Gran has a laptop...where do I start!

addicted2shoes

My 80 year old Gran has bought a laptop, now wants me to get her on the internet

Laptop box says 'wifi compatible' on it.
She has a BT homeline.
I rang Virgin media but she is not in a cable area.

Can someone point me in the right direction of where to start please, Im unsure if she would need a dongle or a router, Im not too good with all this and I have nobody to ask!

Thanks everyone!

madmackhunter

I woulsd seriously go to argos get a 3 dongle for £29.99 (now reduced)
set up within 5 mins!!only £10 per month pay as you go

benjus

She has two options:

• ADSL broadband delivered via the BT line to a modem/router with Wifi support. Her laptop can then be configured to connect to the router's Wifi signal. (http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/phones/cheap-broadband)
• 3G broadband delivered via the mobile phone network to a dongle attached to her laptop. (http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/phones/cheap-mobile-broadband)

Personally I would prefer the ADSL option, as I find the connections are generally faster, more reliable and cheaper. You can get a Wifi router supplied with the broadband connection or buy a basic one for around £20-30. If you prefer not to have a long contract you can get a month-by-month contract for about £13/month.

I do use a 3G dongle as well, but I use it when I'm away from home, and I wouldn't really want it to be my only internet connection. People usually use 3G either because they want mobile access or because they don't have broadband available or don't want to sign up for a BT line.

Rikki

If you have a mobile with o2 you could have unlimited broadband with them for £7 ish a month.

456789

Rikki wrote: »

If you have a mobile with o2 you could have unlimited broadband with them for £7 ish a month.

if you are in an LLU enabled area

check here: http://www.samknows.com/broadband/search.php

Rikki

456789 wrote: »

if you are in an LLU enabled area

check here: http://www.samknows.com/broadband/search.php

The results are inconclusive. What is Local Loop Unbundling (LLU)?

Local Loop Unbundling is the process by which third party network operators are able to install equipment in to BT telephone exchanges in order to provide their own services without having to touch BT's network. Only the copper pair from the exchange to the premises, which remains the property of BT, is used by the third party.
There are numerous reasons why an operator may wish to partake in LLU.

1. Firstly, BT tend to be very conservative in the services which they offer to end users. For example, BT's fastest broadband product is currently 8Mbps, whereas Be Unlimited have had a 24Mbps product available via their LLU network for over two years now. Operators such as Be use LLU as a means to offer high speed services in selected areas (typically the areas with the highest population density).
2. LLU is also used by many providers for cost savings. Instead of having to pay BT for it's IPStream products and access to the BT Central backhaul services, LLU operators can utilise their existing network and points of presence (POPs). Of course, the LLU operators still have to pay BT to house equipment in the BT telephone exchange. ISPs such as Pipex and Orange use LLU purely for cost saving purposes.

It is also important to note that those ISPs that do use LLU will almost certainly use BT Wholesale's IPStream products as well (in order to provide national coverage). This often leads to confusion, and you want to want to read this FAQ item as well.



I am with a provider which the main site says in unavailable to me. You need to read the above.

456789

http://www.samknows.com/broadband/llu-operator/be

Be/O2 very kindly provide the site with daily updates of their unbundled exchanges list.

devizes18193

while i admire your 80 year gran ,I would get broband via the telephone at home . Mobile broband can be up and down coverage wise depending on network .
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1198280/Mobile-map-shows-large-swathes-Britain-internet-dead-areas.html?ITO=1490
This is a case in point , Gran is going to have a learning curve as it is , why make it harder . Personally mobile broband is ok for backup not for main use unless your time is limitless.