Are you finally getting frustrated with your dial-up internet connection? It might be time to consider broadband: a net connection that's up to 10 times faster without having to dial up, and which shares your telephone or cable TV connection, so you can still receive and make telephone calls while online.
There are two main kinds of broadband. The first, cable broadband, comes from your cable TV provider, so only works in those areas which are cabled. You can check if cable is in your area at www.ntl home.com or www.telewest.co.uk/html/getservice/getservice.htm
Cable services running at 600Kbps cost from around £25 a month, and faster services are available.
If you cannot get cable, or even if you can, you'll want to consider ADSL - the version of broadband that comes via your telephone line. Again, not everyone will be able to get ADSL, as you have to live within a certain radius of the telephone exchange. BT says it now has 71% of the UK population covered - see if you are in the lucky majority by typing in your home telephone number (or postcode) at www.bt.com/broadband
If you can get it, ADSL comes in two forms and a variety of speeds. A division of BT always installs the ADSL connection, but you are not obliged to pick BT Openworld as your internet service provider. There are dozens of ISPs competing for your custom: you can get a list at www.adslguide.org.uk
It pays to shop around. You'll find there are lots of "all in" offers that include the connection at the telephone exchange and modem and filters that ensure you can make voice calls once the ADSL is connected.
You pick the ISP and the speed you want, and everything is done for you. It is likely that you will get a modem that plugs into the USB port on your PC, which is fine for single users.
If you have more exotic needs, like a desire to add more than one device to the line (such as a games console as well as your computer) the other option is to buy a "wires only" version, which sorts out the connection at the exchange but not much else. You have to buy your own modem and filters - an additional fuss, but with some ISPs the only way you can attach an "Ethernet" modem. Ethernet is the method of connecting the modem to other devices and makes it easier to attach a wireless base station, or a network hub.
You will find most big computer retailers stock ADSL modems, or you can go to a specialist supplier like www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk. If there are problems with the hardware, you might find your internet service provider can't help.
One important point, especially after the recent appearance of the Blaster worm on the internet. It's important to make sure your computer has "firewall" software which acts like a front door to the internet, and keeps the bad guys out.
