| 'Broadband' is the general term used to refer to | | | | You can search online video archives with specialized |
| high-speed information transmission over networks, | | | | search engines. This means you can download video |
| and nowadays is used increasingly to mean a fast | | | | that matches your chosen phrases. Examples would |
| Internet connection. | | | | be "Nick Lachey singing 'My Everything' to Jessica |
| The term has more to do with the electrical waveform | | | | Simpson", "Oprah visiting Katrina victims" or "how to |
| ('signal') being transmitted. The signal can come to you | | | | toss a thin pizza shell". There is no longer a need to |
| through a variety of physical arrangements: a DSL line, | | | | wait for your subject to be broadcast. |
| a T1 line, a TV cable, a wireless link and even your | | | | 2. Cheap Long Distance |
| utility power line. | | | | Broadband has enabled miracle of low-cost |
| Which physical arrangement is best for you depends a | | | | long-distance Internet telephony. This application is |
| great deal on what is available in your geographical | | | | based on the renowned technology, VoIP (Voice over |
| area and the price of each arrangement. You should | | | | Internet Protocol). You can now speak to your loved |
| do a comparison of speeds and costs and choose | | | | ones or business associates in most other parts of the |
| what is optimal for you. Just be sure you do not | | | | world for 2 cents a minute! |
| choose an ISDN line (because it is getting obsolete) or | | | | No more waiting for late nights or weekends to get |
| power line (because the technology is not mature, and | | | | those "free minutes"... you can afford to call anytime. |
| it will be some years before the bugs are ironed out). | | | | Additionally, the sound clarity is several times better |
| Live in a large city and want free wireless broadband | | | | than that of a conventional phone call... voices are loud |
| Internet? Your wish is or will be granted! Almighty | | | | and clear with little or no background noise. |
| Google is busy fixing antennae to lampposts in major | | | | This means you can stay in touch more often. You |
| cities so that your computer can access the Internet | | | | can get news faster and offer advice without delay. |
| much in the same way your mobile phone accesses | | | | For instance, a timely observation about a certain |
| your cellular network: almost anywhere in any city. Not | | | | medical treatment could very well save the life of the |
| only will you get driving directions to that restaurant | | | | person at the other end! |
| you are going to, the maitre d' will appear on a small | | | | 3. Always On |
| screen and take your order as you drive. | | | | With Broadband, you are always connected to the |
| ~ Broadband's Bag of Goodies ~ | | | | Internet. No more dialing up and waiting to connect. The |
| Broadband has brought a slew of valuable capabilities | | | | dialing time is freed up for you to use for other things. |
| to the Internet: | | | | In most cases, you get a telephone connection with |
| 1. Good Video | | | | the broadband connection, so you can simultaneously |
| First of all, you can download smooth, non-jerky video. | | | | speak on the phone and surf the Internet. Your phone |
| Consequently an increasing number of sites are | | | | line will not be busy when you surf so that people can |
| including rich graphics, Flash and video to enhance the | | | | reach you even if you are online. |
| appeal of their messages. You can now download | | | | One important user of this constant connectivity is |
| feature films from over 200,000 Web TV stations and | | | | security. You can have inexpensive webcams |
| watch them as they stream into your computer | | | | mounted in various locations of your home or office |
| ("stream them"). No more trips to the video library and | | | | and connect them to the Internet. Since your |
| no more renting DVDs! | | | | broadband connection is always 'live', you can monitor |
| You can share your screen and talk with co-workers | | | | your house from anywhere, anytime. No more |
| located at far-flung locations (or just relax and play | | | | worrying when away from your desk or living room! |
| Xbox or PS2 games with them). You can interact with | | | | ~ Conclusion ~ |
| them from the convenience of your home computer, | | | | The day is not far when dial-up connections will be a |
| and the need for a physical office can be dispensed | | | | rarity. If you have not yet upgraded to broadband, start |
| with. This implies less travel in your car, less gasoline | | | | working at doing so NOW. You will definitely not regret |
| consumption and less pollution of the atmosphere by | | | | it. |
| engine exhaust gases. | | | | |