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What is DSL?
Should I choose Cable Modem or DSL?
Can I get DSL?
How can I connect to DSL?
What Equipment do I need for DSL?
What Affects Connection Speed?
How will I install DSL?
How will I know service has been activated?
Am I charged for the amount of time my computer is online?
Will DSL charges appear on my phone bill?
Will I need an additional phone line?
Will my current phone features currently work with DSL?
Is it possible that switching to DSL will affect my email address?
Is the DSL connection secure?
Do I still need my dial-up ISP?
Can I access email from another location?
Can I connect more than one computer to DSL?
Answers
What is DSL?
DSL- Digital Subscriber Line
DSL uses the same telephone wiring as traditional modems, working on the unused capacity of the line. A splitter allows simultaneous access to the line by telephone and the computer. Does not tie up the phone line. DSL allows access at all times. This constant connection does raise security issues. Firewall products help guard against external attacks.
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Should I choose Cable Modem or DSL?
Both are faster than traditional dial-up access. Cable modems deliver shared bandwidth within a neighborhood. The speed of cable modems depends on the number of users on the network. Cable modems perform relatively slower during peak periods.
DSL delivers dedicated local bandwidth. Neighbors do not share bandwidth. The speed depends on the distance from the providerıs facility to the user. The longer the connection distance, the slower the performance. Both have ³always connected² capability. Can stay connected indefinitely. DSL offers the user data speeds of up to 50 times the rate of traditional analogıs 28.8 KBPS modem
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Can I get DSL?
To be eligible for DSL, your phone line must be ³qualified.² There must be no more than 3 miles of wire leading from your location to the public exchange. The longer the line, the less bandwidth DSL can support. Your line must also possess sufficient electrical quality characteristics. About 50-60% of households are ready for DSL.
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How can I connect to DSL?
You need an internal or external modem for your DSL connection. Internal modems are cards installed inside your computer with a PCI plug-in card. External modems can also be connected to your computer. Many providers include the modem as part of the service.
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What Equipment do I need for DSL?
A DSL filter and DSL modem, often included in your DSL package. You will also need a 10 Base-T Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC). You can get a NIC at most computer stores.
PC Requirements
Windows 95, 98 or 98SE
Windows Millennium
Windows NT 4.0 Workstation with Service Pack 5 or above
Windows 2000 (Professional Only)
Windows XP (homes and professional)
Requirements for Windows Operating System.
Intel Pentium or equivalent processor, 133 MHz or equiv. Speed
64MB RAM for windows NT & 2000
100 MB of free hard drive
CD-ROM drive
10 Base-T Ethernet card
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What Affects Connection Speed?
Condition of your telephone wiring
Length of your telephone line
Computer Configuration
Network Congestion
Server speeds of web sites you visit
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How will I install DSL?
The carrier will send you a DSL self-installation kit.
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How will I know service has been activated?
You will receive a letter or email with the activation date.
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Am I charged for the amount of time my computer is online?
No, DSL access is unlimited; you pay a set price in full per month.
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Will DSL charges appear on my phone bill?
No, you will receive a separate bill.
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Will I need an additional phone line?
No. DSL allows for simultaneous voice and data transmission over 1 line.
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Will my current phone features currently work with DSL?
Yes. Adding DSL does not affect calling features such as caller ID or call waiting.
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Is it possible that switching to DSL will affect my email address?
Web-based email subscribers like WebscapeÕs Webmail or Hotmail will not be affected. However, if your email address is through another provider, you will have to change it.
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Is the DSL connection secure?
Yes, the connection is secure. However, since DSL and cable modems are constantly connected to the Internet, they are more vulnerable to attack attempts by hackers. There are safety precautions for users such as firewalls and antivirus products.
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Do I still need my dial-up ISP?
No. The DSL provider will give access to your email account. If you access your email from a remote location, you will need this dial up access because your DSL connection is associated with your DSL phone number.
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Can I access email from another location?
The providers have a toll free number so you can access the Internet from anywhere in the country with a dial up connection. However, this will be using a dial up modem, so you wonÕt get the same DSL speed.
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Can I connect more than one computer to DSL?
Yes. Using any of several router products, you can share the DSL among several computers within a small home network.
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