• Fast downloads
• Always on; no need to dial-up
• No need for a second phone line
• You can make phone calls while online
• Uses wiring already in your home

Speed. Although it’s an issue for fewer and fewer Internet service providers, the speed of the connection may be affected by the number of people online at the same time as you. In other words, the more people online in your area, the slower your downloads may be.

Availability. Cable users far outweigh DSL users right now, at least in part because DSL is not currently available in nearly as many places as cable. Also, in most cases, DSL takes a good deal longer to get installed than cable.

Security. “Always on” can mean greater vulnerability to hackers. We always recommend checking with your ISP to see if they provide some kind of “firewall” to protect your computer. If not, we recommend purchasing software designed to protect against such attacks.

PC

Pentium class processor 200MHz or better
Windows 95 or higher
32MB of RAM (64MB preferred)
32MB of free disc space
CD-ROM drive
AOL 6.0 service or higher with unlimited price plan telephone service

Apple

PowerPC 604e or later 75MHz processor
Mac OS 7.5 or greater
32MB of RAM
200MB of free disc space
CD-ROM drive
AOL 6.0 service or higher with unlimited price plan telephone service