changing from dial up to broadband

[bobtheduck]

what is the process in simple terms

[Mattk]

choose your provider,contact them,sign with them they will send you a bb modem which you set-up and in 10 working days you will be broadband ready.

the difficult part is choosing the provider ! i'm with wanadoo and all their packages are now 1Mb lines(providing you are in range - this can also be checked on suppliers webbies)  

[j2buttonsw]

There are two common broadband solutions: ADSL, which requires an ADSL compatible telephone exchange, and cable which is provided by a cable company (ntlworld or telewest). If you have cable TV then ask about having broadband. If you are able to use ADSL, you need to subscribe to a broadband provider (BT, AOL etc) who will upgrade you telephone line and provide you with an ADSL modem and telephone filters. If you go for cable they will install a special cable and provide the cable modem. In both cases you usually link the modem up to your computer using USB then run the software that is provided.

[Scarlett]

I can recommend AOL! They sent me the gear, I installed it (yes- ME!! I amazed myself), and then a couple of days later it was set up. It was just a matter of plugging the new modem into the computer (removing the old one) and plugging it in to the phone line. The CD they sent told you what to do step by step, with pictures. I also phoned their free helpline when I wasn't sure what I was doing was right.

Then you sign on as normal, only everything happens REALLY fast, and you don't hear any dial-up noises. Your phone line is free to make and recieve calls. It's great!

[bobtheduck]

scarlett is it easy to plug in? because thats what would get me :)

[Mattk]

one thing ive always been told is never go with AOL !!!!!!

[Mattk]

ps what scarlett has listed will be the same for any broadband package as they are all basically the same

[Scarlett]

If I can plug it in, anyone can!! It really is very easy. The CD they give you (AOL 9) shows really big, step by step pictures of what to plug in where and when. I also had their helpline to phone when I wasn't exactly sure what I was doing. It is basically just plugging things in and clicking on "next" !

[jfreire]

You may choose ADSL Service.

ADSL (Analogue Digital Subscriber Line) is a technology that allows the use of the traditional telephone line as a broadband access (speed depends on the length and quality of the line).
Filters have to be installed at both sides of the line (telephone exchange and subscriber side).
The lower frequency band is used for the telephone service and the higher frequency band is used for the data service. In this way both services may me used at the same time.
At the subscriber side, the data output of the filter is connected to the PC through an ADSL Modem and the low frequency output is connected to the telephone set.
The same way, at the telephone exchange, the low frequency band is delivered to the phone exchange while the high frequency band is connected to the ADSL equipment.

When you have ADSL service at home, all the other telephone plugs need to have a low pass filter to avoid the high frequency ADSL signal disturbing phone service.

When you subscribe ADSL service to an Internet Service Provider you get all the filters, ADSL Modem, SW to be installed on your PC and installation instructions. The installation is simple and can be done by you.