When you buy Internet access, it comes with some useful stuff. You should look into what comes with your purchase of Internet access.

• Personal webpage - This is usually provided without advertising and this allows you to create an online presence.
• Newsgroups - I have only used this a few times. I am not exactly sure what this is good for.
• Email address - Sometimes 2 or more email addresses are provided for free. You can create one for each member of the family. You can also create email aliases for sites that you are not sure about. If you start getting junk, delete the email alias.
• Virusscan - If a virusscan is free, you should take advantage of it.
• Firewall - The firewall provided with Windows is better than nothing, but if the Internet provider is offering one, use it instead.
• Router - The little box that allows you to connect to the Internet can be used to block or allow access to the Internet. If your Internet provider gave you one of these, you should ask them how to access it. Some allow you to restrict access to the Internet and Messenger.

For a list of stuff that various Internet Providers offer can be found at http://aprivatebeach.com/blog/2008/11/internet-providers-give-more-than-just-internet-access/