ISDN to Broadband

[Spud]

Hi guys. Currently on a university connection in halls, but BB is available back home from next month, just when I go back for Christmas - I can't face going back to 64kpbs ISDN after being on JANET :cool:

We have the Home Highway set up. When it was installed, the engineer told us that you simply plugged something in the front of it to change it to ADSL once the exchange was enabled (not sure if this it's because it's the business flavour or not). But does anyone have any experience in changing from ISDN to BB? Advice appreciated please, and who we need to speak to, etc.

Also, we want at least 2 computers to go on the new connection... just need a router and some crossover CAT5? Or do we need anything else? Help pweese. Ta.

Oh, and one of the computers is on 98SE. Will this hamper things when the others are on XP? I've heard conflicting stories. XP can be acquired for the other one if necessary (we already have two licenses, and it's all on the same connection obviously), or can get another license.

And what provider is best for this sort of thing? Pipex, Nildram, Zen and Eclipse still leading the way?



Basically, any advice much appreciated. Thankye! :)

[Custodian]

Heard lots of stories about problems getting BT to convert ISDN back to normal phone line so that ADSL can work, but don't know if that is till the case. Hope not. I guess you gotta talk to BT.

All the prioviders you have listed have good reputations for ADSL, although Pipex owns Nildram now but still trades both independantly I believe. Whichever gives you the deal you want, go get it. Look at the setup costs (do they charge set up, and do they include or do deals on any hardware) as well as monthly costs.

Easiest way to get shared access and LAN in ya house is a combined modem/router/switch. That way you plug the one box into ya ADSL line, and then each PC into that box (4 port is the norm basic level). So 1 modem/router/switch, 1 network card per PC, and 1 normal cat5 cable per pc = all done. (Only need crossover if ya don't get a switch and have to use ICS to connect the 2 PCs together and share a single modem/router connection)

Set up like that you should have no trouble getting Win98 and WinXP PCs to talk to each other.... cos I am set up like that and it was all a doddle, and I aint no expert ;)

[Boffykins]

http://www.plus.com

That is all

[KingDaveRa]

www.zenadsl.co.uk

Recent winner of PC Pro's ISP of the year award (all say oooo)