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Upgrading from dial-up to DSL
I currently have dial-up internet service from Earthlink. I am considering upgrading to Earthlink's DSL service. Earthlink says that they will provide a DSL modem, filters, splitter, and self installation instructions.
My computer does not have a network interface card which I assume, but am not 100% certain, will be required if I go with DSL.
How do I determine what NICs are compatible with my PC?
Are some NICs better than others?
Are there substantial risks to installing a NIC?
Does a NIC require any software?
Is there any reason to believe that DSL will not work with my computer?
I am not a complete computer idiot. I just installed additional memory from Crucial, but I am having difficulty determining where to start the evaluation of installing a NIC.
Dimension XPS T450
Pentium III 450 MHz
352 MB RAM
Windows 98se
Internet Explorer 6.0 SP1
Thanks.
Midnightbandit9
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June 18th, 2005 17:00
klbf
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June 19th, 2005 01:00
barkupatree2002
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June 20th, 2005 01:00
Thanks.
I checked out the Linksys website and found that they have very detailed documentation on the installation of their network interface cards and software. The instructions for installing the software are a little bit intimidating, but I think it can be done.
Do you know if I will still be able to use my dial-up connection after the installation of the network interface card and software or does the installation, or attempted installation, of those items somehow disable the dial-up settings on my computer?
barkupatree2002
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June 20th, 2005 01:00
klbf
My ISP, Earthlink, said that they would provide the required modem, but beyond that they did not provide any additional details about it.
lydthekid
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June 20th, 2005 22:00
barkupatree2002
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June 22nd, 2005 22:00
lydthekid
I am glad that dial-up capability will not be lost as a result of installing a network interface card and making other adjustments for DSL service -- just in case the transition to DSL doesn't work. I think that Earthlink, my ISP, offers a limited number of dial-up hours with their DSL service. I need to confirm that.
Thanks for the reply.
acmbgifts
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June 23rd, 2005 00:00
barkupatree2002
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June 23rd, 2005 16:00
acmbgifts
O. K. I will check out Verizon, my local phone company, in addition to Earthlink, my ISP.
Thanks for the idea.
yogi2005
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July 1st, 2005 16:00