In article <be77lf$23j9n$1@no-spam>,
"Rod Speed" <rod_speed@no-spam> wrote:
>"Flatulant Dingo" <flatulantdingo@no-spam> wrote in message
> news:m3icgvkep16aqpudiumgid4jg4v7eia690@no-spam
>> On Fri, 27 Jun 2003 18:48:41 +1000, "Rod Speed" <rod_speed@no-spam>
>> wrote:
>>
>> >> Just wondering, what are the major differences, advantages and
>> >> disadvantages of Ethernet ADSL modems vs USB ADSL modems?
>> >
>> >You're MUCH more likely to have driver hassles with USB modems.
>>
>> When I got ADSL from hardly Normal on Telstra, the modem had an
>> ethernet port and USB port.
>>
>> I managed to get two computers connected to the modem; one running
>> Ethernet, the other USB, and they can be used both at the same time.
>>
>> The cd provided by Telstra only required a little hacking to get the
>> USB connection to work.
>
>> When I asked a question about this to a Telstra
>> "technical support" person, they said they are not
>> allowed to comment at all on this type of setup.
>
>> Why not?
>
>Basically they dont 'support' anything more than the basic install.
>
>They dont even 'support' more than a single PC on the
>more fancy Alcatel SpeedTouch Pro adsl modem/router/hub,
>what they call the 4 port modem.
G'day Rod,
Telstra are attempting to seduce me again with another "$100 off"
ADSL offer. (If they keep this up, I'll probably succumb one day. :)
Question is, is that "4 port modem" still the preferred option if I do
decide to go along with them this time? (Must admit, being able to
download things in about 25% of the present time is very appealing,
but strict logic suggests it would be a minor change to total time
spent here when most of it is taken up reading/writing USENET
contributions anyway, rather than actual traffic in/out. The main
"advantage", if that's what it really is, is that people could hastle
me by phone while I'm online if I have ADSL.)
It seems you *have* to take Telstra's hardware if you sign up with
them, so modem brand comparisons are probably irrelevant here. (I'm
tempted by Telstra more than others because (a) they're likely to be
still around next year, and (b) it gets me a 5% discount on bills --
well, some parts of bills as it turns out. :)
Oh, another point... Can you use the ADSL modem to one ISP and the
"normal" modem to either the same or another ISP at the same time? I
imagine this would be *possible* but whether it can be/has been
implemented conveniently is another issue.
Finally, should I decide to go ahead with this, using the "self
install" option, do you know of any step-by-step installation guides
that a *novice* in these networking things might be able to follow?
Obviously needs to be something that is or can be printed *before*
starting the operation to change over! 8-)
>Its just a way of keeping the support costs
>down and so what they need to charge for
>the service, particularly the installation charge.
>
>I think its the best approach myself, anyone who
>wants to do something more tricky like that can
>get support for free from newsgroups etc and
>I get the cheapest installation costs.
Cheers, Phred.
--
ppnerkDELETE@no-spam
In article <ekWNa.725$pg6.16834@no-spam>,
"col" <acml@no-spam> wrote:
>"Phred" <ppnerkDELETETHIS@no-spam> wrote in message
>news:be99mo$2mf2i$1@no-spam
>> In article <be77lf$23j9n$1@no-spam>,
>> "Rod Speed" <rod_speed@no-spam> wrote:
[snip]
>> >They dont even 'support' more than a single PC on the
>> >more fancy Alcatel SpeedTouch Pro adsl modem/router/hub,
>> >what they call the 4 port modem.
>>
>> G'day Rod,
>>
>> Telstra are attempting to seduce me again with another "$100 off"
>> ADSL offer. (If they keep this up, I'll probably succumb one day. :)
>>
>> Question is, is that "4 port modem" still the preferred option if I do
>> decide to go along with them this time? (Must admit, being able to
>> download things in about 25% of the present time is very appealing,
>> but strict logic suggests it would be a minor change to total time
>> spent here when most of it is taken up reading/writing USENET
>> contributions anyway, rather than actual traffic in/out. The main
>> "advantage", if that's what it really is, is that people could hastle
>> me by phone while I'm online if I have ADSL.)
>>
>> It seems you *have* to take Telstra's hardware if you sign up with
>> them, so modem brand comparisons are probably irrelevant here. (I'm
>> tempted by Telstra more than others because (a) they're likely to be
>> still around next year, and (b) it gets me a 5% discount on bills --
>> well, some parts of bills as it turns out. :)
>>
>> Oh, another point... Can you use the ADSL modem to one ISP and the
>> "normal" modem to either the same or another ISP at the same time? I
>> imagine this would be *possible* but whether it can be/has been
>> implemented conveniently is another issue.
>>
>> Finally, should I decide to go ahead with this, using the "self
>> install" option, do you know of any step-by-step installation guides
>> that a *novice* in these networking things might be able to follow?
>> Obviously needs to be something that is or can be printed *before*
>> starting the operation to change over! 8-)
[snip]
>
>If you only want to connect 2 computers then the modem option from Telstra
>will suit you OK. The basic offering is a Thomson 530 which will run both
>the USB and the Ethernet connection together. Set the first machine using
>the USB port and the second just plugs into the ethernet port.
>Both the "single" port ST530 and 4 port ST510 are configured as routers when
>installed usuing the BigPond software.
>
>Self install is very easy as the software steps you through and sets up your
>email etc, it uses graphics and text to guide you so give it a go, you will
>surprise yourself. If in the end you can't get it to work BigPond will send
>out a Tech to complete the job and only charge you the 120 bucks difference
>anyway so you have nothing to lose by giving it a go.
>
>Yes it is perfectly possible to have the ADSL modem accessing BigPond and
>the dial up another ISP, you just specify what connection you want your
>browser to use.
Thanks for your advice Col. But on that last point, I was asking
about *simultaneous* connections on ADSL and dial-up, given that you
have in fact got the equivalent of two lines. Not that it's something
I would expect to want to do; but I'm curious as to whether it's
possible, either in theory or with currently available technology.
Cheers, Phred.
--
ppnerkDELETE@no-spam
On Sun, 06 Jul 2003 15:29:46 GMT, ppnerkDELETETHIS@no-spam (Phred)
wrote:
>>Yes it is perfectly possible to have the ADSL modem accessing BigPond and
>>the dial up another ISP, you just specify what connection you want your
>>browser to use.
>
>Thanks for your advice Col. But on that last point, I was asking
>about *simultaneous* connections on ADSL and dial-up, given that you
>have in fact got the equivalent of two lines.
So is he. The ADSL just slows down a bit tho'.
"Phred" <ppnerkDELETETHIS@no-spam> wrote in message
news:be9evh$2jlde$1@no-spam
> In article <ekWNa.725$pg6.16834@no-spam>,
> "col" <acml@no-spam> wrote:
> >"Phred" <ppnerkDELETETHIS@no-spam> wrote in message
> >news:be99mo$2mf2i$1@no-spam
> >> In article <be77lf$23j9n$1@no-spam>,
> >> "Rod Speed" <rod_speed@no-spam> wrote:
> [snip]
> >> >They dont even 'support' more than a single PC on the
> >> >more fancy Alcatel SpeedTouch Pro adsl modem/router/hub,
> >> >what they call the 4 port modem.
> >>
> >> G'day Rod,
> >>
> >> Telstra are attempting to seduce me again with another "$100 off"
> >> ADSL offer. (If they keep this up, I'll probably succumb one day. :)
> >>
> >> Question is, is that "4 port modem" still the preferred option if I do
> >> decide to go along with them this time? (Must admit, being able to
> >> download things in about 25% of the present time is very appealing,
> >> but strict logic suggests it would be a minor change to total time
> >> spent here when most of it is taken up reading/writing USENET
> >> contributions anyway, rather than actual traffic in/out. The main
> >> "advantage", if that's what it really is, is that people could hastle
> >> me by phone while I'm online if I have ADSL.)
> >>
> >> It seems you *have* to take Telstra's hardware if you sign up with
> >> them, so modem brand comparisons are probably irrelevant here. (I'm
> >> tempted by Telstra more than others because (a) they're likely to be
> >> still around next year, and (b) it gets me a 5% discount on bills --
> >> well, some parts of bills as it turns out. :)
> >>
> >> Oh, another point... Can you use the ADSL modem to one ISP and the
> >> "normal" modem to either the same or another ISP at the same time? I
> >> imagine this would be *possible* but whether it can be/has been
> >> implemented conveniently is another issue.
> >>
> >> Finally, should I decide to go ahead with this, using the "self
> >> install" option, do you know of any step-by-step installation guides
> >> that a *novice* in these networking things might be able to follow?
> >> Obviously needs to be something that is or can be printed *before*
> >> starting the operation to change over! 8-)
> [snip]
> >
> >If you only want to connect 2 computers then the modem option from
Telstra
> >will suit you OK. The basic offering is a Thomson 530 which will run
both
> >the USB and the Ethernet connection together. Set the first machine
using
> >the USB port and the second just plugs into the ethernet port.
> >Both the "single" port ST530 and 4 port ST510 are configured as routers
when
> >installed usuing the BigPond software.
> >
> >Self install is very easy as the software steps you through and sets up
your
> >email etc, it uses graphics and text to guide you so give it a go, you
will
> >surprise yourself. If in the end you can't get it to work BigPond will
send
> >out a Tech to complete the job and only charge you the 120 bucks
difference
> >anyway so you have nothing to lose by giving it a go.
> >
> >Yes it is perfectly possible to have the ADSL modem accessing BigPond and
> >the dial up another ISP, you just specify what connection you want your
> >browser to use.
>
> Thanks for your advice Col. But on that last point, I was asking
> about *simultaneous* connections on ADSL and dial-up, given that you
> have in fact got the equivalent of two lines. Not that it's something
> I would expect to want to do; but I'm curious as to whether it's
> possible, either in theory or with currently available technology.
>
>
> Cheers, Phred.
>
> --
> ppnerkDELETE@no-spam
>
There is no problem runing both ADSL and Dial Up at the same time, no
special software or hardware required, just specify the connection that you
want the application to use.
Col
Phred <ppnerkDELETETHIS@no-spam> wrote in message
news:be99mo$2mf2i$1@no-spam
> Rod Speed <rod_speed@no-spam> wrote
>> Flatulant Dingo <flatulantdingo@no-spam> wrote
>>> Rod Speed <rod_speed@no-spam> wrote
>>>>> Just wondering, what are the major differences, advantages and
>>>>> disadvantages of Ethernet ADSL modems vs USB ADSL modems?
>>>> You're MUCH more likely to have driver hassles with USB modems.
>>> When I got ADSL from hardly Normal on Telstra,
>>> the modem had an ethernet port and USB port.
>>> I managed to get two computers connected to the modem; one running
>>> Ethernet, the other USB, and they can be used both at the same time.
>>> The cd provided by Telstra only required a little
>>> hacking to get the USB connection to work.
>>> When I asked a question about this to a Telstra
>>> "technical support" person, they said they are not
>>> allowed to comment at all on this type of setup.
>>> Why not?
>> Basically they dont 'support' anything more than the basic install.
>> They dont even 'support' more than a single PC on the more
>> fancy Alcatel SpeedTouch Pro adsl modem/router/hub,
>> what they call the 4 port modem.
> G'day Rod,
> Telstra are attempting to seduce me again
Must be some raddled old bag chained up in some Telstra dungeon |-)
> with another "$100 off" ADSL offer.
Yeah, and there's another current of
$160 or something being spruiked too.
> (If they keep this up, I'll probably succumb one day. :)
If you havent carked it first, anyway |-)
> Question is, is that "4 port modem" still the preferred
> option if I do decide to go along with them this time?
It is the simplest to use of what
Telstra offers. Not the cheapest tho.
> (Must admit, being able to download things in about
> 25% of the present time is very appealing, but strict
> logic suggests it would be a minor change to total time
> spent here when most of it is taken up reading/writing
> USENET contributions anyway, rather than actual
> traffic in/out. The main "advantage", if that's
> what it really is, is that people could hastle
> me by phone while I'm online if I have ADSL.)
Yep, that last is the main advantage, that and what is effectively
a permanent line for what may not be more than you are currently
paying in total for dialup. The speed is just a welcome bonus mostly.
> It seems you *have* to take Telstra's hardware if you sign up with
> them, so modem brand comparisons are probably irrelevant here.
Yes. But you dont have to go with Telstra.
> (I'm tempted by Telstra more than others because
> (a) they're likely to be still around next year,
I dont expect that to be much of a problem. If the adsl ISP
does go bust, I expect plenty will fall over themselves to
attract that ISP's customers, just like happened with one.tel.
> and (b) it gets me a 5% discount on bills --
> well, some parts of bills as it turns out. :)
I wouldnt worry to much about that aspect.
iinet for example has a cheaper plan than the minimum
Telstra plan, which saves more than that 5%.
> Oh, another point... Can you use the ADSL modem to one ISP and the
> "normal" modem to either the same or another ISP at the same time?
Yes, I do it a bit, mostly when setting other people's systems up.
> I imagine this would be *possible* but whether it can be/has
> been implemented conveniently is another issue.
Its completely trivial with two PCs, just use them in the normal way.
Not trivial at all with a single PC tho. Basically if you have the PC
connecting to the ADSL service in the usual way, and then make
another dialup call to a different ISP using a modem, on the same
PC, everything goes thru the dialup session until you hang that up.
Then it uses the adsl physical link again when you hangup the dialup.
> Finally, should I decide to go ahead with this, using the "self
> install" option, do you know of any step-by-step installation guides
> that a *novice* in these networking things might be able to follow?
What comes with the self install kit is all you need. A mate of mine
who is a complete PC dummy initially ordered the pro adsl install
from Telstra. When I found out about that I told him to cancel the
pro install, order the self install, and said that I would do the install
for him. He tried it himself when the courier delivered it and it worked
fine, he didnt even need to ask me about anything, it was so obvious.
All you do is plug a double adapter into the phone socket. One side
of that goes to the adsl modem, the other to the adsl filter. The phone
plugs into the other side of the adsl filter. It really is that simple.
> Obviously needs to be something that is or can be printed
> *before* starting the operation to change over! 8-)
There are printed instructions in the Telstra kit.
> >Its just a way of keeping the support costs
> >down and so what they need to charge for
> >the service, particularly the installation charge.
> >
> >I think its the best approach myself, anyone who
> >wants to do something more tricky like that can
> >get support for free from newsgroups etc and
> >I get the cheapest installation costs.
"Phred" <ppnerkDELETETHIS@no-spam> wrote in message news:be9evh$2jlde$1@no-spam
> In article <ekWNa.725$pg6.16834@no-spam>,
> "col" <acml@no-spam> wrote:
> >"Phred" <ppnerkDELETETHIS@no-spam> wrote in message
> >news:be99mo$2mf2i$1@no-spam
> >> In article <be77lf$23j9n$1@no-spam>,
> >> "Rod Speed" <rod_speed@no-spam> wrote:
> [snip]
> >> >They dont even 'support' more than a single PC on the
> >> >more fancy Alcatel SpeedTouch Pro adsl modem/router/hub,
> >> >what they call the 4 port modem.
> >>
> >> G'day Rod,
> >>
> >> Telstra are attempting to seduce me again with another "$100 off"
> >> ADSL offer. (If they keep this up, I'll probably succumb one day. :)
> >>
> >> Question is, is that "4 port modem" still the preferred option if I do
> >> decide to go along with them this time? (Must admit, being able to
> >> download things in about 25% of the present time is very appealing,
> >> but strict logic suggests it would be a minor change to total time
> >> spent here when most of it is taken up reading/writing USENET
> >> contributions anyway, rather than actual traffic in/out. The main
> >> "advantage", if that's what it really is, is that people could hastle
> >> me by phone while I'm online if I have ADSL.)
> >>
> >> It seems you *have* to take Telstra's hardware if you sign up with
> >> them, so modem brand comparisons are probably irrelevant here. (I'm
> >> tempted by Telstra more than others because (a) they're likely to be
> >> still around next year, and (b) it gets me a 5% discount on bills --
> >> well, some parts of bills as it turns out. :)
> >>
> >> Oh, another point... Can you use the ADSL modem to one ISP and the
> >> "normal" modem to either the same or another ISP at the same time? I
> >> imagine this would be *possible* but whether it can be/has been
> >> implemented conveniently is another issue.
> >>
> >> Finally, should I decide to go ahead with this, using the "self
> >> install" option, do you know of any step-by-step installation guides
> >> that a *novice* in these networking things might be able to follow?
> >> Obviously needs to be something that is or can be printed *before*
> >> starting the operation to change over! 8-)
> [snip]
> >
> >If you only want to connect 2 computers then the modem option from Telstra
> >will suit you OK. The basic offering is a Thomson 530 which will run both
> >the USB and the Ethernet connection together. Set the first machine using
> >the USB port and the second just plugs into the ethernet port.
> >Both the "single" port ST530 and 4 port ST510 are configured as routers when
> >installed usuing the BigPond software.
> >
> >Self install is very easy as the software steps you through and sets up your
> >email etc, it uses graphics and text to guide you so give it a go, you will
> >surprise yourself. If in the end you can't get it to work BigPond will send
> >out a Tech to complete the job and only charge you the 120 bucks difference
> >anyway so you have nothing to lose by giving it a go.
> >
> >Yes it is perfectly possible to have the ADSL modem accessing BigPond and
> >the dial up another ISP, you just specify what connection you want your
> >browser to use.
>
> Thanks for your advice Col. But on that last point, I was asking
> about *simultaneous* connections on ADSL and dial-up, given that you
> have in fact got the equivalent of two lines. Not that it's something
> I would expect to want to do; but I'm curious as to whether it's
> possible, either in theory or with currently available technology.
The problem is that Win9x doesnt support two simultaneous
net sessions. It just uses the last one that happens.
In article <be9evh$2jlde$1@no-spam>, Phred <ppnerkDELETETHIS@no-spam> wrote:
> >Yes it is perfectly possible to have the ADSL modem accessing BigPond and
> >the dial up another ISP, you just specify what connection you want your
> >browser to use.
>
> Thanks for your advice Col. But on that last point, I was asking
> about *simultaneous* connections on ADSL and dial-up, given that you
> have in fact got the equivalent of two lines. Not that it's something
> I would expect to want to do; but I'm curious as to whether it's
> possible, either in theory or with currently available technology.
After being stuffed around by Telstra for over 2 years, in my efforts
to get ADSL, I would recommend everyone avoid these cocksmokers
for any broadband product.
"Rod Speed" wrote...
> Phred wrote...
> > It seems you *have* to take Telstra's hardware if you sign up with
> > them, so modem brand comparisons are probably irrelevant here.
> Yes.
There is a customer supplied modem option, somewhere,
as long it's one of the types that Bigpond support.
> But you dont have to go with Telstra.
--
Magilla
Magilla Guerilla <magilla_guerilla@no-spam> wrote in message
news:mL9Oa.4180$oN.168315@no-spam
> Rod Speed wrote...
>> Phred wrote...
>>> It seems you *have* to take Telstra's hardware if you sign up with
>>> them, so modem brand comparisons are probably irrelevant here.
>> Yes.
> There is a customer supplied modem option, somewhere,
> as long it's one of the types that Bigpond support.
Its more complicated than that.
http://www.bigpond.com/broadband/access/adsl/plans/
says
Customers are entitled to a reduced installation fee of $189 for a three month contract if:
a) they possess an ADSL modem from their previous Telstra BigPond broadband ADSL service or;
b) they have otherwise legally procured a Telstra BigPond broadband ADSL
modem in good working order from an ex Telstra BigPond broadband customer.
So the 'brand comparisions' story still applys.
And $189 is one of the highest own modem connection charges around.
>> But you dont have to go with Telstra.
In article <be9pu4$2l532$1@no-spam>,
"Rod Speed" <rod_speed@no-spam> wrote:
>Phred <ppnerkDELETETHIS@no-spam> wrote in message
>news:be99mo$2mf2i$1@no-spam
[snip]
Thanks Rod and others for your various responses. Just a bit more
clarification please:
>> It seems you *have* to take Telstra's hardware if you sign up with
>> them, so modem brand comparisons are probably irrelevant here.
>
>Yes. But you dont have to go with Telstra.
>
>> (I'm tempted by Telstra more than others because
>> (a) they're likely to be still around next year,
>
>I dont expect that to be much of a problem. If the adsl ISP
>does go bust, I expect plenty will fall over themselves to
>attract that ISP's customers, just like happened with one.tel.
>
>> and (b) it gets me a 5% discount on bills --
>> well, some parts of bills as it turns out. :)
>
>I wouldnt worry to much about that aspect.
>
>iinet for example has a cheaper plan than the minimum
>Telstra plan, which saves more than that 5%.
Okay, let's assume I ignore Telstra's supplications and decide to go
with someone else who offers "local call" equivalent charging up here,
your iinet, for example. (I assume it's available in FNQ? I'll
check that out.)
Also let's assume I can have the ADSL modem of my choice... What is my
best choice?
I'm presently running Windows ME (when it deigns to) but options exist
for Win98SE now or XP down the track. One day I hope to have
sufficient spare time to play with Linux (just dreaming, I know :) but
that would be on a second PC (and most likely an early version on an
"old" 486DX4-100 if it can be coaxed back into life).
So convenience for connecting either/both to the world would be nice
(but I doubt that I'll also have one in the kitchen, at least for the
time being ;-).
Cheers, Phred.
--
ppnerkDELETE@no-spam
On Mon, 07 Jul 2003 07:19:04 GMT, Jason wrote in aus.computers:
> After being stuffed around by Telstra for over 2 years, in my efforts
> to get ADSL, I would recommend everyone avoid these cocksmokers
> for any broadband product.
It's a bit hard to avoid Telstra if you want xDSL, isn't it? You need a
copper line going into the building, and Telstra is the only company
that runs them (though, obviously, others can now bill for the service).
--
- Cods
pbqfjnyybc@no-spam
(un ROT-13 to e-mail)
In article <beccgc$3lr2m$1@no-spam>, "Rod Speed" <rod_speed@no-spam> wrote:
>
>Phred <ppnerkDELETETHIS@no-spam> wrote in message
>news:bec11u$3ftf0$1@no-spam
>> Rod Speed <rod_speed@no-spam> wrote
>>> Phred <ppnerkDELETETHIS@no-spam> wrote
>
>> Thanks Rod and others for your various responses.
>> Just a bit more clarification please:
>
>Sure, happy to discuss the fine detail for as long as you like.
Thank you.
>>>> It seems you *have* to take Telstra's hardware if you sign up with
>>>> them, so modem brand comparisons are probably irrelevant here.
>
>>> Yes. But you dont have to go with Telstra.
>
>>>> (I'm tempted by Telstra more than others because
>>>> (a) they're likely to be still around next year,
>
>>> I dont expect that to be much of a problem. If the adsl ISP
>>> does go bust, I expect plenty will fall over themselves to
>>> attract that ISP's customers, just like happened with one.tel.
>
>>>> and (b) it gets me a 5% discount on bills --
>>>> well, some parts of bills as it turns out. :)
>
>>> I wouldnt worry to much about that aspect.
>
>>> iinet for example has a cheaper plan than the minimum
>>> Telstra plan, which saves more than that 5%.
>
>And there are a few with $50/month plans now, about 10 you could use.
>http://www.broadbandchoice.com.au/plan.cfm?loc=13&cost=50&pre=500&speed=0
>
>iinet is actually not as attractive as some at that price, because theirs
>is only 128Kb, not the 256Kb speed that the others have at that price.
Aren't you with iinet? Why?
I see that Netspace looks good on the books, and according to at least
one mag "review"; but what *real* experiences have folk had with it I
wonder?
Also, I'm often inclined to be a bit cynical about just what one can
expect from these "salesman" speeds; given that achieved throughput
will also depend on load in the pipes generally, and the "broadcast"
speed of sites of interest specifically.
>> Okay, let's assume I ignore Telstra's supplications and decide to go
>> with someone else who offers "local call" equivalent charging up here,
>> your iinet, for example. (I assume it's available in FNQ?
>
>Yes.
>
>> I'll check that out.)
>
>No need.
>
>> Also let's assume I can have the ADSL modem of my choice...
>> What is my best choice?
>
>Its generally best to decide which adsl isp you want to
>use and then use an adsl modem they fully support in your
>situation. That minimises any config hassles you might have.
Fair enough. But what happens if my paranoia is justified and the ISP
goes belly up? As you said previously, others may well be willing to
gather the flotsam and jetsam from the wreckage -- but how serious is
that modem compatibility issue? Are some more likely to be "generic"
than others from this point of view? (Assuming my first choice of ISP
offers a choice of supported modems.)
>> I'm presently running Windows ME (when it deigns to)
>> but options exist for Win98SE now or XP down the track.
>
>I'd personally go for an integrated adsl modem/router/hub/switch
>like the DSL 504 or Billion 741GE but then I dont really care much
>about the cost as long as its not completely outrageous.
>
>> One day I hope to have sufficient spare time to play with Linux
>> (just dreaming, I know :) but that would be on a second PC
>> (and most likely an early version on an "old" 486DX4-100
>> if it can be coaxed back into life).
>
>> So convenience for connecting either/both to the world would be nice
>
>Yeah, lot to be said for those an integrated adsl modem/router/hub/switches,
>just plug each PC into the hub/switch and carry on regardless.
>
>> (but I doubt that I'll also have one in the
>> kitchen, at least for the time being ;-).
>
>Yeah, you povs have to hobble along |-)
Cheers, Phred.
--
ppnerkDELETE@no-spam
"Jason" <matreya_nospam@no-spam> wrote in message
news:070720031719040942%matreya_nospam@no-spam
> In article <be9evh$2jlde$1@no-spam>, Phred
<ppnerkDELETETHIS@no-spam> wrote:
>
> > >Yes it is perfectly possible to have the ADSL modem accessing BigPond
and
> > >the dial up another ISP, you just specify what connection you want your
> > >browser to use.
> >
> > Thanks for your advice Col. But on that last point, I was asking
> > about *simultaneous* connections on ADSL and dial-up, given that you
> > have in fact got the equivalent of two lines. Not that it's something
> > I would expect to want to do; but I'm curious as to whether it's
> > possible, either in theory or with currently available technology.
>
> After being stuffed around by Telstra for over 2 years, in my efforts
> to get ADSL, I would recommend everyone avoid these cocksmokers
> for any broadband product.
So your FNN didnt qualify. Who cares?
On Wed, 9 Jul 2003 07:23:00 +1000, "Rod Speed" <rod_speed@no-spam>
wrote:
>I deliberately avoided the ISPs that are resellers of the
>Comindico service, because I have real reservations
>about the rather silly unlimited downloads and even
>deliberate encouragement to download heaps. Cant
>see how that is any use to me and could well see the
>service performance pretty fucked with stupid kids
>mindlessly downloading as much as they can etc.
So far this has not been an issue - I get the full 256k download speed
from most sites with my Comindico resold account.
Albert Alcoceba
<><
alberta@no-spam
http://www.answersbook.org/
"Jason" <matreya_nospam@no-spam> wrote in message
news:100720030100320535%matreya_nospam@no-spam
> In article <AcQOa.4983$oN.209305@no-spam>, Michael J
<michael@no-spam> wrote:
>
> > "Jason" <matreya_nospam@no-spam> wrote in message
> > news:070720031719040942%matreya_nospam@no-spam
> > > In article <be9evh$2jlde$1@no-spam>, Phred
> > <ppnerkDELETETHIS@no-spam> wrote:
> > >
> > > > >Yes it is perfectly possible to have the ADSL modem accessing
BigPond
> > and
> > > > >the dial up another ISP, you just specify what connection you want
your
> > > > >browser to use.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks for your advice Col. But on that last point, I was asking
> > > > about *simultaneous* connections on ADSL and dial-up, given that you
> > > > have in fact got the equivalent of two lines. Not that it's
something
> > > > I would expect to want to do; but I'm curious as to whether it's
> > > > possible, either in theory or with currently available technology.
> > >
> > > After being stuffed around by Telstra for over 2 years, in my efforts
> > > to get ADSL, I would recommend everyone avoid these cocksmokers
> > > for any broadband product.
> >
> > So your FNN didnt qualify. Who cares?
>
> You're one the afforementioned cocksmokers :-P
Did that make you happy?
"thegoons" <thegoons@no-spam> wrote in message
news:R7XOa.5196$oN.215039@no-spam
>
> "Jason" <matreya_nospam@no-spam> wrote in message
> news:100720030100320535%matreya_nospam@no-spam
> > In article <AcQOa.4983$oN.209305@no-spam>, Michael J
> <michael@no-spam> wrote:
> >
> > > "Jason" <matreya_nospam@no-spam> wrote in message
> > > news:070720031719040942%matreya_nospam@no-spam
> > > > In article <be9evh$2jlde$1@no-spam>, Phred
> > > <ppnerkDELETETHIS@no-spam> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > > >Yes it is perfectly possible to have the ADSL modem accessing
> BigPond
> > > and
> > > > > >the dial up another ISP, you just specify what connection you
want
> your
> > > > > >browser to use.
> > > > >
> > > > > Thanks for your advice Col. But on that last point, I was asking
> > > > > about *simultaneous* connections on ADSL and dial-up, given that
you
> > > > > have in fact got the equivalent of two lines. Not that it's
> something
> > > > > I would expect to want to do; but I'm curious as to whether it's
> > > > > possible, either in theory or with currently available technology.
> > > >
> > > > After being stuffed around by Telstra for over 2 years, in my
efforts
> > > > to get ADSL, I would recommend everyone avoid these cocksmokers
> > > > for any broadband product.
> > >
> > > So your FNN didnt qualify. Who cares?
> >
> > You're one the afforementioned cocksmokers :-P
> >
> > I was supposed to have ADSL on yesterday morning, but per the usual
> > Telstra policy of 'why do the job right the first time when you can fuck
> it
> > up 3 times and get paid more', Telstra don't check that the ADSL is
> > actually working on the line they just converted and switched ADSL on
> > to. So, I have to wait until the reported fault is dealt with, hopefully
> > by one of the very few knowledgeable people left.
> >
> > If I get someone with your attention to service, I won't get ADSL on
> > until a week before the Sun runs out of fuel.
>
> Unacceptable. Report to freecall 1800-011-333 and also Ziggy direct
> 02-9204-9999 and http://www.tio.com.au
Timeframes in days instead of minutes.
>
>
In article <5kzPa.6069$oN.257607@no-spam>, Michael J <michael@no-spam> wrote:
> "Jason" <matreya_nospam@no-spam> wrote in message
> news:100720030100320535%matreya_nospam@no-spam
> > > > After being stuffed around by Telstra for over 2 years, in my efforts
> > > > to get ADSL, I would recommend everyone avoid these cocksmokers
> > > > for any broadband product.
> > >
> > > So your FNN didnt qualify. Who cares?
> >
> > You're one the afforementioned cocksmokers :-P
>
> Did that make you happy?
Are you ever going to learn to trim your posts? :)
I'm happy that after 6 weeks of Telstra 'go-slow', I now have ADSL.
Zigmund Fraud and the Smeltra Team need an enema.
Rod Speed <rod_speed@no-spam> wrote in message
news:befcne$3uvcl$1@no-spam
> Phred <ppnerkDELETETHIS@no-spam> wrote
>> Rod Speed <rod_speed@no-spam> wrote
>>> Phred <ppnerkDELETETHIS@no-spam> wrote
>>>> Rod Speed <rod_speed@no-spam> wrote
>>>>> Phred <ppnerkDELETETHIS@no-spam> wrote
>>>>>> It seems you *have* to take Telstra's hardware if you sign up with
>>>>>> them, so modem brand comparisons are probably irrelevant here.
>>>>> Yes. But you dont have to go with Telstra.
>>>>>> (I'm tempted by Telstra more than others because
>>>>>> (a) they're likely to be still around next year,
>>>>> I dont expect that to be much of a problem. If the adsl ISP
>>>>> does go bust, I expect plenty will fall over themselves to
>>>>> attract that ISP's customers, just like happened with one.tel.
>>>>>> and (b) it gets me a 5% discount on bills --
>>>>>> well, some parts of bills as it turns out. :)
>>>>> I wouldnt worry to much about that aspect.
>>>>> iinet for example has a cheaper plan than the minimum
>>>>> Telstra plan, which saves more than that 5%.
>>> And there are a few with $50/month plans now, about 10 you could use.
>>> http://www.broadbandchoice.com.au/plan.cfm?loc=13&cost=50&pre=500&speed=0
>>> iinet is actually not as attractive as some at that price, because theirs
>>> is only 128Kb, not the 256Kb speed that the others have at that price.
>> Aren't you with iinet?
> Yes, but not for that cheapest plan, thats one area where
> they arent as attractive as some of the alternatives.
Not anymore, they've just changed it to 256Kb and 2GB.
Not very surprising given that it wasnt very competitive
with their main opposition and is now a bit better than
their main opposition, particularly on the download limit.
Pity the cunts made that change just after I signed
up, I might well have gone for that myself |-)
> > Why?
>
> They currently have a free churn as long as you are moving
> from an ISP that supports the new fast churn system. Since
> I almost never got over the download limit with the Telstra plan,
> and the cost of the minimal overflows was trivial, I couldnt justify
> paying any setup charge for the minimal overruns with Telstra.
>
> The main reason I changed was so I didnt
> have to keep track of the amount downloaded.
>
> The main alternatives mostly have longer initial contract terms.
> I have always wanted to minimise that, so I can change ISPs
> whenever I feel like it, particularly if they cant deliver a decent
> quality of service or quick responses to outages etc. While in
> theory you should be able to monster an ISP on that stuff if
> they cant deliver that stuff, it can be a considerable hassle to
> have to use the TIO to force them to let you out of a contract,
> particularly when its something thats hard to quantify like that.
>
> Quite a few I know went for the 18 month contract
> with Telstra and cant currently take advantage of
> that significant change with adsl, $0 setup charges.
>
> I prefer to have the volume shaped if I go over the
> limit, very unlikely indeed with the new limit of 4GB.
>
> iinet has a few obvious downsides, their web site leaves a bit to be
> desired on the basics like the free churn not even being mentioned.
> And minimal support for anything other than a couple of adsl
> modems. Not that that last is any big deal for me personally.
>
> > I see that Netspace looks good on the books,
>
> Main thing I dont care for with Netspace is the minimum
> 6 months contract. I dont like any contract at all,
> particularly with the adsl industry so fluid at present.
>
> There have been a few reports of absolutely
> obscene times without an adsl service too. Fuck that.
>
> > and according to at least one mag "review"; but what
> > *real* experiences have folk had with it I wonder?
>
> Its those real experiences of obscene times with no service
> that put me off Netspace. Not clear tho whether iinet is just as
> bad tho, there are fuck all hard numbers on that stuff available.
>
> I deliberately avoided the ISPs that are resellers of the
> Comindico service, because I have real reservations
> about the rather silly unlimited downloads and even
> deliberate encouragement to download heaps. Cant
> see how that is any use to me and could well see the
> service performance pretty fucked with stupid kids
> mindlessly downloading as much as they can etc.
>
> > Also, I'm often inclined to be a bit cynical about just what one
> > can expect from these "salesman" speeds; given that achieved
> > throughput will also depend on load in the pipes generally,
> > and the "broadcast" speed of sites of interest specifically.
>
> I've found that most sited do deliver at about what
> the physical link speed should be able to do. There
> are obviously a few examples of fucked sites which
> cant, but they are rare with the sites I use. Most
> obvious area where you dont usually get anything like full
> speed is kazaa, but thats just kazaa and the way it works.
>
> I dont really care that much about speed anyway. I mostly
> prefer adsl for the 24/7 service for about what I paid for
> dialup and no farting around with stupid 4 hour sessions etc.
> And getting my phone line back for voice calls in spades.
>
> >>> Okay, let's assume I ignore Telstra's supplications and decide to
> >>> go with someone else who offers "local call" equivalent charging
> >>> up here, your iinet, for example. (I assume it's available in FNQ?
>
> >> Yes.
>
> >>> I'll check that out.)
>
> >> No need.
>
> >>> Also let's assume I can have the ADSL modem of my choice...
> >>> What is my best choice?
>
> >> Its generally best to decide which adsl isp you want to
> >> use and then use an adsl modem they fully support in your
> >> situation. That minimises any config hassles you might have.
>
> > Fair enough. But what happens if my paranoia is justified
> > and the ISP goes belly up? As you said previously, others
> > may well be willing to gather the flotsam and jetsam from the
> > wreckage -- but how serious is that modem compatibility issue?
>
> Not serious at all. The main problem is getting up on the first ISP.
>
> The fast churn to iinet literally involved just changing the
> username and password in the Alcatel SpeedTouch Pro.
>
> The only real quirk there was that the stupid frogs
> that wrote the code for the Alcatel SpeedTouch Pro
> have a big red banner on the page where you change
> the username and password which says
>
> WARNING - no password specified
>
> when you can clearly see the password specified.
>
> Turns out that that warning is about the telnet password,
> not the adls service password and that was trivially resolvable
> using google. iinet 'support' didnt know anything about it.
>
> > Are some more likely to be "generic"
> > than others from this point of view?
>
> Not that so much as some are more widely known than others.
> Lot to be said for the DLinks in that regard and the other
> consideration is what support there is from the manufacturer
> of the adsl modem in this country. They should know the basics
> with the mainstream adsl service providers in this country too.
>
> > (Assuming my first choice of ISP offers a choice of supported modems.)
>
> They virtually all do. The main exception is Testra which is
> much more limiting on what they support with your own modem.
>
> >>> I'm presently running Windows ME (when it deigns to)
> >>> but options exist for Win98SE now or XP down the track.
>
> >> I'd personally go for an integrated adsl modem/router/hub/switch
> >> like the DSL 504 or Billion 741GE but then I dont really care much
> >> about the cost as long as its not completely outrageous.
>
> >>> One day I hope to have sufficient spare time to play with Linux
> >>> (just dreaming, I know :) but that would be on a second PC
> >>> (and most likely an early version on an "old" 486DX4-100
> >>> if it can be coaxed back into life).
>
> >>> So convenience for connecting either/both to the world would be nice
>
> >> Yeah, lot to be said for those an integrated adsl modem/router/hub/switches,
> >> just plug each PC into the hub/switch and carry on regardless.
>
> >>> (but I doubt that I'll also have one in the
> >>> kitchen, at least for the time being ;-).
>
> >> Yeah, you povs have to hobble along |-)
>
>
>