<|begin_of_text|><|begin_of_text|><|begin_of_text|>FOR online merchants and customers alike, the first guilt-free holiday shopping season has arrived.
Thanks to the breakneck growth of residential cable modem and D.S.L. services, this is the first year when most Internet users do not have to rely<wm> on dial-up connections anymore. Users of cable television and computer cable Internet services have been assured with the latest models and technologies that provide faster speeds and reliable connection options, making browsing and accessing digital content more convenient for a greater number of users.
**Online retailing is a more convenient method of dealing with the purchasing power of consumers due to the numerous conveniences offered, such as faster and cheaper delivery of digital products, secure payment processing, and automatic checkout features, while electronic payment processing is taking center stage</wm>.** According to the Council on Foreign Affairs and Research, the growth of the internet will boost economic