DSL Question

If your dsl ISP offers or has USB dsl modems on their list approved modems, then you can use a USB dsl modem.  The disadvantage to using a USB connection instead of an ethernet connection, is that USB connections are generally less stable and limit future expansion of the network if at some time in the future you want to add a router to share the dsl connection between two or more computers.  Routers that connect to a dsl modem with a USB connection are expensive and difficult to find.

Steve

ok,what you are saying is if I went ethernet I would need an network card? and if so would there be a problem putting it next to the graphics card?also if I were to go w/ cable could I use an USB connection there?as for the "expansion"or my sharing the connection I do not plan on doing so my computer is for home use. however would it be possible to go cable?and use a USB port w/out a network card?

Yes, they also make USB cable modems.  Again check with the ISP that will be providing the service to make sure you get a cable modem that is compatible with their service.  As for the ethernet card, I can't say one way or another if it would have the same problems with heat that you experienced when the modem was in that slot.  Do you have any other PCI slots open.

Steve

One note before you switch.  I just spent the last 20 minutes boxing up my SBC DSL self install kit so that I can quit the service.  I got my kit yesterday, and my experience has been horrible. 

SBC advertised a 384kbs to 1.5 mbs speed, which I signed up for.  They sent me a setup for an account that is limited at 384kbs.  Now they say that they can't provide the higher speed because I am too far from a switch.  I can just about throw a rock from my apartment and hit the switch; it is that close.  It is as if part of SBC can see the switch on its computers, and part of the company can not.

I spent hours last night trying to get the network card to recognize the modem.  After three technicians reading me the script, I know my modem ip address as well as my telephone number.  At 1am, I gave up.  The techs couldn't help.  What I found out this morning was that the SBC software corrupted two software programs on my computer, and, because of this, the modem wasn't being read, nor could I use my dial up connection.  Having uninstalled and reinstalled the software, my machine seems to be back to normal.

All this to say that you should read the PCMagazine.com article on broadband.  SBC got very low scores for service, and I found that the article was correct.  My confidence in SBC is gone.  Heck, even their on-line support disconnected me mid-sentence because they could not find my account in their system.  Besides that, I don't think that I have the energy to read that 19 page membership agreement.

As for the network card, it is an easy install .... and when log out it will be an easy uninstall.  Best wishes with your broadband.

Ndmand

thanks Ndmand I'll diffenetly read up on it way before I switch.

what do u mean when u said that u were to far from a "switch"

Message Edited by arvn4u on 03-20-2004 05:55 PM

DSL connectivity and speed is somewhat related to the distance from a central office or a remote switch.  If you are too far from the central office or a switch (I think they really call it a remote transmitter), you can't get service.  If you are very close, you should get faster speeds.

Ndmand

Hi,

I was able to find the article again.  The information is below.

Ndmand

Broadband Scorecard

By: Cade Metz

September 16, 2003

The PC Magazine article said that you have to install the SBC software first, then you can remove it.  I think that is correct since you seem not to get the login information until the junk software is installed.  PCMag also said that the software is tough to remove.  I thought this to be wrong, but I am getting a few odd shimmy's from my machine.

As for the network card, you have to have the card to connect it to the modem, unless you use a router.  I wanted to set up the base connection and get it functioning properly before I installed the router.  I had to install a card because my home system is my old 1 ghz Pentium III; and it is a fine running machine.  Anyway, it didn't have a card until I stuck it in.  The SBC software kept saying that it could not locate the modem.  This stumped me and the techs, but that is the fact.  After I reinstalled the software that SBC corrupted, the modem was seen.

As for our friend who has found that SBC is not in his area ... YAHOO, that is good news.  I guess that since the name included Yahoo, I expected more. 

My concern about speed is that the set up they gave me has a 384 ceiling, not a 384 base rate.  To me, it was false advertising to promise me the 384 base rate.  It's like electronic bate and switch.

Ndmand