September 4, 2008
You’ve decided to splash out on a new Computer to see what all the fuss is about re Emails, the Internet, Bebo, etc.. and you are wondering? which company and package to go for? Read on..
Heres some of the options for connecting to the internet:
- Dialup-up – using a lead to connect your phone line to your pc, this was the first and most common method but is being replace by Broadband. You get charged per minute and its added to your phone bill. Price : expensive if you use the internet a lot. Companies: Eircom, BT, etc..
- DSL Broadband – this also comes down the phone line but doesn’t tie up your main number and is typically ‘always-on’ meaning that whenever you turn on the pc its online. Its also light years faster than dialup and is the most common type of broadband. Price: cheapest packages available. Companies: Eircom, BT, etc..
- Wireless Broadband – nothing to do with the phone here. Typically, you get a small alarm-sized box on the house exterior and a lead from it comes in to your pc. This is also always on but is dependant on a clear line of sight (not even a leaf in the way!) bewteen you and the transmitter. Price: Mid-range. Companies: Digiweb
- Wimax – a pretty new technology not fully available yet but very similar to wireless above except that theres a greater range and it doesnt require a clear line of sight. Price: Mid-range to expensive. Companies: unknown yet
- Satellite Broadband – this is available almost everywhere but is quite expensive and may be slowish. Some packages require that you dial a number and stay on a call while you are online. The ones that dont are usually way too expensive. Price: Expensive. Companies: Digiweb
- Mobile Broadband – this is also only a couple of years old and is the system I use here in the office. Its potentially better than all the rest in that its cheap and VERY easy to install, no dishes or boxes – you just plugin a memory stick sized yoke and away you go! It can be used with laptops on the move and in a good strenght signal area i
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