Internet access through your local cable company uses coaxial cables - the same cables used to deliver TV to your home. With a cable modem connected to coax, you can access download speeds up to 7Mbps and upload speeds up to 1Mbps, compared to a DSL connection of 100kbps (kilobits per second) or dial-up connection with 56K modem offering speeds up to 50kbps. You do not need to be a cable TV customer in order to subscribe to the Internet service. Internet access via cable is "always on," meaning that the cable modem is continuously connected to the Internet whenever your computer is turned on. When you want to surf the Web, all you need to do is type in a Web site's address. There is no need to "dial up" an Internet service provider, as you must do with traditional telephone modems. How does it work? If you are interested in the details, go to WhatIs.com and search for "cable modem."

• Comcast provides cable modem service in select areas of New Jersey.

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), is a technology that makes high-speed Internet access possible over ordinary telephone lines. Whereas you may be able to achieve speeds up to about 50 kilobits per second (kbps) when using a 56K modem over your phone line, a DSL connection can mean speeds of 100 kbps or more. How does DSL work? The key to the actual DSL speed you achieve is dependent on the distance between the local telephone office and your home. For example, if you live within a mile of the Bell Atlantic phone office on Nassau Street, you can expect speeds of 600 kbps and more. If you live beyond that distance, your potential speed drops to about 100-128 kbps. If you are interested in the details, go to WhatIs.com and search for "DSL."

• Verizon
• Earthlink.DSL
• DSL.NET (Primarily a DSL provider for business, they have and do offer their services to residences, Verizon owns the lines.)

Wireless broadband is a technology that makes high-speed Internet access possible over a wireless network, which is equivalent to your cellular phone. Although primarily for business travelers, many people enjoy the freedom of wireless broadband as they carry their laptops from one location to another. This option eliminates the need for cables and wires, and uses a network wireless card in your laptop. Contact your cellular wireless supplier to see if this is an option for you.

• Verizon Wireless broadband access
• Sprint Mobil Broadband

Remote access: What dial-up service is available to me from home?