SCORES OF SMALL Internet service providers are now offering reliable, bare-bones Web access at a fraction of AOL’s cost. These companies—like the $4.75-a-month 550Access.com, or 650Dialup.com, which costs, of course, $6.50 a month—keep costs low by cutting e-mail and Web space. But the connections are reliable and, with fewer users, you’ll get fewer busy signals. But before you sign up, beware of hidden fees. Most charge a small setup fee, and some cap “unlimited hours” at 200 a month. And although online tech support is usually free, just phoning the company can cost up to $5. Still confused? Compare options at theispguide.com, a searchable database of more than 1,000 providers. With fees this low, you can afford to experiment.

—Sarah Childress