View Full Version : I Will Be Getting Ntl Broadband
Good morning,
Has any one here reading this got NTL broadband ..maybe the 600K shervice?
I was just wondering what your views are of the service NTL have provided you and or any problems. please/thankyou.
Also any technical ppls ( i am still a beginner really)
i am gonna set up a home netwerk ...through a router i will get coz i like security and want to learn about networks and stuff
i just wondering if any one else has done this or had any problems trying it.
I didn't even know what a router was/did till yesterday, but now i think they are good thing..plus i want to make things as complecated as possible
...wires everywhere http://www.nfh.org.uk/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/ph34r.gif
on a non related note i played with a comp purporting to have a 3.2G P4, seemed no quicker than my 2G P4-M laptop ..numbers ay..whadda they mean
the only reason i typed that was coz i thought of it rite then..Oooo...and my laptop does seem quicker than my mates laptop that has supposedly quicker one 2.4G ..
now that was me gloating
hot today too!!
sapphirelily10
10-07-03, 10:56 PM
And definitely sticky! lol
Friend has NTL broadband, and has been very pleased with installation, speed, etc. Have colleague who is into networks, if you have any serious problems. Have fun with your new service!
Sapph
mrunhappy
10-07-03, 11:27 PM
*GREETINGS VERN*
My mate is on NTL Broadband.He has constant problems with it.
wibble e.mails. http://www.nfh.org.uk/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif .
We have been on ntl for the phone and tv.
The phone service is ok but the tv service is c**p.
when watching tv it cuts out for a few seconds then comes back
on again.
Telly is new, so its not the tellys fault.
It might just be something to do with where we live,
or NTL have a problem at their end.
I am using A.O.L as my ISP.
No probs with it at all.
You could try it.
Matthew
11-07-03, 02:49 AM
Hey Vern http://www.nfh.org.uk/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif
That's great, once you're on ADSL/Broadband, you'll never want to change it again, we've had BB for about 2 years now, 'tis great. Don't use NTL, so can't comment, but have you had a look at:
Net 4 Nowt (http://www.net4nowt.com) and there page of reviews for NTL 600K is here. (http://www.net4nowt.com/rating/view_comments.asp?ISP_ID=810)
We have two PC's networked using a BB router with built in networking hub, works a treat - buy your kit over the internet or from a specialist puter supplier for best price (e.g. CCL Computers (http://www.cclcomputers.co.uk/)). Security - definitely always use firewall (even more so if you may have a static IP address) with BB, preferably built into your hardware (hardware firewall) is probably more effective.
Good Luck http://www.nfh.org.uk/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif
muckshifter
11-07-03, 07:46 AM
I'm one 'happy chappy' with NTL's 600 service ... had a couple of outages but nothing that wasn't fixed PDQ (pretty dam quick) Have phone & TV service also.
We recently moved and NTL came and checked our 'service' the day before installation. Installation was quick & efficient, I was back on-line in 20 minuets. The nice NTL man came back and installed some phone extensions for me. http://www.nfh.org.uk/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif
http://www.nfh.org.uk/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif
i am gonna set up a home netwerk ...through a router i will get coz i like security and want to learn about networks and stuff[/b]
Use Ethernet (NIC) cards in your computers, NOT USB, and a good Router and you'll have no problem.
Dankershayen
i like that picture of the yellow dog wagging its tale.shhherweet.
Do you have any recommendations on what are features to be wanted when i bhuy a router? This one seems preddy good to me...a router i saw (http://www.misco.co.uk/shop/productinfo.asp?sku=44771&prod_id=USRUSR018000A&strPricebookCode=w&mits=2JA27QU68GAP9H01VALC3X4WGCNWAQ56)
most say they a have hardware firewall..but is there as much variation with hardware ones as there is in software ones...any advice warmly received with a nod and a wink
Or any sightings of cheaper/good value router/puter things also appreciated:)
I have a habit of finding things really cheap!!
..after i paid a higher price http://www.nfh.org.uk/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif
/me walks off in search of fruit juice and mumbling "doh"
p.s. i saw simpsons and it was funny..he tried to be a hippy!!!
Matthew
11-07-03, 10:20 PM
Originally posted by vernon@Jul 11 2003, 10:50 PM
i like that picture of the yellow dog wagging its tale.shhherweet.
Vern - it's a snake innit?! Raaaaaaaaaaaaaatle snake?! http://www.nfh.org.uk/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif http://www.nfh.org.uk/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif
muckshifter
12-07-03, 11:40 AM
Vernon that Router will be fine and yes there are 'cheaper' ones on the market, but you do get what you pay for. http://www.nfh.org.uk/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif
I have the Linksys BEFSR41, cost £60, but after the 'other two' (Speedcom & D-Link) let me down, I found this one worked 'out of the box' http://www.nfh.org.uk/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif
Now to be fair to Speedcom & D-Link it wasn't there fault, the fault lay with ZoneAlarm. However, the Linksys allowed me to find 'the problem' and correct it. Uninstalled ZA’s vectoring. http://www.nfh.org.uk/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/rolleyes.gif
I do not use a software Firewall, I just use the 'built-in' hardware firewall of the router. This is called "Network Address Translation" or NAT.
In a nutshell, NAT makes the machines on the local network behind the gateway machine more secure essentially because the client computers on the local network use IP addresses that are reserved for use on internal networks only. Those IP addresses will not show up on the internet.
Suffice to say RTFM that comes with whatever you do buy, I highly recommend spending a little more and get a Linksys, you'll find it quite easy to set-up.
Mucks. http://www.nfh.org.uk/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cool.gif
It's a Rattle Snake
Matthew
12-07-03, 12:02 PM
Originally posted by muckshifter@Jul 12 2003, 12:55 PM
Now to be fair to Speedcom & D-Link it wasn't there fault, the fault lay with ZoneAlarm. However, the Linksys allowed me to find 'the problem' and correct it. Uninstalled ZA’s vectoring.** http://www.nfh.org.uk/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/rolleyes.gif
We use a D-Link, bit of a so and so to get installed I must admit, not so user friendly either (not plug and play!), but works very nicely when sorted http://www.nfh.org.uk/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif
How did you uninstall ZA Vectoring Mucks and what difference does that make? http://www.nfh.org.uk/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif http://www.nfh.org.uk/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif
muckshifter
12-07-03, 01:36 PM
CAD (CRTL+Alt+Del) http://www.nfh.org.uk/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif
Even though I had gone through the 'proper' procedure for un-installing ZA unbeknown to me the 'true vector' thingie was still loading at start-up. This was one of the major causes of "not seeing the network" connecting to the net was not too much of a problem. The Linksys somehow made a connection. I still have the Speedcom but the D-Link was replaced by the Linksys.
There is another crucial aspect when 'setting-up' any Router and that is the time you must allow for 'it' to 'be seen' by the internet, just a couple of minuets, but be aware of this. It’s the same with the Modem itself if turned off; you need to allow 10-20 minuets for the modem to re-set itself.
As I said, the Linksys worked out of the box. http://www.nfh.org.uk/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif
ZA plays no part in my network. http://www.nfh.org.uk/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif
http://www.nfh.org.uk/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cool.gif
OH NO!!!.....i use ZApro ..maybe a little too secure yes
thanks muckshifter (there is prolly a not too funny story behind that nickname)
Easy to set up you say ...thanx for other mentionings..just the kinda of things i prefer to find out before spending time and money....the truevector thing is not uninstalled when the program is uninstalled?...do you need to keep stopping it every time you boot up?
i did hav prollems un-installing ZA , but i put that down to me deleting something it needed to uninstall.(formatted since anyway though)
I have heard routers can be hard to set up, as they don't tell you things like a software one..and therefore need knowlegde to set up...e.g. what port things use and such.(about my limit is knowing icq is on port 5190....and thats coz i was told http://www.nfh.org.uk/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif)
this is not the case with Linksys?
i saw Linksys for £49.99 ...and the other one was £39.99 (without VAT) so not a big difference anyway.
toodlepip.
*and we are sure a hardware router firewall can stop things like wut mistey said about?
Do you know any if there are ways to get past the router wall and NAT?
muckshifter
13-07-03, 12:30 PM
*and we are sure a hardware router firewall can stop things like wut mistey said about?
Do you know any if there are ways to get past the router wall and NAT?[/b]
If you connect to the Internet, then assume you will/can be attacked, the trick is to do what you can to protect yourself and then don't worry about it. http://www.nfh.org.uk/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif
I would, if the pennies will stretch, go for the Linksys router. http://www.nfh.org.uk/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif
It is recommended that you shut down ZoneAlarm before installing the Router and take it out of 'Windows Startup', I forgot, and it gave me no end of problems.
Install the router then test everything works on the network and Internet, then re-start ZA and everything should be fine. However, ZA Pro is aimed at networked computing, so if you have the free version you may run into configuration problems. Just be aware of that.
I don't use ANY ICQ type programmes so I cannot comment on the problems that may arise from setting it up. I do know the Linksys does allow for such programmes, so, I would just 'try it and see' If you do run into any problems start a new thread and we'll see if we can't 'fix' it. http://www.nfh.org.uk/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif
Mucks. http://www.nfh.org.uk/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cool.gif
Use Ethernet (NIC) cards in your computers, NOT USB, and a good Router and you'll have no problem.[/b]
What is so bad about USB anyway? I`m getting ADSL within a month, if they ever get around the exchange upgrade they promised. A friend suggested a router that is both USB and Ethernet, thankfully my PC has an ethernet port - plus a very good friend of mine is helping me set up that side of it. But the USB looks so easy, what`s the disadvantage(s)?
I had heard this before that ethernet is too be wanted over USB.
I have heard can have stability prollems with running through USB, and the data transfer would be lower i think.
The modem i think produces the "out connection" as ethernet ..and maybe has converter to let you use USB ..then its converted back through comp.
I think thats a terrible discription and is prolly false...but USB is worse goz it changes then changes back..always worse than just staying as it was...confused?
Me too!!
must be the hot weather!.
shhcone.
muckshifter
14-07-03, 08:36 AM
Vernon, LoL not bad, at least you know there is a BIG difference between USB v Ethernet.
Let me try to explain;
The likes of NTL do not allow their ‘engineers’ to ‘play’ with your computer, there job is to set-up and install the modem in your house/premises.
Now, the easiest way for you & them to connect your system to the modem is to use USB, they even supply a cable for you. All modern computers have them fitted by the manufacturer just like serial and parallel ports, and for all practical purposes they are much better than the 'old' type ports. Nevertheless, as you will see, there is a down-side to them.
Ethernet, a hard wired port, RJ45 telephone-type socket, on your computer or a plug-in PCI is much less common in the home, but is the primary means of connecting in the office. Since USB is widely fitted in the home and office, your Broadband supplier will suggest that you connect using your USB port. However, if you do so, your aspiration of having a high speed connection may not be met!
If you connect using USB, putting Windows XP aside for the moment, you will require a minimum of 80% system resources to be able to achieve optimum browsing and download speeds. It may be quicker than your old dial-up modem, but not as quick as the adverts tell you! To check your available ‘system resources’, right click on My Computer, select Properties, and then select Performance. There you will see your available resources expressed as a percentage. If it is less than 80%, your speed will be restricted. If it is very much lower, say at 60%, you will be back to dial-up modem speeds.
System resource availability is dependent upon a number of tasks the computer is being asked to perform at any one time. Certain non-essential programs load as soon as the PC starts and will consume your precious resources without your knowledge. You can aid this by closing down all unnecessary applications.
This lack of resources very VERY rarely affects an Ethernet connection.
Thus, using USB you can expect a greater fluctuation in speed than the same machine connected via Ethernet.
Now, Windows XP does not suffer the same ‘afflictions’ with “system resources” as previous versions of windows, so in theory you should get a reasonable ‘connection speed’ however, you will find that not to be the case.
One last thing on this subject, If you UPLOAD things to distant servers e.g., photographs/graphics to Microsoft Communities Group etc., you may find that a USB connection corrupts the picture. The same applies if you have a website of your own, when data published in an upload may be rejected.
Mucks. http://www.nfh.org.uk/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cool.gif
is that "muckshifter" or "vernon technical advice bureau" ..new area bit on here.."computer nursery with muckshifter":D
i was quasi there...
System peformance not a problem i think with me..have pretty good laptop (toshiba satellite 5200-801), but i just knew for whatever reason ether is better.
(although not for drinking).
Its a bit late now as the ntl ppl come tomorow and i won't be in...they don't need to touch my computer to set up the connection rite?...didn't say anything in the details they sent. and if i had foresight i woulda asked them.
I can install netwerk stuff..i wired my home netwerk over weekend...knackered though :P
something else i have heard...win98 SE actually performs better than XP..speed wise...XP always seems quicker coz its on a new comp with better specs i guess.
I saw that on a site...98SE will run appplications quicker. they say.
phew..i thought it was hot yestereve!!
yeah baby yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i got broadband...i was going mad coz it wouldn't werk..kept getting 403 error message....had to leave it else i woulda broke something....came back an hour ago and checked all i could, found nothing...eventually i started going through every available option..hoping something would jump out, and i saw the proxy server options...had freeserve details in so i thought worth a try deleted them and closed (thinking that was normal thing and would auto detect if i somthing it needed...then closed and it said "you will be nol longer to connect through proxy server <me> ..um,okay.
and that was it ..just extat-tick...to see a web page..i had been able to receive email...and the dns server pingerated fine, but no sites...
cured now wohoo..oh my tres quick..i downloaded a video file to test it...34 MB in 8 minutes..i think it was 8 mnutes for 1MB before
"and relax" ....ican turn the puter off and leave it in a corner now!!!
muckshifter
17-07-03, 07:47 AM
... you'll never go back to dial-up. :D
Matthew
17-07-03, 02:46 PM
Originally posted by muckshifter@Jul 17 2003, 9:02 AM
... you'll never go back to dial-up.
Never! And if you do, it'll be with tears in your eyes! :lol: :lol: