How to install broadband

Broadband is essentially any fast kind of Internet connection. It can be between 10 and 100 times faster than dial-up, depending on exact circumstances, and allows you to watch video, download music and do everything you could before but much more quickly. Many companies offer broadband Internet in the UK; choose your Internet service provider carefully and decide what type of broadband is best for you.

• 1

  Choose which type of Internet service you want. The two main broadband contenders in the UK are ADSL, which uses your existing telephone line, and cable. Which type you choose may well be determined by where you live and what is available. Type in your postcode on each Internet service provider's (ISP) website to see what is available in your area.

• 2

  Consider carefully what is important to you and how you want to use the Internet. If you want to browse the Web as a single user, ADSL may be the best choice. If you own a business, cable may be the better choice. ADSL covers around 80 per cent of the population and is delivered via your telephone line using a modem or router. You do not need a second telephone line and can browse the Internet and make or receive telephone calls at the same time. Cable broadband uses fibre optic cables buried under the ground; Virgin Media Cable, the UK's only cable ISP, covers 65 per cent of UK homes.

• 3

  Sign up to an Internet service provider. Most ISPs will deliver everything you need to set up your own broadband Internet and will connect you on an agreed date. It pays to shop around, whether you're signing up to Internet for the first time or want to enhance your current dial-up service. Look at speeds offered, prices and download allowances. Virgin Media Cable currently provides the fastest broadband Internet in the UK, while ADSL provides the most secure service, according to a comparative review of ADSL and cable in the UK by the website internet101.

• 4

  Choose cable broadband if you want the easiest installation. Once a technician has set up a new line for you, you only need to plug this line to your modem.

• 5

  Turn on the PC, insert the software CD provided by your ISP and follow the instructions.

• 6

  Set up your ADSL. If you are using ADSL broadband, first fit a microfilter to your telephone socket to prevent interference. This microfilter is usually provided for you. Plug the modem's phone lead into the ADSL port of the microfilter and plug the modem's USB port into a USB port on your computer. Do this only when prompted by the software installation CD.

• 7

  Follow the instructions on the screen and finish the operation by giving your account details supplied by your ISP. You should need to do this only once. Your Internet connection is now ready for use.