Verizon/Comcast/FIOS/DSL
I am sorry to hear about the disatisfaction from Fios. I've had
it for almost a year and half now, yes for some reason I live on one of the
streets in the city who got it early, and love it. I have had very
few problems with it and when my house was wired, it worked out well.
I do see a difference between both. My only issue comes from the
wireless, but I had the same problem before because of all of the interference
around. I personally would reccommend Fios and will never go
back.
Cindi
Dorfzaun*********************
One thing should be clarified about the
final set of comments re DSL vs
cable. The statements about a cable line being shared with the
neighborhood apply to traditional cable (e.g., Comcast), but not to
FIOS. FIOS has a dedicated line (fiber) from each subscriber to the
central office.
Bill Ghrist
cable. The statements about a cable line being shared with the
neighborhood apply to traditional cable (e.g., Comcast), but not to
FIOS. FIOS has a dedicated line (fiber) from each subscriber to the
central office.
Bill Ghrist
**********************
Thank you to Bob for collecting the comments and to Missy for bringing up
the subject of security,
in the article about sniffers. Cable, fios, or DSL ... all are just as
secure or insecure, IMHO.
Security is best managed closer to our local computer or network level.
Security is best managed closer to our local computer or network level.
There's a very simple online test to determine if a
sniffer or scanner can actually "see" your computer.
The test is called "Shields Up"" and the site is
maintained by an internationally famous
( at least in my field ) security expert, and the test is provided for free and is totally safe.
( at least in my field ) security expert, and the test is provided for free and is totally safe.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Click to go to Shields up:
Hit the Proceed Button
Scroll down to "All Service Ports" on the silver bar, and click on it and
the test will begin.
Wait until the test finishes.
You will be shown which ports on your computer are either open, closed and visible, or invisible.
You will be shown which ports on your computer are either open, closed and visible, or invisible.
Invisible = Full Stealth(all green) ... meaning you're as secure as it
gets when it comes to sniffers / scanners.
------------------------------------------------------------------
More info:
The best security one can have, in my opinion, is a hardware router. Most
routers will not allow
your computer to respond to a ping on the WAN port, making it impossible to
even be "seen."
Netgear is my favorite company for routers. Very secure, configurable and
affordable.
A simple analogy would be that your PC is a happy friendly child that will
say hello(respond to a ping)
to any stranger that says hello (sends a ping) first.
A good router makes it impossible for any stranger to even know that there is a PC there to say hello to.
to any stranger that says hello (sends a ping) first.
A good router makes it impossible for any stranger to even know that there is a PC there to say hello to.
No ports are visible, the router and PC don't respond to a ping
... it "appears" there is an IP address(the router)
but no computer living (behind or) at that, IP address.
Feel free to call if you have any concerns or questions.
Steve Karl
412-441-4349
***********************
We too are having major problems with FiOS. We had it installed for
internet and phone in December. The internet is fine (although we have not
set up the wireless router yet) but the phone is a disaster.
It took them about 12 man hours to install it (one guy for 9 hours plus another called in for about 3 or so) and that was without having to run cable.
It took several hours for us to have a dial tone even after the technicians were gone. I made a service call and after running around inside and outside the house (in the cold) to find the many boxes and reset them it worked. The service agent was friendly and even called back when my cell phone dropped his call in the basement, but it was a pain.
We apparently have voice mail but have no instructions as to how to access it.
Our dial tone and ability to connect when we pick up the phone is spotty at best. There have been times when it has taken up to 13 tries to get a dial tone. Most of the time when the phone rings and I pick it up it doesn't connect. I hope we don't have to call 911 anytime soon!
I have tried to contact Verizon and end up on interminable hold. They told my husband that likely a technician would have to come out to the house. This is obviously inconvenient as we both work full time.
I will try to get it repaired and will let you all know if it gets any better!
Morgen on Grey stone
****************************
It took them about 12 man hours to install it (one guy for 9 hours plus another called in for about 3 or so) and that was without having to run cable.
It took several hours for us to have a dial tone even after the technicians were gone. I made a service call and after running around inside and outside the house (in the cold) to find the many boxes and reset them it worked. The service agent was friendly and even called back when my cell phone dropped his call in the basement, but it was a pain.
We apparently have voice mail but have no instructions as to how to access it.
Our dial tone and ability to connect when we pick up the phone is spotty at best. There have been times when it has taken up to 13 tries to get a dial tone. Most of the time when the phone rings and I pick it up it doesn't connect. I hope we don't have to call 911 anytime soon!
I have tried to contact Verizon and end up on interminable hold. They told my husband that likely a technician would have to come out to the house. This is obviously inconvenient as we both work full time.
I will try to get it repaired and will let you all know if it gets any better!
Morgen on Grey stone
****************************
Does anyone use
any other carriers besides Verizon or Comcast? I've been considering Cavalier, since I'm doing
just phone/DSL, not looking for cable at this time. I haven't heard any yay or
nay stories about them, just their ads. I used to use Nauticom. I currently have
Verizon, no real problems, but am always interested in shopping around.
Nidhog? (used to be
Telerama).
BTW, thanks for all the info on FIOS--while it's not in my budget, I'm glad to know that it's not necessary better than sliced bread.
Suzi W.
Heberton St.
****************************
BTW, thanks for all the info on FIOS--while it's not in my budget, I'm glad to know that it's not necessary better than sliced bread.
Suzi W.
Heberton St.
****************************
you may want to tell this list that local company consolidated
communications http://www.consolidated.com/ offers cheap, fast and
stable dsl internet (and I just noitced, cell and tv cable service, though i
can't vouch for those), and great customer service, and your money isn't going
to a corporation like comcast or verizon who's using their monopoly power to
raise your rates and lobby for policies that hurt your privacy and free access
to information. and that your daughter in lawrenceville uses consolidated so
it's likely accessible to HP residents.