Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Cable Vs. DSL - Which is Better?
The answer to that question is not so definite. Many factors come into play when deciding which high-speed connection to choose. Regardless of which you choose (DSL, Cable, or even Satellite) it’s going to be a ton better (and faster) than that ancient dialup modem you’ve been using. Not to mention, your Internet experience will be much more enjoyable.
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)
Just like your existing dialup modem, DSL uses your existing copper wire phone line to deliver data at high speed. To qualify for DSL, you need the following:
- a phone line
- a DSL modem (which normally comes with the service)
- an Ethernet card or an available USB port ( most DSL modems allow both connections, but Ethernet is recommended).
- a phone company (ISP) that is offering DSL service (e.g., Verizon)
One important factor that will influence your DSL connection is the distance between your home or office and the phone company’s central office. The farther away you are from the central office, the signal becomes weaker, thus a slower connection. With that said, DSL is not as available widespread compared to cable. You’ll need to contact your local phone provider to check availability.
Speed wise, depending on the package you choose, DSL can range from 128 kbps to 3 Mbps. Generally, the faster your connection the more expensive your service will be. You can expect to pay around $25-$30 a month for a 768 kbps connection, which is roughly 13 times faster than a 56k dialup modem.
::Pros::
- Relatively cheaper than cable
- Dedicated line, so speeds are almost guaranteed
- You can talk on the phone at the same time while surfing the net
::Cons::
- Slower speeds compared to cable
- Speeds drop the farther away your home/office is from the central office
- Not available in all areas
Cable Internet
Cable Internet gets our recommendation. Cable, which you can probably already tell, uses the coaxial cable that your television uses. To qualify for cable internet, you need the following:
- a cable modem ( which normally comes with the service)
- an Ethernet card or an available USB port (most cable modems allow both connections, but Ethernet is recommended)
- a cable company offering cable Internet (e.g., Adelphia)
Unlike DSL, cable Internet does not depend on the distance between your home or office and the central office. However, unlike DSL, cable connections are typically shared among your neighbors. Although, most cable companies provide pipelines with huge bandwidth that this rarely becomes an issue.
Speed wise, cable Internet typically ranges from 3 Mbps to 10 Mbps, up to 3-4 times faster than DSL. However, expect to pay more for the service - $40-$50 per month.
::Pros::
- Faster speeds than DSL
- More widespread than DSL
- Distance does not affect speed
::Cons::
- More expensive than DSL
- Line is shared with other users
With all that said, you need to think about what type of user you are. If you are a heavy Internet user and downloader, you would highly benefit from a broadband connection. For the light users who use the Internet just to check emails, are probably better off with a dialup. However, if you are willing to splurge some cash on a broadband connection, then by all means, upgrade!
Mark Pascua is the webmaster of PersonalConfuser.net, a computer how-to and tips website.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Cable-Vs.-DSL---Which-is-Better?&id=69447
Motorhome Satellite Internet
For many people, the internet has become a way of life. It is used to keep in touch with family and friends. It is used to pay bills and handle banking transactions. It is used to retrieve information of all types quickly. All of these functions are as important on your motorhome vacation as when you are sitting at home. motorhome satellite internet semotorhomeices have made it possible to perform all of them when on the road.
The motorhome satellite internet semotorhomeices generally operate with dish type antennas. These antennas use GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) technology to locate and lock on to a satellite which provides the internet connection. The two basic types of antennas are called automatic and tripod. The automatic antennas are permanent mounted to the motorhome. They have a “stow” position that protects them from wind when the vehicle is in motion. Most of them will automatically go into stow mode when the GPS senses the vehicle is in motion, although there is a stow button on the controller.
The tripod antennas must be manually set up and connected. They are much less expensive than the automatic antennas, but the time required to set them up and take them down makes them less practical for quick internet connection during rest breaks. They are designed to be used when the motorhome has moved to a permanent camp site. People who wish to have quick access to the internet even during short stops usually opt for the automatic antennas.
The systems are not perfect. An unobstructed view of the southern sky is needed and trees or buildings can block the reception. Cloud cover and weather conditions can have some effect on reception, but usually only in the most extreme storm conditions. For the most part, access is fairly easy to achieve. Most of the satellite internet provider semotorhomeices offer broadband semotorhomeices with extremely fast download times. It is possible to combine your internet reception with satellite TV on the same system.
The initial cost of the system is a bit high, especially when you go with an automatic antenna. Once you have your system installed, the monthly costs for semotorhomeice are in line with normal internet semotorhomeice. The advantages of having immediate internet semotorhomeice in your motorhome are many. For years, motorhomeers have been carrying laptops and connecting to the internet in a variety of difficult and time consuming methods. The motorhome satellite internet system has made the internet as much a part of the motorhome experience as the stove and sink.
Find more information on RV campgrounds at http://www.RVRentalsforyou.com.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Motorhome-Satellite-Internet&id=627702
Satellite Internet Service Providers
When you are looking at what satellite internet providers have to offer you want to make sure that you are looking at service features that matter. All satellite internet providers will offer you both broadband internet and high-speed internet service. However, the connection speeds and optional features that are offered by each service plan will impact how much the service costs and how good the service is. At first glance some services may seem unusually high for internet service. For example the professional service package offered by Hughesnet can cost as much as $59.95 per month. However, if you don’t need all of the bells and whistles offered by this professional package then you have two cheaper service packages that you can choose from.
Hughesnet is one of the satellite internet providers that offers a two-way satellite system. They offer four service packages that each offers their own unique set of features and connection speed parameters. The price of each package will depend on how fast the connection speed is, how many email accounts are included, and if you want a dial up connection added to your service package. You can save money by selecting the service package that meets your basic requirements for internet access. Hughesnet charges about $600 for installation of their top service package. This includes the installation service fee and the equipment. Other information that you might want to know about Hughesnet is that it operates on the Ku band frequency. This frequency is known for having problems transmitting effectively through rain.
If you are looking for satellite internet providers that offer cheap satellite internet then you will want to start by comparing the different prices in this market. To do this you will need to read through the promotional materials offered by several different satellite internet providers like Hughesnet and SKYFX. Use this price comparison to determine what the average price for satellite internet service is. Next you will want to compare the prices between one-way multicast service, one-way service with a terrestrial return, and two-way services. This will help you to develop your knowledge of pricing and it will help you to select the type of service that will provide you with the features that you need for the price that you can afford.
In the market for a satellite internet provider? Nationwide Satellite Solutions is your provider of HughesNet internet services as well a great resource that will answer any questions you have. Find out if it available in your area. For more on satellite technology visit the online resource directory.
http://www.ezinearticles.com/?Satellite-Internet-Service-Providers&id=436721
Satellite Internet Providers - Your Guide To Ultra Fast Internet Access
Have you ever dreamed of traveling anywhere in the world and having access to the Internet? Well satellite Internet providers can make this dream happen. Satellite Internet consists in having a satellite dish provide the household with Internet access. Instead of having a cable line built into the house such as cable Internet must have, or having a telephone line built in, such as DSL needs, Satellite Internet providers provide wireless access to the Internet through a satellite dish. Many satellite Internet providers may as well provide satellite TV which may be a huge plus when it comes to money.
Not only is saving money and being able to watch HBO a major plus when having satellite Internet, but being able to have lighting speeds is always an extra. Satellite Internet providers are able to access the Internet through a network of satellite dishes that interconnect to provide you with a crystal persistent frequency of information exchange which I like to call Internet access. Ultra high speed access to the Internet is what many may call satellite Internet provider’s highest advantage over other Internet service providers.
Knowing which satellite Internet providersto choose may be hard chose because of the many different companies that provide this service. However, there are a few tips one must remember when choosing their satellite Internet providers.
Number one: Charging the most does not always mean that you are getting the best value for the buck
Number two: Always ask to see what kind of Internet/television combo the company provides. As I mentioned before this is a great advantage, because you may get a package which includes your favorite satellite programming and high speed Internet access and an exclusive rate. Number Three: Remember always to compare different ISPs before making your final choose
This is just the beginning to what the future has to provide in the industry of Internet access. In the near future we may find that there is no need of Satellites or cables, where your own electricity in your own house can provide you with high speed streaming Internet access.
Doug Churchill is constantly trying to help you find the best internet service providers To find free reviews of different Internet service providers such as, Satellite Internet, Cable and DSL, visit http://www.lowcost-isps.com
http://www.ezinearticles.com/?Satellite-Internet-Providers---Your-Guide-To-Ultra-Fast-Internet-Access&id=666980