broadband for macs

glyn_3

Hi, first posting here so hopefully won't be too spoddy! i've read through all the moneysaving tips for broadband and they basically don't apply to macs,
anyone got any ideas?
Glyn

Joe_Bloggs

What makes you think they don't apply to Macs ?
J_B.

culpepper

we have a mac machine that OH sometimes connects up to the existing network.It can access the broadband internet just the same as the windows machines ,im on Linux at present and that accesses it fine too.He didnt even have to set anything up just plugged it in and away he went.
Do you perhaps mean the setup software for broadband routers are not mac specific?

newfoundglory

Driver support for Macs is very good (it has all the drivers already built in basically). It would only use a driver if you were connecting to mac directly to something like a USB broadband modem. If you are connecting it to a router via ethernet you won't need anything. Ethernet is platform independent, and OS X comes with Samba which is Windows networking for Unix (OS X is Unix underneath) anyway... so you should have zero problems... don't let BT or any other broadband provider tell you otherwise!

glyn_3

Sorry, I probably wasn't being clear. I rang Demon and Tiscali, they said the offers didn't apply to macs, or they didn't support them. The £17.99 Bt package became £24.99 when I mentioned that it was for a mac. Mac-ace said they were to busy to take new business. I spoke to tiscali again and they said they can do it but there was no backup support.Madasafish just crashes my computer so I have no idea what they do. Aol, ah Aol... they say they don't do broadband for OSX. I'm hoping Ukonline is a winner...their automated system said they would ring back within 24 hrs..
Glyn

Joe_Bloggs

@Glyn
If you get your own ASDL modem/router/firewall your ISP won't know or care what you have connected. You will just be a number to them. Many broadband companies want to give us hardware that they will take back if you change companies. This hardware and drivers are often platform dependent. This is often not the best or most convenient equipment for your needs so take advice and shop arround.
Many Mac users are perceived as total mugs that will pay for anything. Hence the price hike. Stick with this site and wiser council will prevail on this topic.
J_B.

ajbaker

You can use any broadband service with the Mac. Support may be an issue if you ever require it, but quite frankly, expecting support from any of these companies is insane. Head on over to forums.macnn.com if you ever need support.

Do not go for a service which offers free equipment, or buy a USB broadband modem. You will have trouble as USB is not designed for networking. Buy yourself a good quality Ethernet ADSL modem - they are more expensive but will save you so much hassle.

If you need any more info, please post here or send me a PM.

pengers

I have a mac with ADSL router and have used Demon for years and they are reliable and their help service has been good. However they are not cheap and at present I pay 24.99 for a basic home system. They say I could change to a 19.99 package but it could take up to 2 weeks to change me over and I would be without broadband for that time.

glyn_3

hey thanks to all you out there thats really useful advice!

patflanel

There are LOTS of mac friendly ISP's out there. Demon are the preferred Apple ISP (Probably because of some cash tie-up). Freedom2Surf have a very good reputation for support with Macs. Have a look at https://www.adslguide.org for some help. There is a Mac forum where you can ask questions, but I would advise a search for the answers first. There is a good thread there at the moment with exacly the questions you have asked. One thing is for sure DO NOT USE A USB ROUTER WITH A MACINTOSH

daveessex

I have a Mac with OS X 10.3 Panther (soon to be Tiger!) - I used Demon for 2 years with the free ADSL modem they provided and never had a problem. Good reliable service (even Apple recommend them!). However I found them expensive and switched my broadband provider to adsl4less last December for £14.99 per month, 30 day contract (I think they also charged £14.99 for migration from Demon). I timed it so that I switched from Demon to ADSL4Less at the end of my Demon contract period. I only lost my connection for about 3 hours the day of the switch. I have had no downtime since on my Mac, I save £10 a month over Demon (and I don't get those annoying monthly invoices in the post every month) - I TOTALLY RECOMMEND ADSL4LESS WITH A MAC