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Newsletter #3 - Internet Services |
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Hello, |
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As our issue last month on Back-ups was too long to read in one sitting,
we decided to continue dedicating each month to one topic,
but send out the articles one at a time. Hope that makes it easier to digest. |
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Basically, what we were trying to get across last month:
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This month, our burning issue is
How to get better, faster, cheaper internet service. |
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You need to get on the internet, transmit and receive information online... get your email.
That's what an Internet Service Provider (ISP) does for you.
A few of our clients are still using a dial up. This first article is for them: an intro to broadband.
But by far, "survey says..." most businesses around San Diego are using cable modem service. So, more on that later, and expect regular updates on what you need to know about Cox and PacBell ISP services.
Next time, Bob answers your questions on to the new kid on the block, wireless internet service. |
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Broadband decisions driving you nuts? I don’t have all the answers, but I have some info for you. Cable is by far my choice for the convenience and cost. Upside is, if you’re in an area where cable television is available, internet access is generally a snap, and the cost usually pays for itself in freeing up or deleting the need for a second phone line. Downside is the users are on a local loop that share bandwidth. More users = slower speeds, cable companies can cure that with a greater number of smaller loops. [So it does pay to complain to Cox or SBC when your service is poor... squeaky wheel syndrome.] Where there’s no cable, perhaps DSL? DSL is an option but it still runs over plain old telephone lines (POTS). Your phone and your internet traffic on the same lines, separated by filters. Upside is lots of homes have phone lines, downside is the lines were not laid with data traffic in mind. Line upgrading is done by the company that owns them and generally that’s not the same as the DSL provider, lots of finger pointing. Another problem is location, location, location, the subscriber needs to be a prescribed distance from the central office or telephone switch, usually 15,000 to 18,000 feet, cause the wire is laid not as the crow flies. When DSL works, it works fine but there still is no way of predicting the conditions of your lines and how long it will take to set up. No phone lines? There’s Satellite. Upside is that, theoretically, any PC owner with electricity and a clear view of the southern sky can enjoy satellite service, if they can find an installer. Those in a rural areas where cable won’t be for years and may never get DSL can benefit from satellite. Disadvantages are the high setup and monthly charges, the weather effects the service reception, and a relatively low data flow. Try www.broadbandreports.com or www.pcmag.com/broadband for providers and customer feedback. Research thoroughly and pick which service will best suit your needs. Clients should feel free to contact me with any questions. |
| peace. J |
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