Unusual Suspects the Musical

Dial-up internet access became a common feature of most American homes in the 1990s. Featuring external modems or those built in to hard drives, dial-up internet access provided a glimpse into the future. It was not without its faults, however. Many dial-up services were plagued with weak connections, slow download speeds, and per-minute usage costs that could easily rack up hundreds of dollars on a monthly bill. As email gained popularity among businesses and individuals alike, it became clear that a better and more efficient high speed internet connection was necessary.

Enter broadband: including both Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and cable internet access, broadband internet access began to introduce the digital age. Advantages included not having to tie up a phone line, a fixed monthly rate, and a substantially faster internet speed. This new technology became a must for businesses and a very desirable benefit for households across America. As more and more people moved to high speed internet access, multimedia applications flourished and people began to see the home computer as more than just a luxury. Instead, the PC began to replace stereo systems, DVD players, encyclopedias, and many other entertainment and research resources. This is a trend that is likely to move forward as internet-capable products are becoming both more mobile and increasingly common.