A whole new rhythm: Hello, DSL

Volume 8, Number 6 • June 2000

A whole new rhythm: Hello, DSL
by David Rensberger

TOOLS OF THE TRADE column reviews the early days of remote computing and Internet service providers (ISPs). Discusses Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) service ($39.95/mo.) from PacBell Corp. Details the installation phase. Mentions some problems with start-up and e-mail. Says that the increased speed more than compensates for minor glitches with browsers and lengthier boot times. Remarks that once an incident report is established, customer support is very good. Contends that, at present, a cable modem is the only real alternative to DSL. Concludes that DSL is fairly stable, and the bandwidth is sufficient for the current state of the Internet.