Datasheet

➟
23
Chapter 1: Buying a Computer
➟
Broadband: Broadband connections can be DSL (dig-
ital subscriber line) or cable modem. In both cases,
you pay a fee to a provider, which might be your
phone company or cable company. DSL works over
your phone line but doesn’t prohibit you from using
the phone when you’re online. Cable runs over your
cable TV line and is a bit faster than DSL, though con-
nections can be less dependable. Both are considered
always-on connections, meaning that you don’t have
to wait to dial up to a phone connection or connect
to a wireless network — you’re always connected.
See Chapter 16 for more about setting up your
Internet connection.
Buy a Customized Computer
You can buy prepackaged computer systems online or in an electronics
store. An alternative is to buy a customized computer. Companies
such as Dell (see Figure 1-6) and Gateway offer customized computer
systems. When you buy the computer, you can pick and choose
various features, and the provider will build the system for you.
Figure 1-6
h