cable internet

I am having Comcast hook up a cable modem tomorrow. How is the modem hooked
to my computer.Win 98 g6 350 I do not have an Ethernet plug on my system

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27 weeks to go , but who is counting
Gary and Karla , that's who !

On Mon, 17 Nov 2003 18:17:15 -0500, "Gary Lawrence"
wrote:

I am having Comcast hook up a cable modem tomorrow. How is the modem hooked
to my computer.Win 98 g6 350 I do not have an Ethernet plug on my system

Gary and Karla, You have to install an ethernet card in your computer
which is connected to a cable modem via an ethernet cable. The
comcast cable is hooked into the cable modem.

I would suggest getting an ethernet card either from comcast if they
supply them or get one that comcast recommends. Same goes for the
modem... don't buy one, rent it from comcast at least for the first
few months to see if everything is going to work and then if you
decide you are going to stay with comcast for a long time, buy the
modem. Reason... they know which cards and modems are compatible
with their setup. I found this out when researching adelphia
broadband before getting on... A lot of people were having problems
because they went out and bought cards and/or modems that were not
compatible with adelphia's way of doing things.

Going broadband also means that you are going to open up pandora's
box, so to speak. You will now be vulnerable to every evil on the
web. You will have to get real serious about Safe Hex. I suggest
setting up behind a router even if you are only running one computer.
Reason, router's built in firewall protection against incoming
boogers. Next, install a software firewall to supplement the router's
incoming booger firewall and to firewall your outgoing traffic.
Finally install real-time virus protection.

Costs:
Ethernet Card $9
Modem Rental (I pay $3/month)
Router (D-Link DI-604 for $19.95 after rebates)
ZoneAlarm has a great free firewall (Upgradeable to Pro)
AVG has a great free Virus protection utility (upgradeable to Pro)

BTW, Don't let them do a USB setup because I have heard horror stories
about this type of setup not to mention lower up/down speeds achieved.
Go for the Ethernet Card setup.

Regards,
Thomas


We can't get anything done in this
town because of this Constitution.
Hillary Clinton

The coax cable itself will hook to the modem and the modem will then connect
to your pc via usb or network card.
Definitely go with a network card instead of a usb connection, if possible.
A lot of providers will install a network card for you, but you may pay a
little more for it than if you went and bought one.
USB would get you by in a pinch, but it is not the preferred choice.
Unfortunately, it is usually best to get the modem from the provider (they
usually cost quite a bit more) or at least ask them if they have a list of
'approved' modems if looking in to buying your own. Rent theirs for awhile
or just buy it - that might save some hassle, but lose a couple of bucks.
Sometimes the convenience is worth it, though.
I use zone alarm (the free version) and have had no problems at for firewall
issues. I have run multiple different security checks and the zone alarm has
kept things very secure. Antivirus would be suggested or at least go to
nortons web site (www.sarc.com) and do online scans frequently.
Ad-aware and Spybot will also come in handy for knocking out any spyware
that makes its way in or has already made a spot for itself.
Good luck.
Jeff S.


"Gary Lawrence" wrote in message
.. .
I am having Comcast hook up a cable modem tomorrow. How is the modem
hooked
to my computer.Win 98 g6 350 I do not have an Ethernet plug on my system

--
27 weeks to go , but who is counting
Gary and Karla , that's who !

Gary,

I got hooked up to Charter Pipeline internet two years ago, and I love it.
You will need a network card in your PC. The cable modem connects
wit the network card. Charter was nice enough to provide a network
card at no charge (I suspect a lot of new subscribers don't know that
they need one). For security, a router will provide an essential firewall
for your "always on connection." I also use Zone Alarm (the free version
is bug-free). Since you will be on 24/7 a good anti-virus program with
frequent updates will be more important than ever. After you get hooked
up, surf on over to www.grc.com and click on "Shields Up" to find out
how secure your system is. Thanks to my SMC wireless router, I am
"invisible" to others on the web.

27 weeks to go , but who is counting...

By the way, 27 weeks until what?

Scott

Gary Lawrence wrote:

I am having Comcast hook up a cable modem tomorrow. How is the modem hooked
to my computer.Win 98 g6 350 I do not have an Ethernet plug on my system

--
27 weeks to go , but who is counting
Gary and Karla , that's who !