When determining which type of Internet service is best for you, it's essential to first consider where you live and whether DSL or Cable Internet can be installed in your area. So let's turn this mother out, and help you maximize your Internet experience.

DSL Availability
DSL is very much dependent on distance. The further away your residence is from the provider's central office, the less likely that DSL will be available. Contacting your local telephone company will determine if your lines are qualified to sufficiently transport DSL data. Not every telephone line is capable of carrying both phone and Internet data, so this step is essential before contacting a DSL provider. Of course, the benefit of having a dedicated line is that you do not share bandwidth with your entire neighborhood, so the guy next door downloading 120 hours of Abba concert videos won't interrupt your ability to download and surf.

Cable Internet Availability
Cable takes a much more "neighborly approach" to offering it's service in particular areas. Basically, cable companies generally offer Internet service in any area that they already have a cable TV footprint. However, cable is an RF newtwork—meaning that interference in cable TV will affect your Internet's performance. Cable Internet is also a shared media, meaning that several people in your immediate area may share TV lines, carrying a possible decline in performance as more people plug in.

In reality, the differences between cable and DSL are more prominent depending on where you live. Which service is best for you really depends on your downloading needs, whether you are running a business from home, etc. Companies offer different packages and prices in different areas, so you may find that researching companies that are available in your area first is the quickest way to determine your Internet needs.

Who wants to be the tortoise when you can have the hare. High-speed Internet isn't a technology that's built for crawling, so "DSL vs. Cable - Part Two" will help you determine whether DSL or cable Internet is a better fit for your need for speed.

Raw Speed
Just based on potential alone, cable's bandwidth is generally capable of reaching speeds up to 30 Mbps, while the most common form of DSL—ADSL—usually peaks at about 6 Mbps. Fiber optic technology helps VDSL reach similar speeds as cable Internet, but is not as widely available in residential areas as ADSL.

Factors that affect actual speed

• The same cable line connects to many households, so bandwidth can fluctuate depending on how many users are online simultaneously.
• DSL speeds vary depending on your distance from the central office. The closer you are the better.
• Package price is your best bet for determining speed. The faster DSL and Cable Internet packages usually range from $40-$50.
• Most DSL and cable Internet services are asymmetrical, meaning that downloading and uploading speeds are different. Basically, activities such as receiving emails and browsing websites are generally faster than sending emails and uploading files.
• Most companies will provide a range of download and upload speeds specifically detailing a max bandwidth.

Not sure what comes in your high speed bag of tricks? "DSL vs. Cable: Part Three: Equipment and Availability" will outline the installation fees, required equipment and general availability of DSL and cable Internet.

You've probably read millions of reasons why one type of Internet service is better, faster and all other types of bells and whistles that makes each stand out from the rest. It's nearly mind boggling trying to wade through the technical language that reads like a vintage episode of "Battlestar Galactica." Understanding Internet service doesn't have to feel like learning a foreign language. In part one of your guide to DSL and cable high-speed Internet, you'll find simple details that will help you determine which of these two types of Internet service are best for you.

DSL: Your telephone line's biggest fan
DSL connects your computer to a telephone line either using an existing line or new wiring to send a signal from your provider to your home. An external DSL modem (varies in size and look) connects your computer to the DSL line that runs data from your Internet provider. Think of a modem as the middle man in the Internet relationship with your provider. Modems are generally provided with service, either free depending on your contract, or available for rent with a low monthly charge.

Most types of DSL use what they call a dedicated line, which generally means you can use your telephone and Internet at the same time, and not worry about sharing service with everyone on your block. It gets a little tricky here though. Your bandwidth (the amount of data that can be carried from one point to another) is shared between you and the central office of your Internet provider, not everyone on your block.

Advantages:

• Talk on the phone and surf the Internet simultaneously.
• Faster than dial up
• Bandwidth is not shared among several users

Cable Internet: Internet meet TV, TV meet Internet. Now shake hands...
Cable Internet is unique in the sense that it really requires little installation for you to be Internet ready. A cable modem is similar to a DSL modem, with both featuring an Ethernet or USB port to connect your computer to the modem. Instead of connecting the modem to a telephone jack, cable modems simply connect to the same input used for your television, with coaxial cable bridging the gap between the cable line and your modem.

Cable Internet is shared among neighbors, but cable companies generally have a large amount of bandwidth to share, so your Internet speeds will vary depending on which company you use. Distance does not affect speed.

• Available in a variety of areas
• Distance does not affect speed
• Easy installation with no additional wiring, hole digging or headaches

Want to know how fast DSL and cable Internet are? Stay tuned next week for Part Two of the DSL vs. Cable skirmish, outlining what features/aspects affects the overall speed of your Internet.