my guess is your bit/rate conversion will be pretty fast as far as checking out pages but whenever you have to download videos, it'll probably clock slower (probably around 15-80kpb/sec)

I love it when you talk dirty!!!

I'm still trying to figure out malware!!!!

lol

LMAO...you think that's dirty...wait til I get into the megahrtz...
LOL

one more thing about routers...like mrsD did...

please set it up so it is password protected and make sure your encryption is strong...

and try to make sure the setting is ON WPA or better (like WPA-Psk)

and this is probably the most important, IMHO, do NOT use the WEP setting...I can crack a WEP setting in about 3 minutes sitting across the street from you using something I've learnt from youtube and download something from a P2P place...(not that I've done it, well, I did it to ours in wep setting just to see if I could do it. LOL)


usually the initial login is "admin" and password is usually "password" then you just go in and change the settings as well as your password (don't forget to change the password. LOL)

if you have problems, contact the tech support...yes, I know what you're thinking but, hey, better tech support now than have your identity stolen, I say...LOL

some older routers might need a firmware update. So keep your eyes peeled for those firmware upgrades (usually at your initial log in, they'll ask you if you want to check for update)

these updates are IMPORTANT so don't neglect to update them, it'll keep your router run smoothly and avoid later headaches...

OK...I think that's all I know....

good luck!

Ok!
All good answers! Thanks!

I cannot get broadband. There is no cable available and won't be for a very long time, if at all.

Wild Blue is dropping their Maine ops according to another poster on here who uses them. They may still be available in the southern part of the state, but not here.

I cannot go through Yahoo or any other company because my telco will not allow them access. This has been an ongoing problem with this company and it limits our access to high speed internet service. Hopefully the Rural Access Program (feds) will force them to give us something more, but just to get a near 50 year old phone wire from their pole to my house changed was a major hassle, so I expect NOTHING from them soon.

I guess I am stuck with what I have or what they offer for now. They want an unholy amount of money for phone service and DSL. I was hoping to cut them out of at least one end of it!

Thanks for all your help!

We get DSL and VOIP thru Qwest..Never had it go down, and we have a router in case we want to use another computer in another room..Do you have a satellite dish service (like Direct TV, etc)? HughesNet I hear is pretty good in rural areas..Good luck!

We do have DirecTV, but their satellite internet service was too pricey for us last time we checked it. There's also a LOT of trees and placement of the original dish was hard.

We live on the water and we have a shoreland zoning ordinance that limits what we can do as far as clearing, so further upgrades are out unless the midnight cutters come by and accidentally cut down a few trees!
There's BIG fines for cutting!

You could get one of the plastic things/mats Office Depot sells for under chairs. These are heavy, and would push the cable into the carpet. I don't see tripping over that kind of solution. You could weight it down along the molding with some of your books! LOL
My son has a long heavy rubber strip to cover his cords, in his living room for his gaming stuff. But it keeps coming "up".
The mat would work better IMO.

Before we got the wireless set up, we had a cable running across the hall way .
But we had vinyl & laminate flooring so some duct tape and a throw rug covered most of it

depending on where your area is and because it IS DSL, they cover a broader base because of the Satellite. There should be more options vs. cable or FiOp

there is also a difference between symmetrical and asymmetrical services.

maybe do a search around your area and see who provides DSL services and then maybe ask your neighbors and see what they like or use.

The thing is even within ONE company, they provide different services in different areas.

such as Comcast will be more competitive and offer more channels in say Atlanta vs. Egypt, NC...

I am not sure where you are at, but I would think that there would be something out there for you that would help your budget.

~~~~~~~~~~~

curious, there is this thing called 3M hooks, a particular type is designed to hold the wires along the walls...they are quite strong. they sell it at Wal-mart, Lowe's and other places.

They are stickies, you press them for 30 seconds (that's the key, have to press them for 30 secs, get your big and strong hubby to do that. ) and they'll stick to the walls....and when you are ready to move, you just pull that white strip very carefully and it'll pull right off without damaging your walls...

I love them...

They hold Christmas stockings too.

I really think that long of cord isn't an option. It wouldn't be just going across a hallway. My computer area is in a alcove area by the stairs. The cord would have to run almost the whole length of the townhouse.

I wish we had the option of cable internet. She could hook right up easy then. Our complex has a contract with AT&T. DSL.

The only issues I have with AT&T is the crappy customer service. Speed is on the OK side. Have never had down time because of service, just a modem that never worked right.

look at the back of that modem...you might be able to pick one up cheap...

they charge you around $3.00 a month anyways for that modem + tax....

so you might be able to get a refurb one of the same brand/model/type..



and if you really want to buy a long long ethernet cable, Amazon has great prices on those. LOL

But if you get a router, get that N band, woman!

PS, I'll pass along the Christmas Stocking tip to Moss, she might want to use it to hold other things *hint cup thingies. LOL... LMAO..........