DSL - Need your opinion

[markshaw]

I've had to fight with compuserve for 3 years now and my contract is up July of next year. Yes, I was one of those that signed the 3 year contract for $400 off a laptop, what can I say. Anyway, my DH told me last night to start checking on some prices since I do so much work on the computer he's going to go on and get me DSL. He's so sweet. He said he didn't mind the time I spend on the computer, he just hates that it's time spent waiting for stuff to load. Anyway we're on a network at work so I really don't know which companies are best. So give me your opinion. If you have DSL tell me your company and if you like the service and how much it is.

I'm so excited!!!!!!!!

Thanks!!!!!!!!!

 

[honeywolf7]

I have AT&T and I like it so far. I'm not quite sure how much it costs per month, because we haven't gotten our first bill yet and I wasn't the one who signed up for it.

 

[#1 Disney Fan]

I have DSL... I love it.

Our DSL provider is our local phone company, so since you don't live around here I can't help you out too much in terms of service and reliability since your provider choices will obviously be different. In some areas DSL is better than cable, in other areas cable might be better... I don't know the full breakdown across North America.

DSL does have perks over cable though, a big one of which is that it isn't "always on." With cable you are always connected which leaves you more vulnerable to hacker attacks. DSL enables you to "log on" each time you turn on your computer (which takes almost no time at all... *click*) and so you leave hackers less time to try to break in.

If you can get DSL through your local phone company, some even give you a bit of a deal for using them for both services. (Ours gives 5% off or something like that).

In summary... DSL... love it.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I have AT&T cable and am very happy. I do think however, that you won't have a choice of all those who may reply on this. I am sure you have a limited choice where you live. Enjoy when you get it.

 

[helenabear]

We only have one choice for DSL and one choice for cable access in our area. Our DSL service is through our local phone company and for the speed you get it isn't very good cost wise. Our cable modem is through our cable company and much more reliable, faster and cheaper. So we went with that. So my point is that DSL and Cable modem access can vary completely due to where you live. One thing that Lynne mentioned though is hacker attacks... no matter what I always think it is wise to have a firewall installed (either through a router or through software) so that won't be as much of an issue either way. You might want to ask around friends in your area to see what they have and what they like since that will help you more in deciding who to choose. Good luck and no matter what I am sure you'll love the speed!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

DSL thru Socket. Expensive, but I do LOVE it. We have looked into the cable modem thru our cable company but geesh they raised prices again. We were planning on doing phone, cable & cable modem package to save a few bucks. Our contract for DSL expires next month. Right now we have DSL & Satellite Dish.
Not sure which is the best deal for your home. It does take some detective work on your part that is for sure.
Good Luck

 

[#1 Disney Fan]

Right, thanks Elaine, I forgot to mention the firewall after I was talking about the hackers, I had meant to get to that but forgot. So yes, I totally agree with Elaine, that with either DSL or cable it is a very good idea to have at least some sort of a firewall. Zonealarm is a free software firewall that you can download off of the internet. Or, you can get a hardware firewall such as a router.

 

[Disney Doll]

SNET/SBC. Love it!!! It's usually fast!!!!

 

[Dizzy-Disney4]

We have ATT cable and in the past had Verizon DSL. Both were far superior to dial up and worth the price difference IMHO. I actually am not sure what it is we pay for the ATT cable internet because its part of a "BROADBAND BUNDLE" which includes our cable,internet and our local and long distance for about $140.00 a month. Like I said though...its worth it to me because when we had dial up after the DSL, but before the cable, I was ready to through the darn computer out the window because it seemed so slow!

 

[janette]

It's best to ask neighbors and people that live around you. One company might be great in one place but not in others. Cable or DSL can be great. I was talking to a co-worker that had just switched from DSL to Cable and was much happier with the service and know others that switched from Cable to DSL because they weren't happy with the Cable. We have Verizon DSL and are seldom down, I love it but know that not everyone has had the same experience.

 

[ead79]

I have DSL, and I LOVE it!!! I use Bellsouth, and it costs me $50 a month. Worth every penny, IMO.