More responses to the emails: ***************** 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 ********************** 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. 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Click to go to Shields up: https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2 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. 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. 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 **************************** 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. **************************** 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.