DSL Question

Hmm I just hope if I have to install a card that my video card won't cause any problems like it did w/ my modem

PC Magazine article is wrong about the mandatory software installation.  There is a weblink(not widely publicized) that can establish a new account.  True, the software may be difficult to remove, but why install it in the first place?  When you do, you have silly problems like trying to search for a modem and having to click on a dialog box to establish a connection. 

First, I would go to DSLReports' Tools Section and run their speed and tweak tests to make sure the settings in Windows are correct and see if your actual speeds match your claims.  Just remember what I said about them often starting new subscribers at less than 200kbps. 

Concerning the 384k ceiling, SBC has one plan 384k maximum and another 384k minimum to 1.5M maximum.   Naturally, if you signed up for the former plan, you will only get the 384k.  Another possibility is that SBC deliberately capped you.  Sometimes, the reason is legitimate such as distance from the CO or poor quality line.  Sometimes there is no good reason.  In the later situation, you would have to tell SBC to uncap you.  I bet there are tons of people who have had a slower DSL from SBC and did not even realize that their speed could have improved if they simply contacted that phone company.  Once may not be not enough as they may only raise the speed somewhat.  You would then need to contact them again.  True, consumers should not have to put up with this nonsense.  But they are the phone company and that is how they run their operation. 

Wacky,

I just told you my experience.  You speak as if you work for SBC.  The truth of the matter is that I have contacted SBC several times, and I know what happened.  I also know what I signed up for and what I was told.  As for PCMag, I choose to believe them.

Ndmand

Work for SBC?  That's a new one.  Go to their support groups where I regularly bash SBC.  In fact, moderators have even deleted my postings because they did not enjoy me speaking the truth.  Who is more trustworthy, an actual subscriber or an outsourced csr who reads from a script?  Even Dell forums is not ideal as nobody here seems to use that service.  If you don't believe what I have told you, fine.  Any of my information can easily be verified in forums where SBC and/or dsl is being discussed.  Example:   

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http://www.dslreports.com/faq/5448

Q: What software is included? Do I have to install it? (#5448) 
A: None of the software is required. New user registration and existing user migration can be done without the software.

The downloadable software, available after finishing migration, includes the custom Yahoo browser with parental controls and firewall.

The current SBC Yahoo DSL CD, included in the new user installation kit, is only for new setups. Migrating users can use the downloadable software or wait until early 2003 for the migration CD, which will include the connection manager.

The current CD includes the custom Yahoo browser, the connection manager and diagnostics, parental controls, instant messenger, drivers for Dlink 530TX and Dlink DFE-680TXD (PCMCIA), EnterNet 300, IE 5.5 and 6, Winsock and DUN updates for 95, Acrobat Reader, Netscape, QuickTime, Shockwave, and Flash. If you have that CD and want to install parts of it manually, instead of letting the installer load all of it, see the CD paths.
 
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Thanks Wacky,

Ndmand