You know what kind of Internet access is the best? The one that's available and free 24-hours a day. But that's just not how the eCookie crumbles. There are several kinds of Internet access:

Dial-up - This is an inexpensive, nearly universal option that works through your landline phone to connect to the Internet. It only takes a telephone line, a modem and an Internet provider - most of which everyone has these days. It's the least expensive option to get online. But your time is a terrible thing to waste, so we recommend stepping it up a notch.

DSL - Alright, this is much better. Technically speaking, DSL shares the same phone line as the telephone service, but it uses a different part of the phone line's bandwidth. The one that makes it go vroom. DSL often comes as an option to get bundled with your telephone or Internet Service Provide. Makes it affordable. Easy. Fun.

Cable - Now you're really getting up to speed. This allows you to connect to the Internet, much like DSL (and comparably priced to it). Cable can connect you to the Internet the same way The Sopranos, C-SPAN, Lifetime and the Sci-Fi Channel into your living room. In many locations, it's bundled as part of a package with your TV's cable. Makes it affordable. Easy. Fun.

Satellite - This type of Internet connection is brought to you through the same dish as your satellite TV. It's a great idea for people who live in remote or rural areas, where there are no DSL and cable providers. But it's usually more expensive than DSL or cable. There can be a higher price to pay for connection when you live in the boonies.

DSL and cable are usually priced comparably. They also both often have the option to come bundled with another utility (phone or cable). Typically, DSL and cable are the most affordable options to get reliable, high-speed Internet access. Satellite is the most expensive, but worth the expense, if it's your only option.