RenoGeek's Computer Terms Glossary - Dial Up

A dial up connection uses a modem to connect to a internet service provider (ISP) or another computer. It uses analog phone lines to transfer data up to a maxium baud rate of 56 Kbps. Up until 1999 or so it was the standard way most people connected to the Internet.

Today however many users can now connect to the Internet via DSL or cable modem connections. Both types of services provide a "Always On" connection and can support data speeds well over 100 times faster than any dial-up modem.

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