Posted on 02/15/2008 3:01:35 PM PST by Chickensoup
I have three computers and need more than one hooked to the net but with blocking for the kids. I also need a line to a computer in a different room. I am spending over 200 per month on various telecom and am not sure I need it. I need to figure out what is needed where. Who or what should I call and how much should I expect to spend?
I thought of calling a Best Buy guy who lives in our town. Is this a good idea?
The Best Buy 'geek squad' is probably the worst option. I would suggest going to your cable or phone company and discuss 'bundling' services. Not only can you save money and get a single bill, but you may be able to work out deals on equipment and instillation (if necessary) if you purchase all the products from one source.
I have broadband cable and Internet and I am not spending even close to $200. The wireless system can handle at least 4 computers. My neighbors probably use my service for free and that is OK with me.
Start here:
http://www.dslreports.com/search
punch in either your home landlide phone and or zip code, and you’ll get a range of services available.
You might be able to find a local tech to run a line if you are intimidated, it’s usually a cheapo Radioshack weekend project, alternatively you can buy a wireless router and wireless card for the one pc.
A lot of things pop up here. I don’t have an itemized list of what you are spending $200.00/mo on. You need to clearly and concisely write down what you have, how it is connected, what it costs and what you want your systems do and how. You may/may not get good help from your Best Buy/Circuit City/Radio Shack salesperson but it don’t hurt to try. I would try Radio Shack first. But you still need a list that explains who,what,where and how.
Where are you located? Different areas have different
broadband solutions available.
I live in maine in a district that has a private phone company. I currently have a regualar phone and three cells and cable internet.
What are you currently using for broadband?
Cable
What sort of speeds are you getting for your service?
Ptetty darned fast
Are you familiar with home networking? I had a network once. I currently have a little netgear box that powers my tenents computer internet. I want a line to the living room computer because I want to watch downloads. I think that they will be faster on cable line.
I am thinking of dumping the landline
OpenDNS.com has free adult content filtering that you can install on your router.
Where do you live? State and city!
I would suggest the following:
1) Install a wireless router directly connected to your broadband connection (whether DSL or cable). This router will act as a firewall and help protect from the internet bad guys.
2) Add wireless via USB to each of the distant computers to conect them to the internet.
3) Put NetNanny type software on your kids computers directly. Don’t try to route everything through one filtering box.
4) Make sure you encrypt the wireless link.
This is how I setup a friend of mine who was a computer newbie.
Oof. Ummm... No.
Ask around for a recommendation for a really good local computer builder/ computer tech. The really good ones hang out their own shingle, and won't be found in the eek squad (that was a pun, not a typo).
A one-horse guy will be reasonably well rounded, capable of running wire, working on the boxes, setting up security, etc, and will be able to advise you as to what telecom services you really need.
Anyway #4 is the correct answer.
OK.
How can I tell if one is good. I hired a guy last year to clean up my computer and save some data and 800 dollars later I find he was marginal at best. And he came well recommended.
You need a wireless router connected to a broadband Internet connection. You can put filtering on the router (depending on which router you get) or use computer-based software like Net Nanny on the kid's computer. It will be a one-time expense of $35-$100 for the router, $40 or so for the filtering software, and a monthly recurring charge of $25-$45 for the broadband Internet connection.
Correct answer to what?
Kid emergency just happened!
Will be back later
If you provide access for your tenants and charge them for it, watch out for the Telephone Police - resale of a tariffed service can land you in trouble. If you do not charge separately - likely you are OK.
If you walk around the area you live with a sandwich board saying "Free Republic Rules!" for 48 hours I will fix your systems for free.
I don't know the answer to your other questions but that one is easy. (NO).
I have broadband cable and a wireless router hooked up to it. It works great, and we can have up to 5 laptops accessing the internet with no problems. It’s a home internet cafe.
I also have this kind of system in our summer home. One router went in with no problems. With the other one, the “installation” CD didn’t work properly, and I had to get a geek to help me get it up and running.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.