On 26 Apr 2006, "Matthew" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
>He is moving to a new computer and I would like to help him set it up properly.
Hopefully his new computer has an ethernet connection - if so, then a router
is going to be "plain sailing", and an improvement on USB, too, I'd expect.
>(1) Specifically I want to set the broadband connection up without the BT CD
>being used as this customises and installs all of it's own stuff. Is this
>okay and is it possible. Any help or suggestions (or will it just show up
>on the new computer as a network connction (I wish)).
If you have login details, essentially a username (like an e-mail address),
and a password that should be enough... I know some BT services don't even
need those however as they use some other means of ID - suggest using Google
at <http://groups.google.com/> and searching for "BT Broadband logging in"
and similar searches.
>The Modem is USB only - should I buy a new modem or router? What would you
>suggest? Will BT need to be told that it is a different device (MAC address
>and all that?)
As Flyer has indicated, many modern routers include a firewall (however, I'm
not sure they would necessarily be "enabled")... Nevertheless, because most
routers will work in NAT mode (Network Address Translation - it allow a one-
to-many address situation, one internet address shared by 1 to many local PC
systems) and in NAT mode, "unexpected" incoming traffic will be dropped so a
degree of protection exists without any firewall needing to be enabled - but
I'd still recommend using something like the free Kerio(/whomever it is now)
firewall on PCs, to block any "calls home"/detect some types of infection.
I'd happily suggest using either a brand new unit (eg an Origo 4-port, one
of the Safecom 4-port models, or something from
www.solwise.co.uk ). I've
happily used models from the DabsValue range (but dabs.com may now be part
of PC World so prices might rocket), Ebuyer's models (but suggest avoiding
the 1-port ADSL modem/router models - cheaper perhaps, but the ones I have
seen are compact and get a bit hot, as do some other 1-port models). Even
Ebay might be worth checking. I've had routers from various places to try
out for myself, for spares, and to lend friends (one is still out on loan,
3 years on!) 4 years ago they were around the 70-90 quid (+VAT) but now
you can pay 25 to 45 +delivery (inc VAT) for modern versions of similar
routers... Most of the ones I've bought have 4 ports allowing 4 PCs, or
more (via a hub/switch) to share the connection. Some will come with a
(short) ethernet cable, filter(s), etc, to get you started,
Watch out when checking listings that you don't get a "broadband router" in
error. There are routers used without any ADSL modem (NTL/Telewest users
have an ethernet connection from their set-top boxes or other kit, so do
not need the 'ADSL' bits... ADSL modem establishes a link with the kit
at your local BT exchange, and will normally cause the spec for a router
to show G.dmt and other standards being supported, and quote speeds of up
to 8 Mbps for downstream, and up to 1 Mbps for upstream traffic. Higher
speeds may be in the spec for ADSL 2+ kit (eg some of the Billion units
at Solwise), but won't yet be usable if the exchange doesn't give higher
than 8 Mbps service (DSL Max).
Check
www.ADSLguide.org for technical notes on ADSL and reviews of some
of the routers available. No need to go for wireless unless that's an
advantage (if you do, again use Google and look for "wi-fi security"
and "wireless security" as you could leave the router open to abuse
by any Tom, Dick, or Harry otherwise!) Good luck. Peter Morgan.
--
A few GB a month (at up to 8000 kbps) for 14.99 ? Yes!
See <http://tinyurl.com/5jpa4> I'm happy to save cash!
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