Different Types of Connections

The first step in going online is establishing a connection between your computer and the Internet. To do this, you have to sign up with an Internet service provider (ISP), which, as the name implies, provides your home with a connection to the Internet.

Depending on what's available in your area, you can choose from two primary types of connections dial-up or broadband. Dial-up is slower than broadband, but it's also lower priced. If you do a lot of Web surfing, it's probably worth a few extra dollars a month to get the faster broadband connection.

Whichever type of connection you choose, you'll connect your PC to a modem, which will then connect to the phone or cable line coming into your house. Most PCs have a built-in dial-up modem; if you choose broadband service, you'll get an external modem from your ISP. Read on to learn more.

Traditional Dial-Up

A dial-up connection provides Internet service over normal phone lines. The fastest dial-up connections transmit data at 56.6Kbps (kilobits per second). Most ISPs charge $20 $30 per month for normal dial-up service.

Broadband DSL

DSL is a phone line-based technology that operates at broadband speeds. DSL service piggybacks onto your existing phone line, turning it into a high-speed digital connection. Not only is DSL faster than dial-up (384Kbps to 1.5Kbps, depending on your ISP), you also don't have to surrender your normal phone line when you want to surf; DSL connections are "always on." Most providers offer DSL service for $30 $50 per month.

Broadband Cable

The most popular type of broadband connection today is available from your local cable company. Broadband cable Internet piggybacks on your normal cable television line, providing speeds in the 500Kbps to 3Mbps range, depending on the provider. Most cable companies offer broadband cable Internet for $30 $50 per month.

Broadband Satellite

If you can't get DSL or cable Internet in your area, you have another option connecting to the Internet via satellite. Any household or business with a clear line of sight to the southern sky can receive digital data signals from a geosynchronous satellite at between 128Kbps and 400Kbps.

The largest provider of satellite Internet access is Hughes Network Systems. (Hughes also developed and markets the popular DIRECTV digital satellite system.) Hughes' DIRECWAY system (www.direcway.com) enables you to receive Internet signals via an 18-inch round dish that you mount outside your house or on your roof. The installation package (including dish and modem card) will set you back around $500 (before any specials), with monthly subscription fees in the $60 $100 range, depending on which usage plan you pick.