More than a decade since the Internet has become a fixture in many households, an increasing number of households are making the jump from slower, dial-up Internet service and obtaining service from a broadband provider, taking advantage of higher speeds and enjoying the Internet without tying up the phone line. As technology has developed, though, a number of differing and competing broadband providers have come into place, each offering slightly different flavors of broadband. To really choose what's best, it helps to understand what's different in each type of service. This way, you can make an informed choice about which broadband provider is best for you.

DSL Internet

DSL, which stands for digital subscriber line, is one of the oldest forms of broadband service. DSL broadband providers give their service over the phone line, though the design of DSL allows you to be online without tying up the line for phone calls. One of the big advantages to DSL broadband providers is that they're common, they can work over existing phone lines, and they're often less expensive than other forms of broadband. However, DSL is limited by a customer's distance from their local phone switch, which means this can be nearly impossible to have in rural areas.

Cable

Cable broadband providers use the same lines as your cable television channels come through to deliver Internet service. Cable service has both ups and downs. On the other hand, it was the fastest service for a long time, and can still boast speeds that can't be matched by DSL service at comparable costs. However, cable broadband providers have limited amounts of bandwidth distributed among all users in a designated area, so the more popular it is in your area; the more likely it is that you'll see a loss in performance at peak times.

FiOS

FiOS, which stands for fiber-optic service, is one of the newest ways to get service from a broadband provider. Currently offered mostly by Verizon in the United States, FiOS currently tops the other providers in the speed of service offered. FiOS not only provides quality service, but also can do more than act as a great broadband provider, with cable television and telephone service delivered through FiOS as well, for a good package deal. The down side to this service, right now at least, is that it's only offered through one company, so you're out of luck if you don't live in an area where Verizon provides service or if you're the type that likes to shop around for the best price for a broadband provider. No matter which type of broadband provider you go with, though, you're sure to see a big jump in the speed of your Internet service, leading to greater productivity and fun with the Internet.