going from modem to broadband ?

Question

Hi I am on a modem at the moment and want to go broadband, do I need a ethernet connection on my pc and if so what does it look like on the rear of the pc as I may well have one.
With thanks
Brian

Answer 1

It depends if you are getting Virgien Media, Orange etc etc and what type of broadband modem you will get (yes, you get another broadband!). They normally come with a USB connection anyway.

Answer 2

Ethernet is the best connection method if that's possible. The other answer describes the port well enough, so I won't go over that again. You can also use USB if necessary, but it will require you to install the drivers for your specific broadband modem. When in too much doubt, go for a professional installation, even if you have to wait for a promotion; if they don't set it up for you right, they have to fix it either over the phone or by sending another technician.

Broadband describes both DSL and cable modems. There are some speed differences in most areas, and while cable modems will usually work in all neighborhoods where the local cable company provides video service, DSL may be available for one house on a block, but not the one next to it, depending on where the rest of the equipment is located.

I strongly recommend that you check with any local service providers for either DSL or Cable Internet to find out what their minimum system requirements are -- and then call them up and ask what Operating Systems they support. Since Microsoft stopped supporting Windows 98 SE at all about a year ago, many providers will not support it either and you can wind up with no assistance if you have problems with settings on your computer. Linux is not commonly supported by ISPs either, although it's not likely you're running that one.

Oh, and when you get set up with the new hardware, download the ISP's security software if they offer any. It may not work perfectly for your PC, but they can usually get you special tech support for it, or at least it's better than nothing while you figure out what other maker's security software to try. A good Firewall and antivirus program are essential once you've got all that speed, much more so than with dial-up, because you're always (more or less) on. A good anti-spyware program or two (they play well together, where 2 firewalls or 2 antivirus programs won't) is also helpful.

Just a couple things to consider, from someone who does high speed internet tech support for a living... Good luck with the transition, and I hope you really like the difference in speed.

Answer 3

You will need an ethernet connection on your pc to use broadband, however some broadband modems offer a usb connection which will also work fine. An ethernet connection looks like a larger telephone jack. It's known as an RJ-45 connector and has eight wires rather than the four wires in a standard telephone connection (RJ-11)

Answer 4

Hi

You have a number of options open to you and it wil all depend on the device that you are using to connect to the internet - ADSL modem or ADSL Router.

Generally the modems will conenct to your PC via USB - this is a flat type of connector and this will then work in exactly the same way as you are working at the moment, and you will need to dial up to the internet when you want to connect - you have basically just replaced your 56k modem with a much faster device.

The other option that you have will be to use a router and this will give you an always on type of connection meaning that you dont need to dial up - its always connected. Again, you will have a number of connection options available depending upon the model of router that you have - USB, wireless or RJ45. The RJ45 is a small square 8 pin cable. It may also be referred to as a network or ethernet cable.

This is the best way to attach if you have that option available to you.

Answer 5

You have a modem that plugs into the phone line, dials out with dial tone and a bunch of other weird noises - right?

If so, then you don't have Ethernet.

You may have Ethernet on your PC if you PC is relatively new. Ethernet uses an RJ45 port, which is similar in appearance to the RJ11 port used by a telephone. RJ11 has 4 or 6 pins (telephone uses 4). RJ45 has 8 pins (Ethernet uses 4).

The Ethernet port would most likely have two LEDs associated with it. Link and Activity.

The sure fire way to tell is to go into network properties and see if it shows "local area network" unplugged in the list. That would mean you have an unused Ethernet port.

Answer 6

It's best to have an Ethernet connection...it's looks exactly like a larger phone port (like on your modem). Most broadband modems can also be connected to a USB port, but it doesn't work as well in my experience.

Answer 7

you dont NEED an ethernet connection, u can run broadband from a usb port

Answer 8

http://library.webster.edu/pcguide/images/laptop_network/ethernet_port.jpg

on the left thats an ethernet port

u can use a usb modem, a lot ship them , but a adsl/router is better as it has a hardware firewall.. i use a netgear 834 and you can add an additional 3 pc's or wireless one..

http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/116649

or you can get cheaper, but that one suports gigabyte ethernet.

Answer 9

similar to a phone socket but larger. most pc and laptops have it and if you dont, it means your computer is now an antique

Answer 10

Welcome to broadband bhappy No mate your modem what they send you should have all the relevent cables with it. Good luck and welcome again to this super fast highway.