Is it time to pull the plug on your cable?

On the prowl for a cable and satellite alternative? You're in luck.

While cutting the cord can be a good thing for your wallet, it may be tough to replicate the TV-watching/channel-surfing experience.

However, with the increasing assortment of Web-based video options, some frugal-minded folks are abandoning their cable and satellite services altogether and taking the plunge.

Is it time to pull the plug on your cable?

There are many sites online that offer free show streaming; from sitcoms to sports to special events. The caveat? It's not instant gratification like cable. It may take a day or even a week to see your program appear online.

So, where can you find your programs on the Internet? Thanks to an article on LifeHacker.com, we've got the lowdown:

Network favorites
Looking to watch a show from a specific network? Head straight to their site shortly after the show is aired. The network Web sites offer free behind-the-scenes footage, and offer previews for upcoming episodes. The shows online are usually available for a few hours after they've been aired on TV. Networks to visit include CBS.com, NBC.com, ABC.com, and Fox.com

Gawker.TV
This isn't the site to watch your favorite show, but can help to sum up a show immensely. If you've missed a solid ten minutes, or the flashbacks and flash forwards have confused you beyond repair, head to Gawker.TV. The site posts synopses and clips of shows to keep you up to date with the show's material.

Amazon Video On Demand
With Amazon Video on Demand, you'll have to pay for the shows downloaded from the site. The pro? The show can be formatted to fit your mobile device.

Hulu
At Hulu, you can organize and search for shows. Hulu has pretty much got you covered when it comes to finding a show you want to watch, and offers many psych shows, The Daily Show, and cable TV shows. New episodes are available for 30 days after they've been aired on TV. Hulu is also well stocked with complete old seasons of favorite shows.

Netflix
At Netflix, streaming old shows is easy. Netflix doesn't really offer new shows. There's a monthly fee for Netflix, but once you are signed up you may stream as many shows as you would like. Click here for a free trial.

Clicker
Clicker comes in handy. It acts as your TV Guide. Bookmark this site to let you know what's available online, and when. Search through shows to find on which site it is being aired.

Report shows consumers are cutting the cable cord

On the prowl for a cable and satellite alternative? Time to join the bandwagon.

A recent report issued by The Convergence Consulting Group claims that 800,000 Americans have "cut the cord" over the last two years on their cable television and now watch their TV online using services such as Netflix, Hulu and iTunes.

And, that number is expected to double by next year, growing to 1.6 million households by the end of 2011.

Is it time to pull the plug on your cable?

There are many sites online that offer free show streaming; from sitcoms to sports to special events. The caveat? It's not instant gratification like cable. It may take a day or even a week to see your program appear online.

Our suggestion for cord cutters? A small set-top-box device called Roku connects your television set to the internet. Couple that with a monthly Netflix subscription and save hundreds per year on cable fees.

So, where can you find your programs on the Internet? Click here for the lowdown.