Broadband question.

[Bodgy]

Mr Tripper. Very good point regarding protecting your machine once you're on broadband. You will immediately become a soft target. Unprotected the integrity of your system will last approximately 5 minutes, once you connect.

You must have anti virus, anti spam and a firewall. All such may be downloaded for free off the 'net.

Also read very carefully the fine print on the ISP offers. Particularly traffic and download limits and excess fees.

Don't be put off by any of this, the minor hassles are well worth it.

[meerkat]

if you can afford it upgrade, make it a chrissy present for you/the family.

Use the old one as a PC for SWMBO or the kids etc, a small network is good to reduce the arguments.

My dad is running 98 and connected to broadband, it took us both a while to get on but now ..... it's like using a dozer instead of a shovel its a huge difference.

Also consider a wirelesss network but if you do make sure you secure it otherwise people can get in real easy.

and don't forget protection, if it's not on it's not on... that is the firewall and anti virus of course

Andrew

[JDarvall]

Great stuff. The sort of Info I can relie on. Thanks again.

One more question.......is it true you can make regular phone calls while you are on the net at the same time with broadband. or do you have to install a second line ?

Thanks.

[Bodgy]

Great stuff. The sort of Info I can relie on. Thanks again.

One more question.......is it true you can make regular phone calls while you are on the net at the same time with broadband. or do you have to install a second line ?

Thanks.

Absolutely, part of what you get with the Adsl MODEM is a line splitter that plugs in to your phone socket and allows concurrent phone calls and internet actvity.

You may also wish to consider using the 'Net to make phone calls via yr PC (or a seperate 'Net phone). This is termed VOIP and is soon to become the biggest thing in telephony. Bit pointless for local calls, but HUGE savings for long distance, particularly O/S.

This is a big subject to discuss here, so suggest you get live on ADSL first then address this topic, if it is appropriate for you.

[anthonyd]

Go here to find the best boradband ISP/plan.

[kiwigeo]

Bit pointless for local calls, but HUGE savings for long distance, particularly O/S.

I get all local and interstate calls for 18c fixed price on my Internode VOIP service.

[Termite]

I get all local and interstate calls for 18c fixed price on my Internode VOIP service.

Yep, and if it's Nodephone to Nodephone, it's free.