Newby Wireless questions.

Can anyone point me to a page or such that could explain what I need
and how to make this work.
I am not a computer dunce, I can upgrade, install, etc. I can write
HTML, but for all that I have in me, I can not understand the Qwest
websites Wireless instructions. I don't know if it's me, or their pages
are that user unfriendly. I have also tried calling and hung up when
the guy told me.. You don't have wireless you have DSL....he didn't
have a clue what I was talking about.

Currenly we have Qwest DSL, runs into the computer through a very old
DSL modem (we've had it since the day DSL came to our neighborhood),
standard sized phone plug.
I am awaiting arrival of my new laptop, which is Wireless ready. I want
to know if I can somehow use a router or such and use both of these
computers. I am prepared for what I would need to purchase, but even
the Qwest guy was so dumb, that he couldn't tell me if one of their
newer modems is what I need.
Would I have to go wireless with the desktop also? or is there a way to
keep it as it is, and go wireless on the laptop?
Any help would greatly be appreiciated.
Thanks much,
Sandi

"Sandi" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed) oups.com...
> Can anyone point me to a page or such that could explain what I need
> and how to make this work.
> I am not a computer dunce, I can upgrade, install, etc. I can write
> HTML, but for all that I have in me, I can not understand the Qwest
> websites Wireless instructions. I don't know if it's me, or their pages
> are that user unfriendly. I have also tried calling and hung up when
> the guy told me.. You don't have wireless you have DSL....he didn't
> have a clue what I was talking about.
>
> Currenly we have Qwest DSL, runs into the computer through a very old
> DSL modem (we've had it since the day DSL came to our neighborhood),
> standard sized phone plug.
> I am awaiting arrival of my new laptop, which is Wireless ready. I want
> to know if I can somehow use a router or such and use both of these
> computers. I am prepared for what I would need to purchase, but even
> the Qwest guy was so dumb, that he couldn't tell me if one of their
> newer modems is what I need.
> Would I have to go wireless with the desktop also? or is there a way to
> keep it as it is, and go wireless on the laptop?
> Any help would greatly be appreiciated.
> Thanks much,
> Sandi
>
It does seem a bit unfair to call someone dumb when you haven't a clue what
you're talking about, haven't made any effort to look and just hang up on
people when you get confused.
I would advise using www.google.com and looking at the difference between a
modem and a router, then looking at what a wireless router is and also why
some wireless routers have ADSL modems built in.
It must be difficult for a helpline trying to advise a customer who knows it
all and will not listen, I often wonder why they need a helpline if they are
such experts.
You found this newsgroup, so try finding the answers to your own questions
or you will probably not get much help from people.

"Sandi" <(E-Mail Removed)> hath wroth:

>Can anyone point me to a page or such that could explain what I need
>and how to make this work.

How to make what work?

Start over and kindly supply:
1. What are you trying to accomplish?
2. What do you have to work with? (Hardware, model numbers,
versions, operating system, etc).

While background info is interesting, it's really not necessary to
describe how long you've had DSL, your level of expertise, your recent
support calls to Quest, and such. Just describe what you're trying to
do, and what you have in the way of equipment and software.

alt.internet.wireless FAQ (work in progress)
http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi

The basics:

http://www.tomsnetworking.com/2006/0...king_ntk_2006/


--
Jeff Liebermann (E-Mail Removed)
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558

Sandi wrote:
> Can anyone point me to a page or such that could explain what I need
> and how to make this work.
> I am not a computer dunce, I can upgrade, install, etc. I can write
> HTML, but for all that I have in me, I can not understand the Qwest
> websites Wireless instructions. I don't know if it's me, or their pages
> are that user unfriendly. I have also tried calling and hung up when
> the guy told me.. You don't have wireless you have DSL....he didn't
> have a clue what I was talking about.
>
> Currenly we have Qwest DSL, runs into the computer through a very old
> DSL modem (we've had it since the day DSL came to our neighborhood),
> standard sized phone plug.
> I am awaiting arrival of my new laptop, which is Wireless ready. I want
> to know if I can somehow use a router or such and use both of these
> computers. I am prepared for what I would need to purchase, but even
> the Qwest guy was so dumb, that he couldn't tell me if one of their
> newer modems is what I need.


Why are you calling someone dumb when it isn't their responsibility?
Quest is your ISP and not responsible for your internal network. It is
up to you to either aquire the knowledge to do whatever it is you want
or hire someone to do it.


> Would I have to go wireless with the desktop also? or is there a way to
> keep it as it is, and go wireless on the laptop?
> Any help would greatly be appreiciated.
> Thanks much,
> Sandi
>

On Sat, 10 Jun 2006 20:40:16 -0400, George <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote
in <Zq6dnS72jpPt-(E-Mail Removed)>:

>Sandi wrote:

>> Currenly we have Qwest DSL, runs into the computer through a very old
>> DSL modem (we've had it since the day DSL came to our neighborhood),
>> standard sized phone plug.
>> I am awaiting arrival of my new laptop, which is Wireless ready. I want
>> to know if I can somehow use a router or such and use both of these
>> computers. I am prepared for what I would need to purchase, but even
>> the Qwest guy was so dumb, that he couldn't tell me if one of their
>> newer modems is what I need.
>
>Why are you calling someone dumb when it isn't their responsibility?

Presumably because if the person was properly qualified then he would
have at least had a clue about networking and the ability to point the
customer in the right direction, not to mention his own products, even
if the provider isn't interesting in providing that service, unlike a
number of better providers. Think "full service" or even just "good
service" and "proper training".

>Quest is your ISP and not responsible for your internal network. It is
>up to you to either aquire the knowledge to do whatever it is you want
>or hire someone to do it.

Not necessarily. That's a very narrow and poor view of commerce. Ask
my favorite local coffee house where to find a good grinder or brewer,
and you will get both product and dealer recommendations -- they know
what they are doing, and are eager to share that knowledge with their
customers, even though they're not selling that stuff themselves. It's
part of why they are so successful.

--
Best regards, FAQ for Wireless Internet: <http://Wireless.wikia.com>
John Navas FAQ for Wi-Fi: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi>
Wi-Fi How To: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_How_To>
Fixes to Wi-Fi Problems: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_Fixes>

John Navas wrote:

>>
>>Why are you calling someone dumb when it isn't their responsibility?
>
>
> Presumably because if the person was properly qualified then he would
> have at least had a clue about networking and the ability to point the
> customer in the right direction, not to mention his own products, even
> if the provider isn't interesting in providing that service, unlike a
> number of better providers. Think "full service" or even just "good
> service" and "proper training".
>

Proper training is defining the scope of the work while on the job. And
passing on the wisdom that the last person touching something becomes
responsible for it.

>
>>Quest is your ISP and not responsible for your internal network. It is
>>up to you to either aquire the knowledge to do whatever it is you want
>>or hire someone to do it.
>
>
> Not necessarily. That's a very narrow and poor view of commerce. Ask
> my favorite local coffee house where to find a good grinder or brewer,
> and you will get both product and dealer recommendations -- they know
> what they are doing, and are eager to share that knowledge with their
> customers, even though they're not selling that stuff themselves. It's
> part of why they are so successful.
>

I do understand commerce and this is my view specifically regarding
situations as described. If an ISP gets involved recommending equipment
then there is a pretty good chance they will get stuck supporting it for
free. Thats why some ISPs offer "networking" packages for a fee. For
some reason people expect that ISPs should do stuff that is not in their
scope of work for free.

If a guy in the coffee house suggests checking out the brewers at
SmithCo he won't be in the middle.

On Sun, 11 Jun 2006 19:17:05 -0400, George <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote
in <_(E-Mail Removed)>:

>John Navas wrote:
>
>>>Why are you calling someone dumb when it isn't their responsibility?
>>
>> Presumably because if the person was properly qualified then he would
>> have at least had a clue about networking and the ability to point the
>> customer in the right direction, not to mention his own products, even
>> if the provider isn't interesting in providing that service, unlike a
>> number of better providers. Think "full service" or even just "good
>> service" and "proper training".
>
>Proper training is defining the scope of the work while on the job. And
>passing on the wisdom that the last person touching something becomes
>responsible for it.

That's actually how to turn off customers and lose business. Successful
businesses do their best to be helpful, regardless of the scope of work;
e.g., Wal-Mart, where every store associate wears a "How may I help
you?" badge.

>>>Quest is your ISP and not responsible for your internal network. It is
>>>up to you to either aquire the knowledge to do whatever it is you want
>>>or hire someone to do it.
>>
>> Not necessarily. That's a very narrow and poor view of commerce. Ask
>> my favorite local coffee house where to find a good grinder or brewer,
>> and you will get both product and dealer recommendations -- they know
>> what they are doing, and are eager to share that knowledge with their
>> customers, even though they're not selling that stuff themselves. It's
>> part of why they are so successful.
>
>I do understand commerce and this is my view specifically regarding
>situations as described. If an ISP gets involved recommending equipment
>then there is a pretty good chance they will get stuck supporting it for
>free.

Merely steering someone in the right direction isn't going to get the
company "stuck." More importantly, this was a case of apparently not
even knowing what products the ISP *was* offering: "... he couldn't tell
me if one of their newer modems is what I need."

>Thats why some ISPs offer "networking" packages for a fee.

They offer them for a fee to make money. Has nothing to do with basic
product knowledge or with being helpful.

>For
>some reason people expect that ISPs should do stuff that is not in their
>scope of work for free.

We actually just expect them to be knowledgeable and helpful, especially
when we are paying customers, but even when we're not.

>If a guy in the coffee house suggests checking out the brewers at
>SmithCo he won't be in the middle.

Nor will the ISP employee that suggests shopping at SmithCo for a
wireless router.

--
Best regards, FAQ for Wireless Internet: <http://Wireless.wikia.com>
John Navas FAQ for Wi-Fi: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi>
Wi-Fi How To: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_How_To>
Fixes to Wi-Fi Problems: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_Fixes>

John Navas wrote:
> On Sun, 11 Jun 2006 19:17:05 -0400, George <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote
> in <_(E-Mail Removed)>:
>
>
>>John Navas wrote:
>>
>>
>>>>Why are you calling someone dumb when it isn't their responsibility?
>>>
>>>Presumably because if the person was properly qualified then he would
>>>have at least had a clue about networking and the ability to point the
>>>customer in the right direction, not to mention his own products, even
>>>if the provider isn't interesting in providing that service, unlike a
>>>number of better providers. Think "full service" or even just "good
>>>service" and "proper training".
>>
>>Proper training is defining the scope of the work while on the job. And
>>passing on the wisdom that the last person touching something becomes
>>responsible for it.
>
>
> That's actually how to turn off customers and lose business. Successful
> businesses do their best to be helpful, regardless of the scope of work;
> e.g., Wal-Mart, where every store associate wears a "How may I help
> you?" badge.
>

Understand, but Walmart isn't an ISP. Thats why I qualified my position.


>
>>>>Quest is your ISP and not responsible for your internal network. It is
>>>>up to you to either aquire the knowledge to do whatever it is you want
>>>>or hire someone to do it.
>>>
>>>Not necessarily. That's a very narrow and poor view of commerce. Ask
>>>my favorite local coffee house where to find a good grinder or brewer,
>>>and you will get both product and dealer recommendations -- they know
>>>what they are doing, and are eager to share that knowledge with their
>>>customers, even though they're not selling that stuff themselves. It's
>>>part of why they are so successful.
>>
>>I do understand commerce and this is my view specifically regarding
>>situations as described. If an ISP gets involved recommending equipment
>>then there is a pretty good chance they will get stuck supporting it for
>>free.
>
>
> Merely steering someone in the right direction isn't going to get the
> company "stuck." More importantly, this was a case of apparently not
> even knowing what products the ISP *was* offering: "... he couldn't tell
> me if one of their newer modems is what I need."
>
>
>>Thats why some ISPs offer "networking" packages for a fee.
>
>
> They offer them for a fee to make money. Has nothing to do with basic
> product knowledge or with being helpful.
>

Well sure, they should try to obtain revenue for doing it and not
subsidize "free" services by charging higher rates. Also providing
"free" service ties up the customer support people.


>
>>For
>>some reason people expect that ISPs should do stuff that is not in their
>>scope of work for free.
>
>
> We actually just expect them to be knowledgeable and helpful, especially
> when we are paying customers, but even when we're not.


And should expect what we pay for. If I order lunch I don't expect a
free dessert unless it happened to be an advertised item.

>
>
>>If a guy in the coffee house suggests checking out the brewers at
>>SmithCo he won't be in the middle.
>
>
> Nor will the ISP employee that suggests shopping at SmithCo for a
> wireless router.
>

Maybe you you don't deal with many people. Most would expect support for
free because "you recommended I buy this..."

On Tue, 13 Jun 2006 09:56:55 -0400, George <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote
in <(E-Mail Removed)>:

>John Navas wrote:
>> On Sun, 11 Jun 2006 19:17:05 -0400, George <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote
>> in <_(E-Mail Removed)>:
>>
>>>John Navas wrote:
>>>
>>>>>Why are you calling someone dumb when it isn't their responsibility?
>>>>
>>>>Presumably because if the person was properly qualified then he would
>>>>have at least had a clue about networking and the ability to point the
>>>>customer in the right direction, not to mention his own products, even
>>>>if the provider isn't interesting in providing that service, unlike a
>>>>number of better providers. Think "full service" or even just "good
>>>>service" and "proper training".
>>>
>>>Proper training is defining the scope of the work while on the job. And
>>>passing on the wisdom that the last person touching something becomes
>>>responsible for it.
>>
>> That's actually how to turn off customers and lose business. Successful
>> businesses do their best to be helpful, regardless of the scope of work;
>> e.g., Wal-Mart, where every store associate wears a "How may I help
>> you?" badge.
>
>Understand, but Walmart isn't an ISP. Thats why I qualified my position.

Fair enough, but why should an ISP be different?

>>>Thats why some ISPs offer "networking" packages for a fee.
>>
>> They offer them for a fee to make money. Has nothing to do with basic
>> product knowledge or with being helpful.
>
>Well sure, they should try to obtain revenue for doing it and not
>subsidize "free" services by charging higher rates. Also providing
>"free" service ties up the customer support people.

And tends to result in more sales, making it worthwhile.

>>>For
>>>some reason people expect that ISPs should do stuff that is not in their
>>>scope of work for free.
>>
>> We actually just expect them to be knowledgeable and helpful, especially
>> when we are paying customers, but even when we're not.
>
>And should expect what we pay for. If I order lunch I don't expect a
>free dessert unless it happened to be an advertised item.

You really don't look for the kind of good marketing and customer
service that goes beyond the minimum? My favorite restaurant freely
gives out their recipes. My local coffee place often rewards good
customers with free refills. Nordstrom sales associates recommend local
cleaners and alterations. My local market hands out lots of free
samples. My local paint store recommends local painters. Big box
electronics stores send customers to Radio Shack for special cables.
They all know that kind of good service keeps customers coming, and
coming back.

>>>If a guy in the coffee house suggests checking out the brewers at
>>>SmithCo he won't be in the middle.
>>
>> Nor will the ISP employee that suggests shopping at SmithCo for a
>> wireless router.
>
>Maybe you you don't deal with many people. Most would expect support for
>free because "you recommended I buy this..."

I've run a number of tech and field support operations, and that hasn't
been a problem -- our support requests go down overall as a result of
good referrals, not up. Those questions and problems don't just go away
in the absence of good referrals.

--
Best regards, FAQ for Wireless Internet: <http://Wireless.wikia.com>
John Navas FAQ for Wi-Fi: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi>
Wi-Fi How To: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_How_To>
Fixes to Wi-Fi Problems: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_Fixes>

John Navas wrote:
> On Tue, 13 Jun 2006 09:56:55 -0400, George <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote
> in <(E-Mail Removed)>:
>
>
>>John Navas wrote:
>>
>>>On Sun, 11 Jun 2006 19:17:05 -0400, George <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote
>>>in <_(E-Mail Removed)>:
>>>
>>>
>>>>John Navas wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>>Why are you calling someone dumb when it isn't their responsibility?
>>>>>
>>>>>Presumably because if the person was properly qualified then he would
>>>>>have at least had a clue about networking and the ability to point the
>>>>>customer in the right direction, not to mention his own products, even
>>>>>if the provider isn't interesting in providing that service, unlike a
>>>>>number of better providers. Think "full service" or even just "good
>>>>>service" and "proper training".
>>>>
>>>>Proper training is defining the scope of the work while on the job. And
>>>>passing on the wisdom that the last person touching something becomes
>>>>responsible for it.
>>>
>>>That's actually how to turn off customers and lose business. Successful
>>>businesses do their best to be helpful, regardless of the scope of work;
>>>e.g., Wal-Mart, where every store associate wears a "How may I help
>>>you?" badge.
>>
>>Understand, but Walmart isn't an ISP. Thats why I qualified my position.
>
>
> Fair enough, but why should an ISP be different?

Because you have a continuous business relationship with them (you pay
them a monthly fee) so you can try and "beat them up" claiming you will
leave etc.


>
>
>>>>Thats why some ISPs offer "networking" packages for a fee.
>>>
>>>They offer them for a fee to make money. Has nothing to do with basic
>>>product knowledge or with being helpful.
>>
>>Well sure, they should try to obtain revenue for doing it and not
>>subsidize "free" services by charging higher rates. Also providing
>>"free" service ties up the customer support people.
>
>
> And tends to result in more sales, making it worthwhile.
>

But what would those sales be? Typically there is only one thing a
broadband provider has for sale. Most people probably wouldn't buy 2
connections. Lets say you pay $40/month for residential broadband
connectivity. Part of that $40 covers tech support issues for the
broadband service. Lets say the broadband provider decides to also
support stuff out of their scope. They would need to increase their
support staff (it would't be fair to have long wait times for people who
are only calling for actual broadband support) and therfore their
expenses. This would be a loosing busines proposition.


>
>>>>For
>>>>some reason people expect that ISPs should do stuff that is not in their
>>>>scope of work for free.
>>>
>>>We actually just expect them to be knowledgeable and helpful, especially
>>>when we are paying customers, but even when we're not.
>>
>>And should expect what we pay for. If I order lunch I don't expect a
>>free dessert unless it happened to be an advertised item.
>
>
> You really don't look for the kind of good marketing and customer
> service that goes beyond the minimum? My favorite restaurant freely
> gives out their recipes. My local coffee place often rewards good
> customers with free refills. Nordstrom sales associates recommend local
> cleaners and alterations. My local market hands out lots of free
> samples. My local paint store recommends local painters. Big box
> electronics stores send customers to Radio Shack for special cables.
> They all know that kind of good service keeps customers coming, and
> coming back.
>
>
>>>>If a guy in the coffee house suggests checking out the brewers at
>>>>SmithCo he won't be in the middle.
>>>
>>>Nor will the ISP employee that suggests shopping at SmithCo for a
>>>wireless router.
>>
>>Maybe you you don't deal with many people. Most would expect support for
>>free because "you recommended I buy this..."
>
>
> I've run a number of tech and field support operations, and that hasn't
> been a problem -- our support requests go down overall as a result of
> good referrals, not up. Those questions and problems don't just go away
> in the absence of good referrals.
>