Thursday - May 10, 2007

DSL Setup (lesson learned: forget DSL, GET CABLE!)

I was back helping Sam Heer, this time setting up her new DSL line, which I had order for her the week before.  She already had a fax/dsl line and another phone line in her workplace.  Because she already had accounts with SBC (aka AT&T aka YAHOO!), and a voice line with no data/DSL being used, we just order a new DSL line for the existing voice line.  The tech who worked here before me had previously ordered a Quest Quick (HAHA) Installation Kit.  Bad idea.  First, there was already an unused wireless router/dsl modem in the office!  Secondly, SBC would have sent someone out to set up the whole thing for FREE!  Nevertheless, I got the new wireless router (2wire) set up, with the DSL and a MacBook connected.  However, SBC didn't provide us with any login/password.  The setup CD they provided didn't work for SBC, although it did apparently seem to work for MSN DSL and Quest DSL.  So, I had to call SBC.  ** I learned something new here, if you say you have a Mac (as soon as you can), they give you to an English speaking American, instead of the PC techs who were overseas.  Yet another Mac bonus! ** Long story shorter, after about a hour I got the correct user name set up and working fine.  But because the SBC registration web site didn't work with Mac web browsers, the e-mail address couldn't be set up online.  Luckily, Sam had absolutely no need for another e-mail address, so my time with SBC was finally over!  Sam agreed, next time, GO WITH CABLE!  I've personally had cable internet for about 10 years and I love it.  I have VERY few problems, especially compared with DSL, and just forget about dial-up (sorry Paul and ).