Cable or DSL

[Terry]

cable or dsl

we are using DSL from pivotnet. It is a major improvement from dialup. We have had no problems with it, and it is much faster.

 

[skijay]

I attempted to install the modem only to find out my DNS file is corrupted. This happened before when I attempted to upgrade to an AOL version with AOL's network adapter. I needed to strip the PC and reinstall the entire OS and all of the components, go to microsoft and download all of the patches for Windows and IE explorer to make it current. Having a PC that was built in 1999 and runs Win98SE, I think it is time for an upgrade!

 

[Greg]

I attempted to install the modem only to find out my DNS file is corrupted. This happened before when I attempted to upgrade to an AOL version with AOL's network adapter. I needed to strip the PC and reinstall the entire OS and all of the components, go to microsoft and download all of the patches for Windows and IE explorer to make it current. Having a PC that was built in 1999 and runs Win98SE, I think it is time for an upgrade!

DNS file? :blink:

Two glaring problems with your setup - Windows 98 and AOL. Ditch both. Run Windows XP and Firefox or IE and you'll be much happier...

 

[bvibert]

Windoze 98 isn't too bad, kinda prone to locking up... but not too bad. I'm still running that at home. Definately ditch the AOL and IE though...

 

[Joshua B]

I installed Verizon DSL for a friend last night. It hung at the "connecting to server" stage. I had to call them and literally wait over 20 minutes to speak to a customer service rep. When I did speak to one, she was on the ball and we manually configured the connection together.

 

[Greg]

Another bit of advice: Get yourself a router and forego any DSL connection software. You can configure the router to handle your PPPoE login details and your connection is "always on".

 

[hammer]

Windoze 98 isn't too bad, kinda prone to locking up... but not too bad. I'm still running that at home. Definately ditch the AOL and IE though...

I'd second the comment on IE. I've been using Firefox for several months now and it works great. The only problem I have is that the Sunapee trail map doesn't work right.
As far as the AOL software is concerned, I'd be worried about putting any of that stuff on my machine. I don't know the details, but I've heard that it's pretty invasive to your system.

I installed Verizon DSL for a friend last night. It hung at the "connecting to server" stage. I had to call them and literally wait over 20 minutes to speak to a customer service rep. When I did speak to one, she was on the ball and we manually configured the connection together.

Did you have to install any of the Verizon software? They offer MSN Premium but I'm not sure what that would really buy me.

 

[bvibert]

Another bit of advice: Get yourself a router and forego any DSL connection software. You can configure the router to handle your PPPoE login details and your connection is "always on".

Definately a good idea, I hated all the crap that SBC installed on my machine the first time I installed DSL. I have a router now, much bettter and cleaner!

 

[skijay]

I am ditching the PC, it is cheaper to buy a new one than to upgrade.

 

[Greg]

I am ditching the PC, it is cheaper to buy a new one than to upgrade.

Congrats and probably a smart move. 5 years is more than a reasonable life expectancy for a PC. As for the new box, you're going to have to consider XP Pro or Home (assuming you're going with Windows). Keep in mind that if you need to connect remotely to your home PC from another location, you'll want XP Pro. Most of the other Pro "features" are ones the average user can live without. I would also recommend getting the computer form a reputable vendor (Dell, IBM, HP, etc.) versus some computer show, but that's just me...

 

[hammer]

5 years is more than a reasonable life expectancy for a PC.

I wish that the bean counters where I work would realize that.
I've seen a number of co-workers go more than 5 years between PC replacements, and I'm over 5 years on my laptop with no new one in sight. :-?

 

[skijay]

XP Home, This PC is strictly home use, basically use to download from camera to photoshop and upload to web, web searching, forums. I am not into online gaming.

I have burned about 7 CDs in 5yrs. I have the 3 left in the 10 pack that I bought when I bought the PC.

This is all the result of my attempting to install the cable modem! It is going to be an expensive week by the time it is over.

 

[Greg]

It is going to be an expensive week by the time it is over.

Yeah, but you'll be cruisin' once it's all set up... 8)

 

[skijay]

Well it was not as bad as I thought it was going to be. I have my cable modem hooked up to a new PC. and I am running the wireless 802.11b wireless device.

This PC & broadband Internet connection is so much faster!

The first thing I did when I hooked up the modem was to go to the windows updates page and install all of the XP updates. They are all in.

 

[Greg]

The first thing I did when I hooked up the modem was to go to the windows updates page and install all of the XP updates. They are all in.

If on a router, a good practice would be to set up XP to automatically update. Right-click My Computer --> Properties --> Automatic Updates tab. It may be enabled by default. I can't remember. Also, get yourself a good virus protection app and keep the virus definitions updated. Finally, periodically run Ad-Aware to keep the system clenan from spyware. Congrats on the new PC. Once you have broadband, it's hard to imagine life without it...

 

[skijay]

Thanks for the information. I will make sure the XP updates automatically. I have not installed any anti-spyware yet, that will be tonight as I start to install only the necessary devices to the PC (drivers for camera, printer, Palm). The PC came preloaded with AOL 9.0 & MSN, that will be gone! I have the virus & firewall installed and enabled.

 

[Joshua B]

How do you get DSL without a phone line connection?

http://www.speakeasy.net/residential/onelink/

The lowest priced option on that page is $55.95/month for 1.5/256 bandwidth speed. Is that what you pay?

 

[Paul]

I'm a WAN Engineer at SBC. I have a cable modem from Comcast despite getting a pretty good discount from the Evil Empire for DSL. (Of course, its not in my neighborhood anyway, nor are there any plans for it ever to be)
The biggest difference between the two? $$$

You get what you pay for.

Also, someone asked about VoIP. I would'nt just yet. VoIP works great on the campus environment, but when you attempt to go off-net, the Class of Service just isn't robust enough for a good, solid call. Too many packets are getting dropped and jitter is practically unavoidable when crossing networks.

just my $.02....

 

[hammer]

I'm now having second thoughts. The latest deal I can get from Verizon without a commitment is $34.95/month with a max advertised speed of 768K, which is a lot less than the 2-3M I'm now getting from Cable for an additional $14/month.

Good luck to everyone else out there in their quest for broadband...

 

[dmc]

I'm now having second thoughts. The latest deal I can get from Verizon without a commitment is $34.95/month with a max advertised speed of 768K, which is a lot less than the 2-3M I'm now getting from Cable for an additional $14/month.

Good luck to everyone else out there in their quest for broadband...

I've also settled into using cable as a robust - fast - connection...
Only slows down on weekends - when kids are gaming...