The web browser is your window into the internet. These programs run on your computer and provide a viewing environment for the information that is out there on the internet. Usually, this is a dial-up account, where you use your modem to connect to your provider. The choice of ISP may depend on the connection you're looking for. For example, you can't even choose cable modem as your Internet source unless you have cable service to your home with a provider that also provides Internet access.
Cable modem is one of the fastest connections available.
Other options, such as ISDN or ADSL, will require an ISP that services your area plus an outlay of cash for a special modem, plus some installation costs. ISDN requires adapters at both ends of the transmission so your access provider also needs an ISDN adapter. ADSL is asymmetric in that it uses most of the channel to transmit downstream to the user and only a small part to receive information from the user. ADSL is generally offered at downstream data rates from 512 Kbps to about 6 Mbps.