Broadband Modems are different than a standard dial up modem. If you want to access the internet through broadband then you are not able to use the standard modem you will have used to connect to the Internet through dial up.

If you are signing up for broadband then many of the broadband providers supply a free broadband modem/router when you join up for their broadband service. You should check when you sign up for your broadband service to see if you get a free broadband modem so you can save yourself having to buy one.

If the broadband provider you are signing up to does not supply a free broadband modem then they are likely to be able to offer you one to buy when you sign up for the broadband deal.

If however you are looking to buy your own broadband modem then there a couple of things to look at first.

First up is that you have to make your decision on if you want a PCI ADSL modem or a USB ADSL modem.

Although they perform the same function there is a difference between them.

A PCI ADSL modem are slightly cheaper than USB broadband modems but do require the card to be installed into the computer as it is an "internal" device. A PCI ADSL modem also has better response times so may be slightly better for gamers.

An ADSL modem (broadband modem) costs slightly more than the PCI ADSL modem but is easier to get set up and running.
The broadband modem is an "external" device that is connected to the computer with a USB cable and does not require you to open the computer up to install it. Once connected to the computer the drivers (usually supplied on a CD) are installed on to the computer. Most users use this type of broadband modem and is usually what is supplied by broadband providers.