Four basic types of Internet service

Finding our which Internet service providers are available in your area and comparing these options is often the best way to choose an ISP. Here is some basic information about each of the major types of Internet service to get you started.

Dial-up
Dial-up Internet service uses a telephone line. Though dial-up is inexpensive, it’s also much slower than the other options and you have to wait while it connects.
Cost: Low – Free to $25/month
Speed: Low

DSL
(Digital Subscriber Line)
DSL is an instaneous connection. It creates a data delivery system through your existing phone line to give you access to the Internet. You will need to have a modem installed, but major providers offer free installation packages.
Cost of Basic Service: Medium – $20+/month
Speed: Medium to High

Cable – Like DSL, cable Internet service is always on. You will need to have a cable modem installed from a cable TV provider in your area. You can oftentimes get package deals with other cable services. Many times you can get free installation.
Cost of Basic Service: Medium to High – $20+/month
Speed: Medium to High

Satellite – Satellite Internet service is a good option if you live in a rural area or other location without DSL or cable options. It uses satellite stations in space to connect to the Internet. You must have a receiver installed; installation can be several hundred dollars.
Cost of Basic Service: High – $30+/month
Speed: Medium to High

Basics of DSL Internet

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is an instaneous broadband Internet connection that uses a telephone line to tranmit data. DSL creates a data delivery system through your existing phone line to give you high speed access to the Internet. Although it uses your phone line, it does not interfere with phone calls.

To get DSL Internet service, you will need to use a DSL modem. Monthly charges for basic DSL service vary greatly by provider and area.

DSL speed is at least five times faster than dial-up Internet access and can be relatively the same speed as cable Internet service. However, DSL speed can vary widely from location to location. Distance from the phone company’s central location is a big factor.

If you live more than three miles from the phone company’s central office, you may have problems with slow sped, poor connectivity or DSL may not be available at all.

Another benefit to DSL? It’s always on. You never need to dial up to connect.

Cable Internet basics

Cable Internet is a form of high speed, broadband Internet service. If cable television is available in your area, then it is likely that your cable company can also provide cable Internet access for an additional monthly fee.

Unlike dial-up Internet service, cable Internet service does not utilize your telephone line. Instead, cable Cable runs through your cable line and is not associated with your telephone service. In addition, cable Internet service requires a cable modem to transfer data from the Internet through the cable line.

Cable Internet service is normally five to 10 times faster than dial-up service, depending on the quality of service available in your area. It’s also always on – you never need to dial up to connect.

Basics of dial-up

Why is it called dial-up?

Dial-up Internet service providers offer access for computer users by connecting to the Internet through their existing telephone line. In order to connect, a user must dial-in with a modem over his or her telephone line.

How fast is dial-up?

In general, dial-up providers offer connection speeds starting at 56 Kbps (kilobytes per second). Dial-up Internet service is much slower than either DSL or cable Internet service.

How do I get started?

You will first need to select a dial-up ISP and sign up for service. After you have selected the provider, they will provide you with software to download to your computer in order to set up your account. The set-up process is generally very simple.

Choosing an Internet service provider

When comparing Internet service providers, you should consider a variety of factors about each potential ISP. Decide which of the following factors are the most important to you before making your final decision.

Monthly cost – Set a budget on how much you want to spend on your Internet service. Cost can range from a few dollars a month for the cheapest dial up service to hundreds of dollars for the top-of-the-line Internet service connection.

Internet speed – For some people who work from home or otherwise spend a lot of time on the Internet, speed is very important. For others who use the Internet rarely, speed may not be an issue. Dial-up is the slowest type of Internet service, while cable and DSL are much faster.

24-hour support – The Internet service provider should have a 24-hour customer service line with technical support. If they don’t, strongly consider another provider. Some companies only offer live support during business hours.

Customer service response – Call the customer service line before you sign up for the service to ask some basic questions. How long did you wait on hold? How do the representatives treat you during the call?

Billing options – Find out if you can pay your bill with automatic monthly deductions from your checking account or credit/debit card. Can you pay and review your bill online? Do they charge extra if you want a paper copy of your bill?

Email addresses – Many providers give their customers a free email address. How many email addresses do you get per account? Do they offer free virus protection or spam blockers?

Making a decision between cable and dsl

If you move into a new neighborhood or are upgrading from dial-up, you may find yourself choosing between cable and DSL Internet service. In many areas, cable and DSL are relatively the same speed and same price. In order to make a decision between cable and DSL, there are several things you should consider.

What’s available

First and foremost, find out what the cable and DSL options are in your neighborhood. Oftentimes if you are too far from the company office, you will not even be able to get DSL. If you have the option of both cable and DSL, you will need to continue your research.

Ask your neighbors

The best source of information is people in your neighborhood who already are using the service. Find out if they are happy with the customer service, speed and cost of their Internet service.

Compare prices

The decision may just come down to which service will be cheaper. Call each company and ask about their monthly rates. Be sure to inquire about any promotional deals and Internet packages that may lower the cost. Don’t forget about possible installation charges. Mention on the phone that you are trying to decide between different ISPs. That may prompt the company to give you a discount if you sign up with them.

Contract terms

Many providers will want you to sign a one-year contract, while others will let you use their service on a month-to-month basis. Also, ask about the cancellation process and any fees involved. Read the contract very carefully before agreeing to terms.

See also: More on the DSL vs. cable debate.

Choosing broadband over dial-up

If you are frequently on the Internet at home, whether for work or pleasure, you should consider having broadband Internet service instead of dial-up. Broadband, which generically refers to DSL, cable and satellite Internet, is normally at least five times faster than dial-up service.

With high speed Internet broadband access, you are always on the Internet and do not have to wait for the service to connect. You can just click your browser and begin surfing the web.

Downloading and uploading programs, files, photos, video and audio is very fast.

Broadband Internet access can be vital these days for a family with children. Your kids can use broadband Internet to play video games, do research for school, communicate with friends and family and much more.

Though broadband is more expensive than dial-up, you can oftentimes find specials that offer free installation, free trial periods and discounted rates.

Questions to ask before signing up

When comparing Internet service options, there are several questions you should ask each provider to help make your decision easier.

• What is the monthly rate?
• Does that include unlimited service?
• Is it month-to-month or a contract period?
• Are there installation charges or equipment to buy?
• Is there a service guarantee?
• Do they have 24/7 tech support?
• How fast are the average speeds?
• Do they offer free email addresses?
• Do they provide SPAM guard and virus protection?
• What are the billing options?
• What is the process for cancellation?

How DSL works

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is a type of broadband Internet connection that utilizes telephone (copper) wires to transmit data at high speeds.

Here is how DSL works:

Telephone lines consist of a pair of copper wires installed in your home by your telephone company. The copper wires have room for carrying much more than just voice conversations. DSL uses this extra room to carry data information on the telephone wire without interfering with your normal phone conversation.

Therefore, you do not need have an additional phone line in order to use DSL Internet service. Nor will you have to limit your phone usage while you are connected to the Internet using DSL. Telephone use and DSL Internet activity can occur simultaneously with no problems.

Advantages of DSL

One of the major advantages of DSL Internet is that it offers instant connectivity and fast speed in comparison to dial-up Internet service. Like cable Internet service, DSL is always on, so you do not have to wait while it connects.

Another advantage to DSL is that you can use your phone line for placing calls and still remain connected to the Internet. Though DSL service uses your existing telephone line, it does not interfere with it.

Security is another possible advantage. DSL can be more secure than cable Internet, as DSL transmits data on a dedicated line from your computer, while cable transmits your data in a more shared environment.

DSL Internet can also be more cost effective than cable Internet service. In recent years, DSL companies have been able to offer lower rates which makes it only slightly more expensive than dial-up service, but oftentimes cheaper than cable Internet. In addition, some DSL providers now offer "lite" versions of DSL that are extremely affordable.