 |
 |
 |
CNET compares your high-speed Internet options
By Gregg Keizer Admit it, you have a need for speed. You love fast cars, fast sports, and fast politicians. Even when you're online--nay, especially when you're online--you want to move quickly.
Broadband, the slew of technologies that provide high-speed Internet access, gives you that bit of velocity you crave. With a high-speed connection, you can pull down files in seconds rather than hours and display Web pages faster than you can blink.
But all's not well in the world of broadband. Tough economic times and a lot of very bad business decisions have put scores of broadband suppliers out of operation or on the verge of extinction. It's more important than ever to pick your broadband provider carefully. Unfortunately, that's not easy. Depending on where you live, you may find your broadband options to be either staggeringly diverse or few and far between. Where's a speed seeker to turn?
We've distilled the nature of the top four broadband options--cable, DSL, fixed wireless, and satellite--into concise, clear descriptions, with plenty of pros and cons for each so that you can see their strengths and weaknesses. Then it's up to you to pick, depending, of course, on whether the companies are still in business or you can get their service at your home.
Cable DSL Fixed wireless Satellite
(10/2/01)
It's speedy, cheap, and seems to suffer fewer installation nightmares than DSL. Is it the perfect broadband?
If you've heard that all DSL providers are going out of business, stay tuned for the rest of the story.
This is the new kid on the broadband block. We unveil the details.
Want to get your Internet from space? Satellite is speedy, but it'll cost you. Find out how much and learn more details.
Gregg Keizer is an Oregon-based freelancer and a frequent contributor to CNET Software. Got a question for him? We'll pass it on.
