Apple have carved themselves an oppositional niche in the computer hardware market thanks to their gorgeous products matched with their user friendly software. As a result there are thousands of satisfied Mac customers out there who use their Macs for everything.

What they may not know is that there are plenty of broadband packages designed exclusively for Mac users which offer a high level of Mac-specific functionality. Though any broadband connection can happily accommodate a Mac and most Mac's can connect via Ethernet or Wi-Fi to a broadband connection, not every provider is rated as 'Mac Friendly'.

So what exactly makes a broadband provider 'Mac Friendly'? Well, the most important part of any Mac broadband connection will of course be the customer support. Because most broadband customers use Window's powered PCs some ISPs have all of their tech support facilities specifically geared towards PC users, leaving Mac users out in the cold.

However, several Mac friendly ISPs have teams dedicated to tackling broadband problems or queries specific to Mac users and when your broadband connection is giving you grief you'll want a helpful advisor who can solve your problem without any hiccups. Mac broadband providers should also offer Mac users hardware that's ready for use with Macs and other Apple products like iBooks, iPhones or iPod touches, all of which can take advantage of a broadband connection.

This means that the router which the provider offers is set up and ready for Mac users, as PC only ISPs often neglect this area which can lead to connection problems in the early stages. Since most providers offer a free router to new customers, you'll want one that will plug in and work with your Mac straight away without any irritating adjustments.

Many people might wonder whether they are able to get a Mac broadband package in their own home and if they are whether it is difficult to then find a Mac provider that suits their needs. The answer to the first question is no, most homes will be able to get Mac broadband as it can either operate via your BT land line, a cable connection or even using mobile broadband.

Second, it is easy to find Mac broadband as long as you look in the right places and search specifically for that. Use price comparison and read user reviews to get a better idea of the Mac friendliness of certain broadband providers.

Many of the UKs top providers offer Mac broadband services including O2 who offer an up to 20Mbps connection, Virgin Media, TalkTalk, BT, AOL and Plusnet. Hopefully you'll realise that there are no shortage of great Mac Broadband deals out there with some big, household brands attached to ensure your peace of mind. A Mac broadband service will offer exactly the same connection speed, connectivity, service and security as those enjoyed by PC owners, but every other aspect of the product will be aimed at satisfying the varying needs of Mac owners, who in the past may have felt left out.

Additionally there are one or two smaller Mac broadband providers including MacAce and Zen Internet who may be more expensive than their bigger rivals but offer personalised services and shorter minimum contract lengths that may suit some.