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COMPUTECH 2000 COMPUTER SERVICES
Microsoft Registered Partner
Specialist  I.T. Support for Home and Small Business Users
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INTERNET CONNECTIONS

DIAL-UP CONNECTIONS

For many years available technology restricted Internet connections to the use of dial-up modems, routed via the telephone lines running at speeds of about 56Kbps, or less in many cases.  This type of connection relies on an internal PCI card or external device designed to convert a computer's digital signal to analogue, in order to allow transmission over the POTS (Plain Old Telephone Services) as it is often called.

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For many, this type of Internet connection was and still remains a popular choice, especially for the casual user accessing the Internet on adhoc occasions to retrieve emails etc.  However, for many, the rapid introduction of the faster Broadband services has quickly become an important alternative for the serious Internet surfer and those running Small-to-Medium Home/Business Offices (SOHO).

BROADBAND

Broadband traditionally comes in two formats:

  • Conventional telephone socket connections (BT, Talk Talk, Tiscali etc)
  • Cable connections (Virgin media, SKY etc)
Whatever your choice, speeds in excess of 2Mbps are not uncommon.  Many companies are now offering speeds of 8Mbps plus, but these need serious consideration before plunging into a minimum contract to ensure that you will really be getting what you pay for.  Cable companies may well be able to supply such speeds, but it has been said that the farther away from a telephone exchange you are the less likely you are to experience the high speeds offered by companies supplying broadband over the telephone network.

Of course the main advantage of broadband over dial-up is not only the speed difference, but you can also use the telephone to speak to another person as well as be connected to the Internet simultaneously.


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If you prefer to use a cable connection from either Virgin Media or SKY you will need to consult with the company to find out if such a service exists in your area.  An engineer will then visit and install the necessary equipment from the street to your home or office.  If cable is not available in your rare you will need to sign up with a broadband Internet Provider (ISP) wait for the line to be activated and install their ADSL Modem/Router or purchase your own.  Computech 2000 Computer Services currently use BT with Netgear networking equipment providing the hardware connections.

Where possible, either with cable or a telephone connection we recommend that you install equipment that can utilise network cable (Ethernet RJ45), which will provide high speed connectivity between the computer and the Internet device of choice.  USB can also be used, but is not as efficient as RJ45 cable in a network environment.

If you are unsure which connection is right for you, or you have already taken delivery of equipment, but need assistance to configure the settings, call us and we will be only too pleased to help get you up and running.  Such installations often take far less than 1 hour to complete and test, so the cost is minimal.

If you already have a broadband Internet connection, but want to extend its limits to other computers in your home or office using either cable or wireless, but are not sure how to proceed, we can carry out a FREE! survey and provide verbal or written advice on the most economic method of achieving that effective shared connection using the most appropriate equipment.  We can also arrange to supply all the equipment that you will need to extend you broadband network.

WIRELESS INTERNET CONNECTION SHARING

With the rapid increase in broadband installations, both in the home and office, the need to share such resources has also increased.  One of the most cost-effective methods is to utilise "Wireless" technology, which eliminates the need to install network cable, which in a domestic environment is often difficult to blend with the existing decor.
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Computech 2000 typically uses Netgear wireless modems, which have proven to be both reliable and effective when circumventing those difficult wireless environments.  We have successfully installed many varieties of wireless connection, either in conjunction with cable lines or telephone network.  Whatever your preference, we can assist you to decide on the best wireless option, and also install the relevant equipment for you.  However, in the case of cable connections (Virgin Media etc) you will still need to have the cable equipment installed before a wireless connection can be attached.

VOIP - (VOICE OVER IP)

A comparatively new technology Voice Over IP allows a user to make cheap telephone calls over a broadband Internet connection.  All that is required is a broadband connection with an Ethernet based router and a special telephone adapter that connects to the router.  This technology is a must for anyone in business, and those who spend a great deal of time making telephone calls.  We can provide advice and guidance on the equipment that is required and carry out an installation on your behalf.

For further information on this technology please visit: www.vonage.co.uk


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