[SWLUG] Broadband

[P.G. Richardson]

Greetings and salutation Marcus,

<snip>

> I'm finally considering the possibility of dipping my toe in the
> customer-service-quagmire of broadband, having
> just-about-had-it-up-to-here
> with dialup. (That, and my phone call provider has hiked its prices up
> again.)
>
> I would like your opinions on what phone call/broadband provider you have
> and how good they are (and how linux-compatible they are), and what
> modem/router/firewall you have, and how linux-compatible that is.
>

Used to be with BTInternet and although pricey they had a good stable
service. Couple of friends have had technical problems but I was lucky.

Currently with Eclipse who have good reviews on the broadband consumer
choice webpages (youswitch was one of them i think).
Pros:
  - A lot cheaper than BT
  - Not a big ISP like tiscali so dont get the server load or tech problems
  - Real unlimited broadband between midnight and 7am
  - Pay for the service and no extra rubbish like yahoo's version of IE

Cons:
  - Have to pay for extra services like email. Basically, you get a
hosting deal from them if you subscribe. Seeing as I already do that
elsewhere, I didnt have a problem.

Easiest way to avoid any modem problems is get an ethernet ADSL router
(30-60+ quid). If you ensure you get one with a web interface then it is
platform neutral and can connect more than one computer. Usually have
built-in firewalls as well.

My pennieth

Paul

-- 
Laws are partly formed for the sake of good men, in order to instruct them
how they may live on friendly terms with one another, and partly for the
sake of those who refuse to be instructed, whose spirit cannot be subdued,
or softened, or hindered from plunging into evil. [The Laws, Plato]