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Onlineracin.com Support Center

February 4, 2012

Onlineracin.com Support | DSL vs. Cable The Straight Dope About DSL DSL stands for digital subscriber line, a technology that transforms a traditional phone line into a high-speed digital link to provide homes and small businesses with broadband Internet access. Thanks to DSL, you can surf faster, host your own Web site, or connect branch offices of a small business. But because DSL is relatively new, there's a lot of misinformation surrounding this technology. The Myths DSL is easy to set up because you're using an existing phone line, and you don't need to install any special new equipment to use it. Once you're connected, you have an Internet connection that's as fast as a T1 line--at least 1.5 megabits per second. Anyone with a phone line can get DSL cheaply. DSL is as safe and as secure as traditional dial-up modem connections. The Reality It's not so easy to set up DSL. True, you don't need a special digital line, and if you have the know-how, you may be able to connect your PC to the service yourself. But most people will need a technician to fiddle with the necessary wiring and installation of the DSL modem. Part of that fiddling involves installing an Ethernet network interface card (NIC) in your computer and connecting it to the DSL modem. Another reality check: Except for a lucky few customers, DSL isn't as fast as some companies imply. Electromagnetic noise (also called crosstalk) generated by other nearby electronic devices can adversely affect DSL performance. More importantly, your distance from a telco's special switching facility, called a central office (CO), directly affects your DSL connection. The further you are from a CO, the slower your connection. And, of course, no matter how fast your connection, you're subject to traffic jams once you get on the Web. Note, too, that most DSL service is asymmetric--the download speed is faster than the upload speed. For example, most starter DSL accounts offer 384-kbps download/128-kbps upload access. Cost is another harsh DSL reality. You typically have to pay $100 or more for installation, from $40 up to $320 per month for access, $100 to $200 for the DSL modem and network card, plus possible service charges if a technician has to come to your premises when your connection goes down or your DSL hardware stops functioning. Like any savvy shopper, you need to bargain-hunt. DSL providers sometimes offer promotional installation packages and deals. Your DSL company might, for example, throw in the internal wiring and Ethernet card for free. Finally, there's security. Because DSL keeps your computer constantly connected to the Internet, you may end up with a static (unchanging) IP address--a unique number that identifies your computer on the Internet. Traditional dial-up services randomly assign you a new IP address every time you log on, so no one can find you at the same place twice. With an always-on Internet connection like DSL, your computer is vulnerable to hackers who can gain access to your files, drop viruses on your hard drive, or worse. Before you sign up for DSL, ask whether your potential provider offers any security measures. Many DSL providers will assign you a dynamic (constantly changing) IP address if you request it. For additional security, some companies include personal firewall software for the Mac and PC as part of the deal. But chances are you'll have to buy antivirus and firewall software on your own to keep hackers at bay. Remember, too, that an always-on connection doesn't always have to be on. If your computer is turned off when you're not online, hackers can't get to it. An even simpler fix is to turn off the DSL modem when you're not surfing. Some ISPs say this is fine; others indicate it may cause problems. Ask your DSL vendor before you do anything. << Previous Page | Next Page >>   Support Center • Navigation Menu • Get Started Tutorial • Support FAQ • Lost password? • Download Center • Contact Us • Help Desk Account Management • view and change your info • Upgrade your plan • Change billing info • Update email addresses • Change your password • Manage screen names • Cancel a subscription • and more...   Go to Account Info now!

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