cable modem installation?
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,335
Likes: 6
From: Midwest
cable modem installation?
I think I am going to take the leap and go from dial up to a cable modem. Is there anything I can do myself to make the installation easier for the service tech? like have the modem already hooked up so all he has to do is run the cable from wherever outside to my house? thanks for any thoughts/ideas...Ben 
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 513
Likes: 0
From: Zimmerman, MN
Hooking up the cable modem to the PC and having it ready to go is a good idea, if you're comfortable doing that of course.
The tech that did my fiancee's place screwed it up, so I ended up re-routing the cable and patching the huge hole he put in the wall.
Also make sure the tech is using premium cable. Top notch cable will help your speed.
The tech that did my fiancee's place screwed it up, so I ended up re-routing the cable and patching the huge hole he put in the wall.
Also make sure the tech is using premium cable. Top notch cable will help your speed.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,931
Likes: 1
From: N. Mississippi
I installed mine on my own.....hook up the cable to the modem...then to the pc.....drop the cd for the drivers in the cd drive. They had to come out and put a more powerful amplifier on the pole to boost the signal.....but after that everything went smooth. I went online and registered the modem and went right on surfing. You will not regret going to cable over dial-up.
I have cableone and they have great tech support when you need it. Not the fastest as far as other cable providers...but fast enough for me.
Enjoy your cable connection!!
I have cableone and they have great tech support when you need it. Not the fastest as far as other cable providers...but fast enough for me.
Enjoy your cable connection!!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 29,941
Likes: 46
From: Drummonds, TN USA
If you REALLY LOVE YOUR HOUSE, you can always pick the spot you want a hole drilled in it, and run your own cable to the outside. But all of those companies put their techs through a training course - and the best thing you can really do is follow along with them during the install. DSL is a lot simpler, its all done at the phone box.
The new career I'm looking at right now calls for all of the above, and it strikes me that people are either craftsmen - or they are not.
I can tell you this: The complaint lines to the providers really, really work! Because they result in immediate downchecks on the employee....
~Wolf
The new career I'm looking at right now calls for all of the above, and it strikes me that people are either craftsmen - or they are not.
I can tell you this: The complaint lines to the providers really, really work! Because they result in immediate downchecks on the employee....
~Wolf
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,420
Likes: 3
From: Langhorne, PA
I just switched to Cable Hi-speed last month, I'm still on my free 2 month period. It is awesome!! No more waiting to communicate or tied up computers while downloading required service updates. Microsoft just put out more critical updates, about 10 Mbs of data, that would have taken me 2 hours to download from AhOLe dial-up. I wouldn't worry too much about the cable guy, it is their job to get the cable in the house. Generally, they will work with you, because you know the house better than they do.
Better yet, do it yourself and install a Netgear wireless router and network interface card. You can put the PC anywhere in the house, no cable jack required.
Better yet, do it yourself and install a Netgear wireless router and network interface card. You can put the PC anywhere in the house, no cable jack required.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 24,418
Likes: 3
From: San Francisco, Ca.
Dont Forget The Router/firewall
Dont forget the router. It has a firewall inside that will keep the bad guys from entering your computer. It's very important. I just got Comcast cable and picked up a Motorola SB5100 cable modem and a Linksys WRT-54G router. Did I mention, DON'T FORGET THE ROUTER? VERY IMPORTANT.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,773
Likes: 7
From: On the road in Ohio
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
Couple thoughts....
1) yes, don't forget the router, but make sure that it has a built in firewall. Not all models do. Yes, almost all the GOOD ones do, but make sure it does.
2) Stay away from the software firewall packages...yes, they work, but at a big cost of performance. Tried one on cable modem and it caused such a performance hit that it was worse than dial up. Hardware based all the way.
3) ANTI-VIRUS!! THis is the biggest mistake I see people make. Remember you are on a large network that is very vulnerable despite what the cable companies like to say. The firewall will do a lot for you, but only from outside 'attack'. When you download a page/file/email that's infected, then the problem is on the inside of the firewall.... absolutely do not skimp on a good anti-virus package. Yes, most have an annual fee to keep getting the updates... this is money well spent. Also, be sure you enable the auto-update feature of the virus software.
Feel free to take these suggestions or leave them. But, not only have I been a sys admin for 10 years, but have learned these things the hard way from personal experience.
1) yes, don't forget the router, but make sure that it has a built in firewall. Not all models do. Yes, almost all the GOOD ones do, but make sure it does.
2) Stay away from the software firewall packages...yes, they work, but at a big cost of performance. Tried one on cable modem and it caused such a performance hit that it was worse than dial up. Hardware based all the way.
3) ANTI-VIRUS!! THis is the biggest mistake I see people make. Remember you are on a large network that is very vulnerable despite what the cable companies like to say. The firewall will do a lot for you, but only from outside 'attack'. When you download a page/file/email that's infected, then the problem is on the inside of the firewall.... absolutely do not skimp on a good anti-virus package. Yes, most have an annual fee to keep getting the updates... this is money well spent. Also, be sure you enable the auto-update feature of the virus software.
Feel free to take these suggestions or leave them. But, not only have I been a sys admin for 10 years, but have learned these things the hard way from personal experience.
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 161,999
Likes: 75
From: 3rd Rock
Linksys can be bought for 78.00 at most Elec stores, Model BESFX41...Either/Fast has DSL Firewall
Great Tech support, hard to understand they are all in the Philippines…but quick and easy set-up
Great Tech support, hard to understand they are all in the Philippines…but quick and easy set-up
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,420
Likes: 3
From: Langhorne, PA
Watch for deals when shopping for wireless routers or other routers. Try to get in on the rebates and sales. I just bought a Netgear 54M router and three network interface cards for 100 bucks. CompUSA just offered some great(actually cheaper than what I paid) prices on that stuff duringthe Presidents day sale!
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