How Do I Know What I Need.
Access Types: Dial-up VS DSL (AKA high-speed)
Anyone who has used dialed up knows the ins and outs of trying to connect. Like in the morning when all you want to do is check your e-mail really quick. It often takes less time to check your e-mail than it does to connect the Internet. While this isn't a major problem if you are not a heavy user, it can be a major annoyance if you use it a lot or depend on it for work and school. For heavy users, a dedicated, high-speed connection such as DSL is the better alternative. Not only does such a connection provide access immediately, it is also faster and easier to share if you have more than one computer.
Dial-up connection 56K
Dial-up modem speeds have pretty much hit the speed limit with 56K modems. In fact, 56K is a little misleading. Due to FCC regulations, the maximum transmission is more around 53K. However, if you find the right ISP modems may more than fulfill your needs. If you’re a light user or only have one computer, a dial-up connection will fulfill your online requirements.
Monthly cost: $9.95-$22.95 monthly. (For more accurate pricing, refer to the Dial-up Plans link on the home page.)
Speed: Up to 56Kbps
Hardware requirements: 56k modem (Apr. $20, most computer come pre-installed with a dial-up modem)
Pros: · Inexpensive · Wide availability
Cons: · Using a modem ties up a phone line · Connection is not "always on" · Slower · One connection per phone line unless additional equipment or software is purchased.
DSL
DSL is used to describe several types of DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) technologies. The most common is Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL), which provides different upload and download speeds and is most popular with consumers. Currently, the level of service in different areas can vary greatly. DSL is ideal for people who download a lot of songs and movies, are into gaming, or are considered heavy users (more than 2 hours a day) or work from home and need a dedicated connection.
Monthly cost: Starts at Apr. $33 a month for residential service. (For more accurate pricing, refer to the Residential or Business DSL links on the home page.)
Speed: 1.5Mbps-3-5Mbps
Hardware requirements: DSL modem - (approximately $60-$100, price dependent on number of ports and if you want wireless capabilities)
Pros: · Affordable · Shares a telephone line · Wide variety of speeds and prices · Choice of service providers Cons: · Available only in limited areas · Speed can vary widely · You must be within a mile or so from the switching site - the farther away you are, the lower the speed that they will be able to offer you.Is your computer acting up? Browse through our help section. The problem may be easier to fix than you think.