With the ever-increasing popularity of broadband internet technologies, dial-up sometimes seems like a quaint relic from 1996. Due to its relatively low cost and widespread availability, dial-up is still alive and computing.

Dial-up internet, as the name suggests, accesses the internet via a typical phone line. A modem connected to the user's computer and a phone line "dials up" the internet service provider's (ISP) node, thus establishing a modem-to-modem link; the ISP then routes this link to the internet. Voilo! Let there be YouTube!

The primary reason behind dial-up's longevity is its availability: unlike common broadband technologies, such as cable, DSL and satellite, dial-up is available anywhere there are phone lines. Consequently, dial-up is sometimes the only option for those who live in rural areas. Dial-up is also relatively inexpensive; some dial-up ISPs offer monthly plans for as little as $5 in order to compete with faster, more popular forms of internet access.

The downside to dial-up is speed. Dial-up connections are slow, usually just 40 to 50 kbs (compared to broadband's minimum of 256 kbs). It also takes some time to establish a connection. Many ISPs will put a time limit on these connections, and users are disconnected after a certain amount of time spent online. This constant de- and reconnecting can be frustrating. Also, unless you purchase a second, dedicated phone line, you'll be unable to use the telephone and the internet at the same time.

When shopping around for a dial-up ISP, consider the cost of the plan, the connection speed, the quality of the ISP's customer service, customer satisfaction, the quantity and quality of access numbers offered by the ISP, and any time limits that may be placed on your connection. Some dial-up ISPs include NetZero, Earthlink and AOL.