posted on September 11, 2000 05:59:23 PM
I'm moving in a couple of weeks to an area where I can get DSL for my computer connection. Is this a good idea? I use the computer mainly for Web surfing. Do I need a firewall?
If I can get a faster, more reliable connection I'll be able to snipe more accurately!
posted on September 11, 2000 06:02:46 PM
I have DSL, and while your computer is ON, your connection is always on, so yes, things like Zone Alarm is good, I have that and some other stuff on mine.
posted on September 11, 2000 06:20:30 PM
If U.S. West / Quest will be your provider- FORGET IT.
I had DSL provided by them./ It was nice while it worked- Unfortunately, it was "down" intermittantly 3 months out of the 4 months I had it.
One month of functionality out of four is not acceptable to me. I wasted at least 30 hours on the phone to the various "support" people, none of whom would take any responsibility in seeing that the problem was fixed.
It was a horrible, maddening experience experience. Made me so mad that I went to a cable modem for the computers, ripped the phone lines out of the house and use cell phones exclusively for voice.
With a reliable, responsible provider, you will probably enjoy DSL, but before you waste your time, energy and money, make sure your Telco is reliable & responsible. If possible, find someone in your new neighborhood that is using DSL and see if they are happy with it.
U.S. West / Quest have proven themselves to be not only inept, but completely irresponsible.
posted on September 11, 2000 06:26:49 PM
I installed DSL here in June and have been very happy with it. I got it through Bell Atlantic which is now Verizon. It's $40. a month and I had my second phone line shut off since I don't need it anymore.
The best thing is that when my computer is on, I am not connected to the internet. There is a "dialer" that connects you when you double click on it. I like that feature a lot since I can leave my computer on 24/7 and yet not be online.
Someone on these boards mentioned Zone Alarm once. I downloaded and installed it and then had no clue what I was supposed to do with it. I had no understanding of what it did, did not understand what the screen was saying, and it was pure confusion so I uninstalled it.
I wish someone would write a web page to explain these things to clueless folks like myself.
posted on September 11, 2000 06:45:15 PM
I have cable now, @home service thru Comcast, and find the email is very unreliable, but the internet connection is very fast and reliable. Because of the email problems, though, I was considering switching to DSL. I am in the Pacific Bell area and would probably use Mindspring or Earthlink. Anyone use those services? Also, I heard that DSL is a bit slower than cable. Is that true?
posted on September 11, 2000 06:47:48 PM
I have had DSL through SWBell since March. If this is to be your provider, consider waiting until they get a few of their 'kinks' worked out.
In itself, the DSL is wonderful. The downside is the billing hassles that I have not been able to resolve with them for the last 6 months. They admit their error by voice, but continue to send me regular cutoff notices in writing.
Yes, you should have a firewall. For one computer only, Zone Alarm. If you have more than one, consider a router.
My DSL came with a static IP address, but SWBell's more recent installations have required software that grabs a dynamic IP address on demand. Therefore, you do not have a live connections at all times. You must manually connect. This bug-ridden has caused grief to a lot of my clients, and doesn't work at all with IE 5.5. SWBell is clueless when it doesn't work.
I guess the thing to do is research the DSL provider before you sign up. When it works, it's heaven, and there is no good reason why it shouldn't work. But it's (sort of) a new thing, and the telcos don't have a very good grip on it (or any employees capable of being trained on it) yet.
posted on September 11, 2000 07:06:59 PM
I have had cable modem at home since last October. In all fairness, they have only been down about 3 times since then, but when they go down, they are down for DAYS.
It's sheer frustration to not have web access after becoming accustomed to instant downloads at lightening speed.
We recently got DSL at work through SWBell. True, they have some problems to work out, mostly with their billing system. Be prepared to go over your statement carefully, and to be on hold for up to 2 hours <not kidding here> to discuss discrepencies.
BUT, they installed a Caymen router and hooked up 4 computers, two Macintoshes and 2 PCs, using 4 different OSs! I was pretty amazed that they could even do it. I was impressed with their technical knowledge.
The service is excellent - very few down times, all in all. The DSL is not quite as fast as my cable modem at home, but still makes a dial up service seem slower than molasses in January.
As with any new technology, there are bugs in the beginning. But, would I go back to dial up service? NO WAY
I think the suggestion to talk to the people in your new area who have DSL is a good one, and see if they are satisfied. Also, consider cable modem.
And yes, do get a firewall. I use BlackIce, and I believe they still have a free trial download.
posted on September 11, 2000 09:35:50 PM
My provider would be Bell Atlantic/Verizon, and they did say they use dynamic IP addresses, so I'd probably have a dialer. We have two computers (plus a laptop) but they are not networked at all, share nothing. and I'd get a 30-day trial.
Also, from the same page click on the ling that says "Speed Test". With ADSL I consistantly get over 600 Kbps, often over 800!
You won't have a dialer. A dynamic IP means that your IP address changes everytime you log onto the network. Unless you plan to use your computer as a server (to host your own pics, for example), it won't matter to you, or even be noticable.
posted on September 11, 2000 11:20:09 PMborgt whoah, it is way faster. It costs $40 a month which is 4 times what I'm paying to my local ISP, but it may, indeed, be worth it, especially if I can drop a phone line.
Anyone know if it's going to bo $40 per computer, or can I use it sometimes on my computer and dh sometimes on his?
posted on September 12, 2000 05:05:15 AMI'm moving in a couple of weeks to an area where I can get DSL for my computer connection. Is this a good idea?
In general, definitely!!! But it depends on the quality of the provider. Blazing speed is worthless when your service is out, which with many providers is fairly often. Try to contact a few existing customers and get their feedback.
I use the computer mainly for Web surfing. Do I need a firewall?
Yes!
[ edited by abingdoncomputers on Sep 12, 2000 05:06 AM ]
posted on September 12, 2000 05:15:53 AM
I have had both cable and ADSL service. Cable thru @hone and ADSL thru bellsouth. I had them both at the same time to run a speed test etc.heres how it was for me
1.@home email is very unreliable
2.@home internet speed is just a touch slower, just a miliisecond but noticeable
3.@home is faster for downloads(i download alot of music form newsgroups) cable gives me up to 400 kb per second vz adsl of 169 kb per second
4. I did have some problems with the adsl dialing and connecting sometimes
5. @home has provided unbelieveable in home service when i complained about slow speeds, which the resloved quickly
OVERALL i like the cablebased on the download speed and customer service. ADSL does not provide free in home tech service, although the @home mail problems make me mad from time to time. I have since put all my ebay business on a net based email service.....I SENT ADSL BACK
posted on September 12, 2000 05:28:28 AM
We use cable access from Time Warner, called Road Runner here in Ohio. The service is good, email for the most part dependable. We'd never go back to a dial up after having cable. DSL is way more expensive around here, and much more limited. From what I understand, it is also very expensive, but I haven't done any true research. Here's a good place to get info: http://www.dslreports.com/
We recently tried a piece of software called BroadBand Wizard. It automatically adjusts some key settings concerning your connection. We've notice a nice improvement in our connection, downloads have been much faster. Depending on the time of day, our connect speeds run anywhere from 400 kbps to 2000, with the average being around 1000kbps. I've had downloads of large files get up to 400kbps which is very fast. You can use the software free for 15 days, then it costs $19.99 to register it. Read about it at:
posted on September 12, 2000 05:31:28 AM
We use @home - and have given up on the email it is so bad. Completely pathetic. We also dumped all their software at the
installers suggestion. Otherwise, very satisfied. Dicey at first, but for the last 6 months it has been down about an hour.
Jema - you can get a Yahoo address and use either Netscape or Outlook Express to download and read the mail. Yahoo provides concise instruction how to do this under "options / POP mail". You can download as many emails as you want this way and so it is preferable to @home anyway. They also have vacation response and the the like that @home does not offer.
On the firewall - I could not get zone alarm going but use "AnalogX Portblocker" which is free and effective.
posted on September 12, 2000 05:37:00 AM
One thing to consider when weighing DSL against cable: The number of users on your cable system. With a cable connection, your speed may vary from blazing fast at some times of the day to dial-up speeds at other times. It all depends on how many users are on-line at the same time since the available bandwidth is shared by all users. You are in effect on a large LAN with cable.
Your DSL bandwidth isn't shared with any other users, so this is not an issue with DSL.
In many areas, when cable service is first rolled out the speed is incredible. Everyone hears about this incredible speed and jump on the bandwidth, er, I mean bandwagon. After a few months those blazing speeds tend to slow quite a bit. I'm not saying cable is bad. Far from it. What I am saying is that you should contact a few users to get their take on the quality of the service from the available providers in your particular area.
posted on September 12, 2000 05:57:33 AM
I am fortunate enough to hang around techies all day. DSL is fine, but it is not reliable enough yet to bank your business on...there's not the infrastructure to keep it up;I suspect they will have a new DSL format or something like it in the near future.
I use old-fashioned dialup and 56 modem with Earthlink. It's fine and this ISP is about as good as it gets.
I certainly wouldn't pay for a service that has bad email...email is bad enough without making it worse.
For the cost of a special service, you can run more auctions and make more money.
posted on September 12, 2000 06:19:15 AM
Pat: I have DSL through BellAtlantic/Verizon. I don't have a dialer. But I do have a static ISP and a firewall is a must.
I was one of the first 100 to have it installed and you don't ever want to know the problems in the beginning. 3 Ethernet cards, a system crash, 3 times rewiring, 2 modems, etc..
I raised Holy Hell with BA and have a credit for service that expires in 6 more months.
The service has become much more reliable in the past 4 or 5 months. The downtime is very limited and the longest it has been is 3 hours. (Much better than days when it first was offered). The email can be a little ify . I have set up the BA account as a POP account on Yahoo and the mail from the BA server is always in my Yahoo mail box, even if the BA server is down. (I have no idea of how this works. I just know that it does.)
Speeds are pretty good and often register at T1 levels. Download that can takes hours with dial up modems take minutes. FTP is quick too.
I don't know if it is still true but when BA first offered DSL you had to install a version of Netscape that was configured to work with BA DSL. It never worked for me and one of programmers fixed it so I could I.E..
At one point I had 4 BA programmers and teckies here for 2 days trying to get this to work. One of the problems was that they were sending telephone repair guys with 4 hours of "training" to install the DSL. One poor guy was a lineman who knew nothing about computers. I gave him a cup of coffee and didn't let him near my computer. If you get this installed make sure the person knows what they are doing. But maybe it is better now. Nothing like being a test case.
posted on September 12, 2000 06:41:02 AM
THANKS TO EVERYONE! THANKS so much for this enlightening discussion.
We live in a VERY rural area, and I would doubt that we will ever have cable - but since I spend about 18 hours a day on line, I have been waiting with bated breath for the opportunity to go to DSL.....BUT now, after reading your comments, I am thinking "if and when" DSL becomes available anywhere in our area, that I may wait a while before getting it, as I can't afford problems.
E-mail is of major importance, as anyone who actively sells on line knows, and interruption in this area, or having to change my e-mail address a number of times is not acceptable to me.
We not only are active on the auction sites, but have a large antique shop, and web site. We have had one of our e-mail addresses on our business cards for years, and that is an address I'd rather not have to replace.
My desire for DSL is the amount of time I spend waiting for pages to load, etc., which I feel in a faster system I could get twice as much done.
But your comments have definitely given me "food for thought."
I also VERY much appreciate the links you have added to your messages, these are great links and are adding to my base information.
posted on September 12, 2000 07:16:54 AM
For users of @home.com, the email problems are fixable pretty easily. They are the result of one of the 7-9 mail servers losing your password. The mail can work fine until routed through the one server that doesn't know you, and the routing is random.
The fix is for an @home second tier technical person to fire your password info through all of the servers, correcting as it goes. It's not difficult for them, but the right person has to be contacted by accident.
Call and describe the problem. The first level person can only check the server in your area. When that doesn't work he (or she) needs to decide that a more in depth look is needed and refer you upstairs. (be careful not to REQUEST upstairs, as they can then bill you $35.)
Throughout your call tell them that you keep getting password popups and do not receive mail.
Once done correctly, email problems disappear for the most part. Apparently not all of their people are aware of the fix.
The guy I talked to was a hobbyist, and a little strange. He talked throughout about unix operating systems and how I can better use Sun microsystem operating systems on several machines. He also said that his newest home system is a 286. Nevertheless, he fixed the problem and it's held for months.
posted on September 12, 2000 08:13:48 AMI don't know if it is still true but when BA first offered DSL you had to install a version of Netscape that was configured to work with BA DSL. It never worked for me and one of programmers fixed it so I could I.E..
I installed BA Infospeed in June and a requirement of the installation was that you install the version of Netscape that they provided. That was it. No need to use the browser, it just had to be installed. I installed it and didn't open it until I wanted to get to my account info. I continued using Explorer with no problems.
The first week I had it there was a day of downtime. Since then, maybe a few hours at most. They even dropped the price from $50 to $40 a month in July and right now are giving away the modem free. I don't know if that is the deal everywhere.
posted on September 12, 2000 08:47:01 AM
So BA still requires the BA Netscape.I wasn't sure. I uninstalled it from my system. It didn't work and took up space. The few times I have needed to see my account I went to the BA site and logged in on the member page with my user name and password.
Is there a reason to have it other than to log onto the account? Are there features I am missing because I got rid of the BA version of Netscape? Thanks.
posted on September 12, 2000 10:04:00 AM
I installed DSL from Minspring, who uses Verison/COVAD. I investigated all the options here and found that even though MindSpring is $10 more ($49.95), it is the better deal.
Verison is $39.95 and limits your speed to a max of 640kbps. Which is still fast but, MindSpring for $49.95 gives you a connection with no limit other than those imposed by your wiring, distance to phone company, etc.
I have been amazed to get 1.5mbps on a speed test.
I had one problem so far but tech support was FAST, friendly and knowledgable. He got my line back up to speed while I was on the phone.
posted on September 12, 2000 11:11:46 AMsmw I don't think there's any benefit to having the Netscape browser. The only difference I noticed is that under the Help menu there are many BA related links, Member Services, BA Home Page, Security, Product Support, etc.
In addition, the bookmark file already has some bookmarks, all BA related. Nothing much else. I figured the reason they wanted you to install it was because it would be already configured for mail and news and such, something that perhaps someone new to the internet (or new to a real internet provider ) wouldn't understand if they had to do it themselves.
I only opened Netscape when I wanted to add an addition e-mail account since the link to do so was already bookmarked.
posted on September 12, 2000 04:26:21 PM
I have RoadRunner cable access and can't really comment on your DSL question.
However, I CAN comment on the fact that it would seem that whether it is cable or DSL, there are downtimes for internet service and separate downtimes for e-mail and the two combined can be a real pain in the patootee! I have had my service here for a year, and it has only been recently, that they are up more than down.
I have another really reliable isp and use them for my e-mail which I then pop down through my cable. My e-mail ISP can be accessed through the web as well, so if the cable e-mail doesn't work, I can use the cable internet access to check my mail online.
If the cable internet access AND e-mail are both down, I can dial in through my other ISP and still get my e-mail.
I happen to pay for my other isp, but you could do the same thing with a free isp or something like webmail and a free isp--just so you have backup.
posted on September 12, 2000 06:32:40 PM
Kerryann, Thank you. I don't think I am missing anything. I configured my mail and anything I want from BA I can get from the site. I am not going to try to use the BA Netscape again. It took long enough to get the DSL to work and I am not going to screw around with it. Thanks again.
I did call "support" to report a local outage a while ago and the guy on the phone wanted me to open this and check that... I said no way. All I want to do is tell you that the service is down. The worse part is we may move locally and I am dreading getting my connection set up again.
Pat: BTW Sniping is a lot more fun. I can reload a page in less than 3 seconds and get a bid in in the last 5 seconds.
[ edited by smw on Sep 12, 2000 06:34 PM ]
