|
Dial-up
Connection |
DSL
Connection |
Cable
Connection |
|
56K Modem, usually standard on pc computers and Macintosh.
Update: Lately, you need to check because many
don't have a modem. |
Cable modem purchased separately, prices are more reasonable
lately, usually between $30-50 with rebates, and Also USB cable modem
available; Ethernet card may/may not be standard, |
Cable modem purchased separately, prices are more reasonable
lately, usually between $30-50 with rebates, and Ethernet card may/may not
be standard. Also USB modem available. |
|
56 thousand kilobits per second |
30 to 50 X faster (1.2 - 2 mb download speed) |
30 to 50 X faster (4 - 8 mb download speed) |
|
Some WebPages load slowly, EMAIL can be slow with large files
(pictures, PowerPoint presentations). |
WebPages are instantaneous. EMAIL is much faster all around. |
WebPages are instantaneous. EMAIL is much faster all around.
|
|
3 MB Download takes 30-35 minutes |
1.2 - 2 MB Download takes 10 seconds, great to download
movies, music, programs |
4- 8 MB Download takes 5 seconds, great to download movies,
music, programs |
|
Can use Outlook Express, Internet Explorer, Yahoo, or any
pop3 mail service or browser. |
Can use Outlook Express, Internet Explorer, Yahoo, or any
pop3 mail service or browser. |
Can use Outlook Express, Internet Explorer, Yahoo, or any
pop3 mail service or browser. |
|
You can use a firewall, software free at
www.zonelabs.com , for a more secure connection, but not as necessary
because you are always logging on to the internet with a different IP
address. Less vulnerable to hackers. |
Need a firewall, software free at
www.zonelabs.com, for security to be invisible on the internet.
You are a constant presence on the internet highway when you have the
constant connection of DSL with a constant IP address. Firewall makes
you less vulnerable to hackers because you are invisible. |
Need a firewall, software free at
www.zonelabs.com, for security to be invisible on the internet.
You are a constant presence on the internet highway when you have the
constant connection of Cable with a constant IP address.. Firewall
makes you less vulnerable to hackers because you are invisible. |
|
Can hook up anywhere you have a phone connection. Does
take up your phone line during your online sessions. Many get a
separate phone line dedicated to internet and/or faxing. This is
my choice at this time. I need both, faxing and internet, so I have to
have the extra line. |
Must be near a substation, and a phone connection. Many
people are not in the right area to be eligible for DSL. You can check
here to see if you are and find out more about the DSL in your area:
http://www.dslreports.com/?typ=isp
|
Must be near a Cable connection, much better chance of that.
Cable connections survived during 9-11. DSL died for awhile. You
can check for availability and comparisons of your area’s cable:
http://www.dslreports.com/?typ=cable
|
|
Cost: 9.95 – 26.00 per month
Extra phone line: 20.00 per month |
$20-$49 per month average home user. As you can see the
cost of the extra phone line and the cost of the higher end dialup (AOL)
isn’t much different. DSL can be great if it’s in the substation area;
otherwise, it’s a nightmare. Some telephone companies will tell you
that you are in the right area even when you’re not, so be careful here. |
40.00 per month average home user. My choice for any
one else would probably be cable, if you have a good system in your area.
|
|
Can get disconnected with a major Internet Provider like AOL
or Earthlink. |
Always on. Be sure you turn your computer off at night
before you slumber to get off the internet once in a while. |
Always on. Be sure you turn your computer off at night before
you slumber to get off the internet once in a while. |
