Broadband Basics

• What is broadband?
  In modern day terms, broadband is a high capacity network link between a computer and the Internet.

• What can I do online?
  A user can shop online, surf the Internet, look up information, play games, watch videos, listen to music, and more.

• How do I get online?
  Left click twice on the Internet Browser.  A web page should load automatically.

What are the benefits?

• Speed
  Broadband is a lot faster (approx. 10 times) than the modem dial-up that a user may be used to. This means downloading web pages, images, emails and anything else is a lot quicker - Less time waiting means more time enjoying what ever the user may have downloaded. The additional speed also opens up new areas such as high quality streaming video and music.

• Fixed Price
  The large majority of Broadband providers charge a fixed monthly fee - Feel free to browse and email to your hearts content, 24 hours a day. (Usage caps may apply).

• No waiting on connection
  Depending on the type of connection, broadband is either always on, or connects within 3-4 seconds. This means the user gets online faster - No more waiting to make a connection.

• Use the phone at the same time
  With broadband, the Internet connection will not block up the telephone line, meaning friends and family can still call the user while he or she is online. The user can, of course, also make outgoing calls while online.

What are the disadvantages?

• Security
  As the user will be online a lot more than he or she would have been with dial-up, he or she is at a higher risk of hackers and viruses. This risk can be minimized by using various software that is available. Some ISP's provide basic protection from spyware, viruses and hackers for free.

• Cost
  Broadband is generally slightly more expensive than dial-up. As a general rule, if dial-up is used for more than 3-4 hours a week, broadband service should be considered. Most people find the cost difference between dial-up and broadband quite negligible compared to the benefits of the faster connection.

Questions and Answers

• What is needed to use broadband?
  A PC with minimum of Pentium 200 MHz with 32 MB RAM, Four-speed CD-ROM drive, Video card/display 800 x 600, 256 colors, 150 MB free hard disk space, spare USB port (Windows ME & above) or Ethernet port (Windows 98 and above), and Windows 98 SE, ME, 2000 Professional or XP is needed to use broadband service. A faster PC is recommended to make full use of broadband for streaming video and audio.

• How do I sign up for broadband?
  The local cable company can help sign the user up to get high speed broadband service installed.  Please contact the cable company for rates, times, and specific service information.

• How long does it take to setup broadband?
  Please call the local cable company for dates and times.

• Can I get broadband where I live?
  Please call the local cable company for service availability.