Applied for ADSL and looking forward to it.

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Scubi

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Hi Guys,
First thank you for a great forum and it seems there is alot of help at hand. :)
I have applied for ADSL a couple of days ago and after reading comments on this forum, I have a few question.

1. I am going to look for a Modem & router combined. Comments made say not to get a USB Modem. Would recommendation a Modem/Router. I do have a ethernet connection on my PC. Also I want to connect my daughters PC aswell.

2. I am alittle worried after reading that when you have ADSL your PC will be like an open door for people to spy etc ?? I latest Nortons Antivirus & Spyware. Is Nortons sufficient ?? ie: When one does Internet banking.

3. Is +- 20m too long to the second PC using a network cable ?

4. Could someone give me the setting for Mweb which will be my service provider or is everyone different ?

I hope this ADSL is going to be worth it compared to dialup

Thanks guys
 
Hi Scubi

EDIT:
Almost forgot. WELCOME TO THE FORUM. HOME OF THE PREVIOUSLY (AND CURRENTLY) DISADVANTAGED TELECOMS USERS OF SOUTH AFRICA
/EDIT

1. Go with a D-link or Netgear Router. I prefer D-link, but Netgear is fine too. The Dlink models I currently sell to my clients are either the D-link DSL-504T ADSL router or DSL-G604T wireless ADSL router (built in wi-fi for notebooks). Except to pay about R700 and R1100 respectively.

2. ADSL is no more unsafe than Dial-up. The only difference is that you are exposed for longer periods. First thing I would do is dump the Norton. It makes you PC slow and does not work. I have had to clean about 5 PC this year alone with invested Norton’s. Get something like AVG free antivirus or MacAfee Antivirus. Most of my clients run either of those 2 and I very seldom have to remove viruses from their PC's. VERY IMPORTANT: Makes sure you PC's do their Updates. ULTRA IMPORTANT: Don't do something stupid; stay informed about the latest scams and tricks.

3. Standard CAT5e UTP cable can run up to 100m. However, try to keep the wire away from electrical wiring and electrical appliances. They will cause interferance. If that is not possible, go for the slightly more expensive STP (Shielded) CAT5e cable.

4. The best thing to do is to phone Mweb's helpdesk so they can assist you in setting up your router. In preparation, have the router make and model number ready. Unlike some other ISP's the Mweb technical support are actually trained to be able to help you.

Compared to Dial-up ADSL will blow your mind... until you hit your cap. When that happens, come back here and join the rest of us.
 
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1) i am not sure what you are asking....
2) Yeah keep the anti-virus updated but also enable the firewall on your ADSL dial up connection or on your router.
3) 20m is not too long as far as i know most cables can do 100m+
4) i am not sure what seetings your are referring to? connection? mail?
 
Scubi said:
Hi Guys,
First thank you for a great forum and it seems there is alot of help at hand. :)
I have applied for ADSL a couple of days ago and after reading comments on this forum, I have a few question.

1. I am going to look for a Modem & router combined. Comments made say not to get a USB Modem. Would recommendation a Modem/Router. I do have a ethernet connection on my PC. Also I want to connect my daughters PC aswell.

2. I am alittle worried after reading that when you have ADSL your PC will be like an open door for people to spy etc ?? I latest Nortons Antivirus & Spyware. Is Nortons sufficient ?? ie: When one does Internet banking.

3. Is +- 20m too long to the second PC using a network cable ?

4. Could someone give me the setting for Mweb which will be my service provider or is everyone different ?

I hope this ADSL is going to be worth it compared to dialup

Thanks guys
Click to expand...

Firstly - Welcome to our community :)
1. I was stupid enough to get a USB marconi modem - STUPID STUPID STUPID...
2. Dont touch Norton - there are better solutions. get a nice firewall package and get AVG free - works fine for me!.
3. 20m should be fine, NO?
4. Can't help you there - but you're making a HUGE mistake to use Mweb - they are just dreadful!. - I urge you to do your homework regarding ISP's and who offers what. Choose Wisely like you would choose your modem/router!
 
Hi Scubi

I agree, the modem/router combination is definitely the way to go. Do you require wireless connectivity?

Have a look at the Billion routers - I'd go for the 5102 4-port router (R598 on DigitalPlanet.co.za) or the 7202G wireless 4-port router (R812). I know that MWEB actually sells the Billion 7202G on their members shop so you might wanna look their as well.

Good luck :)
 
Hi Scubi...and welcome!

I have the Billion 5102 modem/router and it works well. Got it from Digital Planet (go to www.5fm.co.za first and look for the "Mystery Discount" banner on the right of their site and click to get an 8% discount voucher).
 
Thank you for the replies, I knew this would be a great forum.

Wow, I thought Nortons was the best on the market, well I think I will take the advice and load Macfree.

If Mweb is not good, can you suggest another ISP and one where I can buy extra Gigs when I need it ?

I can see I will be posting many more questions once I have my ADSL.

Thanks guys for you prompt replies.

Scubi
 
Scubi Mcafee & Norton - Same evil

The problem with them: They both are really great (norton is better) however they BOTH slow down your pc terribly. you will notice your processor is running hotter than usual and your programs will take longer to open, gaming will be slowed.

AVG doesnt hog memory too badly, infact my processor is running normal with this enabled. Too many people will tell you the same as i have. There are other alternatives to AVG aswell, however AVG is the only one i know of atm. that has a free edition that does well with regards to virus detection, email scanning and removal.
 
Scubi - look at Imaginet as an ISP - can get extra bandwidth in 100Mb increments instead of 1GB.
 
Hi Scubi
Try cybersmart.co.za the prices they offer are very reasonable and extra gigs do not cost an arm and a leg.
I applied in December last year and am still waiting for telkom.

You could run a Linux firewall, which is very easy to set-up and runs on old hardware like a p2 400 MHz with a 5-10 gig hard drive and two network cards.
There is a lot of good info on a "smoothwall" (Linux firewall) box, and the site is really helpful and user friendly.

Do a bit of searching on google for firewall's etc.

I bought a D-link DSL-504T router, which has an in-built firewall and is dead easy to set-up and run. :)

With regard to the other tips you have been given, they are all good ones. Take the advice offered and ditch norton, get Avg or something else.

I use nod32 an Australian product which I find works well for me.

Search first, ask second :)
 
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