Question Please: Hi-Speed Internet

[Mike03]

These questions will probably seem very stupid to most people, but I would really appreciate some help (and I did Google on this topic but found little clarification). I recently bought a better computer that is equipped for high-speed internet and has no dial-up capabilities. I'm about ready to make the changeover to that new computer, but I'm a little bit confused about the process of upgrading to hi-speed internet.

This computer did not come with an external modem, and the hardware properties don't indicate that there is an internal modem inside the machine, so when he says it is "equipped for hi-speed" I'm not sure what he means except that he may mean there are no dialup capabilities.

I'm assuming that either 1) the people who install high speed internet will attach something to my computer or that 2) I need to purchase in advance some kind of modem before I have a technician come to my house.

One person told me that Hi-Speed runs over phone lines, and another told me it runs over a cable TV hookup...??

My second question is, do I need to have Cable for television before I get hi-speed internet? I don't have cable television, and I guess I'm worried that I won't be able to get hi-speed.

Thanks in advance!



I have three companies to choose from in my area:

NPG Cable Cablevision
QWEST DSL
Canyon Broadband

[evlbstrd]

1. It probabably means you have an ethernet card installed.

And whether you use cable or DLS (phone), you will be provided an external modem that connects to the ethernet card. You don't have to subscribe to cable TV to get internet access through a cable modem. You can get that service separately.

[Mike03]

2. That would be great news

Thanks.

[evlbstrd]

3. Look at your hardware properties again.

It should indicate an ethernet card.
Also, look at the back of the computer, where the extra slots are. If you see something like an oversized phone jack, that's your ethernet port.

[Mike03]

5. Yes, I have that!!!

Thank you, I have the oversized phone jack. Exactly.

[masshole]

4. Many newer PC's

have the "high speed internet" capability built into the motherboard (no ethernet card), so you won't see it in Hardware Properties.
You will however still see the "large phone jack" in the back.

Quest DSL works off of telephone lines. NPG will use cable, (you do NOT have to subscribe to cable TV, although you must have the cable installed to your house). Cable providers will include an external cable-modem, usually free or for a amall monthly fee.
I'm not sure about what choices Canyon offers.

I've used both DSL and cable, and all things considered cable is just far superior IMO, even at the higher cost.

[Mike03]

6. Many Thanks

You are totally correct: I have a larger than usual phone jack in the back of the computer. Thank you also for the advice on cable. I'm going to give them a call tomorrow or Wednesday.

thanks again