| Getting online can open up a whole world of | | | | of course, is to check and see if DSL is available in |
| information and fun that those who haven't explored | | | | the area. The phone company, which will likely offer |
| the Web can't even begin to imagine. Deciding how | | | | DSL if it is, will know. The options of DSL Internet |
| exactly to get online, however, can be a bit of a | | | | service provides include: |
| trick. Many Internet users choose to go with DSL. | | | | ,,h Phone companies. They almost have a corner on |
| Offering fast connections and typically reasonable | | | | the DSL market, but not quite. Many users, however, |
| pricing, DSL Internet service providers tend to win | | | | find it's just easier to deal with their phone company |
| hands down over regular dial up options. | | | | and pay a single bill rather than several. |
| Finding the right DSL Internet service providers will | | | | ,,h Large Internet providers. The big companies like |
| take a little research. What is available as far as | | | | America Online, EarthLink and more all offer DSL in |
| service providers goes will depend a whole lot on the | | | | certain areas. Their packages use the same phone |
| geographical area in question. Not all areas have DSL, | | | | lines the phone companies do, but sometimes they |
| although this is changing rapidly. | | | | can cost a little less and even offer more perks. |
| If a decision hasn't yet been made between DSL, | | | | ,,h Smaller firms. Some areas are home to a host of |
| cable or dial up, some research here could also be in | | | | locally owned DSL companies. Like the bigger |
| order. DSL, or digital service line, connections are | | | | providers, these companies use the phone company's |
| much faster than dial up. They use existing phone | | | | equipment to provide their service. What they offer |
| lines to transfer data, but they don't prevent the use | | | | will vary greatly from provider to provider. |
| of the phone in the process. The connections are | | | | When trying to choose between the different DSL |
| considered, in most cases, to be a bit slower than | | | | Internet service providers look at things like pricing, |
| cable, however. The pricing on DSL tends to fall in | | | | what's included and the speeds offered. Not all DSL |
| the middle between the choices. This can make it a | | | | connections are exactly alike. Some options actually |
| solid option for those who want faster connections | | | | provide for faster transfer rates. |
| without high expenses. A second phone line is not | | | | DSL Internet service providers can make getting |
| needed to take advantage of what DSL Internet | | | | online a snap. Finding the right one will depend a lot |
| service providers offer. | | | | on the area in question and personal preference. |
| If DSL is the decision on the way to go, shoppers will | | | | From actual phone companies to mom and pop type |
| need to do a few things to find the best. The first, | | | | businesses, there are choices on the DSL market. |