| If you own a computer - and in today's world | | | | packages on Internet service if you sign-up for |
| who doesn't - sooner or later, you will want to | | | | regular cable TV service as well. They will even |
| have access to the Internet. | | | | give you, free of charge, antivirus software to |
| The Internet for some is the Holy Grail of the | | | | protect you computer from being infected by |
| modern age, and not having access to it is seen in | | | | viruses. |
| some quarters as sacrilege. | | | | For a cable connection to work, you will need a |
| But how do you connect to this Holy Grail - the | | | | network card and a cable modem. If you have a |
| Internet? | | | | modern computer, a network card may already |
| You need an Internet Service Provider or ISP | | | | be installed as these are now being included as |
| who will give you access and you need to decide | | | | standard components in computer systems in |
| between dial-up service which uses a regular | | | | recent years. You can buy a cable modem or |
| telephone line, and broadband service which, very | | | | your ISP may include one with the plan you |
| often comes in the form of Cable, Digital | | | | choose. |
| Subscriber Line (DSL), Satellite or T1 connections. | | | | Another option, DSL uses a telephone line for |
| Do not get thrown off by all the computer talk. | | | | Internet access. Your local telephone company |
| The option really is yours to decide on the type | | | | may offer this service or you may be able to |
| of service you need especially if you are working | | | | obtain service from an independent provider who |
| within a budget. | | | | does not offer regular telephone service. Just |
| You must first determine what you will be using | | | | check with providers in your area to see what is |
| the Internet to do. If you will be checking email | | | | available. |
| and accessing the Internet occasionally, then, you | | | | DSL, like cable, is faster than dial-up, and like cable, |
| may need to consider dial-up service. | | | | actual connection speeds will vary depending on |
| Dial-up service is cheap with a couple of | | | | your location and how many persons are actually |
| disadvantages. It uses a telephone line to dial-in to | | | | connected at the same time. You may want to |
| the ISP's network and when the connection is | | | | verify how many persons in your area are being |
| made, you are not able to take or make calls. | | | | serviced by the same ISP to assist you in your |
| With dial-up service, you need to make sure that | | | | decision making as to which provider to choose. |
| the ISP offers local numbers where you are | | | | Satellite and T1 connections can be expensive but |
| located because you do not want to incur any | | | | may be the option available to you depending on |
| long distance charges which can be expensive and | | | | where you are located. |
| unnecessary. | | | | If you have to use a satellite connection, bear in |
| Additionally for dial-up, you will need to ensure | | | | mind that you will need satellite equipment for the |
| that you have the right hardware to interface | | | | system to work and you must have an |
| with the ISP's network. You will need a modem | | | | unobstructed view of the southern sky. |
| for this service and these are not very expensive | | | | One very important point to consider if you will |
| today. | | | | be using a broadband connection is that your |
| If you have determined that dial-up service is not | | | | computer will always be connected to the |
| for you, then your choice is going to be one of | | | | Internet unless you turn your system off. You will |
| the following: Cable, Satellite, DSL or T1. | | | | therefore need to protect your system by |
| Cable can be a good option because of its speed | | | | installing a firewall and antivirus software. |
| and the fact that you can receive a bundle of | | | | Ultimately, the final decision is yours. The good |
| services at discounted rates depending on the | | | | thing is you have choices so do some research |
| provider you choose. | | | | before you buy. |
| Some cable providers will have special pricing | | | | |