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DSL
and cable
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What
are they? (definition of the terms)
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DSL
stands for "digital subscriber line". And of course "cable"
refers to the same line you use for your cable tv.
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How
do they work? |
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DSL uses frequencies on the telephone lines that we normally don't use. You can actually talk on the phone and go online with your computer at the same time. With DSL you are always connected. There is no time spent dialing up and waiting to be connected. You are connected 24 hours a day. Cable uses the cable line that people normally use for their television to get cable tv, only now you can have cable tv and connect to the internet much faster. So, forget about worrying whether you can use your phone, the line is free and you are always connected. |
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How
fast can they connect to the internet?
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| DSL and cable connect 10 to 500 times faster than a standard 28 to 56k modem. Some connections are even faster depending on what you order. Instead of waiting a few minutes or even a minute for pages to download, pages will download in seconds. |
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Can
I keep my AOL ?
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| Yes, you can keep your AOL. AOL has a program called, "bring your own AOL." This program was made just for this situation. AOL's "bring your own AOL" is about $14. It is a 2 minute set up and takes about 3 steps on your computer. Anyone from AOL can walk you through it. When you are done you will be amazed. Your're always connected with your DSL or cable connection and now you will never have to wait to connect when you sign on. |
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How
much will it cost me?
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Most
DSL and cable service starts at about $39 and up. It may depend
on how fast you want to go. It can go up to hundreds of dollars.
With DSL, you want to see how far you are from the phone company.
If you live very far from the phone companies main phone lines,
there may be a problem in getting the fastest line or getting a
DSL connection at all. So, for about $40 dollars a month, you can
connect very fast, use your phone at the same time (if you choose
DSL), and always be connected without waiting to be signed on.
Cable costs are very similar.
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DSL
vs. cable ? |
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DSL
is your line. You share it with no one. Cable lines are shared and
sometimes slow down due to many people using them at the same time
(rush hour 4pm to 9 pm). Cable is not as finicky as DSL. A DSL line
may need a few days or a few minor adjustments. DSL lines are faster
when you live closer to the DSL companie's main phone line. Cable
lines are the same speed no matter how far away you live from the
company's equipment, lines, cables, or headquarters. Both DSL and
cable are only available in certain areas at this time. Soon, both
will be more readily available and both will be cheaper.
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What
about free DSL ? |
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Free
DSL is an interesting concept. If you are thinking of this, look
very carefully at the fine print for these companie's contracts.
Usually there is a big fine if you cancel at any time. It can be
as high as $500. Also, you will be subjected to many ad banners
and changes in service at their will. You will probably be asked
to sign a 2,3 or even 5 year contract. I would consider a free DSL
service if it was month by month. But I would never sign a contract
that kept me with a company for 2,3, or even 5 years. Think about
all those people who got cell phones last year (1999) with what
they thought were great deals and great service. We all know that
it is so cheap now, a child could pay for a cell phone service and
get the phone itself for free. Technology is changing and service
is getting better and better. Don't get stuck in any service contract
for more than 4-6 months.
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