[Bronze66]

You'll be "on-line" all the time now basically. You can shut off your network or computer. Make sure you get a good software firewall to keep the bad guys out. Zone Alarm is free and works great. You could put in a small router as a hardware firewall if wanted. Just protect yourself with at least a sw firewall. I don't think mush of MS firewall as protection.

[Brian Baker]

Been working DSL repair with Verizon for 7 years now. I'm the guy that the field tech's call for a test assist.

Other than a need for an ethernet connection from modem to computer, you shouldn't need anything...the DSL provider should provide everything you need to get going. You can throw your old modem in the trash once hooked up. I can't speak for other competitors, but if there's an inhouse wiring issue keeping you from getting connected, Verizon installs home runs for free (involves a splitter/filter at the NID/demarc with phone lines running out of one side and a dedicated line to the modem jack). Verizon offers three basic speeds, and one really fast speed:

768K (up to 18,000' copper length from the central office)
1.7M (also up to 18K')
3M (up to 12K')
7.1M (up to 8K')

Customers located in the boondocks are not left out, we've installed remote terminals in the last 3 years which takes the DSL equipment out of the c.o. and places it closer to them.

Just learned today we have a new offer called "DSL for life". If you sign up between now and the end of October you can get 768K for $14.99 a month or 1.7M for $27.99 a month (minimum two year contract). Price will never go higher than this, and who knows, with the prices coming down all the time you can always renegotiate. We have customer that have been with us for as long as 8 years that renegotiate lower rates all the time and Verizon gives it to them, if for no other reason to keep market share.

[zbuickman]

Originally Posted by Brian Baker

Customers located in the boondocks are not left out, we've installed remote terminals in the last 3 years which takes the DSL equipment out of the c.o. and places it closer to them.

Hey thats me I have verizon DSL and am and am @ 40,000' and they did have to install equipment for me to recieve it. its slow for DSL but its WAY better than dial up. p.s. they dont just offer up this service either. and it took 3 months to get it. but Im happy with it especially for my location and they gave me a free second line for dial up while they installed it