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How To Prepare Your Home For Dial-up
1. A computer. In order to use dial-up you must make sure not only that you have a computer but that it is going to work with your dial-up service. Some ISP's do not require that you install any software to get connected, so just about any computer would work. However, if they do require that you download their software or run a CD to start their service, you need to make sure that their software is compatible with your service. For example, your computer may not have a CD drive if it's a compact laptop. Or perhaps you have an older operating systems like Windows 95 or 98. Many installations are not compatible with these older computers. If you have a Mac or Linux computer, you must make sure that the ISP will be compatible with it, or it might not work. If you are using the modem that came with the computer you have to make sure that the modem is installed or updated enough that it will not cause slow connections. Check with a computer technician if you are not sure there is a modem or that it's in good working order. 2. A modem. If your computer does not have a modem, or you wish to use a separate external modem, make sure that it is the correct type of modem. It must be a dial-up modem--broadband modems will not work. Also make sure that your modem is going to be compatible with the services you would like to have on your dial-up. For example, if you would like to add an Internet Call-waiting feature on your dial-up service, you need to have a V.92 standard computer. Otherwise you will not be able to be notified of incoming calls while you are online. Also, if the modem is not in proper working order, for example, it is missing it's latest driver software or has been damaged or corrupted, you will not be able to use it. Thirdly, if the modem is too old and does not have the latest standard, it may not connect as fast as a new one would, so if you know your modem is not V.92, you may need to get a new one so you can get better connection speeds. 3. A land-line telephone. This means your phone line must be an analog phone--cable phones, digital phones, and (usually) cellphones will not work. Dial-up uses analog phone lines because of how it converts and transmits information. It's just like a normal telephone. If you try to use dial-up on any other type of phone, you will get an error connecting because the modem cannot detect the analog dial-tone. Check with your phone provider if you are not sure if it is compatible to dial-up. Also, keep in mind that you will not be able to use your phone and the Internet at the same time, so if you wish to keep your phone line free for telephone calls, you may need to add a second line to your home. However, if you don't want two lines, simply add call waiting and caller ID to you land line and if you have a V.92 modem, you should be notified of incoming calls while you're online. 4. A telephone cord. This may sound silly, but some people do forget about this step. In order to have Internet through dial-up, you must have a phone cord attached from the back of the modem or the back of your computer to the phone jack in the wall. You might want to get a splitter so your phone line can share the phone jack with your computer, or you might be able to connect your computer to your phone or vice versa, using the "line in" and "line out" jacks on the phone or on the back of the computer. Another important thing to keep in mind is that your telephone cord needs to be as short as possible. Any cord longer than 6 feet could affect your ability to connect to the Internet, or affect how fast you can connect. The longer the cord the more likely you are to have slow or dropped connections. Also, you may need to get a back up phone cord in case the cord you intend to use is damaged. If you buy a new modem, an extra phone cord is usually included. Now that you have all your supplies ready, all you need to do is call to order the Internet service and connect right away! Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Internet access is available as little as for $6.95 a month in the US and Canada. Sign up online or call 1-800-456-3118. |
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