What elements factor into the calculation of a credit score?

Your credit score is based on the various information that is present in your individual credit report. The score is based on the different categories, which vary amongst different scoring models. In addtition, how much weight each category holds in a specfic scoring model also varies.

However, there are a handful of core elements that most likely factor into any type of credit scoring model. These are important components to keep in mind when attempting to get a better understand of and/or improve your credit score.

Elements of your credit score include:
- Payment history
- Amounts owed
- New credit
- Types of credit used
- Length of credit history

A clean payment history without missed or late payments is something to strive for. In addition, paying attention to total amounts owed versus total available credit is recommended. It is generally a good idea to not utilize a large portion of your available credit if at all possible.

Closing accounts is a complicated topic. Closing an account can reduce your length of credit history and can also reduce the ratio of credit used versus credit available. But in some cases, closing an account can be beneficial. It is important to examine each account carefully to determine whether closing it or keeping it open is the right choice.

For more detailed information on the topic of credit scores and what factors into the credit scoring equation, be sure to read our recent article, How a Credit Score is Calculated.

Posted in Internet Service, Credit Cards, Loans, Miscellaneous, Insurance, Personal Finance | Permalink

Which is better: VoIP or traditional long distance service?

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) utilizes your existing Internet connection to make local and/or long distance phone calls. VoIP has been around for a few years now and it continues to gain popularity.

So does it provide a better overall value and experience than traditional, landline long distance phone service? Not surprisingly, the answer to that question depends on many different factors.

Advantages of VoIP
- Can provide substantial savings compared to traditional phone service
- Regular local phone service is not needed for VoIP
- Usually offers detailed online tracking to monitor your account activity
- Can provide unique features that are not offered by traditional phone providers

Disadvantages of VoIP
- A high-speed internet connection is required (DSL, cable, etc.)
- Depending on your ISP, voice quality may not be as clear as landline service
- ISP service interruptions will result in the loss of phone service as well

Whether you decide to go with VoIP or traditional long distance service, you can easily compare plans side-by-side to find the best long ditance plan for your needs. If you need further clarification about any topic before signing up, visit our long distance tips and advice area.

Although one can debate whether VoIP is a better choice than tradtional long distance service or vice versa, one thing remains certain — you are probably overpaying for your long distance calls right now. Choose your next long distance phone plan wisely and start saving money each and every month. It really is that easy.

Posted in Internet Service, Long Distance | Permalink

Choosing Broadband Over Dial-Up Internet Access

Broadband (DSL, cable) Internet access brings with it many benefits, including faster speed when surfing the Internet or downloading files. But broadband also carries a heftier price tag than dial-up most of the time.

Choosing to go with dial-up Internet access can be the right choice in some circumstances, as well. Dial-up can serve as a lower-cost alternative to some of the more expensive Internet access options out there.

Our Choosing an ISP section, which is part of our Internet Access Tips and Advice area, covers this broadband vs. dial-up issue along with other relevant topics.

Utilize our knowledge base to find answers to common questions about Internet service providers (ISPs) and Internet access before searching for ISPs that are available in your area.

Posted in Internet Service | Permalink

New Internet Access Tips and Advice Center

The new Internet Access Tips & Advice center is the latest in our continuing efforts to bring extensive knowledge to consumers.

In this area, you will find answers to common questions about Internet service providers and other various ISP-related topics.

Topics include:
- Cable Internet Access
- Choosing an ISP
- Dial-Up Internet Access
- DSL Internet Access
- Internet Access Explained
- Other Types of Internet Access

This area will be updated regularly and will serve to help you make your next Internet service provider choice a knowledgeable one.

Visit the new ISP Tips and Advice area now.

Posted in Site Updates, Internet Service | Permalink

Antivirus and Internet Security Software Comparison

Our new antivirus and Internet security software section makes it easy to find the latest deals and offers in online security. You can easily compare available antivirus and security software options and purchase the latest version online.

Are you sure that your computer and information is protected from viruses, hackers, adware, spyware and other online threats? Utilize our comparison page to view your available options.

Compare antivirus and Internet security software now and make sure that your online environment has up-to-date antivirus protection and is ready to handle the latest online security threats.

Posted in Internet Service, Miscellaneous | Permalink

Types of Broadband Internet Service

Cable Internet Access – This type of Internet service is provided by Cable companies. The Internet connection itself is provided on the same type of cable that you use for Cable television.

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) Internet Access – This type of Internet service uses the same wires that you use for your telephone to provide high-speed Internet Access.

Satellite Internet Access – This type of high-speed Internet service uses satellites orbiting the Earth to transmit through a satellite dish attached to your home.

In many cases, all three types are available for homeowners. The final choice is often between Cable and DSL, as satellite Internet access is usually utilized only when other ISP options are not available (i.e. in a remote area). See DSL vs. Cable for more information about comparing these two types of Internet access.

Compare broadband ISPs now - you can search by state or browse a complete list of broandband internet service providers.

You can also find answers to more ISP-related questions in our ISP FAQ section.

Posted in Internet Service | Permalink

The advantages of signing up for Internet service online

It’s a good question: Why should I sign up for Internet service online when I can call an 800 number and sign up just as easily?

For starters, you can take as much time as you need to compare services and look over all of the fine print online. It’s not as easy to take your time and be patient when you call up and purchase something over the telephone.

Online, it’s easy to compare competing products virtually side-by-side. This way, you have a better chance of finding the ISP and plan that best suits your specific needs. Internet service providers are competing for your business and are constantly improving their products and offerings. Don’t settle for an average plan when you can get so much more for your money.

But the real value in signing up for Internet service online comes in dollars and cents. Many times, consumers can simply find the best deals online.

Online, sometimes you can find a better month-to-month rate, sometimes you can find good rebate offers and sometimes you can find both. It is undoubetedly worth your time to at least browse around a bit.

In addition, a lot of Internet service providers are increasing their reach. So, while they may not have offered service in your area before, they may now. It’s a good bet that you have more choices now than you did a couple of years ago.

Compare Internet service providers now and check out the latest deals in your area. You can also visit our ISP FAQs to learn about all kinds of ISP-related topics.

Posted in Internet Service | Permalink

Dial-up Internet service - a thing of the past? Not exactly. A lot of people still make use of this type of Internet service provider.

Many people still utilize dial-up Internet service plans as either their primary or secondary means of getting online. Why?

1. Dial-up internet service providers have vastly improved their service and offerings. These types of plans continue to get more and more robust in terms of features that are included with service.

2. Many people utilize a dial-up ISP as a “backup Internet service” in case of down time with their broadband Internet provider (i.e. DSL or cable). As we all know, down time does occur.

So, if you have already written off Dial-up Internet service providers, you may want to reconsider. The included features of dial-up plans continue to improve and using a plan as a backup option can end up being a wise decision if and when you find yourself in a tough spot down the road.

Posted in Internet Service | Permalink

One thing that customers can overlook before signing up with a dial-up Internet service provider (ISP) is to check whether or not that ISP offers dial-in access numbers that are nearby. Read this for a brief explanation about dial-up ISPs in general.

Whether or not you will incur any additional phone charges (like long distance charges) depends on the access numbers that you choose. ISP’s do not benefit from additional phone charges - your phone company or long distance provider does. Before signing up with an ISP, browse its list of access numbers and hopefully you will find a couple of local numbers that you will be able to utilize.

The best way to decrease the probability of incurring any additional phone charges is to sign up with an ISP that owns a lot of access numbers. If you want to be extra careful, write down some of the possible numbers before signing up and contact your local phone company. They should be able to tell you if you will incur any long distance charges (or any other fees) by accessing those particular numbers.

Compare ISP’s and check out the latest deals in your area now. If you have any further questions, check out our ISP FAQs for more information about all kinds of ISP-related topics.

Posted in Internet Service, Long Distance | Permalink

We think you will be very happy with the new and improved Internet Search Provider section. It is very easy to use: Simply choose your state in the drop down menu and you’ll see a list of ISP’s that provide Internet access in your state.

The new setup and layout makes it easy to compare Internet access options, including dial-up Internet access, DSL internet access, cable internet access and more.

So, the next time you have a free 10 seconds, compare ISP’s and check out the latest deals in your area. You can also visit our ISP FAQs to learn about all kinds of ISP-related topics.

Posted in Site Updates, Internet Service | Permalink