Click & Learn: Internet services & modems

With broadband you don't need to dial in to connect to the Internet-it's always on. And with all types of broadband, the time it takes to download video clips, music or files is dramatically faster. In fact, depending on a variety of factors, broadband access is usually around 10 times faster than a standard dial-up connection. Things that take 30 seconds to download with your dial-up connection take about three seconds with a broadband connection. When you're sitting there waiting for a page to draw, that's a huge difference.

Broadband can also save you money. It's true that in most cases the cost of broadband access will be higher than a dial-up Internet service provider would charge. However, after a few months of having to choose between being online and being able to use the phone, many people with dial-up ISPs will get a second phone line installed. You see where we're going with this. Since most types of broadband access don't require a phone line, it usually ends up being cheaper than a dial-up connection with its own line.

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So we've established that broadband makes accessing the Internet faster, more convenient and even economical, but once you've fallen in love with how fast you can download web pages (and you will), you may start to wonder what else you can do with all that speed.

MP3 downloads: The speed with which broadband brings your favorite songs to your computer is positively addictive.

Internet gaming: There are a variety of games you can play online with other people, but only if you have a connection fast enough to keep up.

Video conferencing cameras: Imagine being able to have a face-to-face conversation with a friend or relative anywhere in the world. broadband makes it possible.

Digital images: Digital cameras have become the medium of choice for those wanting to share pictures of the things that are most important to them. Downloading is quicker with broadband.

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There's more than one kind of broadband connection. As a matter of fact, there are three ways to get broadband Internet access into your home.

• Cable

• DSL

• Satellite

We offer both cable and DSL broadband services here on our website. The Product Specialists in any of our stores nationwide will gladly answer your questions and address broadband availability where you live.

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