Internet services: jargon-buster

Broadband: A fast internet service which is always on and doesn't tie up a phone line. A broadband Internet service may be provided over a telephone or cable TV connection, or even via a satellite dish on your roof.

Connection speed: Broadband internet services are supplied at a variety of different speeds, measured in megabits per second (mbps). The most common speeds are 2, 4, and 8 mbps, but some internet service providers offer speeds as high as 24 mbps.

Dial-up: This is the old-style internet service which is gradually disappearing. A dial-up internet service is slower than broadband, so if someone sends you large documents or photos you could be waiting for hours for them to download.

Domain name: The part of an email address after the @ sign. Many internet service providers enable you to buy your own domain name, so you can have an email (and website) address personalised with your own or your company's name.

Pop server: Pop stands for post office protocol, and indeed a pop server is the place you "post" your emails—a sort of electronic pillar box. Your email program will usually use your internet service provider's pop server to send emails.

Smtp server: Smtp stands for simple mail transfer protocol, and an smtp server is the place to which your email will be delivered. You'll often need to tell your email program about your internet service provider's smtp server so it knows where to go to fetch your mail.

VoIP: The technical name for internet telephony. If you have a fast Internet service you can use one of a range of VoIP programs to make cheap or free phone calls using your internet connection.

Web hosting: If you want a website for your friends or customers to visit, this is a vital internet service. A good web hosting service will ensure the pages of your web site appear quickly and reliably.

Internet service tip: When choosing an internet service provider, before making your decision always check and compare:

• connection speeds
• any limits on the amount you can download each month
• how much it costs to call the help line