There are many reasons for this. The system may be so popular that you always get a busy signal and can not get in. It may be that the system so heavily used that the service is slowed down. Some providers such as America On-line, Prodigy, and CompuServe will provide you with their own direct connection software. Check them out.
Some interfaces are easier to use then others.
Other software packages can be purchased in computer stores. These are software packages and they will suggest providers. They can be local, regional or national. Some are free and other quite costly. The best way to start looking is to ask friends or coworkers who already is on the Internet.