Since it depends on where you live it's probably a good idea to call up the potential satellite provider, ask them exactly where their satellite is located in the sky, and buy a compass to make sure that you have a clear view of that portion of the sky from your house. You will need to point the dish right at this spot to receive the satellite's transmissions. If you live in a housing community with rules governing exterior aesthetics, be sure to check to see if there are any regulations barring the mounting of satellite dishes. In comparison, cable is available almost anywhere except in some rural areas. If you happen to live in a rural area in which cable lines have not been installed yet, then a satellite system may be your saving grace.
Cable is also generally a no-fuss installation.
You do not actually install it, and in some cases all that needs to be done is for a service technician to arrange a time to enter your home and connect a cable or adapter. Satellite systems can be a bit more tedious to install. It's probably a good idea to set aside a couple of hours in a day with a helper to get this done. All in all, if you've had any experience with hammers and drills, you shouldn't run into any problems. The installation consists basically of running cable from the satellite receiver inside your house to the satellite dish on the outside, which you will need to mount either on the roof or a wall for stability - again, placement depends on your view of the sky.