DSL Internet connection can be confusing, especially when you have never dealt with the technology, but it doesn’t have to be.  It is not difficult to get a good  understanding about what DSL is, how it works and how DSL compares to your other options for high speed internet access.

DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line. It is funny to recall those old slow dial-up modems and the distinct dialing and tone sounds that you could hear as they attempted to connect. A DSL internet connection works over your existing telephone wiring in much the same way that the old dial-up technology did but with a big difference in speed!  The telephone company has special equipment which handles DSL traffic. Although it operates on your existing telephone line, there is no interference with your regular telephone service.  In fact, you won’t have a clue that the DSL internet connection is working in the background.  And once you make the leap to DSL, you will shiver to even think about returning to the dinosaur known as dial-up.

Gone are the days of waiting and waiting for your favorite song to download.  Never again will you have to wait forever for a webpage to load in your browser window or sit in anxious anticipation as you wait for picture files to open up.  And who can forget the frustration of having only a minute or so left on your download or upload when the phone rings and knocks you offline, leaving you to start all over again on your project.

You will need a computer capable of handling DSL technology, but don’t worry as any computer made in the last decade should be more than adequate.  The minimum requirements  are a Windows 98 operating system, a 233 MHz machine, a CD drive, 64-128 MB memory and either a USB or 10Base-T Ethernet port.  If you have a computer older than 12 years, you really do need to upgrade your system.  One other requirement you must consider is that your residence generally needs to be within 15,000 to 18,000 feet from the phone company’s nearest switching station for DSL service to be available. The closer you are, the faster your internet speed will be.

Cable access is another option you may have to DSL internet connection, however cable service may be a little higher than DSL. Installing DSL on your computer is not a difficult task either.  Just allow yourself about an hour to go through the instructions and get it set up.  If you have any problems there is always a technical support number that you can call and get walk through assistance.

One thing is for sure.  Once you experience the speed of a DSL Internet connection, especially when you have been dealing with a dial-up connection for years, you will wonder why you waited so long to upgrade.  It will be like climbing out of an old Ford Pinto and jumping into a Chevy Camaro, or if you’re a Ford fan, you could jump into a Mustang.  Either way, it’s pedal to the metal…you will be enjoying smoking fast download speeds… faster upload speeds and I guarantee you will never look back!

For more information check out this page on DSL Technology.