PebHmong Discussion Forum
Hobbies & Interests => Computer & Technology => Topic started by: Reporter on December 30, 2011, 07:25:15 PM
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I am trying to sign up for an internet and I asked the sales rep if the account comes with a modem or some kind of wireless accessory so that I could connect my home computer with my work computer within 10 miles apart. She said "..it comes with a modem. You can pick up a router to make it wireless..."
What does she mean? What are those two things: modem and router?
Yeah, I'm a novice.
Thanks.
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Jimmy explained everything up there 4 u Reporter, but if you're still confuse, I'll help make it easier...
Modem
(http://www.build-your-own-computer.net/image-files/modem.jpg)
Router
(http://reviews.cnet.com/sc/21218238-2-440-front-2.gif)
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reporter,
in a nutshell,
a modem is an internet box that connects to your phone line. you connect your pc (hardwire) to the modem to get the internet.
a router is a box that connects to the modem so you don't have to hardwire to the modem to get internet. the router is the wireless bridge between your pc and the modem.
advice, go buy a two-in-one box; modem and router.
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So, three replies and I know everything:
Phone jack/line<-->1 Modem<-->1 WAN port<-->1 Router<-->1 LAN port<-->many devices into many jacks on the LAN port or router.
There are two-in-one modem/router combos. Wow!
Looks like I'm going to need the net provider to sell me the modem to connect to the internet. Then the rest will be my choice whether to expand to more devices or to try to access office from home.
I'll get the modem first and show you guys the picture on here so I know whether to pay for a router, too, or not. Stores have those 30-day trial or return policies. If I make a mistake, I'll return what I've bought within a week or so.
Thanks, Jimmy, Midnight and slude.
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Eh...if you are going with Comcast (cable)...the all-in-one Zoom 5350 works pretty good. Modem/Router with wireless and a few ports for wired connections... ..Bestbuy stocks them....or save a few bucks from Amazon or the like. ;D
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Eh...if you are going with Comcast (cable)...the all-in-one Zoom 5350 works pretty good. Modem/Router with wireless and a few ports for wired connections... ..Bestbuy stocks them....or save a few bucks from Amazon or the like. ;D
So, you are saying I can get a modem separately without buying it from the internet provider like Comcast, Qwest or Pop communications and the like?
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1) Does all account come with a modem? Yes. You have to lease or buy.
2) Can you connect home to office? No. Qwest or Comcast only sell internet connection and does not provide IT administration so you can access your files at work or home. Buy a laptop; it's cheaper. You can try PCAnywhere to attempt to do it...but if you just needed file hosting, then the easiest way is to send your files to gmail or obtain network space using FTP.
Sounds like I'm going to have to buy internet service for office and then separately buy internet service for home, too, then, right? Paying for two internet services for one person's use...haha...m akes sense but not so economical.
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Narrowing down to Comcast and Qwest. Qwest provides up to 12 megabits of net service for a reasonable price. Comcast can go up much higher, like 40 megabits or something for a reasonable price. I wonder if 12 megabits would be enough for my purpose. I want to google, sometimes access youtube videos, and also just do emails and use a legal research database and a legal software for case filings. Nothing fancy. Maybe the youtube videos might need more megabits?
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So, you are saying I can get a modem separately without buying it from the internet provider like Comcast, Qwest or Pop communications and the like?
Yes. Make sure it's an approved device aka one that will work with the service.
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Narrowing down to Comcast and Qwest. Qwest provides up to 12 megabits of net service for a reasonable price. Comcast can go up much higher, like 40 megabits or something for a reasonable price. I wonder if 12 megabits would be enough for my purpose. I want to google, sometimes access youtube videos, and also just do emails and use a legal research database and a legal software for case filings. Nothing fancy. Maybe the youtube videos might need more megabits?
12 mbps is going to be plenty for what you are doing (assuming you just have no more than a few computers connected). However, if the cost is roughly the same it may be easier for you to go with the vendor that can grow with you just in case you require more bandwidth in the future.
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I am trying to sign up for an internet and I asked the sales rep if the account comes with a modem or some kind of wireless accessory so that I could connect my home computer with my work computer within 10 miles apart. She said "..it comes with Thanks.
I noticed you are looking to connect your home and work PCs. You could invest about $1,000 on the proper hardware and do a site-to-site vpn between your home and office. You will need static IPs on both ends (will probably need to pay $20-$30 more per connection), two Cisco ASA 5505 applicances ($400/each), and two cheap modems (<$100 each). This is if you need full time site-to-site connectivity.. .if not there are a variety of ways, depending on your needs and requirements.
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But he's just doing simple office document. Can't he just pay $6 per user + office 365 software and an internet connection?
Sure he can if that will meet is business needs....he could even go as far as using Google Docs...it's free...up to a point. Also, if he wants to ge real cheap just purchase a data plan with tethering and use it to hop to the internet when at home or work.... ;D
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Our ASUS router just came in yesterday and we placed it in already, so now I can now go 150mbps (my laptop's max) compared to 60mbps before. His laptop can now go 300mbps. :D
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Our ASUS router just came in yesterday and we placed it in already, so now I can now go 150mbps (my laptop's max) compared to 60mbps before. His laptop can now go 300mbps. :D
Is that to the internet? If so, too bad PH is probably throttled to just a few kbps per connection. ;D
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Is that to the internet? If so, too bad PH is probably throttled to just a few kbps per connection. ;D
Yes, and I know what you mean. lol
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Our ASUS router just came in yesterday and we placed it in already, so now I can now go 150mbps (my laptop's max) compared to 60mbps before. His laptop can now go 300mbps. :D
you should go to http://speedtest.net/ and test. i doubt you are that fast.
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just for comparison, heres my result.
(http://www.speedtest.net/result/1691035994.png)
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you should go to http://speedtest.net/ and test. i doubt you are that fast.
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you should go to http://speedtest.net/ and test. i doubt you are that fast.
Very true.
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No way is that is to the internet unless it's a business plan and if it is for a business and you're using an Asus, time to hire a new IT department. :D 150Mbps is almost OC-3 specs.
Just because you establish a connection to your AP at these speed doesn't necessary means you will get those data transfer rate and 90% of the time, you don't take advantage of it anyways. Seriously, for the average user, how many people transfer files from one machine to another on a DAILY basis? I do it about once a month only for backup purpose. 90% of my traffic is going to/from the internet using my devices.
True. I don't take advantage of it to matter, but the bf does, that's why we have it. Also, he does transfer a lot of files. :)
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I am trying to sign up for an internet and I asked the sales rep if the account comes with a modem or some kind of wireless accessory so that I could connect my home computer with my work computer within 10 miles apart. She said "..it comes with a modem. You can pick up a router to make it wireless..."
What does she mean? What are those two things: modem and router?
Yeah, I'm a novice.
Thanks.
Many of our friends here are correct about explaining the difference between modem and router. However, there is one crucial thing to remember that a lot of the time if you get DSL modem, you have to configure your router with the pw and user name that your service provider provide, else the router won't work.
For a cable modem, you just plug and play.
And most of the time (99%), the DSL or Cable modem is provided by your ISP and it is mostly not a combo of router and modem. At least I have not seen it, perhaps some providers started this but I am not aware of this from where I live.
Another note, DSL has very low speed, I would go with Cable.
Good luck.
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Yes. Make sure it's an approved device aka one that will work with the service.
I'll check into it. Thanks.
I noticed you are looking to connect your home and work PCs. You could invest about $1,000 on the proper hardware and do a site-to-site vpn between your home and office. You will need static IPs on both ends (will probably need to pay $20-$30 more per connection), two Cisco ASA 5505 applicances ($400/each), and two cheap modems (<$100 each). This is if you need full time site-to-site connectivity.. .if not there are a variety of ways, depending on your needs and requirements.
I don't want to spend too much. Not over 1K. No.
12 mbps is going to be plenty for what you are doing (assuming you just have no more than a few computers connected). However, if the cost is roughly the same it may be easier for you to go with the vendor that can grow with you just in case you require more bandwidth in the future.
Comcast is almost twice as much. So, it's whether I want 12 mbps or 40. Specifically, Qwest offers $83.00 per month for 12; Comcast offers $130.00 for 40. When I said "reasonable," I meant $130.00 might be reasonable for 40 mgbz.
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Here's a quick assessment.
1) How many computers will be networked?
2) How many users will be using your internet?
3) What are your expectation in how the internet will be used when networked? Put anything down...Be illustrative about what your ideas are.
If you have <=5 users, i suggest everyone get a laptop and have a FTP server to share files. FTP servers are VERY easy to setup. I can set one up in a matter of minutes. Another option is to buy more service and get Office 365. This allows collaboration. .if you want file hosting then buy one similar to PH, but you'll have to learn how to use it...basically this filing hosting is just a FTP anyways.
if you have > 5 users, maybe consider something more costly but I don't see why spend the $$ for something you may not need.
In terms of ISP, get comcast...unle ss you like Qwest because cable is faster than DSL.
We have fewer than 3 people and no more than 3 computers will be networked here.
Yes, it does seem that Comcast will be much faster.
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O0 O0 O0 O0 O0 Yeah googldocs is a great idea...You hear that reporter try googledocs it's FREE
Yeah, I heard that. I use them sometimes. But we have to make sure they conform with current laws. So that takes a lot of revising and editing.
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Our ASUS router just came in yesterday and we placed it in already, so now I can now go 150mbps (my laptop's max) compared to 60mbps before. His laptop can now go 300mbps. :D
Wow! 150? That's fast.
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Many of our friends here are correct about explaining the difference between modem and router. However, there is one crucial thing to remember that a lot of the time if you get DSL modem, you have to configure your router with the pw and user name that your service provider provide, else the router won't work.
For a cable modem, you just plug and play.
And most of the time (99%), the DSL or Cable modem is provided by your ISP and it is mostly not a combo of router and modem. At least I have not seen it, perhaps some providers started this but I am not aware of this from where I live.
Another note, DSL has very low speed, I would go with Cable.
Good luck.
Thanks. That makes Comcast a more likely choice. I'm still talking to them.
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Laptops for 3, 1 file server with a FTP server installed. It'll cost you 3 laptop + 1 server + $60 per month. The server can be cheap too....no need to buy some fancy HP/DELL blade server...Just an old desktop lying around. Next step is getting your buddy to install and properly configure so you can see each other. I don't think you need active directory so we can shelf the idea of Windows Server. That just increases the complexity of your network.
You've still given me your wish list of what exactly you want to do...It'll help us understand if you need Windows Server or not...Which I doubt it.
I want to be able to do the following:
1. Westlaw--that's our electronic legal research database
2. Google
3. Youtube videos or some media access so I can watch court sessions live or recorded sessions and sometimes movies.
4. Software uses--various softwares will be used, e.g. conflict tracking, bank account, client database.
5. PDF--need conversion from other files into PDF files for security when forms or documents are emailed to others.
6. Word processing--typing letters, memos, etc.
7. Forms--creating legal forms so that they conform to formats generally used in the particular courts-e.g wills, health directives, etc. Sure, forms can be bought and downloaded from the net or legal document stores. But, again, the forms must be verified so that they are up-to-date. That's what I meant by current laws.
We have the computers already. We just need to get the right kind of net connections. By the end of this month, I should have everything or most things in place.
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You have everything you need. Get a router. You didn't even list file sharing or collaboration. ..I suppose that is done with a USB stick so CHECK..DONE... Get a router and $60 ISP from comcast.
Wow..interesti ng. I'll see. I'm most concerned about the PDF conversions.Bu t that sounds great! I'll check my printer set-ups. And, no, we are not sharing files. Only one lawyer. The others are nonlawyers, so we aren't sharing files. But when we do, we do it through USB. That's right: USB.
$60? That's a great saving. What do I request to get that? Just an ISP or something?
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http://www.cutepdf.com/products/cutepdf/Writer.asp
Click on the above link.
1) Click on FREE DOWNLOAD and follow the installation.
2) Make sure to install Ghostscript and converter too.
3) When you print next time, select CUTEPDF instead of your normal printer and it will convert to PDF.
The alternative to this is to buy ADOBE Professional which can cut and paste, import and export PDF to word and back and forth. Not necessary if you need PDF for ensuring record safe. If you truly need SECURITY, you may have to buy Adobe professional which allows you to digital imprint...so again depends on what you need.
NOTE: FYI...PDF encryption scheme was broken a while back so it's really not that secure anyways...what is secure these days right? But again, PDF is usually accepted as a record...it takes some knowledge outside the normal to do so.
Dowloading that isn't going to jam up my computer, is it? Like making it slower? And, no, I don't want to have to buy ADOBE Professional for my work at this point. Maybe in the future. But what I do now, any type of PDF will do.
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Reporter,
I do not recommend any application I do not personally use ;) It's installed on all my computers.
There is no malware, no adware, etc..., just good wholesome application to print a word document into PDF.
OK. Thanks. I'm convinced that it's trustworthy.
Now, if I do the portable internet via Comcast, will I get similar speed as I would if I got a stationary kind of service?
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I don't know what portable internet is. Sorry. ???
I thought there is a chip or something that you take with you and you just put it on your computer and you get wireless service anywhere. That's what I mean by portable. Isn't there something like that?
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Yes, I think that's what I meant. I have never used them before, just heard about them. When 8v10oun30sun said to do the $60.00 ISP from Comcast, these came to mind.
I might be better off getting some landline or cable then. Thanks.
author=JimmyNeutron link=topic=269683.msg3703585#msg3703585 date=1326937093]
Are you talking about one of these?
(http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia/360_demos/vzw_lte_usb_551l_modem_new/size_compare.jpg)
This is what I have and use. It'sa 4G USB modem that I can plug into my laptop and get internet access almost anywhere.
It's great, but no, it won't be as fast as your home/office internet and there's a 2GByte data limit. Anything above that, and it cost extra $$$.
[/quote]
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I've looked at a few providers and also thought much about all of your suggestions on here. I finally came down to Comcast. Final installation was today! But after activation installation, my printer no longer can receive prints from our computers that never had problems sending prints to this printer before. Comcast says the printer has to be re-configured but that Comcast isn't an expert on that. lol...maybe I should change to a different expert.
But for now the speed is 29.89 mbps for downloading and 12.75 mbps for uploading. Good enough?
Thanks to all of your suggestions. Comcast's rep will return to see that all cables are connected to see if the printer may receive print orders. If that works, I'll stick with Comcast for the next 3 years. I'm sick and tired of slow speeds and so I want a provider that's reliable so that I won't have to worry about just getting the computers to work one way or another. I want to focus my attention on other issues in my business, e.g. expanding, etc.
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I've looked at a few providers and also thought much about all of your suggestions on here. I finally came down to Comcast. Final installation was today! But after activation installation, my printer no longer can receive prints from our computers that never had problems sending prints to this printer before. Comcast says the printer has to be re-configured but that Comcast isn't an expert on that. lol...maybe I should change to a different expert.
But for now the speed is 29.89 mbps for downloading and 12.75 mbps for uploading. Good enough?
Thanks to all of your suggestions. Comcast's rep will return to see that all cables are connected to see if the printer may receive print orders. If that works, I'll stick with Comcast for the next 3 years. I'm sick and tired of slow speeds and so I want a provider that's reliable so that I won't have to worry about just getting the computers to work one way or another. I want to focus my attention on other issues in my business, e.g. expanding, etc.
You may need to re-install your printer. If you used DSL before, the configuration is a bit different. Because the internet got turned off and you have no service provider and the router assigned new ip address. Your printer most likely got a new ip address and it can't communicate with your computer due to that. So all you need to do is uninstall and reinstall and you are good to go or in some cases, you just got find out what the ip address of the printer is, go into your computer and change the ip address of the the printer configuration. Good Luck.
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You may need to re-install your printer. If you used DSL before, the configuration is a bit different. Because the internet got turned off and you have no service provider and the router assigned new ip address. Your printer most likely got a new ip address and it can't communicate with your computer due to that. So all you need to do is uninstall and reinstall and you are good to go or in some cases, you just got find out what the ip address of the printer is, go into your computer and change the ip address of the the printer configuration. Good Luck.
That's what happened. The internet got turned off and then turned back on again after Comcast activated its connections or something.
Thanks. I'll try to see if I can uninstall the printer.
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I've been able to uninstall the printer.
Thank you, all! I have Comcast running now. It's not as fast. But should be ok and better than the 1.8 megabitz I used to get.
I'm not networking the computers yet. Not sure if I want to share things in this office. So, I'm not working on that yet at this time.
Again, thanks.
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i should just get myself my own modem so i wouldnt get charge for that monthly crap from TWC i mean for 7bucks a month for two years that i've had it already adds up anyways O0