Cable Vs. DSL - Which is Better?

As broadband Internet becomes more mainstream, one of the most common questions we get is: which is better, cable or dsl?

The answer to that question is not so definite. Many factors come into play when deciding which high-speed connection to choose. Regardless of which you choose (DSL, Cable, or even Satellite) its going to be a ton better (and faster) than that ancient dialup modem youve been using. Not to mention, your Internet experience will be much more enjoyable.

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)

Just like your existing dialup modem, DSL uses your existing copper wire phone line to deliver data at high speed. To qualify for DSL, you need the following:

- a phone line

- a DSL modem (which normally comes with the service)

- an Ethernet card or an available USB port ( most DSL modems allow both connections, but Ethernet is recommended).

- a phone company (ISP) that is offering DSL service (e.g., Verizon)

One important factor that will influence your DSL connection is the distance between your home or office and the phone companys central office. The farther away you are from the central office, the signal becomes weaker, thus a slower connection. With that said, DSL is not as available widespread compared to cable. Youll need to contact your local phone provider to check availability.

speed wise, depending on the package you choose, DSL can range from 128 kbps to 3 Mbps. Generally, the faster your connection the more expensive your service will be. You can expect to pay around $25-$30 a month for a 768 kbps connection, which is roughly 13 times faster than a 56k dialup modem.

::Pros::
- Relatively cheaper than cable
- Dedicated line, so speeds are almost guaranteed
- You can talk on the phone at the same time while surfing the net

::Cons::
- Slower speeds compared to cable
- Speeds drop the farther away your home/office is from the central office
- Not available in all areas

Cable Internet

Cable Internet gets our recommendation. Cable, which you can probably already tell, uses the coaxial cable that your television uses. To qualify for cable internet, you need the following:

- a cable modem ( which normally comes with the service)

- an Ethernet card or an available USB port (most cable modems allow both connections, but Ethernet is recommended)

- a cable company offering cable Internet (e.g., Adelphia)

Unlike DSL, cable Internet does not depend on the distance between your home or office and the central office. However, unlike DSL, cable connections are typically shared among your neighbors. Although, most cable companies provide pipelines with huge bandwidth that this rarely becomes an issue.

Speed wise, cable Internet typically ranges from 3 Mbps to 10 Mbps, up to 3-4 times faster than DSL. However, expect to pay more for the service - $40-$50 per month.

::Pros::
- Faster speeds than DSL
- More widespread than DSL
- Distance does not affect speed

::Cons::
- More expensive than DSL
- Line is shared with other users

With all that said, you need to think about what type of user you are. If you are a heavy Internet user and downloader, you would highly benefit from a broadband connection. For the light users who use the Internet just to check emails, are probably better off with a dialup. However, if you are willing to splurge some cash on a broadband connection, then by all means, upgrade!

Mark Pascua is the webmaster of PersonalConfuser.net, a computer how-to and tips website.

Yoga Cl In Portland Or

How is Inflammation Related to Insulin Resistance?

Chronic inflammation is on the forefront of medical investigation, with researchers trying to understand not only what causes the condition but also how it can be prevented.

Inflammation is the response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli. In the case of insulin Resistance, Metabolic Syndrome (Syndrome X) , Pre-Diabetes and PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), this harmful stimuli is insulin.

Prolonged levels of elevated insulin contribute to inflammation. If left unchecked, this type of inflammation can lead to atherosclerosis and contribute to insulin Resistance - the imbalance of blood glucose and insulin. PCOS has been characterized as a low-grade inflammatory state, which can be assessed by measuring CRP (C-Reactive Protein).

CRP is a blood test that helps determine the level of inflammation in blood vessels. The higher the CRP reading, the higher the inflammation is and the greater risk for cardiovascular disease. Additionally, women with PCOS have higher levels of CRP than women without PCOS, whether they are lean or overweight.

Elevated levels of CRP are also linked strongly with Metabolic Syndrome, a cluster of increased risk factors for cardiovascular disease which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

The way to reduce inflammation and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease is to restrict one's exposure to insulin through a diet high in lean proteins, good fats and good carbs from vegetables, plus some fruits. Additionally, there are numerous nutraceutical ingredients that moderate inflammation, such as omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants and minerals. Don't forget that exercise produces a positive and long-lasting impact on the body's inflammatory processes.

Dr. Shackelton is a founding partner of Insulite Laboratories. She directs research and development of the formulas comprising the four Insulite Systems and those in development. Her study of the biochemical and physiological reasons for weight gain led to her focus on insulin Resistance the abnormal response of insulin to glucose - and its growing number of related conditions. http://www.pcos.insulitelabs.com

Yoga Meditation Meditation Music Weightloss