DSL People- looking for some opinions!

[MarkRG]

I'm looking at getting DSL service. Have already looked at DSLreports.com, and admit to coming back more confused than when I went there. I have narrowed it down some, but still have too wide a number of choices, but don't see anything much different between any of them.

What I intend to do: Network the connection to 3 desktop pc's and a laptop on occasion.

I want total self-install, so I know how it works so if it screws up I can correct it here.

I do not have a home network setup at the moment, and will do so once I understand what type of setup is most compatible!

So, anyone have one of the following?

• SBC Yahoo - we have their dialup service now as the result of a merger with Prodigy. I DO NOT want to lose the configuration I have, including the webspace provided as part of the merger. Anyone go from dialup to dsl? I really want to know!
  
• Earthlink - am also looking at them, and maybe even this startrek.net, but really don't want anything 'customizing' my pc.
  
• Covad - thought they were not a direct provider?

Any information here would be very helpful! I want to do the above a painlessly as possible!

 

[Wishydoo]

I have DSL and I love it, but I don't have any of the providers you mentioned.

Just bumping for you.

 

[Minnie824]

We just got SBC Yahoo DSL and was able to install on my home machine and work laptop pretty simply and it works great. We also have 3 computers that we need to network. We bought linksys router and adapters (all wireless G) but we have not hooked it up yet. The DSL part, when using it one computer at a time is pretty simple. I'm dreading the network part, but at least we know we have all the parts needed at the moment. Check out www.linksys.com and it may help. I was so overwhelmed at first, but now not so much....thats only because we didn't do the network part yet! Good luck.

 

[zulaya]

Mark--- DSL is totally worth it. DH works for an ISP and he networked our whole house - kids rooms and all the computers here in the office. We don't use any you have, but DH has mentioned Covad and they are not a direct provider per se. I'll have him log on later today and see what he can tell you.

 

[adamak]

As long as the company is delivering 'stable' DSL service, it shouldn't matter which company you go with. If you go to DSLReports.com, just read reviews from your area, and see what average speed people are getting IN YOUR AREA by each company. Make sure the actual average speed is close to what they promise.

If you use multiple PCs, you should see if the DSL is giving you static IP or dynamic IPs. E.g. if the DSL company is giving you only 1 dynamic IP, then you'll have to buy a router to make the 3 PCs worked together. More money if compared to another DSL company who's willing to give you 3 free static IPs.

And I think the most important aspect is to make sure they don't drop the line intermitently. Verizon and AOL broadband is famous for doing that. Earthlink has bad reputation in NYC, but not sure in your area.

 

[Eeyore2U]

I have Earthlink with one other computer networked. I had AOL. Earthlink for me is Mercedes. There service is top notch. I highly recommend them.