We often like to think of the Internet as a convenient and time saving tool to get things done. However, this was not always true. It used to be that one had no choice but to stare at a computer screen and wait impatiently to connect to the Internet or to download a Web page. In those days the only way to connect to the Internet used to be through slow, unreliable dial-up modems. The term bandwidth refers to how fast digital information travels through a communications channel.
Higher bandwidth translates into faster transmission of data back and forth.
One of the best features of most broadband connections is that your computer is automatically connected to the Internet when you switch it on, and it remains connected until you switch it off. However, there is also a negative side to this convenience. In order to prevent this, adequate security measures should be taken such as installing firewalls.