New technology firm holds the key to more enjoyable Internet use
There's a new way to get onto the Internet, and it's based right here in the Northern Neck. Jack Berberette and Leonard Keyser of Kilmarnock launched their new company, Key ISP, in December.
The company offers a number of technology services, including computer service and repair. But as an Internet Service Provider, or ISP, KeyISP.com can provide customers with access to the Internet. So, what makes KeyISP different from AOL or any other ISP?
“We have based our company around customer service,” Jack said. “We provide 24 hour tech support, and everything we do is designed to help the customer get the most out of the service, and make surfing the Internet more fun and productive,” he added.
For customers who travel a lot, KeyISP can travel with them. In addition to local access numbers here in the Northern Neck, the service has over 5,000 dial up numbers around the country, offering a local connection in nearly the entire continental United States. The basic, unlimited service costs $16.95 a month, with a high-speed dial-up service available for a $21.95 monthly charge.
“The high-speed service works by caching graphics from the Web sites you visit, so that the next time you visit the site the graphics don't download to your computer and the site loads faster. The more you visit a particular site, the faster it loads,” said Lenny.
There are other advantages to becoming a KeyISP user. Customers receive five email boxes instead of the single mailbox provided by most ISPs. That allows most family members to have their personal email account. Customers also get 25 megabites of space for a personal Web page, where they can post family photos.
Spam (unwanted bulk email) is a growing problem for many Internet users, and KeyISP offers a fully customizable spam control and virus filter, to help keep out unwanted or harmful emails.
“A user should always run a virus-protection software on their own computers, but this offers another layer of protection,” Jack said.
Lenny spent several years working for another ISP in the area, while Jack operated GTH Computer Services in Kilmarnock. They started talking about the idea of joining forces about four years ago, and last year decided to make it happen. In addition to the Internet access service, their new company provides all aspects of computer repair.
“We don't sell computers, so we are able to make recommendations about the right system for a particular person,” Jack said.
And when a computer needs service, KeyISP can quickly diagnose the problem and recommend needed repairs, even making house calls. Sometimes a problem is related to hardware, but many times, it's a software issue.
“We see a lot of computers where the machine is moving at a crawl. Usually it's filled with viruses or “spyware” programs that are taking up the computer's resources. Cleaning off those unwanted files makes a huge difference,” Lenny said.
If you're not sure what all those terms mean, don't feel bad. Technology, after all, can have a language of its own. That's why it's nice that around here we've got a new company, with a couple of experienced, well-known owners, who can keep our computers running like new. If you have a question about your computer, Jack and Lenny say don't hesitate to call them at 435-9894.
