| More and more households are embracing broadband | | | | Due to the way in which broadband (or ADSL as it is |
| internet, yet many of us are still unaware of what or | | | | also know to those using a phone line to access it) is |
| if anything extra is needed to take advantage of this | | | | set up throughout the UK, you will need to ensure |
| technology. | | | | that your line is one that has been installed by BT. If |
| My aim is to prove how simple it is to set up your | | | | you have cable services in your area, such as that |
| broadband connection and that it doesn't have to | | | | from Virgin Media, then you can look at using their |
| come at a high price. | | | | fibre-optic network too. |
| Firstly, you'll need a computer; | | | | Once you have a BT line in place or live in a cabled |
| The main benefit of having broadband is being able | | | | area you will look at how you will access the |
| to access information at a higher speed than you'd | | | | connection; |
| expect of an old-fashioned dialup connection. Online | | | | The most popular of solutions is to purchase a router. |
| streaming of videos has become very popular and I | | | | This will enable you to share your internet amongst |
| recommend that your computer runs fast enough to | | | | computers in your home. If you are using your BT |
| watch a video, particularly one that is being streamed | | | | line then you will also need a modem; these are |
| via the internet. You may also find that you will start | | | | generally supplied for free by broadband providers |
| to purchase music online, so it may be worth | | | | such as AOL. |
| investing (if you already have a computer) in a new | | | | Once all of these are in place, you're just one step |
| and bigger hard-drive. This will enable you to purchase | | | | away from being able to surf the web using your |
| music (also known as mp3 files) without worrying | | | | new broadband connection - namely choosing your |
| about using all the space you had previously reserved | | | | broadband supplier. Use a comparison site to find the |
| for word processing documents and such like. | | | | best deal available to you in your area that meets |
| You'll also need to ensure you have adequate | | | | your needs. Once ordered you should be looking at |
| technology in your street to be able to access a | | | | going live within a matter of weeks. |
| broadband connection; | | | | |