New Internet User

polybear

Hi, I've just purchased a packard Bell computer and intend to use it for broadband internet access. I already have NTL telephone/tv via cable, so this is an obvious option. I do have a BT line to the house also, but this is unused at present. Can anyone give any recommendations regarding the following please:
1. Internet provider using the NTL cable - only NTL?
2. Internet security requirements. Assuming I use NTL, will their "included" security features be sufficient, or will I need more, such as MacAfee or Norton?
Any other general advice will be much appreciated also.
Thanks.
Polybear

deary65

Have a read here:
http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/

Fedz

Most logical is to use NTL as your already a customer.

Using BT would mean also having the phone as you have to have an active phone line (number) to have adsl on a BT line.

NTL have upto 10MB broadband (if available in your area) so in effect you could be downloading at just over 1MB.

If and when NTL bring your cable modem and complete the wiring they'll also give you a CD. Whatever you do do not use it!
Instead goto:
The NTL online CM registration site.
This will allow you to register your CM and account on the network without the need to install the CD.
Despite not been registered yet - you are allowed to the CM register site.

A few good sites to get you into ntl broadband are:
NTLworld.
Robin Walkers' NTL CM Troubleshooting.
ChetNet.
Nthell:world.

Regarding the ntl internet security suite - some like it, some don't - I hated it!
IMHO your much better off with Kaspersky Anti-Virus Personal - this is only £24 per year and has a 30-day trial.
It isn't just an anti-virus but also is for adware, spyware, hijackware ...etc. - I highly recommend it.

Hope this helps.

peter_the_piper

Wheras you can get all the anti-virus/adware/spyware protection for free. See the sticky at the top of the techie forum. Remember not all anti-spyware/adware progs remove all the same problems, thats why some people have more than one. Do not use more than one virus program or software based firewall. Win xp firewall is not as good as a standalone program and should be turned off AFTER you have downloaded one of the recommended ones. Its just a matter of choice.
Peter

polybear

If and when NTL bring your cable modem and complete the wiring they'll also give you a CD. Whatever you do do not use it!
Instead goto:
The NTL online CM registration site.

Thanks for the replies so far. One question: why not use the CD? Thanks.
Polybear.

black-saturn

One word of warning though. There are many people who have had lots and lots of problems with NTL. A search on this board will reveal just a few of them. Keep this in mind before you decide to have your internet with them.

Fedz

polybear wrote:

Thanks for the replies so far. One question: why not use the CD?

It was years ago I used and I understand from forums and newsgroups that ntl still give this CD to new customers despite it being hughly unpopular.

It has various programmes that run in the background that can and are considered intrusive by most customers. NTL give the impression this CD is required but it simply is not and everything can be done without it by simply going to the ntl CM register website as outlined in my previous post - without the need to install anything.

It is known for popping up various alerts and ntl branding - none that are required.

It was called 'CorrectConnect' and I understand it still is.

It is supposed to be monitoring your connection and recording the details for any future use should you need support.

It isn't required as everything can be done by rebooting the modem and or calling support who can and do reboot remotely also, they can test your modem remotely - so in effect renders the CD useless in real terms.

The CD does take you through the sign-up process on-screen but, like I said this can be done anyway by going to the ntl CM register site without the need of the CD.

Hope this helps.