From the first home computers to the emergence of the internet, it seems technology is constantly advancing and it can be difficult to keep up with the latest changes. Among them is the development of broadband, which at first made the internet `faster´ and now makes it `super-fast´.

At moneysupermarket.com we want to help you make the right decisions to find not just the cheapest broadband deal, but also the best broadband offer for your needs. That is why we have produced a guide to broadband so you know your download speeds from your gigabyte allowances, helping you to make an informed decision before you get connected.

What is broadband?

Basically broadband is a faster version of a dial up internet connection. The most commonly used form is ADSL (Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line) which is an upgraded home telephone line that remains connected so there is no need to dial it up each time and you can make phone calls while using the internet. By converting data more efficiently over a wider frequency range than a computer's modem ADSL makes the line much faster for downloading. Broadband can also be obtained through a cable line, wireless networks, satellite or even mobile networks.

Increasingly providers are trying to take a share of both the home phone and broadband markets by offering both services for less as a product bundle. This has also expanded into bundles that include television and mobile phone services too.

According to BT, 99.6% of households in the UK can now receive broadband services, however, there are still a few, predominantly rural, areas that are stuck with dial-up for now (or perhaps satellite broadband).

To see what broadband deals are available to you, use the broadband comparison tool at moneysupermarket.com. By simply typing in your postcode, a quick search will return a list of the broadband deals that are available in your area. You are under no obligation to move to any of these offers, but it will give you an idea of what is out there and the cheapest broadband products you could change to.

Click here to see the best value broadband deals