Modem - PCI or USB?
Martin
Could any one tell e newbie thicko which is better a PCI modem or a USB one.
Both have their advantages and disadvantages from what I can see and I need
some one with experience and knowledge in this new magic to help me to
decide which to get. All help will be gratefully received.
Martin
Smudger
"Martin" <Mar...@daleyfamily.co.uk> wrote in message
news:3ea02...@mk-nntp-2.news.uk.tiscali.com...
Hi Martin,
The general consensus is that a PCI modem is better than a USB modem, cos
some people have problems with USB (particularly with VIA chipsets on their
mobo).
However, an external modem/router that connects to your PC via Ethernet is
the best solution, cos they're active (no CPU load on your PC) and they are
more secure.
I suggest you check some previous threads in this ng and/or do a search on
google groups www.google.com/grphp
Also check out www.adslguide.org.uk
Cheers,
Smudger
Colin Wilson
Depending on how much you`re looking to spend, consider getting a router.
It`s more versatile and secure in the long run.
www.ebuyer.co.uk still have a few (ie. 5 left !) of the AR41 4 port
router with built in modem. They did have a 1 port version called the
AR11 but it just jumped in price from ~£22 to ~£39 and now appears to
have disappeared from their site altogether, except for a used return.
It`s an obscure model, but as long as you`re happy with "normal"
functionality it does the job well (it`ll probably struggle with weird M$
protocols as used by netmeeting, but a lot of routers suffer from the
same problem). When I say obscure, the odds of a firmware update appear
to be minimal (it`s not even listed on the manufacturers` website) -
having said that, it works great for me :-)
It`s actually gone up slightly to £49.30 incl. VAT and delivery, but i`m
very happy with it :-)
I had the Speedtouch 330 USB before this, and had (compared to now) no
end of hassle with it, with random disconnections, having to reboot when
it disconnected etc. - no fun whatsoever.
Ian Charles
I dont use either.
I would have to agree with the other replies ethernet is the way to go.
I have a ZOOM X4 which lets you use etiher Ethernet or USB
Tiny Ramsden
Neither, they both usually are passive devices using your pc to do all the
hard work. Get a router which are easier to set up and configure. They also
have the advantage of a built in firewall and you can change operating
system and reboot without loosing your net connection. Saves time and
hassle all round.
I can switch from Windoze to Linux and the net is still there saving much
time and effort. Ideal for laptops to.
--
Lioncom adsl 4 port router, Nildram adsl running on Redhat 7.3. You can see
and hear me and my pal Joe Longthorne on uktalent.org.
Martin
"Tiny Ramsden" <to...@uktalent.org> wrote in message
news:3ea2ed09$0$45176$65c6...@mercury.nildram.net...
Well it looks like everyone says go for the Router. Thanks for the info and
advice people, the next thing to ponder is which Router without paying too
much? I have an Asus A87VX motherboard which is eathernet capable
apparently so I dont need the eathernet card just the Router.
Cheers
Martin
Martin Cooper
<snip>
> Well it looks like everyone says go for the Router. Thanks for the
info and
> advice people, the next thing to ponder is which Router without
paying too
> much? I have an Asus A87VX motherboard which is eathernet capable
> apparently so I dont need the eathernet card just the Router.
>
> Cheers
>
> Martin
>
>
take a look at http://www.adslguide.org.uk/hardware/reviews/ for
reviews of various routers. If you decide to go for a wireless router
/ modem, check back here before purchase, cos a few of these seem to
have had a few problems recently. Personally, I have a cheap conexant
1 port router as sold here
http://www.dabs.com/products/prod-search.asp?action=search&tid=334&mid
=010&ob=price&stab=ref, and I have found it to be very reliable.
You may want to look for a more expensive router with some firewall
capability though, as this router has none (doesn't matter to me as I
use a seperate firewall).
Martin