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MG Computer Repairs - Advice

 

Q. What is Broadband or ADSL?

A. ADSL stands for Asymetrical Digital Subscriber Line.

Broadband is a more common name for ADSL and is the next generation in internet connection. Depending on the type of broadband access that you have, it is up to a minimum of 10 times faster than a dial up internet connection

There are many different service providers on the market today, some of them you may have heard of like, Telstra Bigpond, Iprimus, Optus, Hotkey.... the list could go on. It is important that you do your research before selecting a provider.



Things to Consider

1) Length of Contract (Usually 24 Months)

(The longer the contract usually you pay less fees at startup and can recieve a free modem)
Have a think about how long you are going to be where you live. Eg. If your going to move house in the near future don't sign up for long term contracts. Usually most ISPs (Internet Service Providers) will charge you a early exit fee if your not staying with them.

2) Download Limits and Extra Charges

Plans these days usually have a generous amount of data but some also include upload data in your allowance. Eg. If you are downloading a torrent and it is a 4 GB (GB = Gigabyte) download but you upload 12 GB (GB = Gigabyte) it means that you have used up 16 GB (GB = Gigabyte) to complete the download which if you only have a small limit can eat up your quota very quickly.

(Usually the cheaper plans have hidiously expensive excess usage, so the ISP (Internet Service Provider) makes extra money from you once you go over the specified limit)

3) Technical Support Assistance

(Sometimes the ISP is great when they want you to pay your money but when it comes to support they definately lack something) eg. Not there on weekends or take too long to answer the phone?

4) Bundle and Save

Some providers will give you a pretty decent discount if you have other services with them as well. Offen you can bundle things like your home phone, a mobile, Foxtel, and get something for free or reasonably discounted. So check out your potential providers website first.

Check out some of the sites below:

http://bc.whirlpool.net.au
http://compareboardband.com.au
http://www.internetchoice.com.au/

Don't forget that with all sites the may or may not have every service provider. So it is best to check with some of the bigger sites as well.

http://www.bigpond.com
http://www.optus.com.au
http://www.iinet.com.au
http://www.iprimus.com.au

Please be aware also that some ISPs do not offer ADSL2+ at all exchanges.

Click on the link below to see if ADSL is available on your telephone service.

ADSL Availability Check
Laptop

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