Home PC and relating Questions - Help please

[Fantasia Sam]

OK

Neither Paul nor I have a clue about what we're doing here:

We have a home PC which we currently get free internet access through DELL but obviously that costs every time we dial up. I also don't seem to be able to use Outlook on this.

1) we are interested in Broadband and are looking at the Plug and go, what do you think? Is it easy to install?

2) I guess I need an ISP and would like to also go with BT so would you reckon I should get BT openworld with broadband?

3) Will that mean that I will at last be able to use Outlook with BT?

 

[GO2209]

Broadband will transform your web-browsing experience!!! It really makes a huge difference.

The 'wires only' installations are straight forward, assuming you are computer literate. However, if you are not 100% confident in your computer skills, then a package install is a better (if considerably more expensive) option.

BT Openworld is, erm, okay. I am not a big fan of BTs offerings.
Try visiting www.ispreview.co.uk for a list of other ADSL providers.

Another option is cable. Are you in a Telewest(BlueYonder) or NTL cabled area? I opted for NTL cable modem and haven't had a single problem.

The Dell service doesn't(?) provide a mail service as such (no POP3 or SMTP servers) so you have to use a hotmail type provider. Once you migrate to a 'proper' ISP you will be able to use your email programme.

 

[BevS97]

if you are in a cable area, i can recommend blueyonder - I was really impressed with them, they came and hooked it all up no bother, did a demo etc, and it has worked perfectly ever since. Wish I could say the same about my pc...

Bev

 

[Goofyish]

Another Broadband supplier to try is PIPEX, they are cheaper than BT:

http://www.pipex.net/

 

[SMAX]

I am with PIPEX and find it really good.

I also have FREESERVE ADSL at work and really cant tell the difference between them, although PIPEX is £5 a month cheaper.

 

[Fantasia Sam]

Oh god I have no idea what any onf you are talking about!!!

Here's what I want to be able to do:

Have broadband

Be able to use Outlook for all my email requirements - how do I do that???

Do I need an ISP are all those you listed ISP's?

Have cheaper phone bills?

We do not have access to cable - new housing development they couldn't fix cable for some bizarre reason.

Can anyone therefore advise the step by step process to get all of this sorted.

I am desperate and don't have anyone who can advise me, Paul hadn't got a clue and he used to be a Sales Director of an IT solutions Company....go figure!!! He did however manage to plug this PC in and fix up the printer and scanner (however he couldn't work out why the scanner didn't work, it didn't work because it can't be used with Windows millennium - and now it's too late to do anything about)

GO2209 - does this make us computer literate?? I guess we are a little.

 

[GO2209]

Okay - you want broadband...

There are many ISPs that offer ADSL, the majority use BT to actually supply the physical connection. You will only have to deal with the ISP. You place the order with them and they will take care of the rest - assuming you don't go for the 'wires only install'.

The wires only install, such as Demon Express Solo, are around £150 cheaper to install (although monthly running costs are similar). They do require some technical skills and don't include a modem. I would say that after setup fees, modem, microfilters - you won't see much change from a couple of hundred pounds.

A good information resource for adsl is http://www.adslguide.org.uk this allows you to compare some of the main ADSL suppliers in the uk.

Once you have ADSL you will be able to use outlook or outlook express (or even a good email programme!). The ISP will provide instructions on how to create email addresses and configure your mail programme.

Once you have chosen and ISP and ordered your kit (assuming the phone line passes the tests) you will be up and running in a fortnight. It is absolutely vital that you invest in some sort of firewall.

 

[Mad4WDW]

Hi Sam!

Broadband is brilliant...well worth the extra..no more 56k dial up woes and slow speeds. I am with BT adsl service, and it is very good, fast and reliable. You can sign up with BT and get the total package (modem, adsl filters, software etc) (the fact that the USB adsl modem wasnt compatible with my motherboard resulting in me having to buy an internal pci modem card has nothing to do with it!) , and you follow the easy instructions to install. Pipex also offers a very good service.

Firstly, log on to the website (pipex or bt) , confirm you're in an adsl compatible area (just a formality...you will be), then start the signing up process. they take your order and then start the process of enabling your phoneline for adsl..this takes around 2 weeks in total. If you ordered the package, it will arrive a day or two before the date that your line is "activated", then just install the modem, filters etc as described in the documentation.

I think the bt software will automatically give you the adsl connection icon and set up your browser and email settings for use with outlook or oe. (cant remember, I did mine manually. it is easy to set up email accounts in outlook or oe if you have to do it yourself, just drop me a note and I can guide you through it.

Once its all setup, its a doddle. I can help with any setting up problems you may have.

Sorry this is so long, but you did want step by step!! Hope I havent offended by stating the stuff you already knew.

btw...heres a couple of the sites to check out for more information, and possibly order:

bt: http://www.bt.com/btbroadband
pipex: http://www.pipex.net

Hope this helps.

Paul