"Dial-up." The word conjures up images of missed calls, dropped connections, slow-as-molasses download speeds. If your current internet connection just isn't doing it for you, perhaps it's time to move into the 21st century and make the switch to high speed internet access!

High speed or broadband internet access is loosely defined as a connection of 256 kbs or more. There are three main types of broadband technologies: cable, DSL and satellite. Cable internet utilizes the cable television infrastructure to deliver high speed internet access. DSL, on the other hand, utilizes phone lines. Satellite internet uses telecommunications satellites orbiting the Earth.

Cable and DSL are the two most popular high speed internet options. While cable oftentimes offers a faster connection, this isn't always the case. Otherwise, the two are comparable in terms of availability, security and quality of service. Satellite, the least popular of the three, is usually a good option indeed, the only option ñ for those who live in rural areas. Satellite is a bit slower and more costly than cable and DSL, but for heavy internet users, it still beats dial-up!

When shopping around for high speed internet, look at the cost, reliability and quality of customer support. The differences between cable, DSL and satellite are important, but also consider the internet service provider (ISP) its reputation, level of customer satisfaction and service plans. Common providers of cable internet include Comcast and Time Warner; for DSL, there's Verizon and AT&T and for satellite, look at HughesNet and WildBlue.

Once you're surfing on a broadband connection, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it!