Remember all those times when you used to sit in some godforsaken cyber café, sipping your cold coffee and waiting for eternity for that single Hotmail page to open? How many times have you had to actually give up because of a certain 'Internet Explorer can't open this page' message, or worse, 'Sorry but the Internet connection timed out.

Please try again after some time?' But now, with broadband and other high speed Internet connection services now being offered by several companies, surfing the Net at snail's pace has been thankfully wiped out.

Clearly broadband is the way to go. And if you're one of those hard-core Internet users who's majorly into downloading games, movies, music and software from the Net, you got to have a high-speed, broadband Internet connection.

Because you surely don't want the download of your favourite Bollywood blockbuster to get stuck mid-way, or even to take so long that by the time it downloads onto your computer, the movie's released in the theatres and perhaps, even gone !

Cable Internet
Broadband comes in several avatars like Cable Internet, which is basically high speed Internet through your cable connection. Sounds filmy you bet it is. And yes, it's been around for quite a while.
Why it's hot:The best part is that it doesn't burn a hole in your pocket. Unlike most other broadband connections, it's pretty affordable and has a pretty decent speed too.
Great for: Individual, residential users like us so we get to shop, surf and chat online right from the cosy comfort of our bed! 

WiMAX
The coolest avatar of broadband Internet access. It's a wireless technology that provides high-speed, broadband connections over long distances. And, it's so cool that you can do a zillion things online from almost anywhere.
Why it's hot: Wi-Fi (wireless) technology is clearly the tech format of the future. WiMAX (Worlwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) enables you to browse the Net at high speeds, from virtually anywhere. All you need is a WiMAX connection and presto, you're cruising down the Internet highway at top speed!
Great for: Internet surfers who are constantly on the move, or working professionals who have to be on the field

DSL
A technology that transmits data over a local telephone network, DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) uses the old model of providing Internet access through phone lines.
Why it's hot: One of the first movers in the broadband category, DSL has been around for a while and has a proven track record in providing high-speed Internet access.
Great for: Converting the old-timers (who still swear by their dial-up connections) into broadband users. DSL serves as a gentle-intro-cum-comfy-start for the old boys to zoom into the new league of high-speed Internet junkies!

siddhartha.dutt@mid-day.com