Broadband

[gautamzone]

Hi friends,

I just wanted to know the prequisites for getting a broadband connection? Is it enough for me to have a USB port or do I need an Ethernet Card too. Also, is there any site for a dummie like me to get to know basics of configuring a cable/dsl connection?

Thanks a lot

Gautam

[audiyoda]

Check www.dslreports.com -- best source that I'm aware of.

-Craig

[cuffs007]

yeah, all you need is a USB port since there are network cards that are USB plug ins... i know cuz i have one... i didnt want an actual NIC card, so that was a good thing for me to buy... true, it cost $30 instead of the normal $15-$20 for a NIC card, but... much easier to install!

Good luck

[piasabird]

Still have to have a cable modem. Sometimes they let you rent one from the cable service. Lots of times the cable modem or DSL service provider will install it for you. It is better to have a CABLE or DSL Router. This is a device that allows you to hide your computer from the internet or to hook up additional computers and share the broadband internet connection. Linksys and other companies also offer wireless cable routers with the option to have a 4 port switch for twisted pair wired connection for about $140. It allows using NAT firewall setup using a web browser to set it up.

[LawyerRon]

Everything you ever wanted to know about networking:
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/

Don't worry, you can do it.

[ZANEY123]

i would go for the nic alot faster but not as involved as just plugging into your usb but if you dont have usb i would go for the nic card much faster and either way you would have to install a pci card..

[Christoph]

I would hold off with the wireless network yet. The "b" standard is to insecure and too slow. You also might experience problems if you have a cordless phone that operates on 2.4 GHZ. I have the normal Linksys 4 port router/firewall and it is very good. It's cheaper than the wireless version though.

Christoph

[Confused]

Go with the ethernet card and be sure your modem has ethernet port. I don't know if routes that support USB are available in India. I do believe they are in Europe. People is this country are having problems finding routers that support USB when they decide to network the second computer. Many of those same people are having big problems trying to use ICS. Router makes it so much simpler when you want to network that second PC.
Chas

[glc]

To start off with a standalone machine, it's better if your provider offers an Ethernet modem. Yes, you will have to open the computer and install an Ethernet card, but it works more reliably than USB and it alows for easy future expansion (sharing). Whatever you do, do not get an internal PCI DSL modem if it can at all be avoided.