Hi FolksDear Prodiggers, I need to install broadband at home and at the studio (studio street has NTL cable, home does not). I am a Mac user.
There is a general info sheet about broadband available on the Prodig web site, in the news column.
For many people the needs of general internet browsing, email and occasional file uploads... will be catered for by the most basic service you can buy, either cable or ADSL.
If you are going to be doing nearly all your business via the internet and constantly sending very large files you may wish to go for one of the service options which gives you more dedicated bandwidth (between �75 > �600 per month).
Few people will be interested in the additional services that ISP's can offer within their packages, with the exception of automatic Virus checking and email spam filtering. Yes bangs and whistles can be handy, but remember there's no such thing as a free lunch and few of the free add-ons amount to much for the professional user.
Cable suppliers can be tempted to charge more, even for basic services, when they sniff you are a business user.
(If you can take advantage of cable at a reasonable price there are some great deals to be had).
On the other hand several ISP's who offer ADSL will happily supply their basic services to small businesses at the same price as their domestic customers.
For ADSL you do need a bog standard BT analog line.
So long as your local exchange is enabled for ADSL it is easy to set up.
It makes no difference whether you are on a Mac or a PC or Linux.
You can continue to use "least cost routing" telephone services on that BT line as well (such as OneTel or TelecomPlus).
You will need an ADSL Router Gateway or ADSL modem (I'd always recommend the Router, for security and expansion reasons).
Some are more friendly to one platform than another, but usually only because of ways of updating their firmware.
Best price is Conexant AMX CA64E �64.00
http://www.dabs.com/products/prod-info.asp?quicklinx=17P8
It got good magazine reviews recently, but we haven't fitted one yet (although I think another client is about to)
The D-Link 504 is good and has just dropped in price to �85 (we have fitted this)
http://www.dabs.com/products/prod-info.asp?quicklinx=ZS7
Also the Netgear DG814 �109 (includes a micro-filter) (we've fitted this and its the sexiest, but some questions are popping up about running in certain conditions)
http://www.dabs.com/products/prod-info.asp?quicklinx=2137
(See Prodig news and Annex for more info on these models)
You will need a micro-filter for each phone plugged in to the same line as the ADSL. (�5 - �8)
(The above prices are pretty widespread across a number of suppliers)
Don't forget to make sure you put a licensed copy of an Anti-virus software on any computer on your network (recommend Norton Anti-virus).
Also on a PC or OSX Mac a software Firewall such as Zone Alarm (free) on all networked machines.
AND HERE'S THE BLATANT PLUG........
Your friendly Listowner is an agent for Nildram's ADSL service.
So set up is only an email away and costs less than �20 a month.
IF YOU WANT IT JUST EMAIL ME OFF-LIST.
(I'm working on location between 8 >11 Dec)
Takes approx 10 days from order confirmation to going live.
--
Best
..ED
Ed Horwich
md & information architect
PACIFICSTREAM.COM Ltd Audit Report Advise Design & Implement for the Web
http://www.pacificstream.com
(+44) 0870-740-9211
(+44) 07976-407.472
members: BNI/Chamber of Commerce/FSB
===============================================================
GO TO http://www.prodig.org for ~ GUIDELINES ~ un/SUBSCRIBING ~ ITEMS for SALE
