Changing over from Dialup to Broadband. Part 1.

[RedSword]

27 November 2005.
0024 Hrs. U.S. Central time.

FM: RedSword

SUBJECT: Changing over from Dialup to Broadband. Part 1.

In mid December I intend to change over from Dialup to Broadband.

1. What do I need to know in order ro achieve this task?

2. I know I need a physical firewall.
Do you recommend a particular brand and model?

3. Do I need to purchase any kind of security software?

4. Concerning downloading music and movies,
do I need to purchase any kind of software?

Thank You.

Awaiting your response.

RedSword.

[sgtspector]

First, you need to know which flavor of broadband connection do you want to have and what you plan to use it for. Do you want Cable or DSL? Are you going to be playing online games? Both have advantages and drawbacks. Cable is more expensive but is usually the faster of the two. DSL has more inexpensive packages available which can be sufficient for run of the mill surfing.
Second, A hardware firewall is an excellent idea. Even if you are not going to share your connection a router will offer a pretty good protection. As far a particular brand, I personally use a Linksys but there are many here will recommend other brands. In any event the model will depend on whether you will be sharing your connection.
Third, you may purchase security software but it is not necesary to do so. You can download several free programs that will provide you with firewall, antivirus and antispyware protection.
Fourth, If you plan to download music you should plan to pay for much of it. The days of the P2P free systems may be coming to an end. Any pay download service you subscribe to will provide you with software to download, play, organize and burn your downloaded songs.
I know i didn't go into great depth here but I hope this has been helpful. Besides you will get many more responses to help make your decision.

[flanzig1]

Many of the broad band companies provide a complete package to set up broadband. My DSL package came with the modem, software,cables, and tech support to get everything up and running.
For security, I run Zone Alarm firewall/AVG anti-virus/Adaware and Spybot S&D for spyware and they are all free.