Potentiometers: Ladder, Series, etc....

As kind of a follow up to the "what is the best resistor thread", can someone please explain the differences between various styles of attenuators ? A brief explanation of their basic high and low points i.e. "ultimate resolution" vs "complete circuit stability / loading characteristics" factoring in such things as cost, ease of construction, etc.. might be a nice point of reference for others to learn from. If possible, please try and keep it simple so that EVERYONE can follow along. Me included : ) Sean
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