Q. Free DSL. Is this for Real?

As a result of competition DSL service providers offer many PROMOTIONS to attract new customers. Some offer free DSL modems, others offer free DSL service for the first month or two. Many offer free installation and the list goes on. Decide what's important to you and find the right provider right on our site. However if you are looking for free DSL services for life, you will not find them here or anywhere else. You can have a lunch on someone sometimes but there is no such thing as a free lunch for life.

Q. What is DSL?

A. DSL, short for Digital Subscriber Line, is a dedicated digital circuit from your home to the telephone company's central office (CO), using normal, copper telephone lines. Because it's much faster than a regular dial-up Internet connection, it's ideal for watching online videos, videoconferencing, downloading pictures and software, listening to MP3 music, uploading Web pages and more.

Q. Are DSL speeds guaranteed?

A. Internet conditions may affect the actual throughput rate you're likely to experience. However, it is important to note that DSL service is provided with a best effort (unspecified bit rate) Quality of Service on the ATM backbone, and as such, doesn't guarantee a specific throughput rate.

Q. How fast is DSL compared to traditional modems?

A. It is 13 to 50 times faster than a 28.8Kbps analog modem. You get a minimum downstream connection speed of 384Kbps. Under optimal conditions - such as close distance to the telephone switching office and good quality phone lines - speeds may reach up to 1.5Mbps downstream with 128Kbps upstream. Actual speed depends on your distance from the serving central office and the quality of the line you're using.

Q. How does DSL compare to cable modems?

A. Cable modems run over coaxial cable lines. Cable is service only offered by your local cable provider (usually only one choice is available) and is considered to be a form of Internet sharing. The number of users online determines access speeds from cable service.

Q. Mbps, ATM, POTS Splitters - where can I learn about the terms associated with DSL?

A. We have a Network and DSL glossary that will tell you more about common DSL terms.


 

  BILLING FAQs

Q. How much does DSL cost?

A. Prices vary depending on your location, the speed that you choose and whether you order any of the optional services, such as DSL for an additional computer, etc.

Q. When do I start getting billed for DSL?

A. The additional charge for DSL (including, if necessary, modem and activation fees) will start when the DSL circuit is actually turned up, not when you enroll. You may wish to confirm this with the sales representative when you call your local DSL provider and signup.

   DSL FAQs

Q. What are the advantages of DSL?

A. Here are a few:

• Incredible Speed
  It's ideal for watching online videos, video conferencing, downloading pictures and software, listening to MP3 music, uploading web pages, and more -- all in seconds!
• An "Instantly On" Connection
  Because DSL provides a dedicated connection between your computer and our network, your Internet connection is instantly on -- ready and waiting. No more dialing in!
• Talk and surf the Web at the same time
  DSL lets you browse the Internet and use your telephone or fax at the same time.

Q. How fast is DSL?

A. DSL technology starting with the following speeds and going up to gigabit speeds: 384Kbps downstream (the speed from the Internet to your computer) and 128Kbps upstream (the speed from your computer to the Internet).

Q. What are the minimum system requirements for DSL?

A. Operating System: Microsoft® Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, Macintosh OS 8 or higher
RAM: 16MB for Windows 95; 32 to 64 MB recommended for other operating systems
Processor Speed: 166 MHz or better
Available Hard Drive Space: 44MB or more
CD-ROM drive: Required
Hardware: USB Port or Ethernet NIC Card

Q. Is DSL available for Macintosh?

A. Yes, DSL now is also available for the Macintosh.

Q. I want DSL? How do I get it?

A. Here's how:

1. Find a High Speed provider that offers access in your area.
2. Your computer must meet the minimum system requirements.

Q. DSL is not available in my area right now. How can I find out when it will be offered?

A. The best thing to do is call your local telephone company and ask, since DSL has distance restrictions cable or satellite high speed may be available in the meantime.

Q. Do all customers qualify for DSL service?

A. In addition to having DSL available in your telephone company's central office (CO), you must be less than 12,000 feet (or just over two miles) from the CO to qualify for DSL service. Eventually, the evolution of network technology will allow companies to reach customers who are on the most distant ends of our local networks.

Q. Can I talk on the phone while connected to my DSL line?

A. Yes! DSL will either provide DSL service on your existing phone line or bring a new data line into your home for your DSL, depending on where you live. In either case, you will be able to use your existing home telephone line for phone calls while you're surfing the web.

Q. Is my "instantly on" DSL connection secure?

A. The Internet is a great resource for entertainment and education, but anyone with an Internet connection is vulnerable to attacks by hackers or computer viruses. We suggest running a firewall and use updated antivirus software.

Q. Do I need a second phone line with DSL?

A. DSL can work over your existing phone line, or you can bring an additional data line into your home and take care of ordering and installing the line. The type of implementation depends on where you live. In any case, you will still be able to use your existing phone line for your voice calls and keep your same telephone number.

Q. What is POTS, and how does it work with DSL?

A. POTS is an acronym that stands for Plain Old Telephone Service. POTS lines, which generally consist of 2 to 4 wires, are what we use everyday to place phone calls and make analog (dial-up) connections to the Internet.

DSL also uses POTS lines to connect to the Internet, but with a different method. The difference in transfer speeds and overall functionality of the analog versus DSL isn't in the line; instead, it has to do with the difference in the line frequencies used for analog and DSL.

Q. How does the network know whether I am placing a call or transmitting data?

A. The signal used for voice is different than the signal used for data transmission. A device known as a POTS splitter, or low-pass/high-pass filter, is used to separate the POTS and DSL signals onto different pairs (2 wires), which are eventually handled by separate networks. Visit our glossary and find out more about how a POTS splitter works.


 

    Security FAQs

Q. Why do I need protection when I'm online?

A. Anyone with an Internet connection is vulnerable to attacks by hackers or computer viruses.

The increasing sophistication of hackers as well as the increasing number of e-mail viruses make any Internet-connected PC a potential target. If you have dial-up service or DSL connection to the Web, you need to protect yourself. Valuable information - like financial statements, bank account and credit card data, personal details and more - can easily be extracted from your computer when you're online. Instantly on connections, like DSL, cable or ISDN, are especially vulnerable to attacks

Home users need a highly effective security solution that is easy to use and doesn't require technical expertise.

Q. What is a firewall?

A. A firewall is a virtual wall between your computer and the Internet. When you dial into the Internet, you establish a connection through which information passes. A hacker can access your machine through this connection. Your firewall makes your computer invisible, so hackers can't find you. Firewalls have been used by governments and major corporations for years. Now, they are available to protect you, as well.

Q. How does Firewall software protect me?

A. Firewall prevents Internet thieves from breaking into your computer. It also scans for known and unknown viruses, and alerts you to applications that, if downloaded, may potentially damage your PC. The program runs in the background and warns you when a "trojan horse" program is trying to communicate with the Internet. It alerts you and gives you the chance to stop it. As an extra measure of protection, it even shuts down Internet traffic when your screen saver pops up.

Q. How do I get Firewall?

A. Firewall is available now for Members to download.

 

  Computer Hacking and Viruses

Q. What can happen if an e-mail virus or hacker invades my machine?

A. E-mail viruses can delete your hard drive, steal private information, including user names and passwords, credit card and banking data and social security numbers. Moreover, they can implant themselves on your machine causing programs to work improperly.

Hackers can use your computer to attack Web sites or businesses in your name. That means you could be implicated for a crime you did not commit!

Q. Computer hacking isn't common, is it?

A. It is estimated that 1 in 10 broadband users will be victimized in a hacker attack, and that number will only increase as broadband access becomes more popular. You can install ZoneAlarm and rest assured that your computer is protected everytime you get online.

Q. Are hackers a big threat to my computer?

A. Yes. Imagine leaving your home or apartment without locking the front door or closing open windows. You'd feel uncomfortable knowing that any passer-by could enter your home and steal your furniture, TV and other valuables. Surfing the Internet without firewall is like an open invitation to hackers who probe thousands of connected computers every hour for weak security. Once hackers get access, they can steal your identity and commit credit card fraud, among other illegal activities.

Firewall is FREE "home security" for your Internet-connected PC. As long as you use it, hackers can't get in and your computer remains safe.

Q. What do hackers do with the information they steal?

A. Hackers use information on your computer to invade your privacy, steal credit card data and steal your identity. This means hackers can spend your money, get your name, address, phone number, the names of your children and companion animals and more. They can even steal your passwords to buy goods and solicit services for which you will later be held responsible.

Q. What type of information can computer hackers steal?

A. Computer hackers can steal, delete, or rewrite any information on your computer: passwords, bank account information, software -- anything and everything on your hard drive. They can even use your computer to attack a business or Web site IN YOUR NAME. Firewall protects your computer's hard drive, keeping hackers out and your personal information safe.

Q. How do hackers find me?

A. Hackers use scanning software readily available on the Internet. They use this software to scan thousands of IP addresses every minute. Once your IP address is isolated, hackers can browse the contents of your computer just like a Web site, downloading your sensitive, personal information in seconds.

Q. Why are DSL users more vulnerable to hackers than dial-up users?

A. Cable modems, DSL and ISDN are considered instantly on connections to the Internet. Constant connection and high-speed functionality make your PC especially attractive to hackers because they can download large files in seconds without affecting your Web surfing.