Having broadband Internet connection doesn’t require any specific type of computer but it does require certain hardware in order for it to work, just like a Dial up connection requires you to have dial up phone modem. The hardware that is needed for almost all types of broadband connections is connected to your computer through USB ports. USB stands for Universal Serial Bus and it was developed in 1996. Second version of it came out in 2001. This technology allows us to connect devices one to another and to our computer without much confusion or problems. If your computer was made in 2001 or at later date you will surely be able to connect all hardware needed to your computer. However, if you are owner of a 10 year old computer or older you might run into some problems but there are still ways around them, and at this point I would recommend that you consult the ISP from which you are planning to purchase broadband connection if you will be able to use it.
In some packages ISPs offer all necessary hardware that you might need, if they don’t then you will have to get it yourself.
ADSL
ADSL broadband connection will require the following hardware: ADSL modem or router (note that if you are using a router you will also need a LAN card installed on your computer) and micro filter or splitter. ADSL modems require you to have USB v2 port on your computer. All this hardware is sometimes provided by your ISP for a nominal fee, otherwise you will have to purchase it yourself.
Cable
Cable broadband connection is much like ADSL and requires you to have Cable modem or router (LAN card if you are using a router). Modems require USB v2 for connection to computer and routers require LAN cards.
Wireless
Wireless antenna, wireless modem or router (LAN card required for router) is all the hardware needed for your wireless connection. Wireless modems are connected to the computer via USB v2 port and routers through LAN cards.
Mobile
Mobile broadband doesn’t require any hardware at all! This new technology is very easy to use and install. All you need is the USB dongle provided to you by your ISP. This USB dongle is than plugged into your USB v2 port and you are ready to go. If you are planning to connect several computers to your mobile broadband connection you will also require a router.
Satellite
Satellite broadband requires a lot of expensive hardware such as a satellite dish, a modem and a computer card. These items together cost as much as a new computer. This is a big investment and using it with an old or very old computer isn’t a good idea even though you can use it on pretty much any computer.
To summarize most of these types of broadband require certain hardware to operate it, most of the time this hardware requires a USB port on your computer which can be found on pretty much any computer made in the last 9 years. Price of all the hardware needed for ADSL and Cable shouldn’t exceed a total of 50-60 Eur and hardware for wireless broadband might go up to a total of 70-80 Eur. Mobile broadband doesn’t require any hardware beside the USB port whereas satellite broadband equipment is usually around 400-500 Eur.
Can I Use Broadband with My Computer? is a post from: Broadband Guide