internet co. down (mid)

rachel_green

Hello all

I would like to get the internet in my house and I'm wondering if anyone can give me advice please.

I have searched other threads on this forum but am still confused.

I would like any advise on what supplier to go with, was intending to go with BT until I read about the phorm stuff (thanks D. A. for bringing this to my attention).

I would be interested in Sky but would only be able to get Sky connect at £17 / month.
Whats this like?
What is wireless really mean and what about security on this?

Thank you

Rach

Awec

You can go with any ISP that uses bt wholesale.

I was with idnet (idnet.net) for a few years and I can recommend them.

Wookey

Wireless is simply a broadband router/modem which instead of using a cable to connect to your pc it will do it by using wireless. Wireless is ok to use as most modern routers will use some form of encryption which can be turned off/on. It will also have connections for using cables to connect if you so wish, most can connect 4 pc's seperately.

It is possible for someone to use your wireless connection if it is left unencrypted, using the normal encryption will keep the "honest" person out, if your in a heavily built up area then it would be wise to take advice on ensuring your wireless connection is as secure as possible. If you or family are intending to use PC games then an encrypted wireless connection isn't ideal and you should use a cable to connect to your router. Hope that all makes sense:)

clickclash

Wookey wrote: »

Wireless is simply a mobile broadband router/modem which instead of using a cable to connect to your pc it will do it by using wireless. Wireless is ok to use as most modern routers will use some form of encryption which can be turned off/on. It will also have connections for using cables to connect if you so wish, most can connect 4 pc's seperately.

It is possible for someone to use your wireless connection if it is left unencrypted, using the normal encryption will keep the "honest" person out, if your in a heavily built up area then it would be wise to take advice on ensuring your wireless connection is as secure as possible. If you or family are intending to use PC games then an encrypted wireless connection isn't ideal and you should use a cable to connect to your router. Hope that all makes sense:)

Most broadband suppliers wireless signals arent strong enough for you to connect through someone else walls though :rotfl:

cheqmate06

Have a wee look at this as all you need to do is either enter your postcode or telephone number and it will give you available internet providers in your area including price plans and duration of contracts.

http://www.moneysupermarket.com/broadband/

amandajim36

i recently changed to 02 only £7 a month as ive an 02 mobile phone. they have been great would recommend them

Sor

Well, I've been with plusnet.com for many years now and have never had any problems with them and have and would recommend them. I live in Killyleagh. They've changed their prices recently and I think they have gone up, but they're probably still reasonable and comparable with other providers. I vaguely remember reading somewhere that they are somehow part of BT but not! Better than BT internet though. You can even switch to plusnet telephone as well and from what I've heard from friends they have no problems with this (basically same service as BT but you are billed from plusnet and deal with them instead). Looks like they've got uSwitch award/number 1 listing so that's good. Any time I've rung customer services (to ask questions for other people!), they have been great.

I You can get a wireless modem from plusnet when you sign up and I suspect most internet providers will do this. Whether it is free or not will depend on the package you choose. You can, of course, buy a wireless modem yourself. I think I'm using a netgear dg834g which is super easy to set up. But I'd check out if you get one 'free' before buying this as it seems to have gone up in price to about £50! The 'free' modem should do a good enough job and if it doesn't then you can go buy a different one once you've tried it.

Wireless - when you're setting up your modem you'll have the option to broadcast your signal or not (ie let other people see that you have (wireless) internet), but you can set up a password so only people you trust can connect into your internet. Obviously, best to not broadcast and then also to set a password. Once this is done initially you shouldn't really need to make changes to it.

Then you want to get some form of internet security for your computer which is going to deal more with virus and unwanted annoyances. There are various free packages available which I'm sure someone will mention as I can't recall any of the top of my head. I'm using kaspersky and haven't had any problems with that (I won a free copy).

Hope some of this helps.

Paddy2eyes

I too would recommend plusnet. I have used them for a few years at both home and work. Their home package, with a free wireless router, is currently £5.99 a month which is very competitive. Any problems which I have had have been dealt with quickly and efficiently.

rachel_green

Thank you all for your replies, I was thinking about AOL also (I'm sucker for brand names and advertising)!!:rolleyes:

I has never heard of plusnet before but their current home package is certainly attractive.

Is there any perks for recommending a friend? (Me being the friend)

Paddy2eyes, where are you from, is it also in the sticks like me?

Rach

Sor

I think stay away from the big brand names! I wouldn't even think about AOL.

Yes there is a perk for recommending plusnet. Slight discount on the subscription for the recommender. (though that is not why I recommend plusnet)

Killyleagh is probably more in the sticks than Castlewellan!

Paddy2eyes

Plusnet is owned by BT so thay are a major player. One major factor affecting the performance speed of your broadband is the distance form your exchange, so there isn't going to be that much difference between providers on that front. In the three or four years I have been with plusnet, I have rarely experienced any interruotion to service. I did once have a fault on the line and they were very good at sorting it out and keeping mr informed of progress. I'm up in Ballymena hey and get as good speeds as I need for normal use.