[prev in list] [next in list] [prev in thread] [next in thread] 

List:       mandrake-newbie
Subject:    [newbie] High speed web access
From:       Carroll Grigsby <cgrigs () earthlink ! net>
Date:       2002-08-30 1:18:49
[Download RAW message or body]

I need some advice. I'm planning to upgrade my present dialup connection to 
cable, using my present ISP (Earthlink) over Time-Warner cable. None of this 
is graven in stone, and I've got other options. My thinking is as follows:

1. I've been with Earthlink since early '97, and it's been a good experience. 
(#1 reason: Earthlink's Spaminator does a good job of filtering spam -- a few 
get through, but not so many that I'd bother to set up a mail filter.)

2. ADSL is also available via E/L on BellSouth lines (and plenty of others), 
but I've read some horror stories about hookup delays and subsequent problems 
with ADSL. And, while BellSouth says that ADSL is available here, I'm not 
sure that I believe them. The telephone lines were first installed 40 years 
ago, and are not of the highest quality (typical connect: 44000). I also know 
that BellSouth had a helluva time installing a second line in my house. (Two 
guys, four hours; the premise wiring already existed.) On the other hand, 
cable seems to work right out of the box.

3. One source of concern is that BellSouth will supply the lines and 
Earthlink will handle the rest of it. Hmmm... at least twice as many calls to 
Customer Resistance. Or do I worry too much?

4. I haven't done much thinking about hardware. Once I do get up and running, 
I'll hook up my wife's N|C (the Larry Ellison web appliance) through this 
machine. I've also got a spare box available that I could use as a server, 
but that may be more trouble than it's worth.

5. Bear in mind that we're both retired (family motto: Every day is 
Saturday), so 24/7/365 is not necessary. This is for fun, diversion, mental 
exercise and stress avoidance (hence Mandrake Linux). 

Jump right in, folks ---
-- cmg


["message.footer" (text/plain)]

Want to buy your Pack or Services from MandrakeSoft? 
Go to http://www.mandrakestore.com


[prev in list] [next in list] [prev in thread] [next in thread]