Posted on 02/15/2008 3:01:35 PM PST by Chickensoup
I have three computers and need more than one hooked to the net but with blocking for the kids. I also need a line to a computer in a different room. I am spending over 200 per month on various telecom and am not sure I need it. I need to figure out what is needed where. Who or what should I call and how much should I expect to spend?
I thought of calling a Best Buy guy who lives in our town. Is this a good idea?
The Best Buy 'geek squad' is probably the worst option. I would suggest going to your cable or phone company and discuss 'bundling' services. Not only can you save money and get a single bill, but you may be able to work out deals on equipment and instillation (if necessary) if you purchase all the products from one source.
I have broadband cable and Internet and I am not spending even close to $200. The wireless system can handle at least 4 computers. My neighbors probably use my service for free and that is OK with me.
Start here:
http://www.dslreports.com/search
punch in either your home landlide phone and or zip code, and you’ll get a range of services available.
You might be able to find a local tech to run a line if you are intimidated, it’s usually a cheapo Radioshack weekend project, alternatively you can buy a wireless router and wireless card for the one pc.
A lot of things pop up here. I don’t have an itemized list of what you are spending $200.00/mo on. You need to clearly and concisely write down what you have, how it is connected, what it costs and what you want your systems do and how. You may/may not get good help from your Best Buy/Circuit City/Radio Shack salesperson but it don’t hurt to try. I would try Radio Shack first. But you still need a list that explains who,what,where and how.
Where are you located? Different areas have different
broadband solutions available.
I live in maine in a district that has a private phone company. I currently have a regualar phone and three cells and cable internet.
What are you currently using for broadband?
Cable
What sort of speeds are you getting for your service?
Ptetty darned fast
Are you familiar with home networking? I had a network once. I currently have a little netgear box that powers my tenents computer internet. I want a line to the living room computer because I want to watch downloads. I think that they will be faster on cable line.
I am thinking of dumping the landline
OpenDNS.com has free adult content filtering that you can install on your router.
Where do you live? State and city!
I would suggest the following:
1) Install a wireless router directly connected to your broadband connection (whether DSL or cable). This router will act as a firewall and help protect from the internet bad guys.
2) Add wireless via USB to each of the distant computers to conect them to the internet.
3) Put NetNanny type software on your kids computers directly. Don’t try to route everything through one filtering box.
4) Make sure you encrypt the wireless link.
This is how I setup a friend of mine who was a computer newbie.
Oof. Ummm... No.
Ask around for a recommendation for a really good local computer builder/ computer tech. The really good ones hang out their own shingle, and won't be found in the eek squad (that was a pun, not a typo).
A one-horse guy will be reasonably well rounded, capable of running wire, working on the boxes, setting up security, etc, and will be able to advise you as to what telecom services you really need.
Anyway #4 is the correct answer.
OK.
How can I tell if one is good. I hired a guy last year to clean up my computer and save some data and 800 dollars later I find he was marginal at best. And he came well recommended.
You need a wireless router connected to a broadband Internet connection. You can put filtering on the router (depending on which router you get) or use computer-based software like Net Nanny on the kid's computer. It will be a one-time expense of $35-$100 for the router, $40 or so for the filtering software, and a monthly recurring charge of $25-$45 for the broadband Internet connection.
Correct answer to what?
Kid emergency just happened!
Will be back later
If you provide access for your tenants and charge them for it, watch out for the Telephone Police - resale of a tariffed service can land you in trouble. If you do not charge separately - likely you are OK.
If you walk around the area you live with a sandwich board saying "Free Republic Rules!" for 48 hours I will fix your systems for free.
I don't know the answer to your other questions but that one is easy. (NO).
I have broadband cable and a wireless router hooked up to it. It works great, and we can have up to 5 laptops accessing the internet with no problems. It’s a home internet cafe.
I also have this kind of system in our summer home. One router went in with no problems. With the other one, the “installation” CD didn’t work properly, and I had to get a geek to help me get it up and running.
I agree with your list except for NetNanny. I have found all adult content blocking software to be lacking and either easy to get around or easy to screw up and leave your computer unprotected.
I used to use a Netgear router with TrendMicro content protection built-in, but they discontinued that, so now I have OpenDNS installed on my router, and as a plus I don’t need to worry about recurring charges.
YIKES! Therein lies the problem.
You are doing the right thing- The best way to find the good ones is by word of mouth. One fair sign is if the one recommending is running a white box (non-brand name), and doesn't have much problem with the machine, viruses, and etc...
Very few of my clients run store-bought machines (even though I don't build them, I farm that out), and it is unlikely for me to see a client much more than their annual tune-up...
Put an ad on craigslist.com or hire somone off the site.
Hughes satellite is supposed to be out here on the 23 then I can say good-bye to dial up. We're going to get my wireless Netgear router tomorrow. That's the one they recommended to me. We have 3 computers in the house.
I'm living for the 23, I've never experienced anything better than dial-up.
What he said. CRAIGSLIST
I’m not a fan of Best Buy’s Geek Squad, but I’ve had wonderful help from “Firedog” over at Circuit City. If I go into the store, they’re great at answering my questions and walking me through the product aisles to show me what I need.
But BB is right, go in there with your needs neatly spelled out. We have two computers in the house - mine is hooked up to the Comcast cable and my son’s is hooked up to a wireless router - works like a dream and it doesn’t cost me any extra per month!
I, too, live in Maine.Am an elderly computer illiterate. Talked with my internet provider, they recommended a router, helped me connect it via telephone and I pay 29.95 by signing up for a year with payments deducted from my checking account. My daughter and grandson who live on either side of me can get my signal. (don’t know if this is legal, but noone has said it isn’t). Have broadband which is very fast compared to dial-up which I had two years ago.
Will wireless show a download from Netfix in HD without losing quality.
I dont charge, it is part of the package
If you walk around the area you live with a sandwich board saying “Free Republic Rules!” for 48 hours I will fix your systems for free.
I could do that easily! Up an down my quarter mile driveway all day.
My husband does this kind of work. I would look in your local phone book for a local guy/gal that does computer work for a living. They’ll probably give you the best service and the most for your dollar.
Husband does this kind of thing all the time. Check their credentials, though. Make sure they’re an MCSE or the equivalent on the MAC side, and ask about their education and work experience.
I’d stay away from the big box places, too. Good Luck!
I’m living for the 23
Whats the 23?
I had one of those for years.
Rotary though.
Miss it.
Local guy was not good. In retrospect he was a Mac guy masquerading as a PC Guy. Not good
Booooo! Make sure you report him to the BBB or your local Chamber of Commerce if he’s not on the up-n-up. I would.
But I’m that way, LOL!
I’m sorry, the 23rd of February.
Whole house HD DVR, phone, internet super fast.
Hook up one computer and then get a wireless router and wireless cards for all the other computers with lock outs on the kid's computer.
Click here to see if you can get it and learn more.
No. I don't work for them.
P.S. They also have a promotion on for a free HDTV.
“I am thinking of dumping the landline”
I have been on Vonage for over a year now.
I will never go back to OLD Tech Tel again.
bump
Hope this helps.
Cool. Your one neighbor that is using your wireless connection to download child porn and the others that are downloading pirated music thank you.
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