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TIPS
FOR HIGH-SPEED
INTERNET
ACCESS
PART
1 OF 5
It's
still true that high-speed Internet access (DSL and Cable modem) is not
available in all areas. Telecom and cable companies continue to roll out
service in different parts of the country, usually beginning with the major
cities and spreading out to the suburbs.
To
run a quick check on whether high-speed Internet access is available in your
area, go to:
http://www.dslreports.com
Enter
your Zip Code and Broadband Reports will tell you if you're area has DSL or
Cable available, and what companies are offering DSL or Cable in your area.
PART
2 OF 5
You'll
want to inquire about both installation and setup costs before you sign on any
dotted lines for high-speed Internet access. Both of these costs can be steep.
Look for bargains that reduce or drop the price of installation altogether.
Also, compare the monthly costs of DSL and cable Internet service and see how
they stack up.
PART
3 OF 5
Make
sure you go over the minimum system requirements you'll need for high-speed
Internet access. The details may include your computer make and model, the
processor type and speed, the amount of RAM your system contains, and whether
you have an Ethernet adapter card or open card slots in your system. You may
find you need to upgrade a component or two before you can use a particular
type of high-speed Internet service.
PART 4 OF 5
When
you're ready to order your DSL or Internet cable line, it's a good idea to ask
about installation scheduling. Sometimes customer demand swamps high-speed
Internet access services. They may inform you that there's a four- or six-week
wait before technicians can come by and set up your system. Notice of a
lengthy delay may be a reason for you to investigate another service provider,
if you have that option.
PART
5 OF 5
Whether
you use a DSL or a cable modem, your connection to the Internet is always on.
What this really means is that you are part of an Ethernet network that
doesn't require you to dial in. In this type of computing environment, you
should seriously consider the resulting security issues. Normally, with DSL or
cable modem services, the installation technicians set up your system so that
you share file and print capability on your system. This means others on the
same network can look into your PC, open your files, and browse through your
data.
To
help protect yourself against unwanted access, talk to your service's network
administrator and set up your system so it doesn't share file and print
services.
Here's some
other WebPages you might like to read:
Internet Security
cable/DSL/dialup comparison
Outlook Express Tips
Downloading
a File
Searching
the Internet
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