DSL questions....

[LisaT]

Okay, so we're getting set to finally dump dial-up. I have a question about the hookup to the phone line.

Where we have the computer, the phone jack is a distance from the computer. Is it better to have a long phone cord, and then apply the DSL/phone splitter with a short ethernet cable, or is it better to put the splitter on near the jack in the wall, and have a long ethernet cable? Or does it matter at all?

[Wilbur]

If you go wireless you can leave the wireless modem & router over there where the phone jack is. Even if you're only using one PC, having the router in between has the security advantage of its internal hardware firewall (the techies can explain that better, I'm just parroting what I've read). The DSL providers offer modem & router combo units. If you stick with ethernet cable you'll still need a modem the phone line plugs into and the ethernet wire continues on from. I don't think it matters a whole lot whether the long run is an extension of the phone wire or the ethernet wire if we're just talking the length of the room.

Does it, Oh wise ones who actually know this stuff.

[Matthew]

Originally Posted by Wilbur

I don't think it matters a whole lot whether the long run is an extension of the phone wire or the ethernet wire if we're just talking the length of the room.

I agree.

[hautemomma]

If you need/want to go wireless (I'd think i was suffocating without it) I'm a fan of the Apple Airport Express (works on both PC and Mac). It gets about 2 minutes of attention a year... maybe gets reset once a year (more if there is a power outage that outlasts our UPS). Its truly plug and play. So easy. Here's the link: Apple - AirPort Express

[Wilbur]

Cool little router.

Do the DSL providers prefer that you use their provided modem ahead of the router, as RMA does? Or can you just go buy a DSL modem anywhere and plug it into an AT&T/Calweb/whoever DSL wire?

[RanchHQ]

Hot Moms:

So, I can plug that little thingy into my wall, and then plug summin into my Laptop, and I will be free of all these wires?

I guess to print wireless I would plug my printer into the thingy in my wall?

[hautemomma]

Originally Posted by RanchHQ

Hot Moms:

So, I can plug that little thingy into my wall, and then plug summin into my Laptop, and I will be free of all these wires?

I guess to print wireless I would plug my printer into the thingy in my wall?

You got it. Lots of things do that, but I'm a little partial to the Airport Express product line.... for whatever reason they just work.

[Damon]

Lisa is asking if she can have the DSL modem close to her computer or not?

1.Typically, AT&T will send you a "Self Kit" and that includes 20ft long phone cord. The Ethernet cable is only 3ft long, better just to use the phone cord.

2. AT&T will send you a regular "DSL Modem" Unless you want to pay more for a Two Wire wireless router.

3. If she gets the Two Wire wireless router, she will need a wireless card installed on her computer.That would cost about $89.00, and is not included in the "Self Kit" this would have to be purchased separately.

4. If I were ordering DSL service, I would just get the Two Wire wireless router regardless if I had wireless capability or not. The router in it self offers better protection from people trying to hack into your computer.

5. Wilbur asked if you had to use AT&T supplied equipment and the answer is no. But they would prefer you too.

Lisa, I'm glad your moving away from dial up.

[hautemomma]

Thank goodness someone who knows desktops can answer! Great info, Damon

[LisaT]

Originally Posted by Damon

Lisa is asking if she can have the DSL modem close to her computer or not?

1.Typically, AT&T will send you a "Self Kit" and that includes 20ft long phone cord. The Ethernet cable is only 3ft long, better just to use the phone cord.

2. AT&T will send you a regular "DSL Modem" Unless you want to pay more for a Two Wire wireless router.

3. If she gets the Two Wire wireless router, she will need a wireless card installed on her computer.That would cost about $89.00, and is not included in the "Self Kit" this would have to be purchased separately.

4. If I were ordering DSL service, I would just get the Two Wire wireless router regardless if I had wireless capability or not. The router in it self offers better protection from people trying to hack into your computer.

5. Wilbur asked if you had to use AT&T supplied equipment and the answer is no. But they would prefer you too.

Lisa, I'm glad your moving away from dial up.

Thanks everyone for the input.

Yes, Damon, it's time to join the rest of the world I have lightening quick service at work, and really didn't need much at home, but with DSL so much cheaper now, and my dial-up becoming more and more unreliable, well, here I am.

I had already ordered and received the kit. I guess I should have asked here first, cuz I picked the modem. Oh well. I have everything all connected, but can't activate for about another week (my choice).

So Damon, are there security precautions I should take to protect my computer?