- A way to get to internet. This can be a simple dial-up modem, a DSL line, a cable modem or even a satellite link.

- A software package (generally a customized browser such as Netscape or Internet explorer)

- A logon (username and password)

- An access phone number for dialup or ISDN connections.

- Free web space (AOL, for example, gives you 2mb per screen name).

- Access to a newsgroup server.

- One or more email accounts.

Nothing else will enhance or undermine your surfing experience as quickly or as totally as your choice of ISP. A good ISP is a joy to work with because basically after installation you never even worry about them. The phone lines are virtually never busy, connection is robust, their technical services are always available and cheerful. In other words, a good ISP is like proverbial Maytag repairman (remember those commercials) - you never need to worry about them because they always work well.

Some time ago there was kingdom of Webring. The kingdom was united and it's people were happy and content. Webring was huge, grand it was indeed. At it's height it was reported to include over 80,000 villages, cities and towns (all collectively known as webrings). Each town was ruled by a ringmaster, and each ringmaster had unlimited control over his population. At it's height, kingdom is reported to have housed well over a million souls (ringmembers).

Although there were usual problems associated with a large community, in general people were happy and content. Happy, that is, until one day a foul stench wafted through kingdom. A rumor it was, horrible to ears. The empire of Y! was visiting with an eye towards assimilation.

Unfortunately rumors were true, and happy kingdom was purchased by empire of Y! A shiver ran through planet that day, a foul day indeed.

At first there was little change and people went about their daily business. New rings were created at a great rate and, on surface at least, all appeared to be normal.

Normal, that is, until one day a memo was delivered to all of ringmasters, claiming that great and wonderful changes were afoot. Things were going to happen now, good things. The kingdom of Webring was going to change in ways wonderful to behold.

It was common for ringmasters to congregate in great meeting hall of Webringnews, which was ruled by a gentle ruler known mysteriously only as "the Bob". As rumors of change swept through kingdom loyal subjects began to meet in hall, rightly concerned about vagueness of notice and possibilities it introduced.

Nothing useful was gleaned from leaders of Y! so ringmasters assumed worst. The halls of Webringnews shook with speculation and consternation. The mighty Bob had his hands full maintaining order among wild and woolly subjects.

During this time rose some great knights. The wise sir James encouraged all to remain calm. His words of wisdom earned him a special place in annuals of Webing. The upstart Gunnar, sensing that this story might not have a happy ending, split from kingdom to create a new kingdom - mythical land of Ringlink. These and many others contributed to wonderful conversations and speculations that went on during these stressful times.

Also came rumor of other kingdoms - deserted but promising land of Ringsurf, hills of Boomis and wild outbacks of Netring. Slowly at first but with gathering momentum ringmasters began to leave Kingdom. All were sensing doom and destruction at hands of evil leaders of Y!

The fateful day came. It is remembered by all with whispers of fear and loathing. This is day that armies of Y! marched through kingdom, announcing new order that was now upon all of subjects. All would be assimilated, all would obey. The day was September 5, 2000, and it would be forever associated with a curse - curse of Black Tuesday.