Can anyone help??? Broadband question

[TOM M]

Right im currently using bt openworld where for £15.99 a month i get 150 internet hours.
Its now time for broadband but i havent got a clue about any of it.

All download limits etc and all the technical jargon is all waffle to me. Ive never really had a big interest in computers and the like

I use the net for general surfing and to download the odd song.

Can anyone explain what all the jargon means?
Whats a good package? (we have a bt line)

What equipment do i need and is it hard to set up?

Ive got wifi on my laptop but not on me sisters so can use both of them on it?

Cheers for the help

Tom
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Now owner of a 1200 Bandit

[Mr.Everready]

Have a look in the Geek Zone.
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the undemocratically unelected mod of the Scottish section

[TOM M]

I have, but i dont understand all the jargon, asdl and whatever
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Now owner of a 1200 Bandit

[andrea]

About Broadband

Broadband is a way of speeding up Internet access (or any data transfer using computers) using existing lines.

"Broad" means large

"Band " refers to Bandwidth which is how fast data can travel down the line
Broadband means that large amounts of data are carried very quickly by the line i.e. very fast Internet access
What are the benefits of broadband?


Being able to use your computer and telephone simultaneously

A broadband line is "always on", so you do not have to go through a dial up process to access the Internet, it is available as soon as you switch on your computer

Broadband lines can be used to send television and video pictures to allow interactive TV services

Broadband lines are faster than conventional lines for downloading Internet pages (analogue modems usually operate at 56k, ADSL operates at 512k)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ADSL

ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) is the BT domestic Broadband service

To receive ADSL BT must upgrade the line and you must be within 3.5km to 5.5km of your BT exchange

A postcode checker is available at www.iwant2savemoney.co.uk

An ADSL Modem and a splitter is required to use an ADSL line with a computer and telephony equipment, self install kits are now available

HTH!

A

[WavyGravy]

they're all about the same pricewise, wi-fi is meaningless if only one piece of your computer equipment has it, for you the simplest solution would be a 2mb link via modem into your USB port and then for you to run a crossover cat 5 cable from your network port to your sisters pc then enable internet connection sharing on your pc (windows talks you through this) its up to you, you could buy a wifi card for sisters pc if it is too far to run a cable

The service providers change their terms monthly but at the moment most state there is a 2gb limit per month however i'm with freeserve/wanadoo/orange (or whatever theyre calling themselves this month) and probably exceed that limit weekly and havent had a problem yet - then again i download movies quite a lot at 700 - 1400mb each lol, your usage sounds a lot less so I wouldnt worry, though you will probably want to watch tv on pc when you are able! (BBC has a lot of shows archived online)

The service provider provides the modem, the filters (needed to keep phone line noise free) and the software, all you do is plug it in to your bt line and insert the cd in your pc

hope this helps
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1975 CB125s, 1991 GN250, 1990 Ducati Paso 906
"Don't wake him up - He's got insomnia - He's trying to sleep it off"

[JonB]

God I can't imagine still being on dial up, even 2 meg is too slow, but gotta wait for the bastards at BT to upgrade the exchange for 8meg.
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Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it?s worth.

[TOM M]

Cheers
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Now owner of a 1200 Bandit

[TOM M]

[Finglonga]

Have a look Here.

I am with BT Yahoo 2Mb broadband with a 30GB cap but on the above site I can get unlimited downloads and a 6Mb connection for a cheaper price.

Most supply Free modems but you will usually have to sign up for 12months so make sure you gat the deal you want first.
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Andy Sez....
F.Y.Y.F.F.

[JonB]

Cheers for the linky finga!

Might switch to Pipex at 6meg. £23.99 a month, unlimited usage.
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Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it?s worth.

[Mr.Everready]

Pipex started traffic shaping so if you download alot of P2P stuff don't move to them.
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the undemocratically unelected mod of the Scottish section

[JonB]

Well Tiscali are offering 6meg to me with unlimited usage for £17.99 but they are a bit shit aren't they?
____________________
Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it?s worth.

[andrea]

jon b don't forget that most lines are only capable of 1 - 2 meg atm, until bt upgrade your line you won't be able to use that speed

[JonB]

Well on the Uswitch site it said my postcode has been upgraded to 8 meg, but at my distance the max speed i'll get is 6.5meg
____________________
Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it?s worth.

[andrea]

Tom, it's wireless you need by the way if you're connecting to laptops

[JonB]

No you don't. There are 3 ways I can connect to the internet at broadband speeds on my laptop.

Wifi
Ethernet cabled
Use my 3G phone as a modem, can get speeds of 250Kbps
____________________
Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it?s worth.

[Mr.Everready]

[andrea]