Technology
Before you subscribe to a broadband service, there are some basic technology issues to consider. They will help you get the best performance from your computer.
Minimum Specification
If you've bought a new computer in the last three years, you should have very little trouble connecting to broadband. For a PC running Microsoft Windows, the approximate minimum specification for connecting to broadband is:
- Operating system: Microsoft Windows 98/98SE/ME/2000/XP
- Processor speed: 266 MHz minimum (400MHz recommended)
- RAM: 64MB minimum (128MB recommended)
- One free USB or Ethernet port
- 150MB free hard-drive space
- 4x CD-ROM drive (if there is software to install)
However, you should check this beforehand, since the specification changes from one internet service provider (ISP) to another. The most important point to remember is that old PCs running Microsoft Windows 95 were not even designed to connect to the internet, so they are not likely to support a broadband connection. Many of them lack the required Ethernet or USB ports.
On the other hand, the newer the computer, the faster the processor and the more memory it is likely to have. Your experience with broadband will be correspondingly better.
Choosing an ISP
Broadband services of different kinds are available from a wide range of ISPs. The choice is yours. You could start by checking who is providing services in your area: www.broadbandchecker.co.uk
Given that most ISPs now offer broadband, you may well be able to stay with your current internet provider and keep the same email address. In fact, many ISPs will allow you to retain your address even if you decide to connect to broadband through an alternative provider.
When deciding which broadband package to subscribe to, you should consider connection type, connection speed, monthly charges, technical support and any restrictions that might be in place. Some service offerings limit the amount of data you can download each month.
Security
Broadband provides your computer with a high-speed connection to the web. Normally, this is always on as long as the computer is on. This leaves you more vulnerable to security threats because the internet connection potentially provides permanent access to your computer from the outside world.
To protect yourself, you need to install a firewall. A firewall acts like a security guard on your computer, monitoring inbound and outbound traffic and preventing unauthorised access. Talk to your ISP about which firewall is recommended and when and how it should be installed.
Specification Check
This is how to check whether your computer has the minimum requirements for broadband:
- Check which operating system you have. The commonest way of doing this is to right-click on the 'My Computer' icon within Windows Explorer, and then select 'Properties'.
- Check the speed of your processor and the amount of RAM you have in the same way.
- Check for free ports. You will probably find these on the rear of older PC towers or on the front of newer ones. On laptops, they may be on the side or at the back. An Ethernet port looks like a phone jack but is slightly larger. A USB port is a small rectangular slot marked with a connector icon.
- Check how much hard disk space you have available. You can do this by finding your hard disk (usually the C: drive) within Windows Explorer, and then right-clicking to find 'Properties' as above.
- Disk speeds are only likely to be a problem with older computers. You may need to refer back to the information supplied with your computer.