Internet Upgrade

99silveradoz71 · August 8, 2003

I've run the 56k regular phone modem for forever and a day it seems, and with the new place(ok, my own place) being built, I figured I'd upgrade my connection. I've got Corecom currently which is $17.50/mo for unlimited dial-up. Now I pay around $3/mo for that internet answering machine. Corecom was $9.99/mo when I started, but they hiked it all at once last year.

Anyway, I'm just starting to look around and am not sure what dsl stands for or how it is different from cable or even what cable is for that matter? Anyone have some good explanations or recommendations, I'd love to hear them. The new cable tv provider will be Comcast- they also offer dsl for $42.50/mo...and that's with the tv cable (discount I guess). I'm basically looking for something reasonably priced that'll load the forum quickly, allow me to download music or whatnot without waiting all night, and let me view attached links that you guys love to put up so much:). Thanks folks.

R Dogg 56 · August 9, 2003

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is a technology that provides high-speed Internet and email connections over existing analogue telephone lines.

The key advantages of DSL over using an analogue modem or an ISDN connection are: very fast connections speeds, and up to 1Mbps download and 256kbps upload (Compared to a analogue (phone) modem, 33Kbps of 46Kbps or ISDN normally 128Kbs)

With DSL, you are connected to the Internet all the time and you only pay a fixed monthly fee.

I would recommend getting DSL anyday. Downloads and uploads are completed within seconds.

Depending on where you live, you may also need a router.

Hope this helps!

JonesNTN · August 9, 2003

Typically DSL Download and upload speeds are equal.

Cable typically is alot faster download than upload.

DSL is said to be a little more secure, but with the right equiplment cable can be equally secure.

Cable speeds depend on the amount of active users in your immediate area, but rarely have I noticed any slowing during peak hours. DSL speed should not be affected by local activity.

Both ROCK!

MCourson · August 9, 2003

I am not a cable expert but I do have DSL. I connect at 1.4Mps

My actual modem performance

My DSL is not always connected. When I get on I have to double click the connect to thing. But the time it takes for me to connect is a lot faster that normal Dial up.

The great thing is you can be on the phone and the internet at the same time with the same line. The only thing I dont like is you have to install DSL filters in line with all your phones and modem. The filters should be included with the kit you get when you order service.

The SPEEDY · August 9, 2003

I have cable and love it. Not sure how to test my conection speed but I can download at 90kbps on kazaa. After you get faster than 56k you will never want to go back. It will spoil you, it has me. I don't even waste my time with 56k anymore.

MCourson · August 9, 2003

Free performance test

tmf6902 · August 9, 2003

Get the DSL, cable is good but it goes out with the cable......and like someone said before it slows with the more users that join the system. DSL will probably cost a little more but it's worth it. If you have adelphia cable....definatly go with DSL....I hate those b@stards.

If you want to learn more and test your connection to see how it stacks up goto

Broadband reports

you can do all the research you want, and even see how other people in your area code are connecting and what kind of speed their getting and what service they use. As far as security is concerned, chances are you don't have to be to worried about it. It would be good to get a soft fire wall like Zone alarm or Black Ice, but if someone really wants in your computer their about as good as a screen door. Just remember bandwidth is like horse power....you can never have to much

The SPEEDY · August 9, 2003

Free performance test

606K, ooooooooooooooooo, not to shabby.

petemata · August 9, 2003

Speed Test

This a good place to check your down & up speeds

Kansas Kid · August 9, 2003

606K, ooooooooooooooooo, not to shabby.

Not too bad, but I just tested mine and it came out at 1277* K.

99silveradoz71 · August 9, 2003

Thanks again as always, I figured DSL would get the nod. Now if I may, what are you paying and who are your providers? Anyone recommended, anyone to steer clear of?

tmf6902 · August 9, 2003

WOOT......1217K

I don't think you are gonna have to much of a choice as far as providers go, whoever provides it in your area is what you get, like i said before, I hated adelphia, but their cable anyway. If you have satalite you might look into Directv's direct way. It's super fast, but it goes out when you lose the satalite (in storms and such), and you are a gamer, you already start with a ping of 40 because of the 20 millisecond latency for the signal to goto space and back.....but I have heard very good things about them.

WOOT 200th post!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

timk49 · August 9, 2003

I have3 heard that the cable broadband users in this area are getting much faster speeds than DSL. I agree that I hate the cable company but if it wasn't for the NFL package on ditect tv I'd go back to cable for TV a nd Broadband. As it is I am useing Aerosurf. Net, It's a wireless brioadband service and works well for me. My downloads are usually over 1000 and upload speed is a little lower. Cost is $9 a month and there is no limit to the use. Whatever you do dump the dial up. You will step into a new world of computing.