You've been content with the your online service for quite some time. Suddenly, it gives way under the weight of the broadening ranks of newcomers joining the Internet population.

With all of the markings of impending frustration -- frequent busy signals, disconnection, and system crashes -- a new online service is clearly something you may want to consider.

If you know exactly what you want, choosing one can be a breeze. If you're not quite sure, however, you may want to do a bit of research before opening a new account.

Here are a few tips to help you find a reliable Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Select an ISP that caters to your personal interests and online habits.

However, their access fees are often higher than those of smaller ISPs, and they are the most likely to filter the information you send and receive over the Internet. As a result of their huge customer base, frequent busy signals and belated technical assistance also are commonplace.

Local Internet service providers, ranging from big electric utilities to tiny home startups, offer subscribers a basic Internet connection with a full-range of access tools.

They are perhaps best known for their refrain from censorship, lack of congestion, expedient technical assistance, and lower rates and more personable service than their larger counterparts. Most of them, however, offer no special content of their own.

In either case, your service provider of choice should provide you with step-by-step instructions or an installation disk that will automatically set up everything you need to get up and running on the Internet.

Best of all, installation only takes a few minutes. However, you'll need to re-configure your dial-up setup and open a new e-mail account.

2. How much is this going to set me back?

Today, the rates among all online services are extremely competitive. Some ISPs offer a flat rate for unlimited connection time, while others offer a basic monthly fee for a set number of hours and charge extra for anything over that.

As a general rule, you should expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $50 a month for a single access package, depending on the level of service and connection speed.

3. Keep in mind that choosing an ISP should involve more than just the price of service.

Be careful of whimsical companies who offer you unlimited Internet access at prices that sound too good to be true - or absolutely free. You may be inadvertently setting yourself up for a major disappointment.

The less expensive a service provider is, the more likely they are to skimp on some part of their service. Worst of all, many of them are highly unstable and there's no guarantee they will survive for any length of time, especially amid the torrent of fierce competition in recent years.

4. How do I choose the service provider that's right for me?

To find out which ISPs offer access in your local area, go to "The List". Here you will find a comprehensive directory of all current national and local service providers sorted by area codes and company names.

The List also provides direct links to their Web sites, where you can find vital information such as available services, fee structures, postal addresses, and contact numbers.

5. Things to look for in a reliable online service.

Before signing on the dotted line, solicit pertinent information. One quick phone call to the online service you're leaning toward is usually all it takes.

If possible, also check with a current customer and get their opinion. Some questions to ask:

Good ISPs should have all this information readily available within a reasonable time frame. If not, try another.