Help! computer semi-illiterate

[Jesse]

So I'm skipping a few generations of technology and going from dial-up to broadband over the powerlines. What is the hardware requirements? recommendations?

The base service is 256k with an option for 1g - I have a pc, a playstation3 (which I also know little about) and a soon to be roomate with a laptop.

Router? N? Brand?

other questions I should be asking?

Thanks

Jesse

[Bodo]

256k is comparable to basic DSL. It should be enough for you, unless you're really into the file sharing/movie swapping thing. Your computers and game consoles will work fine on it. Check with the company about router recommendations.

[indypartridge]

... broadband over the powerlines.

other questions I should be asking?

Our local electic co-op has been experimenting with this since 2004 with mixed results. They are on their 3rd generation of hardware and haven't expanded the program beyond a few hundred subscribers because it's still considered an experimental pilot project. I've not had it but a friend of mine did for awhile. He said when it worked, it worked great, but he ended up canceling because of too many problems, too much down time.

I'd ask how long they've been doing this, how many customers they're serving, reliability (uptime %), etc. See if you can find & talk to others who have the service - what has their experience been?

[Jesse]

This is a new endeavor for the community. They started last spring installing the equipment on the power poles. There have been some problems with getting kicked off in the past; my aunt has the service and things have settled down in the last few months. I choose to do broadband over the powerlines for a few reasons.

The startup cost is $99 with no contract - I talked to a friend that got wireless through the dialup provider I currently have and she said the initial set-up was $500 with a one year contract. I don't want to have to pay for a landline connection - My wife and I have cell phones with a pretty big plan and don't feel like paying another $30 a month. My cell phone provider also does wireless internet ($99 start-up), but you have to sign a new 2-year agreement to get it and we are moving (again) in 8 months.

Satellite is way too expensive and I would need a landline. So I'm pretty much stuck with trying the broadband. I don't want a long contract, huge start-up cost, or landline connection.

I will talk to the power co-op about which hardware they recommend - I was just wondering what other questions I should ask? again, wireless router? ethernet cable? etc.

Thanks for your help so far,
Jesse

[Bodo]

You don't need a landline with Sat anymore....

[HAB]

A Satellite would be my choice. Especially if I knew I would be moving. Here set up is free and its only $39.00 a month for the basic package. And if you move they will set it back up in your new location (once a year) for free. And it just as good as a basic cable modem, except for games.:)

[crazytranes]

If you have a laptop, I would recommend a wireless router, it will help w/ security. Even if you don't have a laptop, if your new roomate will have one, I would recommend it. It will make things easier for the roomate to connect at the same time as you.

However, when (if) you set up the wireless, be sure to put a password on it. I get free wireless internet at my house because my neighbor (I do not know which one) has not put a password on their wireless internet. Sometimes they even have the gall to USE their internet, which slows down MY connection speed! :waiting:

Beyond the above advice, if you are not a technical person I would advise that you learn how to set up the network. That way, when it breaks, you can fix it.