Q. Should I switch to broadband?

A. The short answer is “yes”. Broadband Internet greatly improves the quality of your Internet experience. Web pages load quickly. Downloads are fast and easy. A broadband connection is “always on” meaning that you don’t have to wait for the telephone to dial and connect. When your computer is on, the Internet is instantly available to you. With a broadband connection, the Internet becomes a much more valuable tool. If you can afford the extra cost, broadband Internet is sure to make you smile.

Q. Should I get DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) service or get cable Internet?

A. Both DSL and cable provide high-speed broadband Internet service. DSL works in conjunction with your telephone lines. You don’t need an extra line since with DSL you can talk on the telephone and access the Internet over the same line at the same time. DSL calls are channeled through the telephone company’s Central Office (CO). The closer you are to a CO the better DSL will work for you. If you are too far from a CO your telephone company will just tell you that the service is not available.

Cable Internet is similar in that you can watch cable television and access the Internet at the same time. You don’t need to have cable television to get cable Internet service, but often companies offer discounts for cable television users. If cable television is available in your area, cable Internet service will probably be available through the same company. One caveat about cable Internet is that it is shared Internet service. If all of your neighbors are downloading pictures from the Internet at the same time, your cable connection will slow down. With the amount of traffic on cable lines right now that is not a problem in most areas of the country, but it could possibly become a problem in the future. Generally, cable is easier to set up and get going. (I use cable Internet both at home and the office and I’m very happy with it.)

Both DSL and cable provide good, stable, high-speed Internet connections. Check with several Internet Service Providers to find out if either or both services are available in your area. Be sure to check and compare the prices offered by telephone companies, cable companies and Internet Service Providers for both cable and DSL before you make your decision. You will also want to talk to friends and neighbors to see which service they use and if they are happy with their service. Don’t forget to use the Internet as well. Web sites like Broadband Reports at www.broadbandreports.com will help you figure out what services are available in your area and also have message boards where people tell of their experiences, often praising or condemning their broadband services. Reading these individual reviews is an eye-opening experience that you will want to have before you decide which service you will use.

Q. Should I get Time Warner Road Runner cable service or Earthlink cable service?

A. If you are in an area serviced by Time Warner, the Earthlink service will use the Time Warner backbone for your service. So the physical service will actually be identical. However, Earthlink and Road Runner may offer different prices, different installation charges, and different incentives, so you will want to check them both out. Also be sure to check the amount of upload and download bandwidth that each service provides. Other things that can vary are the number of e-mail accounts that the service provides and the amount of Web storage space that comes with your account. The cost of the equipment can also vary. In most cases the company provides the modem and the cost of the equipment rental is included in your monthly fee. If you travel, be sure that the broadband service provides some sort of dial-up access just in case you want to check your e-mail when you are away from home. The contract that you agree to is also important. Are you signing up for a certain period of time? Can the service be terminated without penalty? Remember, when deciding which company to use for your broadband Internet service, customer service availability, quality, and responsiveness is also very important.