public Library and WiscNet. The Library does not provide access to the Internet for home users, beyond the use of the Library's world wide web pages from home computers. The Library will attempt to provide information and resources to patrons who wish to have their own personal Internet access from home.

Area residents have a number of options to choose from when looking for an Internet Service Provider (ISP). An ISP is a company that can provide you with your own connection to the Internet from home or business. The following is a list of some ISP's with services in the Ripon area, with information on monthly charges, speed, and reliability, where available. Also included are links to several online ISP services, including an ISP search engine.

Note: whether you use a dial-up phone line or your cable TV to connect to the Internet, in today's Internet society you need to protect your computer with anti-virus and firewall software. For the cost-conscious, there are free alternatives to be found, such as AVG (a free anti-virus product) and ZoneAlarm (also free, widely used and frequently updated). Please visit our links page for places to find useful, free software online. These resources are targeted at home computer users, as file downloads and software installation are not presently allowed on the public Library computers.

Dial-Up Access

Benefits:

• Nearly every new computer sold today comes standard with a modem which connects to your regular telephone line, so no specialized equipment is needed
• Dial-up services can be very inexpensive ($10-$15 or less per month, even for unlimited access)

Problems:

• Dial-up services use your phone line, so you will be unable to use your regular telephone service while online (unless you arrange for call-forwarding or voice mail services, which usually cost extra) - no calls out, and no calls in
• Noisy phone lines can make your connection unstable or even unusable, especially after heavy rain and storms

Area providers:

• DotNet
• Infinity Technology, Inc.
• NetNet
• CoreComm (connection number in Green Lake; formerly VoyagerNet; formerly Valley Business Equipment)

DSL

Benefits:

• Fast, reliable, digital connection
• Service uses existing telephone lines and proven technology
• Surf the Internet and talk on the phone as the same time

Problems:

• DSL is usually the most expensive option (anywhere from $40 to $380(!) per month), and at the moment service coverage is still spotty
• Requires special filters to be installed on computer or phone lines
• Service is only available within a limited distance from the phone company central office; speed and reliability decrease with distance

Area providers:

• CenturyTel

Cable Internet

Benefits:

• Theoretically the fastest; provides an "always-on" Internet connection
• If you already are a cable television customer, you may get a cheaper rate; also, the connection to your home is already there
• Doesn't tie up your phone lines; you can talk on the phone, surf the Internet, and even use an online-phone service, all at the same time.

Problems:

• More expensive than dial-up; Internet service can run as much as $40-$50 in addition to your regular cable service subscription.
• Speeds slow down as more users join your local connection; security measures need to be taken, since you share your connection with everyone in the neighborhood

Area providers:

• Charter Communications