Computer ? For Us Fellow Geeks Out There.

[MrObsessive]

Okay........due to outrageous heating oil bills this winter, and ever higher prices to come, I've got to streamline some bills in my house.

One of the things that has to go is Comcast! They're not helping by raising their prices so I'm gonna have to give them the boot.

I just got a DSL package from Verizon-------problem is the phone jack is on the other side of the room, and I don't feel like undoing everything to move the desk (heavy wood), computer, printer, CD's etc.

Is there a remote device that can send a signal to the computer via a receiver and USB port so I don't have to strain/break my back moving things again? How much for one, or does Verizon offer it?

I'd call them but it's near my bedtime and I won't have time to call them this evening when I get out of bed to get ready for work.

Thanks for any info folks!

[Harry P.]

Wouldn't it be easier to just go to Radio Shack and get a 20 foot phone cable extension???

[Clay]

Okay........due to outrageous heating oil bills this winter, and ever higher prices to come, I've got to streamline some bills in my house.

One of the things that has to go is Comcast! They're not helping by raising their prices so I'm gonna have to give them the boot.

I just got a DSL package from Verizon-------problem is the phone jack is on the other side of the room, and I don't feel like undoing everything to move the desk (heavy wood), computer, printer, CD's etc.

Is there a remote device that can send a signal to the computer via a receiver and USB port so I don't have to strain/break my back moving things again? How much for one, or does Verizon offer it?

I'd call them but it's near my bedtime and I won't have time to call them this evening when I get out of bed to get ready for work.

Thanks for any info folks!

You can get a wireless router from Wal-Mart, or where ever, then you have to either get a wireless card for your pc if it already doesnt have one or you can do what I do and have a wireless reciever plugged into your desktop. You need either the card or the plug in reciever.

[Clay]

Wouldn't it be easier to just go to Radio Shack and get a 20 foot phone cable extension???

That works too.

Or you can get these. This aquires the wireless signal,

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5131168

and this is what sends it out.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=2470125

[Exotics_Builder]

Bill, I have DSL at home as Comcast in my area has unreliable service when bad weather strikes.

You should have gotten a kit from the DSL vendor with phone filters and a "modem". You can get a long phone extension or keep the modem close to the phone and get a long ethernet (CAT5) cable from the modem to the computer.

You need the filters to reduce noise on the phone line when the DSL is active. I keep my modem connected to a switchable surge protector so when I shut down I power off the modem as well (plus my router).

HTH

Gerry

[Aaronw]

Yes you can use a wireless set up (router, modem??? I don't know the technical details) with DSL. I had a similar problem a few years back. I was in an apartment and the only phone jack was in a hallway. Rather than run a cable across the floor we bought a wireless set up from the DSL provider. It was still very fast and we never had any problems with it. There was an initial set up cost to buy the equipment but no additional monthly fee.

[Exotics_Builder]

Yes you can use a wireless set up (router, modem??? I don't know the technical details) with DSL. I had a similar problem a few years back. I was in an apartment and the only phone jack was in a hallway. Rather than run a cable across the floor we bought a wireless set up from the DSL provider. It was still very fast and we never had any problems with it. There was an initial set up cost to buy the equipment but no additional monthly fee.

You can, but the computer needs to have a wireless card or wireless connection purchased for it to work.

[Rick Schmidt]

My solution was similar to Harrys. Instead of a 20 ft extension cable I just moved the phone jack. Phone lines are very simple to move and safe too. If ya feel unsafe working with a live phone wire ya can simply unplug it in the box outside. Once ya get to the point to move it ya loosen the screws on the back of the jack, ( I do it one at a time myself to keep it straight) and either loop the new length of cable to it on the jack( to retain the original jack ) or simply splice the new wire to the old. Do so with all the wires ( my jacks had 4 but only run 2). Run the wire around the rooms walls. You could hide it by putting it under the base board or just on top of it. Attach the new phone jack to match up colors to the orignal, mount the jack and ya all set.

[MrObsessive]

Thanks for the replies guys..............No, I don't think it's a good idea to run a long extension cord across the floor. That's all I need for someone to come in the living room and trip on the cord!

Verizon just dropped me a line and they tell me the service is now acitve, so in the next couple days or so (when I get time), I'll be hooked up to a new ISP.

Thanks again!

[CAL]

there are ways to cheat and cheaper stuff that is more headach than it's worth.

So

You'll need a

RX aka card

TX aka modem

And router of a good namebrand quality with security service so no one else jumps on your signal.

now the system will kind of work without the router but it's a cheat and is more trouble than it's worth.

But for what you will spend for a decent wireless setup you could have comcast for a good while longer before it will pay off.

I am not sure what your plan was, but DSL can't touch Comcast price all things considered. We do get a discount for having TV, and we do not have a land-line so it works out $25 cheaper a month than DSL, plus the service is better.

But let me know if you need any help as I have run a Trendnet wireless before.

[Dragon7665]

and this is what sends it out.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=2470125

EEK RUN AWAY FAST!!! Those Linksys Units are JUNK, no matter what model, trust me on that one!!!!! A couple of buddies had one through Veriz, and all they did was quickly throw it out with the rest of their Garbage(after Target practice, and a Serious Stompin'!)... Got a new one through Veriz a few years ago with my Wife, and wound up sending it back, wait 6wks for it to be refurbished(was told we were getting a new one ), and even after that time, we still wound up trashing it!!!!

If you do go with DSL, go with Belkin or D-link, or a Motorola if you can find one, as they are well worth the money, and your not getting charged $12 a Month during your Contract period(Like Verizon did to us )....

Honestly, for a self induced rate cut for your Cable TV/Internet/Home Phone/Cell/Etc, call your provider, explain to them that their rates are too high, and your looking else wheres.... Most will quickly adjust your rates to your comfort level within reason, to get you to sign another contract(Which locks in your rate for that time period).... If that doesn't work, tell them that you want to discontinue your service as of (A week to a months time), due to the rediculous rate increase(s)....

I was told those by a Buddy of Mine who is a for Veriz Cust Support Manager(Now works for Comcast), a few different Comcast Employees(Installers, Service Agents,Etc),Dish Maintainence Techs, and Quest Service Specialists Just want to make sure that your contract has ended/coming to an end soon(within a few months is fine), or if you are on a Month to Month Plan(If not, most Reps are a pain to get them to do this, and you a better off going to a Supervisor Directly!!! Works even better if you have been a regular Customer for a few years!!)....

[Olle F]

EEK RUN AWAY FAST!!! Those Linksys Units are JUNK, no matter what model, trust me on that one!!!!! A couple of buddies had one through Veriz, and all they did was quickly throw it out with the rest of their Garbage(after Target practice, and a Serious Stompin'!)... Got a new one through Veriz a few years ago with my Wife, and wound up sending it back, wait 6wks for it to be refurbished(was told we were getting a new one ), and even after that time, we still wound up trashing it!!!!

I have actually had great luck with the Linksys WRT54G. We use similar units (the speed booster model) here at work, and have the whole plant covered without any problems. I got one for the house a while ago, and I must say that I was impressed with the way it works. I was prepared for a long and frustrating weekend when I started installing it, but I had it up and running in about 2 hrs without having any previous knowledge of networks or routers. After that, I bought a second one for my in-laws and had it installed and ready to go in about 1 hr. The only problem I have had was when lightning struck close to the house and knocked it out. Back in my dial-up days I had numerous modems fried by lightning so I thought it was a goner, but after checking it I realized that all it did was to reset itself back to factory settings. It just took a few minutes to get it running again. I would definitely buy Linksys again, but of course, there are bad apples regardless of what brand you buy.